GOVERNORS at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School are set to review the school's controversial catchment area.

And a county education chief said this week that they could solve some of the school's problems by reducing the area. A reduction could exclude towns like Henley and Maidenhead.

The heavily oversubscribed school has courted criticism in recent years because of its large catchment area which has led to many Marlow students missing out on a place despite having passed their 11-plus, while people from Maidenhead and Henley with higher marks and or siblings at the school secured a place.

So far 52 confirmed out-of-county students are expected in September out of the 120 intake. Some feel that this is too large a proportion and that the school is turning its back on the town.

About 20 Marlow pupils are appealing for a place at the West Street school after passing their 11-plus but being offered a place at Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School in Aylesbury instead.

Charles Elly, board of governors chairman, said: "I feel terribly sorry for anyone in Marlow who can't get into Borlase's and are being offered places in Aylesbury. It is not good sense but the school cannot expand. I can't say what the outcome of this review will be and I can't say when we will have a final decision because we can't bring about any change until 2003."

At a full meeting of the Board of Governors on May 14 the group will discuss the possibility of altering the school's catchment area.

Mike Appleyard, Buckinghamshire County Council cabinet member for schools, said: "The school could solve this problem by reducing the catchment area."

The reason the school draws students from such a wide area dates back to 1991 when the school made the change to its catchment area and went co-ed to save it from closure owing to falling numbers.

Jenny Sleight, county council spokesman, explained what needs to happen for the school to alter its catchment area.

She said: "Any school can put forward a proposal to change its catchment area but there would have to be a consultation with people effected. That may include neighbouring schools, feeder schools, parents and so on.

"We have an admissions forum, a consultative group including county councillors, headteachers, members of the church, governors and parents, who would discuss the issue. The final decision would rest with the county council."