Romesh Ranganathan Slams West Sussex Council Over Son’s School Placement
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has publicly criticized West Sussex County Council after his youngest son failed to secure a place at any of the family’s preferred secondary schools — including the one attended by his elder brothers.
Ranganathan, known for hosting A League of Their Own and his BBC Radio 2 show, said the school offered to his youngest son is located on the “other side of town,” making daily logistics for the family nearly impossible.
“It’s Not the Football — It’s My Son’s Education”
Speaking to the BBC and through social media, Ranganathan shared his frustration, revealing he had emailed the council six times without receiving any response. He also sought help from his local MP, who was told by the council that there was nothing more that could be done.
“They didn’t give us any of our preferred schools,” said Ranganathan. “Instead, they put us in a school that wasn’t on our list and is on the other side of town.”
He added, “We’ve got two kids being educated on one side of town, and another who is being educated at the other. Short of putting one of them in a cab, I don’t know how it works.”
Council Responds
In a brief statement, West Sussex County Council said: “We don’t comment on individual matters, but we acknowledge the disappointment when students cannot be placed at their first choice.”
Despite the frustration, the council noted that families still have the right to appeal and are encouraged to work with local education authorities to find suitable alternatives.
School Appeal Process Begins
The Ranganathan family now plans to appeal the decision and hopes to be added to waiting lists for their preferred schools. The case has highlighted ongoing tensions between parents and local councils over school admissions fairness and transparency.
Category: Education, UK News, Celebrity
Tags: Romesh Ranganathan, school placements, West Sussex, UK education system, school admissions, celebrity parenting, council criticism, school appeal process
