Wokingham school catchment changes approved

Catchment area changes for schools in Wokingham that were criticised by parents have been approved.

The catchment area for one school, Maiden Erlegh, has been widened to include Lower Earley in the Wokingham borough.

Head of children's services Rachael Wardell said this system is fairer as more pupils have a chance to apply.

A parent who moved near to the school said he was "disappointed" because he is now outside a priority zone.

The Wokingham council executive approved recommendations made following a consultation that includes giving priority to pupils living within a 600m radius of the school.

Parent Chris Harding, from Reading, who lives 700m away, said: "We moved there because Maiden Erlegh is a good school and we wanted to provide a life for our children that had a community feel to it."

Other concerned parents who thought their children would have an automatic place at Maiden Erlegh set up campaign websites criticising the catchment changes.

Ms Wardell said: "We're not going to please everybody.

"We think we've worked hard to listen to our consultation and amend our proposals as we go."