As a concerned local resident, I am deeply troubled by the proposed changes to the admissions policy at Impington Village College (IVC). The college plans to prioritise students from Girton Glebe primary school above all other local schools. This is because Girton follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and is part of the ELA academy. However, this change raises serious questions about fairness and equality.

The college claims that this change will not ‘disadvantage pupils in our existing feeder schools or families living in catchment, because Girton Glebe is a small primary school…and each year virtually all of the pupils come straight to IVC.' But if that's true, why make such a significant alteration? It stands to reason that it will indeed make a difference; otherwise, there would be no need for this shift in policy.

IVC is a village college whose priority should serve the village within which it sits. This new admissions policy threatens to disrupt that balance. Given IVC’s excellent reputation, this change will be perceived as a shortcut to getting a desirable secondary school place, regardless of where the child lives. With increased demand will come justification to expand Girton Glebe’s PAN, and this increase the number of places at IVC that go to Girton Glebe pupils ant the cost of other children in catchment. Other schools will be given less priority resulting in potential denial of places at their local school for many children.

Furthermore, what if other local schools decide to follow suit? Will children attending these feeder schools be pushed further down the admissions list? There are already instances of siblings attending feeder schools not within catchment area being denied places.

This petition affects all local children who wish or plan to attend IVC within its current catchment area. We must ensure fair access for all students regardless of their primary school affiliation or curriculum followed.

We urge you not only as parents but as community members who value equal educational opportunities for our children, sign this petition today! Let's demand transparency and fairness from Impington Village College and protect our right for equitable education access.