School Standards and Framework Act 1998

Chapter I E+W Admission arrangements

Code [F1 of practice] [F1 for school admissions] E

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 84 cross-heading substituted (12.12.2006 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 40(7), 188(3); S.I. 2006/2990, art. 2(a) (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (17.1.2008) by S.I. 2008/54, arts. 1(1), 2)

84 Code [F2 of practice] [F2 for school admissions]. E

(1) The Secretary of State shall issue, and may from time to time revise, [F3 a code of practice containing such practical guidance] [F3 a code for school admissions containing such provision] as he thinks appropriate in respect of the discharge by—

(a) local education authorities,

(b) the governing bodies of maintained schools,

[F4 (ba) admission forums,]

(c) appeal panels, and

(d) adjudicators,

of their respective functions under this Chapter.

(2) The code may [F5 include guidelines setting out aims, objectives and other matters] [F5 impose requirements, and may include guidelines setting out aims, objectives and other matters,] in relation to the discharge of their functions under this Chapter by local education authorities and such governing bodies.

(3) It shall be the duty of—

(a) each of the bodies and persons mentioned in subsection (1) when exercising functions under this Chapter, and

(b) any other person when exercising any function for the purposes of the discharge by a local education authority, or the governing body of a maintained school, of functions under this Chapter,

[F6 to have regard to] [F6 to act in accordance with] any relevant provisions of the code.

(4) The Secretary of State shall publish the code as for the time being in force.

(5) The Secretary of State may under subsection (1)—

(a) make separate provision (by means of separate codes [F7 of practice]) in relation to different functions under this Chapter of the bodies and persons mentioned in that subsection;

(b) make different provision for England and for Wales (whether or not by means of separate codes [F7 of practice]);

and references in this section to “the code” or to functions under this Chapter shall have effect, in relation to any such separate code [F7 of practice], as references to that code or to functions under this Chapter to which it relates (as the case may be).

(6) In this Chapter—

• “admission arrangements” and “the admission authority” have the meaning given by section 88;

• [F8 “admission forum” means a forum established under section 85A, including a joint admission forum established in pursuance of regulations under subsection (3)(c) of that section;]

• “appeal panel” means a panel constituted [F9 in accordance with regulations under section 94(5) or 95(3)] for the purpose of hearing an appeal under this Chapter;

• “child” (except in sections 96 and 97) includes a person who has not attained the age of 19;

• “maintained school” means a community, foundation or voluntary school;

• F10 ...

[F11 (7) In this Chapter, references to a child who is looked after by a local authority are to be read in accordance with section 22(1) of the Children Act 1989.]

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in s. 84 heading substituted (12.12.2006 for E., 1.9.2008 for W.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 40(7), 188(3); S.I. 2006/2990, art. 2(a) (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (17.1.2008) by S.I. 2008/54, arts. 1(1), 2); S.I. 2008/1429, art. 3(3), Sch. Pt. 3 (with art. 4)

F3 Words in s. 84(1) substituted (12.12.2006 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 40(2)(a), 188(3); S.I. 2006/2990, art. 2(a) (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (17.1.2008) by S.I. 2008/54, arts. 1(1), 2)

F4 S. 84(1)(ba) inserted (12.12.2006 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 40(2)(b), 188(3); S.I. 2006/2990, art. 2(a) (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (17.1.2008) by S.I. 2008/54, arts. 1(1), 2)

F5 Words in s. 84(2) substituted (12.12.2006 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 40(3), 188(3); S.I. 2006/2990, art. 2(a) (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (17.1.2008) by S.I. 2008/54, arts. 1(1), 2)

F6 Words in s. 84(3) substituted (12.12.2006 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 40(4), 188(3); S.I. 2006/2990, art. 2(a) (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (17.1.2008) by S.I. 2008/54, arts. 1(1), 2)

F7 Words in s. 84(5) repealed (12.12.2006 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 40(5), 188(3), Sch. 18 Pt. 6; S.I. 2006/2990, art. 2(a)(k) (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (17.1.2008) by S.I. 2008/54, arts. 1(1), 2)

F8 Words in s. 84(6) inserted (12.12.2006 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 40(6), 188(3); S.I. 2006/2990, art. 2(a) (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (17.1.2008) by S.I. 2008/54, arts. 1(1), 2)

F9 Words in s. 84(6) substituted (20.1.2003 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 2 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch. para. 3); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(3)(4))

F10 Words in s. 84(6) repealed (1.10.2002 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 22 Pt. 3 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)) and S.I. 2006/173, reg. 5; S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 5); S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

F11 S. 84(7) inserted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 50(2), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 84 modified (temp.)(22.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/1064, reg.2.

S. 84 applied (with modifications) (18.10.1999) by S.I. 1999/2666, reg. 8, Sch. paras. 1(c), 2-8.

S. 84 applied (with modifications) (1.9.1999) by S.I. 1999/2800, reg. 7, Sch. paras. 1, 2-8.

C2 S. 84 applied (with modifications) (E.) (8.5.2003) by The New School (Admissions) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1041), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. para. 1(b)

C3 S. 84 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2006) by The New School (Admissions) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/175), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. (with reg. 2(2))

C4 S. 84(6) modified (6.1.1999) by S.I. 1998/3130, reg.2

85 [F12 Making and approval of code of practice] [F12 Making and approval of code for school admissions]. E

(1) Where the Secretary of State proposes to issue or revise a code [F13 of practice] under section 84, he shall prepare a draft of the code (or revised code).

(2) The Secretary of State shall consult such persons about the draft as he thinks fit and shall consider any representations made by them.

(3) If he determines to proceed with the draft (either in its original form or with such modifications as he thinks fit) he shall lay a copy of the draft before each House of Parliament.

(4) If, within the 40-day period, either House resolves not to approve the draft, the Secretary of State shall take no further steps in relation to the proposed code.

(5) If no such resolution is made within the 40-day period, the Secretary of State shall issue the code (or revised code) in the form of the draft, and it shall come into force on such date as the Secretary of State may by order appoint.

(6) Subsection (4) does not prevent a new draft of a proposed code from being laid before Parliament.

(7) In this section “40-day period”, in relation to the draft of a proposed code, means—

(a) if the draft is laid before one House on a day later than the day on which it is laid before the other House, the period of 40 days beginning with the later of the two days, and

(b) in any other case, the period of 40 days beginning with the day on which the draft is laid before each House,

no account being taken of any period during which Parliament is dissolved or prorogued or during which both Houses are adjourned for more than four days.

(8) In this section references to a proposed code include a proposed revised code.

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1 S. 85(5): 28.2.2007 appointed by S.I. 2007/566, art. 3

Textual Amendments

F12 S. 85 heading substituted (12.12.2006 for E., 1.9.2008 for W.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 40(8)(b), 188(3); S.I. 2006/2990, art. 2(a) (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (17.1.2008) by S.I. 2008/54, arts. 1(1), 2); S.I. 2008/1429, art. 3(3), Sch. Pt. 3 (with art. 4)

F13 Words in s. 85(1) repealed (12.12.2006 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 40(8)(a), 188(3), Sch. 18 Pt. 6; S.I. 2006/2990, art. 2(a)(k) (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (17.1.2008) by S.I. 2008/54, arts. 1(1), 2)

[F14 Admission forums E+W

Textual Amendments

F14 S. 85A cross-heading inserted (20.1.2003 for E., 1.12.2003 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 46, 216(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2; S.I. 2003/2961, art. 4, Sch. Pt. I

F15 [85A Admission forums E+W

(1) A local education authority shall in accordance with regulations establish for their area a body, to be known as an admission forum, for the purpose of—

(a) advising the authority on such matters connected with the exercise of the authority’s functions under this Chapter as may be prescribed, F16 ...

(b) advising the admission authorities for maintained schools in the area for which the forum is established on—

(i) such matters connected with the determination of admission arrangements, and

(ii) such other matters connected with the admission of pupils,

as may be prescribed [F17 , and

(c) in the case of an admission forum for the area of a local education authority in England, exercising any other functions that may be imposed on the forum by or under this Chapter.]

[F18 (1A) An admission forum for the area of a local education authority in England may prepare and publish reports on such matters connected with the admission of pupils to maintained schools in that area as may be prescribed.

(1B) For the purposes of the preparation of a report under subsection (1A), an admission forum may request any of the following bodies to provide the forum with any information held by them which falls within a prescribed description and is specified by the forum in its request—

(a) the local education authority which established the forum;

(b) any local education authority in England for an area which adjoins the area of the authority mentioned in paragraph (a);

(c) the governing body of any maintained school in the area for which the forum is established.

(1C) A body mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (1B) must comply with a request made by an admission forum in pursuance of that subsection.]

(2) The authority may establish sub-committees of the forum.

(3) Regulations may make provision—

(a) as to the constitution, meetings and proceedings of an admission forum and of any such sub-committee,

(b) as to the manner in which advice is to be given by a forum, F19 ...

[F20 (ba) as to the preparation and publication of reports under subsection (1A), and]

(c) as to the establishment by local education authorities of joint admission forums.

[F21 (3A) Regulations under subsection (3)(c) may, in relation to England, modify any provision of this Chapter in its application to a joint admission forum.]

(4) The bodies mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1) shall have regard, in carrying out their functions, to any relevant advice given to them by an admission forum under that subsection.

(5) The local education authority shall make arrangements for the forum (and any sub-committee established under subsection (2)) to be provided with accommodation and with such services as the authority consider appropriate.]

[F22 (5A) Regulations may make provision with respect to the expenses of an admission forum for the area of a local education authority in England.

(5B) Except as provided by regulations under subsection (5A), the expenses of an admission forum for the area of a local education authority in England are to be defrayed by the local education authority by whom the forum was established.]

Textual Amendments

F15 S. 85A inserted (20.1.2003 for E., 1.12.2003 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 46, 216(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2; S.I. 2003/2961, art. 4, Sch. Pt. I

F16 Word in s. 85A(1)(a) repealed (27.2.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 41(2)(a), 188(3), Sch. 18 Pt. 6; S.I. 2006/3400, art. 7(a)(e)

F17 S. 85A(1)(c) and word inserted (27.2.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 41(2)(b), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 7(a)

F18 S. 85A(1A)-(1C) inserted (27.2.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 41(3), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 7(a)

F19 Word in s. 85A(3)(b) repealed (27.2.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 41(4)(a), 188(3), Sch. 18 Pt. 6; S.I. 2006/3400, art. 7(a)(e)

F20 S. 85A(3)(ba) inserted (27.2.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 41(4)(b), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 7(a)

F21 S. 85A(3A) inserted (27.2.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 41(5), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 7(a)

F22 S. 85A(5A)(5B) inserted (27.2.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 41(6), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 7(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 85A applied (with modifications) (E.) (8.5.2003) by The New School (Admissions) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1041), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. para. 1(b)

C6 S. 85A applied (with modifications) (1.2.2006) by The New School (Admissions) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/175), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. (with reg. 2(2))

[F24 85B F23 Functions of admission forums in relation to Academies E+W

(1) Regulations may authorise or require an admission forum established by a local education authority under section 85A to give advice to the governing body of any Academy in the authority’s area on any matter corresponding to a matter prescribed under subsection (1)(b) of that section.

(2) The governing body of an Academy shall have regard, in conducting the Academy, to any relevant advice given to them by an admission forum by virtue of subsection (1).]]

Textual Amendments

F23 S. 85A cross-heading inserted (20.1.2003 for E., 1.12.2003 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 46, 216(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2; S.I. 2003/2961, art. 4, Sch. Pt. I

F24 S. 85B inserted (20.1.2003 for E. otherwise prosp.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 66, 216 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with Sch.)

Parental preferences E+W

86 Parental preferences. E+W

(1) A local education authority shall make arrangements for enabling the parent of a child in the area of the authority—

(a) to express a preference as to the school at which he wishes education to be provided for his child in the exercise of the authority’s functions, and

(b) to give reasons for his preference.

[F25 (1A) A local authority in England shall provide advice and assistance to parents of children in the area of the authority in connection with the preferences expressed or to be expressed by them in accordance with the arrangements made under subsection (1).]

(2) Subject to [F26 subsections (3) and (3A)] and section 87 (children excluded from two or more schools), [F27 a local education authority and the governing body of a maintained school] [F27 the admission authority for a maintained school] shall comply with any preference expressed in accordance with arrangements made under subsection (1).

[F28 (2A) Arrangements made under subsection (1) may allow the parent of a child to express preferences for more than one school; but nothing in this section requires the admission authority for a maintained school for which a child’s parent has expressed a preference to offer the child admission to the school if, in accordance with a scheme adopted or made by virtue of section 89B, the child is offered admission to a different school for which the parent has also expressed a preference.]

(3) The duty imposed by subsection (2) does not apply—

(a) if compliance with the preference would prejudice the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources; [F29 or]

(b) F30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) if the arrangements for admission to the preferred school—

(i) are wholly based on selection by reference to ability or aptitude, and

(ii) are so based with a view to admitting only pupils with high ability or with aptitude,

and compliance with the preference would be incompatible with selection under those arrangements.

[F31 (3A) In relation to a preference expressed by a parent as to the school at which he wishes secondary education suitable to the requirements of pupils who are over compulsory school age to be provided for his child, the duty imposed by subsection (2) also does not apply if the relevant selection arrangements are wholly based on selection by reference to ability or aptitude and compliance with the preference would be incompatible with selection under those arrangements.

(3B) In subsection (3A) “the relevant selection arrangements”, in relation to a school, means—

(a) the arrangements for admission to the school for secondary education suitable to the requirements of pupils who are over compulsory school age, or

(b) those arrangements and the arrangements for entry to the sixth form of children who have been admitted to the school;

and references in this subsection to entry to the sixth form of children who have been admitted to a school shall be construed in accordance with section 94(7).]

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3)(a) prejudice of the kind referred to in that provision may arise by reason of measures required to be taken in order to ensure compliance with the duty imposed by section 1(6) (duty of local education authority and governing body to comply with limit on infant class sizes).

[F32 (5) No prejudice shall be taken to arise for the purposes of subsection (3)(a) from the admission to a maintained school in a school year of a number of pupils in a relevant age group which does not exceed the number determined under section 89 as the number of pupils in that age group that it is intended to admit to the school in that year; but this subsection does not apply if the conditions set out in subsection (5A) are met in relation to the school and the school year.

(5A) Those conditions are—

(a) that the school is one at which boarding accommodation is provided for pupils; and

(b) that the determination under section 89 by the admission authority of the admission arrangements which are to apply for that year includes the determinations mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 89A(2).

(5B) Where the conditions set out in subsection (5A) are met in relation to a maintained school and a school year, no prejudice shall be taken to arise for the purposes of subsection (3)(a) from either of the following—

(a) the admission to the school in that year as boarders of a number of pupils in a relevant age group which does not exceed the number determined under section 89 as the number of pupils in that age group that it is intended to admit to the school in that year as boarders;

(b) the admission to the school in that year otherwise than as boarders of a number of pupils in a relevant age group which does not exceed the number determined under section 89 as the number of pupils in that age group that it is intended to admit to the school in that year otherwise than as boarders.]

F33 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) Where the arrangements for the admission of pupils to a maintained school provide for applications for admission to be made to (or to a person acting on behalf of) the governing body of the school, a parent who makes such an application shall be regarded for the purposes of this section as having expressed a preference for that school in accordance with arrangements made under subsection (1).

(8) The duty imposed by subsection (2) in relation to a preference expressed in accordance with arrangements made under subsection (1) shall apply also in relation to—

(a) any application for the admission to a maintained school of a child who is not in the area of the authority maintaining the school, and

(b) any application made by a parent as mentioned in section 438(4) or 440(2) of the M1 Education Act 1996 (application for a particular school to be named in a school attendance order);

and references in [F34 subsections (3) and (3A)] to a preference and a preferred school shall be construed accordingly.

(9) Where admission arrangements for a school [F35 , or arrangements such as are mentioned in subsection (3B), provide for all pupils selected under the arrangements] to be selected by reference to ability or aptitude, those arrangements shall be taken for the purposes of this section to be wholly based on selection by reference to ability or aptitude, whether or not they also provide for the use of additional criteria in circumstances where the number of children in a relevant age group who are assessed to be of the requisite ability or aptitude is greater than the number of pupils which it is intended to admit to the school in that age group.

Textual Amendments

F25 S. 86(1A) inserted (27.2.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 42, 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 7(b)

F26 Words in s. 86(2) substituted (1.10.2002 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 3(2) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 4) (which transitional provisions in Sch. para. 4 are substituted (6.3.2003) by S.I. 2003/606, art. 2 and (4.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/2992, art. 3); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(1))

F27 Words in s. 86(2) substituted (8.1.2007 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 43(2), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 2(a)

F28 S. 86(2A) inserted (1.10.2002 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 3(3) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 4) (which transitional provisions in Sch. para. 4 are substituted (6.3.2003) by S.I. 2003/606, art. 2 and (4.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/2992, art. 3); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(1))

F29 Word in s. 86(3)(a) inserted (1.10.2002 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 3(4)(a) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 4) (which transitional provisions in Sch. para. 4 are substituted (6.3.2003) by S.I. 2003/606, art. 2 and (4.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/2992, art. 3); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(1))

F30 S. 86(3)(b) repealed (1.10.2002 for E. otherwise prosp.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 51, 215(2), 216, Sch. 4 para. 3(4)(b), Sch. 22 Pt. 3 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with Sch.)

F31 S. 86(3A)(3B) inserted (1.10.2002 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 3(5) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 4) (which transitional provisions in Sch. para. 4 are substituted (6.3.2003) by S.I. 2003/606, art. 2 and (4.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/2992, art. 3); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(1))

F32 S. 86(5)-(5B) substituted for s. 86(5) (1.10.2002 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 47(1), 216(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4) and S.I. 2006/173, reg. 4); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 4) (which transitional provisions in Sch. para. 4 are substituted (6.3.2003) by S.I. 2003/606, art. 2 and (4.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/2992, art. 3); S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

F33 S. 86(6) repealed (1.10.2002 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 3(6), Sch. 22 Pt. 3 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 4) (which transitional provisions in Sch. para. 4 are substituted (6.3.2003) by S.I. 2003/606, art. 2 and (4.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/2992, art. 3); S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

F34 Words in s. 86(8) substituted (1.10.2002 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 3(7) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 4) (which transitional provisions in Sch. para. 4 are substituted (6.3.2003) by S.I. 2003/606, art. 2 and (4.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/2992, art. 3); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(1))

F35 Words in s. 86(9) substituted (1.10.2002 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 3(8) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 4) (which transitional provisions in Sch. para. 4 are substituted (6.3.2003) by S.I. 2003/606, art. 2 and (4.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/2992, art. 3); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(1))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 86 modified (temp. from 22.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/1064, reg. 3

Ss. 86-87 restricted (29.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/1016, art. 6, Sch. 4 paras. 1, 2(1)

S. 86 applied (with modifications) (18.10.1999) by S.I. 1999/2666, reg. 8, Sch. paras. 1(c), 2-8.

S. 86 applied (with modifications) (1.9.1999) by S.I. 1999/2800, reg. 7, Sch. paras. 1, 2-8.

C8 S. 86 applied (with modifications) (8.5.2003) by The New School (Admissions) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1041), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. para. 1(b)

C9 S. 86 amendment to earlier commencing S.I. 2002/2439, Sch. para. 4 (4.12.2003) by The Education Act 2002 (Commencement No. 2 and Savings and Transitional Provisions) (Amendment No. 2) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/2992), arts. 1, 3

C10 S. 86 excluded (1.9.2005) by The Education (Pupil Referral Units) (Application of Enactments) (England) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2039), reg. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 1

C11 S. 86 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2006) by The New School (Admissions) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/175), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. (with reg. 2(2))

C12 S. 86(1) applied (with modifications) (1.9.1999) by S.I. 1999/1812, reg. 8, Sch. 2 para. 5(b)

C13 S. 86(1)(2) excluded (prosp.) by Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (c. 41), ss. 36(5)(a)(10), 162(2) (with s. 159)

Marginal Citations

M1 1996 c. 56.

87 No requirement to admit children permanently excluded from two or more schools. E+W

(1) The duty imposed by section 86(2) does not apply in the case of a child to whom subsection (2) below applies.

(2) Where a child has been permanently excluded from two or more schools, this subsection applies to him during the period of two years beginning with the date on which the latest of those exclusions took effect.

(3) Subsection (2) applies to a child whatever the length of the period or periods elapsing between those exclusions and regardless of whether it has applied to him on a previous occasion.

[F36 (4) However, a child who has been permanently excluded from a school shall not be treated for the purposes of this section as having been so excluded if—

(a) he was reinstated as a pupil at the school following the giving of a direction to that effect by the relevant authority in accordance with regulations under subsection (3)(b) or (c) of section 52 of the Education Act 2002,

(b) on a review of his exclusion carried out in accordance with regulations under subsection (3)(b) of that section or an appeal made pursuant to regulations under subsection (3)(c) of that section, the relevant authority decided—

(i) that it would not be practical to give a direction requiring his reinstatement as a pupil at the school, but

(ii) that it would otherwise have been appropriate to give such a direction, or

(c) he was so excluded at a time when he had not attained compulsory school age.

(4A) In subsection (4) “the relevant authority” means—

(a) the responsible body as defined by subsection (5) of section 52 of the Education Act 2002, or

(b) a panel constituted in accordance with regulations under subsection (3)(c) of that section.]

(5) In this section “school” means—

(a) in relation to any time before or after the appointed day, a school maintained by a local education authority; or

(b) in relation to any time before the appointed day, a grant-maintained or grant-maintained special school within the meaning of the M2 Education Act 1996.

(6) For the purposes of this section the permanent exclusion of a child from a school shall be regarded as having taken effect on the school day as from which the head teacher decided that he should be permanently excluded.

(7) Nothing in this section applies to a child unless at least one of the two or more exclusions mentioned in subsection (2) took effect on or after 1st September 1997.

Textual Amendments

F36 S. 87(4)(4A) substituted for s. 87(4) (20.1.2003 for E., 9.1.2004 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 4 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with Sch. para. 3); S.I. 2003/2961, art. 7, Sch. Pt. IV

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 Ss. 86-87 restricted (29.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/1016, art. 6, Sch. 4 paras. 1, 2(1)

S. 87 applied (with modifications) (18.10.1999) by S.I. 1999/2666, reg. 8, Sch. paras. 1(c), 2-8

S. 87 applied (with modifications) (1.9.1999) by S.I. 1999/2800, reg. 7, Sch. paras. 1, 2-8.

C15 S. 87 applied (with modifications) (E.) (8.5.2003) by The New School (Admissions) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1041), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. para. 1(b)

C16 S. 87 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2006) by The New School (Admissions) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/175), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. (with reg. 2(2))

Marginal Citations

M2 1996 c. 56.

Admission arrangements E+W

88 Admission authorities and admission arrangements. E+W

(1) In this Chapter “the admission authority”—

(a) in relation to a community or voluntary controlled school, means—

(i) the local education authority, or

(ii) where with the governing body’s agreement the authority have delegated to them responsibility for determining the admission arrangements for the school, the governing body; and

(b) in relation to a foundation or voluntary aided school, means the governing body.

[F37 (1A) Where the admission authority for a community or voluntary controlled school is the local authority, it is the duty of the governing body to implement any decision relating to the admission of pupils to the school which is taken by or on behalf of the admission authority.

(1B) Subsection (1A) does not affect—

(a) any right of appeal which the governing body may have by virtue of arrangements made in pursuance of section 95(2) (appeals in relation to children to whom section 87(2) applies, other than looked after children in England),

(b) any right to refer the matter to the adjudicator which the governing body may have by virtue of section 95A(3) (references to the adjudicator in relation to looked after children in England to whom section 87(2) applies), or

(c) the application of section 101(2A) or section 109(2).]

(2) In this Chapter “admission arrangements”, in relation to a maintained school, means the arrangements for the admission of pupils to the school, including the school’s admission policy.

Textual Amendments

F37 S. 88(1A)(1B) inserted (8.1.2007 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 43(1), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 2(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17 S. 88 modified (6.1.1999) by S.I. 1998/3130, reg. 3

[F38 88A Prohibition on interviews E

(1) No admission arrangements for a maintained school may require or authorise any interview with an applicant for admission to the school or his parents, where the interview is to be taken into account (to any extent) in determining whether the applicant is to be admitted to the school.

(2) If the maintained school is one at which boarding accommodation is provided for pupils, subsection (1) does not apply in relation to any interview intended to assess the suitability of an applicant for a boarding place.

(3) Where the admission arrangements for a maintained school make provision for a permitted form of selection by aptitude, subsection (1) does not prevent the arrangements from requiring or authorising any audition or other oral or practical test to be carried out in relation to an applicant solely for the purpose of ascertaining the applicant's aptitude in accordance with the arrangements.

(4) In this section, “permitted form of selection by aptitude” is to be read in accordance with section 99(4).]

Textual Amendments

F38 S. 88A inserted (27.2.2007 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 44, 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 6(c)

89 Procedure for determining admission arrangements. E+W

(1) The admission authority for a maintained school shall, before the beginning of each school year, determine in accordance with this section the admission arrangements which are to apply for that year.

[F39 (1ZA) This section has effect subject to sections 89D and 90A (restrictions on alteration of admission arrangements in England).]

[F40 (1A) Regulations may require the admission authorities for maintained schools [F41 in England] to include in their admission arrangements such provision relating to the admission of children who are looked after by a local authority [F42 in England] F43 ... as may be prescribed, which may in particular include provision for securing that, subject to sections 86(3) and (3A) and 87 (cases where duty to comply with parental preference does not apply), such children are to be offered admission in preference to other children.]

[F44 (2) Before determining the admission arrangements which are to apply for a particular school year, the admission authority shall consult the following about the proposed arrangements, namely—

(a) whichever of the governing body and the local education authority are not the admission authority,

(b) the admission authorities for all other maintained schools in the relevant area or for such class of such schools as may be prescribed,

(c) the governing bodies for all community and voluntary controlled schools in the relevant area (so far as not falling within paragraph (a) or (b)), [F45 and]

(d) the admission authorities for maintained schools of any prescribed description; [F46 and ]

[F46 (e) in the case of a foundation or voluntary school which has a religious character for the purposes of Part 2, such body or person representing the religion or religious denomination in question as may be prescribed.]

(2A) Subsection (2) does not apply in relation to the proposed admission arrangements for a particular school year if—

(a) the admission authority are the school’s governing body, and

(b) prescribed conditions are satisfied in relation to that year.]

(3) In subsection (2) “the relevant area” means—

(a) the area of the local education authority; or

(b) if regulations so provide, such other area (whether more or less extensive than the area of the local education authority) as may be determined by or in accordance with the regulations.

(4) Once the admission authority have carried out any such consultation, the authority shall—

(a) determine that their proposed arrangements (either in their original form or with such modifications as the authority think fit) shall be the admission arrangements for the school year in question; and

(b) (except in such cases as may be prescribed) notify the [F47 appropriate bodies] of those admission arrangements.

(5) Where an admission authority—

(a) have in accordance with subsection (4) determined the admission arrangements which are to apply for a particular school year, but

(b) at any time before the end of that year consider that the arrangements should be varied in view of a major change in circumstances occurring since they were so determined,

the authority shall (except in a case where their proposed variations fall within any description of variations prescribed for the purposes of this subsection) refer the proposed variations to the adjudicator, and shall (in every case) notify the [F47 appropriate bodies] of the proposed variations.

(6) The adjudicator shall consider whether the arrangements should have effect with those variations until the end of that year; and if he determines that the arrangements should so have effect or that they should so have effect subject to such modification of those variations as he may determine—

(a) the arrangements shall have effect accordingly as from the date of his determination; and

(b) the admission authority shall (except in such cases as may be prescribed) notify the [F48 appropriate bodies] of the variations subject to which the arrangements are to have effect.

(7) In relation to a maintained school in Wales any reference to the adjudicator in subsection (5) or (6) shall be read as a reference to the Secretary of State.

(8) Regulations may make provision—

(a) specifying matters to which any consultation required by subsection (2) is, or is not, to relate;

(b) as to the manner in which, and the time by which, any such consultation is to be carried out;

(c) as to the manner in which, and the time by which, any notification required by this section is to be given;

(d) specifying matters which are, or are not, to constitute major changes in circumstances for the purposes of subsection (5)(b);

(e) authorising an admission authority, where they have in accordance with subsection (4) determined the admission arrangements which are to apply for a particular school year, to vary those arrangements to such extent or in such circumstances as may be prescribed;

(f) for the application of any of the requirements of subsections (5) and (6) to variations proposed to be made by virtue of paragraph (e), or to any prescribed description of such variations, as if they were variations proposed to be made under subsection (5);

[F49 (fa) requiring an admission authority who have made a determination of a prescribed description under this section to publish such information relating to the determination (including information as to the authority’s reasons for making the determination) as may be prescribed;]

(g) as to such other matters connected with the procedure for determining or varying admission arrangements under this section as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

[F50 (8A) The power under paragraph (fa) of subsection (8) to require an admission authority to publish information includes power to require them to publish it—

(a) by giving a notice containing the information to prescribed persons, or

(b) in any other prescribed manner.]

[F51 (9) Where the local education authority are the admission authority for a community or voluntary controlled school, they shall consult the governing body before making any reference under subsection (5).]

[F52 (10) In this section, “the appropriate bodies”, in relation to an admission authority, means—

(a) the bodies or persons whom they were required to consult under subsection (2), or would but for subsection (2A) have been required to consult, and

(b) in the case of an admission authority for a maintained school in England, the admission forum for the area of the local education authority in which the school is situated.]

Textual Amendments

F39 S. 89(1ZA) inserted (27.2.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 46(1), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 7(c)

F40 S. 89(1A) inserted (3.10.2005 for E., 1.9.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2005 (c. 18), ss. 106, 125(4) (with s. 119); S.I. 2005/2034, art. 6; S.I. 2006/1338, art. 3, Sch. 1

F41 Words in s. 89(1A) inserted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 52(2)(a), 188(2)

F42 Words in s. 89(1A) inserted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 52(2)(b), 188(2)

F43 Words in s. 89(1A) repealed (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 50(3), 188(3), Sch. 18 Pt. 6; S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(c)(h)

F44 S. 89(2)(2A) substituted for s. 89(2) (1.10.2002 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 5(2) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4) and S.I. 2006/173, reg. 6); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 5); S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

F45 Word in s. 89(2)(c) repealed (8.1.2007 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 45(a), 188(3), Sch. 18 Pt. 6; S.I. 2006/3400, art. 2(b)(e)

F46 S. 89(2)(e) and word inserted (8.1.2007 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 45(b), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 2(b)

F47 Words in s. 89(4)(5) substituted (1.10.2002 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 5(3) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4) and S.I. 2006/173, reg. 6); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 5); S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

F48 Words in s. 89(6) substituted (1.10.2002 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 5(3) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4) and S.I. 2006/173, reg. 6); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 5); S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

F49 S. 89(8)(fa) inserted (1.10.2002 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 5(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4) and S.I. 2006/173, reg. 6); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 5); S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

F50 S. 89(8A) inserted (1.10.2002 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 5(5) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4) and S.I. 2006/173, reg. 6); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 5); S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

F51 S. 89(9) substituted (1.10.2002 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 5(6) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4) and S.I. 2006/173, reg. 6); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 5); S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

F52 S. 89(10) substituted (27.2.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 41(7), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 7(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18 S. 89 excluded (6.1.1999 with application as mentioned) (temp.) by S.I. 1998/3198, arts.3, 4

C19 S. 89(1) excluded (27.3.2007) by The School Admissions (Alteration and Variation of, and Objections to, Arrangements) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/496), regs. 1(2), 14(2)

C20 S. 89(2)-(10) excluded (27.3.2007) by The School Admissions (Alteration and Variation of, and Objections to, Arrangements) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/496), regs. 1(2), 14(2)

C21 S. 89(5)-(7) excluded (W.) (1.2.2006) by The Education (Variation of Admission Arrangements) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/177), regs. 1(1), 3(3)

Commencement Information

I1 S. 89 wholly in force; s. 89 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 145(3); s. 89(2)-(8) in force for certain purposes at 1.10.1998 by S.I. 1998/2212, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I; s. 89 in force at 6.1.1999 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 1998/3198, arts. 2, 3 and 4

[F53 89A Determination of admission numbers E+W

(1) A determination under section 89 by the admission authority for a maintained school of the admission arrangements which are to apply for a school year shall include a determination of the number of pupils in each relevant age group that it is intended to admit to the school in that year.

(2) Such a determination under section 89 may also, if the school is one at which boarding accommodation is provided for pupils, include—

(a) a determination of the number of pupils in each relevant age group that it is intended to admit to the school in that year as boarders, and

(b) a determination of the number of pupils in each relevant age group that it is intended to admit to the school in that year otherwise than as boarders.

(3) Regulations may make provision about the making of any determination required by subsection (1), and may in particular require the admission authority for a maintained school to have regard, in making any such determination, to—

(a) any prescribed method of calculation, and

(b) any other prescribed matter.

(4) References in this section to the determination of any number include references to the determination of zero as that number.]

Textual Amendments

F53 S. 89A inserted (1.10.2002 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 47(2), 216(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4) and S.I. 2006/173, reg. 6); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 5) (which transitional provisions in Sch. para. 4 are substituted (6.3.2003) by S.I. 2003/606, art. 2 and (4.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/2992, art. 3); S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

[F54 89B Co-ordination of admission arrangements E+W

(1) Regulations may require a local education authority—

(a) to formulate, for any academic year in relation to which prescribed conditions are satisfied, a qualifying scheme for co-ordinating the arrangements for the admission of pupils to maintained schools in their area, and

(b) to take prescribed action with a view to securing the adoption of the scheme by themselves and each governing body who are the admission authority for a maintained school in their area.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the Secretary of State may make, in relation to the area of a local education authority and an academic year, a scheme for co-ordinating the arrangements, or assisting in the co-ordination of the arrangements, for the admission of pupils to maintained schools in that area.

(3) A scheme may not be made under subsection (2) in relation to a local education authority and an academic year if, before the prescribed date in the year preceding the year in which that academic year commences—

(a) a scheme formulated by the local education authority in accordance with subsection (1) is adopted in the prescribed manner by the persons mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection, and

(b) the authority provide the Secretary of State with a copy of the scheme and inform him that the scheme has been so adopted.

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations require local education authorities to provide other local education authorities with such information as may be required by them in connection with the exercise of any of their functions under this Chapter.

(5) Regulations may provide—

(a) that each local education authority shall secure that, subject to such exceptions as may be prescribed, no decision made by any admission authority for a maintained school in their area to offer or refuse a child admission to the school shall be communicated to the parent of the child except on a single day, designated by the local education authority, in each year, or

(b) that, subject to such exceptions as may be prescribed, a decision made by the admission authority for a maintained school to offer or refuse a child admission to the school shall not be communicated to the parent of the child except on a prescribed day.

(6) In this section—

• “academic year” means a period commencing with 1st August and ending with the next 31st July;

• “qualifying scheme” means a scheme that meets prescribed requirements.

Textual Amendments

F54 Ss. 89B, 89C inserted (1.10.2002 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 48, 216(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3; S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22 S. 89B applied (with modifications) (E.) (8.5.2003) by The New School (Admissions) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1041), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. para. 1(b)

C23 S. 89B applied (with modifications) (W.) (1.2.2006) by The New School (Admissions) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/175), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. (with reg. 2(2))

89C Further provision about schemes adopted or made by virtue of section 89B E+W

(1) Regulations may make provision about the contents of schemes under section 89B(2), including provision about the duties that may be imposed by such schemes on—

(a) local education authorities, and

(b) the admission authorities for maintained schools.

(2) Regulations may provide that where a local education authority or the governing body of a maintained school have, in such manner as may be prescribed, adopted a scheme formulated by a local education authority for the purpose mentioned in section 89B(1)(a), sections 496 and 497 of the Education Act 1996 shall apply as if any obligations imposed on the local education authority or governing body under the scheme were duties imposed on them by that Act.

(3) Regulations may provide that where any decision as to whether a child is to be granted or refused admission to a maintained school falls to be made in prescribed circumstances, the decision shall, if a scheme adopted or made [F55 by virtue of this section] [F55 by virtue of section 89B] so provides, be made by the local education authority regardless of whether they are the admission authority for the school.

[F56 (3A) Where any decision as to whether a child is to be granted or refused admission to a maintained school is (by virtue of regulations under subsection (3)) made by the local authority although they are not the admission authority, the governing body of the school must implement the decision.]

(4) Before proposing a scheme for adoption under section 89B(1) a local education authority shall comply with such requirements as to consultation as may be prescribed.

(5) Regulations under subsection (4) may in particular require consultations to be undertaken with a view to securing that the arrangements for the admission of pupils to maintained schools in the areas of different local education authorities are, so far as is reasonably practicable, compatible with each other.

(6) Before making a scheme under section 89B(2) in relation to the area of any local education authority, the Secretary of State shall consult—

(a) the local education authority, and

(b) any governing body who are the admission authority for a school which appears to the Secretary of State to be a school to which the scheme will apply.

(7) A scheme made under section 89B(2) may be varied or revoked by the Secretary of State.]

Textual Amendments

F54 Ss. 89B, 89C inserted (1.10.2002 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 48, 216(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3; S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

F55 Words in s. 89C(3) substituted (8.1.2007 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 43(3)(a), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 2(a)

F56 S. 89C(3A) inserted (8.1.2007 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 43(3)(b), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 2(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C24 S. 89C applied (with modifications) (E.) (8.5.2003) by The New School (Admissions) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1041), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. para. 1(b)

C25 S. 89C applied (with modifications) (W.) (1.2.2006) by The New School (Admissions) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/175), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. (with reg. 2(2))

[F57 89D Power to restrict alteration of admission arrangements following establishment or expansion E+W

(1) Subsection (2) applies in relation to a maintained school in England where—

(a) proposals for the establishment of, or the making of a prescribed alteration to, the school have been published under Part 2 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 or under section 113A of, or Schedule 7 to, the Learning and Skills Act 2000,

(b) in the case of proposals for the making of a prescribed alteration to the school, the proposals are for an increase in the number of pupils that may be admitted to the school or for an enlargement of the premises,

(c) the proposals fall to be implemented (with or without modifications), and

(d) prescribed conditions are satisfied.

(2) Regulations may provide that, where this subsection applies in relation to a maintained school—

(a) the admission arrangements for the initial period (as defined by subsection (7)) and each of a prescribed number of school years following that period are to be the arrangements which fall to be implemented in accordance with the proposals (or in accordance with the proposals as modified), and

(b) those arrangements may not be varied by the admission authority for the school except—

(i) to comply with any duty imposed on them by regulations under section 89(1A), or

(ii) in accordance with regulations under subsection (5).

(3) Regulations under subsection (2) may exclude or modify any provision of section 89 (other than section 89(1A)) in its application to cases to which the regulations apply.

(4) Regulations under subsection (2) may provide that in cases to which the regulations apply the admission arrangements which fall to be implemented in accordance with the proposals (or in accordance with the proposals as modified) are to be treated for the purposes of section 86(5) to (5B) as having been determined by the admission authority under section 89.

(5) Regulations may prescribe circumstances in which an admission authority may refer to the adjudicator proposals to vary admission arrangements in cases to which regulations under subsection (2) apply.

(6) Regulations may make provision as to the determination by the adjudicator of any reference made by virtue of subsection (5).

(7) In this section—

• “initial period” means—

  (a)

  in relation to a maintained school which is being established, the period beginning with the day on which the school opens and ending with the beginning of the first school term to begin after the following July;

  (b)

  in relation to a maintained school which is increasing the number of pupils that may be admitted to the school or enlarging its premises, the period beginning with the first day on which additional pupils may be admitted or (as the case may be) the enlarged premises are in use and ending with the beginning of the first school term to begin after the following July;

• “prescribed alteration” means an alteration prescribed for the purposes of section 18 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006.]

Textual Amendments

F57 S. 89D inserted (27.2.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 46(2), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 7(c)

90 Reference of objections to adjudicator or Secretary of State. E+W

(1) Where—

(a) admission arrangements have been determined by an admission authority under section 89(4), but

[F58 (b) an appropriate body wishes to make an objection about those arrangements, and]

(c) the objection does not fall within any description of objections prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph,

that body may refer the objection to the adjudicator.

(2) Where—

(a) admission arrangements have been determined by an admission authority under section 89(4), but

(b) any parent of a prescribed description wishes to make an objection about those arrangements, and

(c) the objection falls within any description of objections prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph,

that person may refer the objection to the adjudicator.

(3) On a reference under subsection (1) or (2) the adjudicator shall either—

(a) decide whether, and (if so) to what extent, the objection should be upheld, or

(b) in such cases as may be prescribed, refer the objection to the Secretary of State for that question to be decided by him.

(4) Where the objection is referred to the Secretary of State under subsection (3)(b), the adjudicator shall, if the Secretary of State so requests, give his advice on the question referred to in that provision.

(5) In relation to a maintained school in Wales—

(a) the reference to the adjudicator in subsection (1) or (2) shall be read as a reference to the Secretary of State;

(b) subsections (3) and (4) shall not apply; and

(c) where any objection is referred to the Secretary of State by virtue of paragraph (a) above, he shall decide whether, and (if so) to what extent, the objection should be upheld.

[F59 (5A) Where the adjudicator or the Secretary of State is required by virtue of subsection (3)(a) or (b) or (5)(c) to decide whether to uphold an objection to admission arrangements, he may consider whether it would be appropriate for changes to be made to any aspect of the admission arrangements, whether or not he would be required to do so for the purpose of determining the objection.

(5B) In the case of any objection referred to him under this section, the adjudicator or the Secretary of State (as the case may be) must publish a report containing the following—

(a) his decision on the objection,

(b) any decision he has made on whether it would be appropriate for changes to be made to the admission arrangements, whether in the light of his decision on the objection or otherwise,

(c) if, in relation to a maintained school in England, he considers that any change required ought not to be protected under section 90A for the number of school years prescribed under section 90A(2), that section 90A is not to apply to that change or that the change will be protected only for such lesser number of school years as he may specify, and

(d) his reasons for the decisions mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c).

(5C) Where the adjudicator or the Secretary of State (as the case may be) decides that it would be appropriate for changes to be made to the admission arrangements, his decision may specify the modifications that are to be made to the arrangements.]

(6) [F60 Where the adjudicator or the Secretary of State decides that an objection referred to him under this section should be upheld to any extent, his decision on the objection may specify the modifications that are to be made to the admission arrangements in question.]

(7) [F60 In the case of any objection referred to him under this section, the adjudicator or the Secretary of State (as the case may be) shall publish his decision on the objection and the reasons for it.]

(8) [F61 The decision of the adjudicator or the Secretary of State on the objection shall, in relation to the admission arrangements in question, be binding on the admission authority and on all persons by whom an objection about those arrangements may be made under subsection (1) or (2); and if that decision is to uphold the objection to any extent, those arrangements shall forthwith be revised by the admission authority in such a way as to give effect to the decision.]

[F61 The decisions of the adjudicator or the Secretary of State mentioned in subsection (5B)(a) and (b) shall, in relation to the admission arrangements in question, be binding on the admission authority and on all persons by whom an objection may be made under subsection (1) or (2); and, if the adjudicator or the Secretary of State has decided that it would be appropriate for changes to be made to the admission arrangements, those arrangements shall forthwith be revised by the admission authority in such a way as to give effect to the decision.]

(9) Regulations may make provision—

(a) as to any conditions which must be satisfied before—

(i) an objection can be referred to the adjudicator or the Secretary of State under subsection (1) or (2), or

(ii) the adjudicator or the Secretary of State is required to determine an objection referred to him under subsection (2);

(b) prescribing the steps which may be taken by an admission authority where an objection has been referred to the adjudicator or the Secretary of State under subsection (1) or (2) but has not yet been determined;

[F62 (ba) requiring an admission authority for a maintained school in England to provide information which—

(i) falls within a prescribed description, and

(ii) is requested by the adjudicator or the Secretary of State for the purposes of his functions under this section;]

(c) as to the manner in which [F63 any matters required to be published under subsection (7) are] [F63 a report required to be published under subsection (5B) is] to be published;

(d) requiring such matters to be notified to such persons, and in such manner, as may be prescribed;

(e) prohibiting or restricting the reference under subsection (1) or (2), within such period following a decision by the adjudicator or the Secretary of State under this section as may be prescribed, of any objection raising the same (or substantially the same) issues in relation to the admission arrangements of the school in question;

(f) prescribing circumstances in which an admission authority may revise the admission arrangements for their school in the light of any decision by the adjudicator or the Secretary of State relating to the admission arrangements for another school, and the procedure to be followed in such a case.

(10) [F64 Regulations shall make provision for the cases to be referred to the Secretary of State under subsection (3)(b) to include cases where the objection is concerned with admissions criteria relating to a person’s religion or religious denomination.]

[F65 (11) In this section, “appropriate body” means, in relation to the admission arrangements determined by an admission authority—

(a) any body or person whom the admission authority were required to consult under subsection (2) of section 89, or would but for subsection (2A) of that section have been required to consult, and

(b) in the case of admission arrangements determined by an admission authority for a maintained school in England, the admission forum for the area of the local education authority in which the school is situated.]

Textual Amendments

F58 S. 90(1)(b) substituted (27.2.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 41(8)(a), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 7(a)

F59 S. 90(5A)-(5C) inserted (27.2.2007 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 47(2), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 6(d)

F60 S. 90(6)(7) repealed (27.2.2007 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 47(3), 188(3), Sch. 18 Pt. 6; S.I. 2006/3400, art. 6(d)(g)

F61 S. 90(8) substituted (27.2.2007 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 47(4), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 6(d)

F62 S. 90(9)(ba) inserted (27.2.2007 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 47(5)(a), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 6(d)

F63 Words in s. 90(9)(c) substituted (27.2.2007 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 47(5)(b), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 6(d)

F64 S. 90(10) repealed (27.2.2007 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 47(6), 188(3), Sch. 18 Pt. 6; S.I. 2006/3400, art. 6(d)(g)

F65 S. 90(11) inserted (27.2.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 41(8)(b), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 7(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C26 S. 90 transitional provisions for effects of 2002 c. 32, Sch. 4 para. 6 (W.) (1.2.2006) by The Education Act 2002 (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/173), regs. 1(1), 7

Commencement Information

I2 S. 90 wholly in force at 1.4.1999; s. 90 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 145(3); s. 90(1)-(3), (5), (9) and (10) in force for certain purposes at 1.10.1998 by S.I. 1998/2212, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I; s. 90 in force at 1.4.1999 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 1999/1016, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 3-6, Sch. 4).

[F66 90A Restriction on alteration of admission arrangements following adjudicator's decision E+W

(1) Where in accordance with section 90(8) the admission authority for a maintained school in England have revised any provisions of admission arrangements for a school year, this section applies except to the extent that the adjudicator or the Secretary of State determined under section 90(5B)(c), in relation to any change required, that this section was not to apply.

(2) In this section—

• “the protected provisions” in relation to any admission arrangements, means provisions corresponding to those revised in accordance with section 90(8) or regulations under subsection (6) (as so revised);

• “the required number” means such number as may be prescribed or such lesser number as is specified by the adjudicator or the Secretary of State under section 90(5B)(c) in relation to a particular change.

(3) The admission authority for the school—

(a) must incorporate the protected provisions in determining the admission arrangements for each of the required number of school years following the school year in relation to which the revision in accordance with section 90(8) was made, and

(b) may not vary those arrangements in such a way as to alter the protected provisions.

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to the extent that—

(a) the admission authority are required to determine or vary their admission arrangements in a way which alters the protected provisions in order to comply with any duty imposed on them by regulations under section 89(1A), or

(b) the arrangements may be determined or varied in a way which alters those provisions in accordance with regulations under subsection (6).

(5) Regulations may exclude or modify any provision of section 89 (other than section 89(1A)) in its application to cases to which this section applies.

(6) Regulations may prescribe circumstances in which an admission authority to whom subsection (3) applies may refer to the adjudicator proposals to determine or vary their admission arrangements in a way which alters the protected provisions.

(7) Regulations may make provision as to the determination by the adjudicator of any reference made by virtue of subsection (6).]

Textual Amendments

F66 S. 90A inserted (27.2.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 46(3), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 7(c)

91 Special arrangements to preserve religious character of foundation or voluntary aided school. E+W

F67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F67 S. 91 repealed (1.10.2002 for E. and 19.12.2002 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 49, 215(2), 216, Sch. 22 Pt. 3 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with Sch.); S.I. 2002/3185, art. 4, Sch. Pt. 1 (with art. 7)

[F68 92 Publication of information about admissions. E+W

Regulations may—

(a) require the publication by a local education authority of such information relating to admissions as may be prescribed,

(b) require the publication by the governing body of a foundation or voluntary aided school of such information relating to admissions as may be prescribed,

(c) require or allow the publication by the governing body of any school maintained by a local education authority, or by the local education authority on behalf of thegoverning body, of such information relating to the school as may be prescribed, and

(d) make provision as to the time by which, and the manner in which, information required to be published by virtue of this section is to be published.]

Textual Amendments

F68 S. 92 substituted (1.10.2002 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 7 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3; S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C27 S. 92 applied (with modifications) (E.) (8.5.2003) by The New School (Admissions) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1041), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. para. 1(b)

C28 S. 92 restricted (29.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/1016, art. 6, Sch. 4 paras. 1, 4

S. 92 applied (with modifications) (18.10.1999) by S.I. 1999/2666, reg. 8, Sch. paras. 1(c), 2-8

S. 92 applied (with modifications) (1.9.1999) by S.I. 1999/2800, reg. 7, Sch. paras. 1, 2-8.

C29 S. 92 applied (with modifications) (W.) (1.2.2006) by The New School (Admissions) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/175), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. (with reg. 2(2))

Commencement Information

I3 S. 92 wholly in force at 1.4.1999; s. 92 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 145(3); s. 92 in force for certain purposes at 1.10.1998 by S.I. 1998/2212, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I; s. 92 in force at 1.4.1999 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 1999/1016, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 3-6, Sch. 4).

Admission numbers E+W

F69 93 Fixing admission numbers. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F69 S. 93 repealed (1.10.2002 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 22 Pt. 3 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4) and S.I. 2006/173, reg. 5); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. paras. 3, 5); S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

Admission appeals E+W

94 Appeal arrangements: general. E+W

(1) A local education authority shall make arrangements for enabling the parent of a child to appeal against—

(a) any decision made by or on behalf of the authority as to the school at which education is to be provided for the child in the exercise of the authority’s functions, other than a decision leading to or embodied in a direction under section 96 [F70 or 97A] (directions for admission), and

(b) [F71 in the case of a community or voluntary controlled school maintained by the authority] [F71 in a case where the governing body of a community or voluntary controlled school maintained by the authority are the admission authority], any decision made by or on behalf of the governing body refusing the child admission to the school.

[F72 (1A) A local education authority shall make arrangements for enabling the parent of a child who has been admitted to a community or voluntary controlled school maintained by the authority to appeal against any decision made by or on behalf of the governing body refusing permission for the child to enter the school’s sixth form.]

(2) The governing body of a foundation or voluntary aided school shall make arrangements for enabling the parent of a child to appeal against any decision made by or on behalf of the governing body refusing the child admission to the school.

[F73 (2A) The governing body of a foundation or voluntary aided school shall make arrangements for enabling the parent of a child who has been admitted to the school to appeal against any decision made by or on behalf of the governing body refusing permission for the child to enter the school’s sixth form.]

(3) Joint arrangements may be made under subsection (2) [F74 or (2A)] by the governing bodies of two or more foundation or voluntary aided schools maintained by the same local education authority.

(4) A local education authority and the governing body or bodies of one or more foundation or voluntary aided schools maintained by the authority may make joint arrangements consisting of—

(a) such of the arrangements made by the authority in pursuance of subsection (1) [F75 or (1A)] as the authority may determine; and

(b) arrangements made by the governing body or bodies in pursuance of subsection (2) [F75 or (2A)].

[F76 (5) An appeal pursuant to any arrangements made under this section shall be to an appeal panel constituted in accordance with regulations.

(5A) Regulations may make provision about the making of appeals pursuant to such arrangements, including provision—

(a) as to the procedure on such appeals,

(b) for the payment by the local education authority of allowances to members of an appeal panel, and

(c) as to the grounds on which an appeal panel may, in the case of an appeal to which subsection (5B) applies, determine that a place is to be offered to the child concerned.

(5B) This subsection applies to any appeal against a decision made on the ground that prejudice of the kind referred to in section 86(3)(a) would arise as mentioned in subsection (4) of that section.

(5C) Regulations made by virtue of subsection (5A)(b) may provide for any of the provisions of sections 173 to 174 of the Local Government Act 1972 (allowances to members of local authorities and other bodies) to apply with prescribed modifications in relation to members of an appeal panel.]

(6) The decision of an appeal panel on an appeal [F77 pursuant to arrangements under this section] shall be binding on—

(a) the local education authority or the governing body by whom or on whose behalf the decision under appeal was made, and

(b) in the case of a decision made by or on behalf of a local education authority, the governing body of a community or voluntary controlled school at which the appeal panel determines that a place should be offered to the child in question.

[F78 (7) References in this section, in relation to a child who has been admitted to a school, to his entering the school’s sixth form are to his being transferred to a class at the school in which secondary education suitable to the requirements of pupils who are over compulsory school age is provided from a class in which such education is not provided.]

Textual Amendments

F70 Words in s. 94(1)(a) inserted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 51(1), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(d)

F71 Words in s. 94(1)(b) substituted (8.1.2007 for E.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 43(4), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 2(a)

F72 S. 94(1A) inserted (20.1.2003 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 8(2) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch. para. 3); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(3))

F73 S. 94(2A) inserted (20.1.2003 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 8(3) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch. para. 3); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(3))

F74 Words in s. 94(3) inserted (20.1.2003 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 8(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch. para. 3); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(3))

F75 Words in s. 94(4)(a)(b) inserted (20.1.2003 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 8(5) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch. para. 3); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(3))

F76 S. 94(5)-(5C) substituted for s. 94(5) (20.1.2003 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 50, 216(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch. para. 4); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(3))

F77 Words in s. 94(6) substituted (20.1.2003 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 8(6) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch. para. 3); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(3))

F78 S. 94(7) inserted (20.1.2003 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 8(7) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch. para. 3); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(3))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30 S. 94 restricted (29.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/1016, art. 6, Sch. 4 paras. 1, 8

C31 S. 94 modified (temp. from 22.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/1064, reg. 5

C32 S. 94 applied (with modifications) (1.9.1999) by S.I. 1999/2800, reg. 7, Sch. paras. 1, 2-8

S. 94 applied (with modifications) (18.10.1999) by S.I. 1999/2666, reg. 8, Sch. paras. 1(c), 2-8

C33 S. 94 excluded (prosp.) by Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (c. 41), ss. 36(5)(b)(10), 162(2) (with s. 159)

C34 S. 94 applied (with modifications) (8.5.2003) by The New School (Admissions) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1041), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. para. 1(b)

C35 S. 94 excluded (1.9.2005) by The Education (Pupil Referral Units) (Application of Enactments) (England) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2039), reg. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 1

C36 S. 94 applied (with modifications) (1.2.2006) by The New School (Admissions) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/175), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. (with reg. 2(2))

95 Appeals relating to children to whom section 87 applies. E+W

(1) Nothing in section 94(1) or (2) requires any arrangements to be made for enabling the parent of a child to appeal against a decision—

(a) made by or on behalf of the admission authority for a maintained school, and

(b) refusing the child admission to the school,

in a case where, at the time when the decision is made, section 87(2) applies to the child.

(2) Where a local education authority are the admission authority for a community or voluntary controlled school, the authority shall make arrangements for enabling the governing body of the school to appeal against any decision made by or on behalf of the authority to admit to the school a child to whom, at the time when the decision is made, section 87(2) applies.

[F79 (2A) Subsection (2) does not apply in relation to a decision made by or on behalf of a local authority in England to admit to a school a child who is looked after by a local authority in England (provision for references to the adjudicator in relation to such a decision being made by section 95A).]

[F80 (3) An appeal by the governing body pursuant to arrangements made under subsection (2) shall be to an appeal panel constituted in accordance with regulations.

(3A) Regulations may make provision about the making of appeals pursuant to arrangements under subsection (2), including provision—

(a) requiring prescribed information to be given to governing bodies in prescribed circumstances,

(b) as to the procedure on such appeals,

(c) for the payment by the local education authority of allowances to members of an appeal panel, and

(d) as to the matters to which an appeal panel is to have regard in considering an appeal.

(3B) Regulations made by virtue of subsection (3A)(c) may provide for any of the provisions of sections 173 to 174 of the Local Government Act 1972 (allowances to members of local authorities and other bodies) to apply with prescribed modifications in relation to members of an appeal panel.]

(4) The decision of an appeal panel on an appeal made pursuant to arrangements under subsection (2) shall be binding on the local education authority and the governing body.

Textual Amendments

F79 S. 95(2A) inserted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 48(1), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(a)

F80 S. 95(3)-(3B) substituted for s. 95(3) (20.1.2003 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 9 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch. para. 3); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(4))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C37 S. 95 modified (temp.) (22.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/1064, reg.6.

C38 S. 95 applied (with modifications) (18.10.1999) by S.I. 1999/2666, reg. 8, Sch. paras. 1(c), 2-8.

S. 95 applied (with modifications) (1.9.1999) by S.I. 1999/2800, reg. 7, Sch. paras. 1, 2-8.

C39 Ss. 95-99 applied (with modifications) (E.) (8.5.2003) by The New School (Admissions) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1041), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. para. 1(b)

C40 Ss. 95-99 applied (with modifications) (W.) (1.2.2006) by The New School (Admissions) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/175), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. (with reg. 2(2))

C41 S. 95(2) restricted (29.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/1016, art. 6, Sch. 4 paras. 1, 8

[F81 95A References relating to looked after children to whom section 87(2) applies E+W

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a local authority in England are the admission authority for a community or voluntary controlled school, and

(b) a decision is made by or on behalf of the authority to admit to the school a child who, at the time when the decision is made, is looked after by a local authority in England and to whom (at that time) section 87(2) applies.

(2) The local authority must give notice of the decision to the governing body of the school.

(3) The governing body of the school may, within the period of seven days beginning with the day on which they are notified of the decision, refer the matter to the adjudicator.

(4) A reference under subsection (3) may only be made on the ground that the admission of the child to the school would seriously prejudice the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources.

(5) If the adjudicator determines that the admission of the child to the school would have the effect mentioned in subsection (4)—

(a) the decision to admit the child to the school shall cease to have effect, but

(b) the adjudicator may determine that another maintained school in England is to be required to admit the child.

(6) A determination under subsection (5)(b) may only be made with the agreement of the local authority who look after the child.

(7) A determination under subsection (5)(b) may not be made if—

(a) the child is permanently excluded from the other school, or

(b) the admission of the child to the other school would seriously prejudice the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources.

(8) If the adjudicator determines under subsection (5)(b) that another school is to be required to admit the child—

(a) the admission authority for the school shall admit the child to the school, and

(b) if the admission authority are not the governing body of the school, the admission authority shall give notice in writing to the governing body and head teacher of the school of the adjudicator's decision.

(9) Regulations may make provision—

(a) requiring the adjudicator to consult prescribed persons or persons of a prescribed description before making any determination in connection with a reference under this section;

(b) requiring an admission authority for a maintained school to provide information which—

(i) falls within a prescribed description, and

(ii) is requested by the adjudicator for the purposes of any such determination.]

Textual Amendments

F81 S. 95A inserted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 48(2), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(a)

Power to direct admission of child to school E+W

96 Direction to admit child to specified school. E+W

(1) The local education authority may give a direction under this section [F82 to the governing body of a school for which they are not the admission authority] if, in the case of any child in their area, either (or both) of the following conditions is satisfied in relation to each school which is a reasonable distance from his home and provides suitable education, that is—

(a) he has been refused admission to the school, or

(b) he is permanently excluded from the school.

(2) A direction under this section shall specify a school—

(a) which is a reasonable distance from the child’s home, and

(b) from which the child is not permanently excluded.

(3) A direction under this section shall, unless it is given on the determination of [F83 the appropriate authority (within the meaning of section 97)] under section 97(4), specify a school in the area referred to in subsection (1).

(4) A direction under this section to admit a child shall not specify a school if his admission would result in prejudice of the kind referred to in section 86(3)(a) by reason of measures required to be taken as mentioned in subsection (4) of that section.

(5) Where a school is specified in a direction under this section, the governing body shall admit the child to the school.

(6) Subsection (5) does not affect any power to exclude from a school a pupil who is already a registered pupil there.

(7) In this section “suitable education”, in relation to a child, means efficient full-time education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs he may have.

(8) In this section and [F84 sections 97 to 97C] “school” means a maintained school.

Textual Amendments

F82 Words in s. 96(1) inserted (1.10.2002 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 10 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. para. 8); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(2))

F83 Words in s. 96(3) substituted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 51(2)(a), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(d)

F84 Words in s. 96(8) substituted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 51(2)(b), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(d)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C39 Ss. 95-99 applied (with modifications) (E.) (8.5.2003) by The New School (Admissions) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1041), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. para. 1(b)

C40 Ss. 95-99 applied (with modifications) (W.) (1.2.2006) by The New School (Admissions) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/175), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. (with reg. 2(2))

C42 S. 96 applied (with modifications) (18.10.1999) by S.I. 1999/2666, reg. 8, Sch. paras. 1(c), 2-8.

S. 96 applied (with modifications) (1.9.1999) by S.I. 1999/2800, reg. 7, Sch. paras. 1, 2-8.

97 Procedure for giving direction under section 96. E+W

(1) Before deciding to give a direction under section 96, the local education authority shall consult—

(a) the parent of the child, and

(b) the governing body of the school they propose to specify in the direction.

(2) Where the local education authority decide to give such a direction specifying any school—

(a) they shall, before doing so, serve a notice in writing of their decision on the governing body and head teacher of the school, and

(b) they shall not give the direction until the period for referring the matter to [F85 the appropriate authority] under subsection (3) has expired and, if it is so referred, [F85 the appropriate authority] has made [F86 its determination].

(3) The governing body may, within the period of 15 days beginning with the day on which the notice was served, refer the matter to [F87 the appropriate authority] and, if they do so, shall inform the local education authority.

[F88 (4) On a reference under subsection (3) [F89 the appropriate authority] may determine which school is to be required to admit the child, and [F90 if it does so]—

(a) where the local education authority referred to in subsection (1) are the admission authority for that school, they shall—

(i) admit the child to the school, and

(ii) give notice in writing to the governing body and head teacher of the school of [F91 the appropriate authority's] determination, and

(b) in any other case, that school shall be specified in the direction.]

(5) [F92 The appropriate authority] shall not make a determination under subsection (4) in relation to a school if the child’s admission to the school would result in prejudice of the kind referred to in section 86(3)(a) by reason of measures required to be taken as mentioned in subsection (4) of that section.

[F93 (6) A direction under section 96 shall be given by notice in writing; and a copy of the notice shall be given by the local education authority to the head teacher of theschool.]

[F94 (6A) In this section, “the appropriate authority” means—

(a) in relation to a local authority in England, the adjudicator, and

(b) in relation to a local authority in Wales, the Assembly.]

Textual Amendments

F85 Words in s. 97(2)(b) substituted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 49(a)(i), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(b)

F86 Words in s. 97(2)(b) substituted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 49(a)(ii), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(b)

F87 Words in s. 97(3) substituted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 49(b), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(b)

F88 S. 97(4) substituted (1.10.2002 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 11(2) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. para. 8); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(2))

F89 Words in s. 97(4) substituted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 49(c)(i), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(b)

F90 Words in s. 97(4) substituted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 49(c)(ii), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(b)

F91 Words in s. 97(4) substituted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 49(c)(iii), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(b)

F92 Words in s. 97(5) substituted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 49(d), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(b)

F93 S. 97(6) substituted (1.10.2002 for E., 31.5.2005 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 11(3) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3 (with art. 4, Sch. para. 8); S.I. 2005/1395, art. 4, Sch. (with art. 5(2))

F94 S. 97(6A) inserted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 49(e), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C39 Ss. 95-99 applied (with modifications) (E.) (8.5.2003) by The New School (Admissions) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1041), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. para. 1(b)

C40 Ss. 95-99 applied (with modifications) (W.) (1.2.2006) by The New School (Admissions) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/175), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. (with reg. 2(2))

C43 S. 97 applied (with modifications) (18.10.1999) by S.I. 1999/2666, reg. 8, Sch. paras. 1(c), 2-8.

S. 97 applied (with modifications) (1.9.1999) by S.I. 1999/2800, reg. 7, Sch. paras. 1, 2-8.

[F95 97A Direction to admit looked after child to specified school E+W

(1) A local authority in England may, in relation to a child looked after by them, give a direction under this section to the admission authority for any school in England other than a school for which the local authority are the admission authority.

(2) A direction under this section shall not specify a school from which the child is permanently excluded.

(3) Where a school is specified in a direction under this section, the admission authority shall admit the child to the school.

(4) Subsection (3) does not affect any power to exclude from a school a pupil who is already a registered pupil there.

Textual Amendments

F95 Ss. 97A, 97B inserted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 50(1), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(c)

97B Procedure for giving direction under section 97A E+W

(1) Before deciding to give a direction under section 97A, the local authority shall consult the admission authority for the school they propose to specify in the direction.

(2) The admission authority for the school shall, within the period of seven days beginning with the day on which they are consulted as mentioned in subsection (1), inform the local authority whether they are willing to admit the child to the school without being directed to do so by the authority.

(3) Where the local authority decide to give a direction under section 97A specifying a school—

(a) they shall, before doing so, serve a notice in writing of their decision on—

(i) the admission authority for the school,

(ii) if the school is a community or voluntary controlled school and the governing body of the school are not the admission authority, the governing body of the school,

(iii) if the school is maintained by a local authority who are not the authority proposing to give the direction and are not the admission authority, the local authority who maintain the school, and

(iv) the head teacher of the school, and

(b) they shall not give the direction until the period for referring the matter to the adjudicator under subsection (4) has expired and, if it is so referred, until the adjudicator has made such determinations under this section as it appears to him to be appropriate to make in connection with the reference.

(4) The following persons—

(a) the admission authority on whom a notice is served under subsection (3)(a)(i), and

(b) in the case of a notice relating to a child to whom (at the time of service of the notice) section 87(2) applies, the governing body of a community or voluntary controlled school on whom the notice is served under subsection (3)(a)(ii),

may, within the period of seven days beginning with the day on which the notice was served, refer the matter to the adjudicator and, if they do so, shall inform the local authority.

(5) A reference under subsection (4) may only be made on the ground that the admission of the child to the school would seriously prejudice the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources.

(6) If the adjudicator determines that the admission of the child to the school would have the effect mentioned in subsection (5)—

(a) the local authority may not give a direction under section 97A that the school admit the child, but

(b) the adjudicator may determine that another school in England is to be required to admit the child.

(7) A determination under subsection (6)(b) may only be made with the agreement of the local authority who look after the child.

(8) A determination under subsection (6)(b) may not be made if—

(a) the child is permanently excluded from the other school, or

(b) the admission of the child to the other school would seriously prejudice the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources.

(9) If the adjudicator determines under subsection (6)(b) that another school is to be required to admit the child, then—

(a) if the local authority referred to in subsection (1) are the admission authority for that school they shall—

(i) admit the child to the school, and

(ii) give notice in writing to the governing body and head teacher of the school of the adjudicator's decision, and

(b) in any other case, the local authority shall specify that school in their direction under section 97A.

(10) A direction under section 97A shall be given by notice in writing and a copy of the notice shall be given by the local authority to the head teacher of the school.]

Textual Amendments

F95 Ss. 97A, 97B inserted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 50(1), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(c)

[F96 97C Determinations under section 97 or 97B: supplemental E+W

Regulations may make provision in relation to England—

(a) requiring the adjudicator to consult prescribed persons or persons of a prescribed description before making any determination in connection with a reference under section 97 or 97B;

(b) requiring an admission authority for a school to provide information which—

(i) falls within a prescribed description, and

(ii) is requested by the adjudicator for the purposes of any such determination.]

Textual Amendments

F96 S. 97C inserted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 51(3), 188(3); S.I. 2006/3400, art. 3(d)

[F97 Looked after children in Wales E+W

Textual Amendments

F97 S. 97D and cross-heading inserted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 52(1), 188(2)

97D Power of Assembly to make regulations about admission of looked after children E+W

(1) The Assembly may by regulations make provision about the admission of children looked after by local authorities in Wales (“looked after children”) to maintained schools in Wales.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may include provision requiring the admission authorities for such schools—

(a) to include in their admission arrangements such provision relating to the admission of looked after children as may be prescribed, which may in particular include provision for securing that, subject to prescribed exceptions, such children are to be offered admission in preference to other children;

(b) to admit looked after children in prescribed circumstances, subject to prescribed exceptions.

(3) Regulations under subsection (1) may provide that any of the preceding provisions of this Chapter—

(a) shall not apply in relation to looked after children;

(b) shall apply in relation to such children with prescribed modifications.]

Nursery and special schools, etc: children with statements E+W

98 Admission for nursery education or to nursery or special school: children with statements of special educational needs. E+W

(1) Children admitted to a school for nursery education and subsequently transferred to a reception class at the school shall be regarded for the purposes of this Chapter as admitted to the school (otherwise than for nursery education) on being so transferred.

[F98 (2) The admission of children to a school for nursery education shall be disregarded—

(a) for the purposes of any determination under section 89 of the number of pupils in any relevant age group that it is intended to admit to a primary school in a school year, and

(b) in determining for the purposes of section 89A what is a relevant age group in relation to a primary school.]

(3) Subject to subsection (4), nothing in this Chapter [F99 apart from subsections (4A) and (4B)] applies in relation to—

(a) nursery schools, or

(b) children who will be under compulsory school age at the time of their proposed admission.

(4) Where the arrangements for the admission of pupils to a maintained school provide for the admission to the school of children who will be under compulsory school age at the time of their proposed admission, this Chapter shall apply in relation to the admission of such pupils to the school otherwise than for nursery education.

F100 [(4A) The person responsible for admitting, or refusing to admit, children to a maintained school for nursery education shall be the person who (by virtue of section 88(1)) is the admission authority for the school.

(4B) Regulations may make provision as to the person who is to be responsible for admitting, or refusing to admit, children to maintained nursery schools.]

(5) Regulations may make provision in connection with the arrangements for the admission of pupils to community or foundation special schools, and for the allocation between the local education authority and the governing body of such a school of functions in connection with such arrangements.

(6) Apart from section [F101 92(c) and (d)] and subsection (5) above, nothing in this Chapter applies in relation to special schools.

(7) Subject to subsections (8) and (9), nothing in this Chapter applies in relation to children for whom statements of special educational needs are maintained under section 324 of the M3 Education Act 1996.

(8) Any provision made by, or (as the case may be) by virtue of, section 84 or [F102 92(c) and (d)] or this section[F103 , apart from subsections (4A) and (4B),] applies, or (as the case may be) may be made so as to apply, in relation to such children.

[F104 (9) Such children shall, in addition, be taken into account for the purposes of—

(a) the references in section 86(5), (5B) and (9) to a number of pupils, and

(b) any determination under section 89 of the number of pupils in a relevant age group that it is intended to admit, or to admit either as boarders or otherwise than as boarders, to a school in a school year.]

(10) In subsection (8) the reference to any provision made by this section includes a reference to subsection (4) only so far as it has effect for the purposes mentioned in subsection (9).

Textual Amendments

F98 S. 98(2) substituted (20.1.2003 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 12(2) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4) and S.I. 2006/173, reg. 7); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch. para. 2); S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

F99 Words in s. 98(3) inserted (20.1.2003 for E., 31.3.2004 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 12(3) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch. para. 3); S.I. 2004/912, art. 4, Sch. Pt. 1 (with art. 7

F100 S. 98(4A)(4B) inserted (20.1.2003 for E., 31.3.2004 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 12(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch. para. 4); S.I. 2004/912, art. 4, Sch. Pt. 1 (with art. 7)

F101 Words in s. 98(6) substituted: (E.) (20.1.2003) by The Education Act 2002 (Modification of Provisions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/2953), reg. 4; and (W.) (1.2.2006) by The Education Act 2002 (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/173), regs. 1(1), 10

F102 Words in s. 98(8) substituted: (E.) (20.1.2003) by The Education Act 2002 (Modification of Provisions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/2953), reg. 4; and (W.) (1.2.2006) by The Education Act 2002 (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/173), regs. 1(1), 10

F103 Words in s. 98(8) inserted (20.1.2003 for E., 31.3.2004 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 12(5) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch. para. 5); S.I. 2004/912, art. 4, Sch. Pt. 1 (with art. 7)

F104 S. 98(9) substituted (20.1.2003 for E., 1.2.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 4 para. 12(6) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2952, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch. para. 6); S.I. 2006/172, art. 4, Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C39 Ss. 95-99 applied (with modifications) (E.) (8.5.2003) by The New School (Admissions) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1041), regs. 1(1), 9, Sch. para. 1(b)

C44 S. 98 modified (temp.) (22.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/1064, reg.7.

C45 S. 98 applied (with modifications) (18.10.1999) by S.I. 1999/2666, reg. 8, Sch. paras. 1(c), 2-8.

S. 98 applied (with modifications) (1.9.1999) by S.I. 1999/2800, reg. 7, Sch. paras. 1, 2-8.

C46 S. 98(2) transitional provisions for effects of 2002 c. 32, Sch. 4 para. 12(2) (W.) (1.2.2006) by The Education Act 2002 (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/173), regs. 1(1), 8

Commencement Information

I4 S. 98 wholly in force at 1.4.1999; s. 98 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 145(3); s. 98(5) and (8)-(10) in force for certain purposes at 1.10.1998 by S.I. 1998/2212, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I; s. 98 in force at 1.4.1999 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 1999/1016, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 3-6, Sch. 4).

Marginal Citations

M3 1996 c. 56.