- Why do school admissions cause such a fuss?
From a personal viewpoint, "because it's my child". From a policy professional point of view, because the whole process must be easy to navigate, open, fair, considered, transparent and attached to an appeals system.
- So why do we need another consultation?
The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 introduced the current framework for school admissions, including a statutory code of practice. But every year local authorities and MPs have to respond to complaints from parents and commentators about perceived injustices.
In 2006, the 1998 Act was amended to tighten up admissions criteria and strengthen the code. However, a Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) review of admission arrangements in three local authorities in March uncovered some unsound practices, including requests for 'voluntary' payments, intrusive questions about parents' personal circumstances, and failure to follow the law on admission of pupils with special educational needs or those in care. It has now promised further changes.
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