MAJOR proposals to change admissions policy to Ingleby Barwick's primary schools are to be put to the public ahead of expected major population increases.

There are also plans to change policy at one of south Stockton's oversubscribed secondary schools, Egglescliffe School in Eaglescliffe, in order to give priority to village children.

The idea in Ingleby Barwick is to encourage as many children as possible to attend the nearest school to them which could dramatically reduce the number of cars on the road.

The town currently has 200 spare places in its 2,720-place capacity for primary school places but another 700 houses are expected to be built within the current boundaries of the town. A further 350 new dwellings are to be built in the area around the new 'Free' secondary school being built in the Low Lane area and eventually about 1,500 homes could be built in that area.

If the new schools admission proposals are accepted each school will have its own dedicated admissions area of Ingleby Barwick and the two faith schools, St Francis and St Therese of Lisieux, would be accepted as operating across the whole of Ingleby Barwick, not just their parish areas.

There was controversy at Egglescliffe School earlier this year when children in the villages to the west of Stockton, including Carlton, Long Newton, Elton and Redmarshall were told they could not attend the school. The proposal for that school is that children in those villages would be considered as part of the school's 'Zone A' or priority intake. Many new homes are also planned for that area, including more than 800 at Allens West.

Ingleby Barwick Independent councillor Ross Patterson will attend meetings with parents about the proposals.

He said: "All our schools are excellent. We still want choice for parents but you have to think is it worth driving past four very good schools every morning to get to the school furthest away."

Councillor Ann McCoy, Stockton Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The select committee has done some fantastic informal consultation about this issue which has really helped shape the proposals which we are putting forward in this document.”

The consultation starts today (Monday) and runs until Friday, February 13.

To view the documents visit stockton.gov.uk/schooladmissionconsultation, write to School Admissions, Stockton Borough Council, Municipal Buildings, Church Road, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1XE or email school.admissions@stockton.gov.uk