As a resident of Ashton Village, it has come to my attention that the current high school placement strategy is far from equitable, after my own daughter was offered a place five miles away from home. Despite residing in a reputable location, our home falls outside of the catchment areas for prominent schools such as Ashton on Mersey High and Sale High. With a recent surge in the Trafford Consortium exam's rate by 13%, we find students outside of Trafford filling up slots in its grammar schools thus having a direct effect on local high school placement. 

Despite paying premiums associated with living in an education hub, we find our child assigned to a school in Partington, significantly distant and less convenient. Notably, none of our five favourable preferences were granted - a circumstance that has left us concerned if our voice is even being heard. 

School assignments should be just, fair and factor in the convenience and proximity to students' residences. The current system, unfortunately, potentially gives preference to students applying from outside catchment areas, snubbing deserving children who reside locally. This situation adversely affects local communities and undermines our faith in a system designed to serve us. It also has a profound effect on our carbon footprint. Why aren’t we encouraging children to walk to their local school?

As concerned local citizens, we entreat the relevant authorities to review and revise this flawed system, ensuring high school placements that prioritise local children. Please support this cause by signing this petition.