School Admissions - What parents need to know
School Admissions is an annual nightmare for some local authorities and schools - and an occasional nightmare for some parents and their children.
As parents, what can you do to maximise the chance of securing a place at your preferred school for your son or daughter? Our experience of many School Admissions Appeal hearings tells us that there are some very basic steps which, if taken at the right time, can make a considerable difference to the outcome.
So, a few simple points to bear in mind:
- Read your local authority's School Admissions publications:
Each year, your local authority publishes information about applying for primary and for secondary school places. Their booklet will tell you about the application process and about all the individual schools in their area. It will also tell you how places will be allocated, if a particular school is oversubscribed. It is very important to read the booklet, even if you know already which school you would like your child to attend. - Complete the Application Form:
Ensure you give as much information as is needed. If you don't tell the local authority that your child will be looked after by grandparents who live close to your preferred school, or that your work takes you in a direction which means only certain schools could accommodate your family's needs, or that your child has previously been bullied and you want them to have a fresh start with friends who will support them... how will the local authority know?
- Meet the deadlines:
The booklet will tell you about what to do and when. If you miss the closing date, your application will not generally be considered until places have been allocated to all of the on-time applicants' children. If you move house or your circumstances change, tell your local authority. If you have moved, the local authority will want proof of your new address and when your child started living there. Make sure you send the required documents as soon as they are available. It is not enough simply to have told them that you were planning to move.
- Be realistic:
You may have only one school in mind for your child, but, if that school is heavily-oversubscribed and your application is unsuccessful, what will you do? It is wise to research your chances of getting into your preferred school and to specify other choices on your application form. Just because a school hasn't been oversubscribed in the past, there is no guarantee that it won't be, this time. If you don't get your child into your preferred school and haven't named any other schools in your application, the local authority will allocate your child a place at the nearest available school with places available.
- And if the worst happens?
If you do not secure a place for your son or daughter at your preferred school, you can appeal. Many places are allocated each year following successful appeals.
If you would like guidance on any aspect of the admissions process or assistance with an admissions appeal, we can help.