GOVERNORS are pressing for changes at an in- demand high school.

They want rules altering so children living within the old Tyldesley Urban District are high on the admissions priority list.

For the coming school year the Education Authority received 332 first-choice applications for places at Fred Longworth High.

But only 255 places were available.

The first 87 were filled by those who already had a brother or sister at school. A further 12 filled the second criterion: they lived in Mosley Common

But 76 budding pupils were unlucky, although an extra place was made available because the last vacancy was offered to a twin and the Authority doesn't split twins.

In the past, children with brothers or sisters attending school in the year of admission have had priority, those living in Mosley Common came next, then those in Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley followed by those living nearest to school.

Governors propose classing Mosley Common and Tyldesley applicants together ahead of Leigh and Atherton residents.

But that brought a sharp reaction from Atherton Cllr Sue Loudon who told Education Director Bob Clarke: "This change could mean children within yards of the school could find themselves having to find another place to be educated.

"Members need to be aware the school entrance falls within the area designated as Atherton urban district!"

Now the Authority recommends further changes and second preference being given to children living in Mosley Common and Tyldesley north of Manchester Road, Astley and Chaddock Lane, with the exception of pupils who live nearer to Bedford High than Fred Longworth.

Third in line are Atherton hopefuls and those living in the remainder of Tyldesley.

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