Former Camden School for Girls pupil Sarah Brown, wife of former prime minister Gordon Brown, speaking to sixth-formers in 2011

Published: 14 August, 2014
by TOM FOOT

ONE of the country’s most sought-after state comprehensives has been ordered to rip up its admissions policy “as soon as possible” after it emerged students had been charged to secure a place in the sixth form.

Camden School for Girls has breached ­education regulations, the Office of the Schools Adjudicator has ruled.

The government body launched an investigation after a parent complained about a £100 “deposit” that was “required” by the school from students. 

The school, which is rated “outstanding”, argued that the deposit had been brought in at­ the request of parents and said that it had offered to help anyone who could not afford to pay.

But schools adjudicator Ann Talboys said the school was in breach of important regulations and ordered them to “revise their admission policy as soon as possible”.

Ms Talboys’ report, published last month, said: “The requirement to return a financial deposit does not comply with the Schools Admissions Code. There can be no request for a deposit linking in any way with the admissions process. The arrangements require amendment.”

She also upheld a complaint from the same parent about a music entry exam for 11-year-old children hoping to join the main school. Ms Talboys said the school had breached regulations by accepting children based on their ability rather that their potential. 

Camden School for Girls is widely regarded as running one of the best-performing state-funded mixed sixth form in the country, and is perceived by some parents to be a potential gateway to Oxbridge universities, without paying for private school tuition fees. Notable alumni include actress Emma Thompson, Gordon Brown’s wife Sarah, and the Spice Girl Geri Halliwell. Students, who collect their A-level exam results today (Thursday), routinely score higher than average results and may go on to achieve successful careers. 

As a result, the sixth form, which takes 225 students, is heavily oversubscribed.

Under the system, applicants to the sixth form are sent a letter offering a place on condition of achieving their predicted GCSE results and a £100 cheque being sent to the sixth-form office.

The deposit is effectively a downpayment on a residential camp in Skern, Devon, and for library books, but the wording of the letter states that without it admission to the school will not be accepted. 

The letter says: “£100.00 deposit required. £30 is a refundable resources deposit on the return of all loaned books/ resources. £70 is a deposit for the Skern residential/other departmental visits.”

Ms Talboys’ report says that the Schools Admissions Code states: “Admissions authorities must not request financial contributions – either in the form of voluntary contributions, donations or deposits (even if refundable) as any part of the admissions process.

“The authority must not give priority to students on the basis of any practical or financial support parents may give to the school or any associated organisation.” 

According to the adjudicator’s report, the headteacher, chair of governors and governors’ clerk attended two meetings about the complaint. Camden Council was invited to both meetings but was not represented on either occasion. 

In the school’s response, detailed in the adjudicator’s report, the head of Camden School for Girls’ sixth form said that “many families do not return the deposit form and this does not affect the offered place”. 

The report said the school added: “The form was introduced some years ago at the request of parents. The residential course (Skern) for all year 12 students takes place in late September of each year and some parents were concerned that they were not aware of the cost until the beginning of term. 

“The school supports families financially if they are unable to pay for the course or would prefer to pay in instalments.”