Since being elected, I have made expanding the number of school places a key priority. The number of pupils receiving their first choice secondary place has risen by 20% since 2010 with a 10% increase in secondary places. Primary school places have also increased by 12% since I was elected with 3% more pupils gaining their first choice primary school.
I have been a strong supporter of the 3 free schools and 1 voluntary aided school which have opened – the Archer Academy, Rimon, Alma and Morasha. I have been particularly involved in helping the Archer Academy navigate the process with the Department for Education. The Government are keen to expand parent led schools so parents can have a real choice, not just a preference. Barnet's Conservative council have been supportive and in addition they have spent considerable sums expanding local primary schools and in building new schools.
However, Barnet’s population is set to increase in the coming years and more places will be needed. If you would like to support my campaign to further increase the number of school places locally, please do contact me.