Birmingham has some of the best, most prestigious grammar schools in England. There is high competition for places and they are highly regarded. We are trying to raise funds to begin a group action Judicial Review to challenge the new admissions policy for KEVI state Grammar Schools in Birmingham due to come in September 2020.

The new admissions policy introduces the following measures:

-arbitrary catchment areas giving priority to those children that live there. Admission is on proximity to the school on a "how the crow flies" basis, not public transport modes or roads. The nearer you live to the school the better chance you have of getting in.

-the catchment areas are within the boundaries of Birmingham City Council and parts of the Sandwell Borough. Any child that falls outside of these boundaries will not be given priority. This includes the neighbouring Borough Councils such as Solihull, Dudley, Walsall and the vast majority of Sandwell.

- no account of the impact on ethnic make-up of the schools has been considered nor parental choice for example: girls/boys or co-ed school.

-the new policy will allow admission by postcode not academic ability.

The justification provided for this policy is flawed, no research has been done on numbers of 'eligible' pupils living in the areas; no equalities impact has been undertaken. There has been no constructive parent or stakeholder engagement.

The state grammar schools within Birmingham are landmark schools, nationally recognised. The admissions policy has, until now, always been based on academic ability rather than postcode. Anyone may attend a Grammar School regardless of income or postcode.

Please support our cause to maintain these standards and allow access to the grammar schools for all children. Our only option is now via the Courts.