A parent is challenging three Sutton grammar schools over selection criteria he claims excludes children from less affluent parts of the borough.

Spencer Cullen, 37, from Taylor Road in Wallington has persuaded the School's Adjudicator to hold a public meeting tomorrow evening (Wednesday October 6) to discuss the admission arrangements of Sutton Grammar School for Boys, Wallington County Grammar School and Wilson's School.

Mr Spencer is challenging the schools' over-subscription policies.

He said the combination of infinite catchment areas and highest rank order selection means ordinary Sutton children are in unfair competition with highly tutored, privately educated children from across London.

Mr Cullen grew up in Hackbridge and is an ex-pupil of Wallington County Grammar School. He now works in the City as a financial futures trader and puts his success largely down to the quality of his schooling.

But he said children from areas such as Hackbridge, St Helier and Roundshaw are now unlikely to get into their local grammar schools, missing out on the opportunities afforded to him.

Mr Spencer, who has three children under 9, said: “I didn't come into this with any set idea, it was more out of interest.

“I kept being told local kids couldn't get into these schools any more and people I know were saying they were not going to bother putting their kids forward. I found it really disheartening.”

The meeting will be held on Wednesday October 6 at 6.30pm at the Civic Offices (meeting room 1), St Nicholas Way, Sutton. Written submissions can be made until Wednesday, October 13 by writing to Mrs Lisa Short, Office of the Schools Adjudicator, Mowden Hall, Staindrop Road, Darlington, DL3 9BG or by emailing lisa.short@osa.gsi.gov.uk.

For more information about Mr Spencer's complaint visit suttongrammarscomplaint.weebly.com.