COUNTY COUNCIL - EDUCATION - 16 MAY 2002

COUNCIL MEETING, 16 MAY 2002

REPORT OF THE

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

EDUCATION

PART II

DETERMINATION OF SCHOOL ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS 2003/04

1 The Executive Member has approved admission policies for those primary and secondary schools for which the County Council is the admissions authority. The approval of those policies followed a programme of consultations held with governing bodies and neighbouring Local Education Authorities on the proposed school admissions arrangements; consultation with the Admissions Forum which includes representatives of all other admissions authorities in the county (i.e. dioceses and foundation schools); and consideration by the Education Policy Review Committee.

2 The new admissions policies as agreed incorporate minimal change, and aim to ensure that admission arrangements are clear, fair and objective, and also as simple as possible for parents to use. The main changes are on points of clarification, for example, the guidance on the management of waiting lists. The revised policies consolidate all the amendments and improvements made over the past few years and the result should be consistency of application throughout the range of community and voluntary controlled schools. Governing bodies retain the freedom to choose how they measure distance from home to school - one of the main criteria contained within the policy. They can choose between using a straight line or the nearest walking route using roads and public footpaths, which enables them to reflect their perception of local circumstances.

3 The admission policies will now be incorporated in the County Council's brochure which will cover admissions for September 2003, and which should be published during the summer. Copies will be forwarded to all Members on publication.

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