Cllr Mel Allcott has condemned the decision by Reform councillors at Worcestershire County Council to approve plans that will see Worcester pupils sent to schools in Malvern next academic year — a move she describes as “deeply flawed, disruptive, and wholly avoidable.”
“This decision makes no sense — not educationally, not logistically, and certainly not for the wellbeing of Worcester families,” said Cllr Allcott. “Children will face longer journeys, increased travel costs, and unnecessary upheaval simply because the Council has failed to plan ahead for local school capacity. It’s an appalling example of poor leadership and short-term thinking.”
The closing date to apply for a place in a Worcester secondary school is 31st October 2025 and Cllr Allcott believes no parents have been made aware of this. The numbers are 90 Worcester pupils to go to Malvern schools in 2026 and 45 in 2027.
Cllr Allcott is now urgently calling for the Council to reconsider its approach immediately and to work proactively with Worcester schools to create additional local places, including through the rapid deployment of mobile classrooms where necessary.
“Instead of forcing Worcester pupils out of their communities, the Council should be working with local schools right now to find solutions,” Cllr Allcott continued. “Mobile classrooms can provide a quick, practical fix to keep children learning close to home while permanent expansion plans are developed. We need decisive, compassionate leadership — not bureaucratic box-ticking.”
Cllr Allcott added: “Families deserve better than to have their children shipped out of the city because of a lack of foresight. I’m calling on the Reform Council to pause this ill-conceived plan and do what’s right for Worcester’s young people.”
1 Comment
Well said Mel. This is a ridiculous idea. High school is much more than being in a classroom. It is about community, friendship groups, growing independence and a sense of belonging. Apart from that, Malvern schools are pretty full and even local children don’t always get their first choice. It’s just a quick fix suggestion with no thought for the needs of the children and families, or of long term development.