Liberal Democrats reveal fears that high achieving children are leaving Tower Hamlets

6.53.00pm GMT Wed 23rd Dec 2009

Councillor Abdul Matin demands the best for our brightest

Liberal Democrat Councillors in Tower Hamlets have expressed concern that high performing young people are choosing to be educated out of the borough.

The trend for academically talented students to travel out of the borough for their for post 16 education has been discussed at a meeting of the Children and Families' Trust. The Trust also noted that the new Wessex Centre which provides 6th form education in Tower Hamlets is 300% over-subscribed.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Councillor Stephanie Eaton said "It is a poor reflection of the education provided in the Borough if the best performing children are moving to other areas for their studies. It seems that we focus on the lowest achievers while the more talented and academically gifted students are left to manage as best they can. It's clear that parents and students are voting with their feet and looking elsewhere for their education."

With the local authority becoming the commissioner of all 14-19 provision in 2010, Liberal Democrat Councillors are concerned that education in Tower Hamlets will not support the best students to excel.

Councillor Abdul Matin said "There should be good education for all students, the best and the weakest in Tower Hamlets. Good students should not have to go outside of the Borough".

The comments were made in a meeting of the Children and Families' Trust on October 5.