Education Act 2002

Part 10 E+W Independent schools

Chapter 1 E+W Regulation of independent schools

Standards E+W

[F1 156AA Application of Chapter to alternative provision Academies that are not independent schools E+W

(1) This Chapter applies to alternative provision Academies that are not independent schools as it applies to independent schools in England.

(2) Accordingly, references in this Chapter to independent schools (apart from those that are independent schools in Wales) are to be read as including references to alternative provision Academies that are not independent schools.]

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 156AA inserted (1.4.2012) by The Alternative Provision Academies (Consequential Amendments to Acts) (England) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/976), art. 1, Sch. para. 13 (with art. 3)

[F2 156A Application of Chapter to schools in Wales only E+W

(1) References in this Chapter to an independent school are to an independent school in Wales.

(2) For provision regulating independent schools in England, see Chapter 1 of Part 4 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.]

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 156A inserted (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 15 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z) (with art. 4)

157 Independent school standards E+W

(1) For the purposes of this Chapter, regulations shall prescribe standards about the following matters—

(a) the quality of education provided at independent schools;

(b) the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils at independent schools;

(c) the welfare, health and safety of pupils at independent schools;

(d) the suitability of proprietors of and staff at independent schools;

(e) the premises of and accommodation at independent schools;

(f) the provision of information by independent schools;

(g) the manner in which independent schools handle complaints.

F3 (1A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F4 (2) In this Chapter “independent school standards” means—

(a) the standards for the time being prescribed under this section, F5 ...]

F6 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F3 S. 157(1A) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 16, Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F4 S. 157(2) substituted (1.9.2008) by Childcare Act 2006 (c. 21), ss. 47(2), 109(2); S.I. 2008/2261, art. 2 (with Sch. 1)

F5 Word in s. 157(2) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 2; S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(aa) (with art. 4)

F6 S. 157(2)(b) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 16, Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

Commencement Information

I1 S. 157 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

I2 S. 157 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III

Requirement of registration E+W

158 The registers E+W

(1) There shall continue to be—

F7 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) a register of independent schools in Wales.

F8 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) The register of independent schools in Wales shall be kept by [F9 the Welsh Ministers].

[F10 (4) The Welsh Ministers must publish a list of the schools included in the register of independent schools in Wales, as amended from time to time.

(5) If the Welsh Ministers have been provided with the necessary information by the proprietor of the school, the published list must specify the type or types of additional learning provision made by a school on the list for pupils with additional learning needs (if any).]

Textual Amendments

F7 S. 158(1)(a) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 17(a), Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F8 S. 158(2) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 17(a), Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F9 Words in s. 158(3) substituted (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 17(b) (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z) (with art. 4)

F10 S. 158(4)(5) inserted (2.11.2020 for specified purposes) by Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (anaw 2), ss. 54(2), 100(3); S.I. 2020/1182, reg. 3(1)(e)

Commencement Information

I3 S. 158 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III

I4 S. 158(1)(2) in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

I5 S. 158(3) in force at 6.11.2006 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2006/2895, art. 2

159 Unregistered schools E+W

(1) A person who conducts an independent school which is not a registered school is guilty of an offence.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to—

(a) a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or

(b) imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months,

or to both.

F11 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) Where the Chief Inspector has reasonable cause to believe that an offence under subsection (1) is being committed on any premises, he may at any reasonable time—

(a) enter and inspect the premises, and

(b) inspect and take copies of any records or other documents which he has reasonable cause to believe may be required for the purposes of proceedings in relation to such an offence.

(5) [F12 Section 58 of the Education Act 2005] (computer records) applies in relation to the inspection of records or other documents under subsection (4)(b).

(6) It is an offence wilfully to obstruct the Chief Inspector in the exercise of his functions under subsection (4).

(7) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (6) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

Textual Amendments

F11 S. 159(3) repealed (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 172(3), 188(2), Sch. 18 Pt. 2

F12 Words in s. 159(5) substituted (1.9.2005 for E., 1.9.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2005 (c. 18), s. 125(4), Sch. 9 para. 29; S.I. 2005/2034, art. 4; S.I. 2006/1338, art. 3, Sch. 1

Commencement Information

I6 S. 159 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

I7 S. 159 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III

Registration procedure E+W

160 Applications for registration E+W

(1) An application to enter an independent school in the register must—

(a) contain the prescribed information, and

(b) be made to the registration authority by the proprietor of the school in the prescribed manner.

(2) The information prescribed under subsection (1)(a) shall include information as to the following matters relating to the school—

(a) the age range of pupils;

(b) the maximum number of pupils;

(c) whether the school is for male or female pupils or both;

(d) whether the school provides accommodation for pupils;

(e) [F13 whether the school admits pupils with special educational needs.]

[F13 the type or types of additional learning provision made by the school for pupils with additional learning needs (if any).]

(3) Where the proprietor of an independent school makes an application to the registration authority under this section, the authority shall notify the Chief Inspector.

(4) The Chief Inspector shall then inspect the school and report to the registration authority on the extent to which the independent school standards are met, and are likely to continue to be met, in relation to the school.

Textual Amendments

F13 S. 160(2)(e) substituted (2.11.2020 for specified purposes) by Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (anaw 2), ss. 54(3), 100(3); S.I. 2020/1182, reg. 3(1)(e)

Commencement Information

I8 S. 160 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

I9 S. 160 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III

161 Determination of applications for registration E+W

(1) Where a school has been inspected under section 160, the registration authority shall, taking into account—

(a) the report of the Chief Inspector under that section, and

(b) any other evidence relating to the independent school standards,

determine whether those standards are met, and are likely to continue to be met, in relation to the school.

(2) The registration authority shall notify the proprietor of a school of any determination made by the authority under this section in relation to the school.

(3) If the registration authority determines under this section that the independent school standards are met, and are likely to continue to be met, in relation to a school, the authority shall enter the school in the register.

(4) An entry in the register for a school shall include —

(a) the name and address of the school,

(b) the name of the proprietor of the school, and

(c) the information supplied pursuant to section 160(2)(a) to (e).

Commencement Information

I10 S. 161 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

I11 S. 161 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III

Enforcement of standards after registration E+W

162 Changes to registered details E+W

(1) The registration authority may remove a school from the register if—

(a) there is a material change in relation to the school, and

(b) the change has not been approved under this section or section 167.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), “material change”, in relation to a school, means—

(a) a change of proprietor,

(b) a change of address, or

(c) a change to the school in respect of any of the matters referred to in section 160(2)(a) to (e).

(3) Applications for approval under this section must be made in writing and, in the case of approval of a change of proprietor, must be made by the proposed new proprietor.

(4) Where an application for approval is made under this section, the registration authority may require the Chief Inspector to—

(a) inspect the school, and

(b) report to the authority on the extent to which, if the change is made, any relevant standard is likely to continue to be met in relation to the school.

(5) In subsection (4), “relevant standard” means any of the independent schools standards specified by the authority for the purposes of that subsection.

(6) The registration authority shall, where an application for approval is made under this section—

(a) approve the change, if the condition in subsection (7) is satisfied, and

(b) in any other case, refuse to approve it.

(7) The condition in this subsection is that the authority is satisfied that, taking into account—

(a) any report under subsection (4), and

(b) any other evidence relating to the independent school standards,

those standards will continue to be met in relation to the school.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 162 modified (1.1.2004) by The Independent Schools (Provision of Information) (Wales) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/3230), regs. 1(1), 9

Commencement Information

I12 S. 162 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

I13 S. 162 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III

F14 162A Power to inspect registered schools in England E+W

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

Textual Amendments

F14 S. 162A repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 18, Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F15 162B Inspections under section 162A: supplementary E+W

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

Textual Amendments

F15 S. 162B repealed (1.9.2009 for specified purposes, 5.1.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 18, Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2009/1606, art. 3 (with art. 6); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z) (with art. 4)

[F17 163 Power to inspect registered schoolsF16 ... E+W

(1) The registration authority may at any time—

(a) require the Chief InspectorF18 ... to inspect any registered schoolF18 ..., or to secure its inspection by one or more registered inspectors, or

(b) arrange for the inspection of any registered school by a body approved by the registration authority for the purposes of this subsection.

(2) The inspection of a school under this section shall relate to—

(a) such of the independent school standards as are, at the time of the inspection, specified by the registration authority for the purposes of this section in relation to any category of school into which that school falls, or

(b) if the registration authority so determines, such of the independent school standards as the registration authority may specify in relation to that school.

(3) A person who conducts an inspection under this section shall—

(a) make a report to the registration authority on the extent to which the school meets the standard or standards to which the inspection relates, and

(b) if the registration authority so requires, arrange for the publication of the report in the prescribed manner.

(4) A report published under subsection (3) is privileged for the purposes of the law of defamation unless the publication is shown to be made with malice (but without prejudice to any privilege subsisting apart from this subsection).

(5) In this section and section 164—

• F19 ...

• “registered inspector” means a person registered under section 25 of the Education Act 2005.

Textual Amendments

F16 Words in s. 163 title omitted (5.1.2015) by virtue of Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 19(a) (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z) (with art. 4)

F17 Ss. 163, 164 substituted (1.9.2005 for E., 1.9.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2005 (c. 18), s. 125(4), Sch. 8 para. 3; S.I. 2005/2034, art. 4; S.I. 2006/1338, art. 3, Sch. 1

F18 Words in s. 163(1)(a) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 19(b), Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F19 Words in s. 163(5) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 19(c), Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

164 Inspections under section 163: supplementary E+W

(1) This section applies to the inspection of a school which is conducted by the Chief InspectorF20 ... or a registered inspector under section 163(1)(a).

(2) If the inspection is conducted by a registered inspector—

(a) he may, by agreement with the Chief InspectorF21 ..., be assisted by the Chief Inspector F21 ..., and

(b) he may be assisted by such one or more persons enrolled in the list kept under paragraph 4 of Schedule 4 to the Education Act 2005 as he may determine, subject to paragraph 3(5) of that Schedule and subsection (3) below.

(3) If the Chief InspectorF22 ... so requires, a registered inspector shall be assisted by at least one person enrolled in the list referred to in subsection (2)(b)—

(a) who is without personal experience in the management of any school or the provision of education in any school (otherwise than as a governor or in any other voluntary capacity, and disregarding any experience which it is reasonable to regard as insignificant), and

(b) whose primary function in the inspection is not that of providing financial or business expertise.

(4) If the inspection is conducted by a registered inspector, it may be monitored by the Chief InspectorF23 ....

(5) The person conducting the inspection, any person assisting him pursuant to subsection (2) or (3) and any person monitoring the inspection shall have at all reasonable times—

(a) a right of entry to the premises of the school, and

(b) a right to inspect and take copies of any records kept by the school and any other documents containing information relating to the school which are required for the purposes of the inspection.

(6) Section 58 of the Education Act 2005 (computer records) applies in relation to the inspection of records or other documents under subsection (5)(b).

(7) It is an offence intentionally to obstruct a person in the exercise of his functions in relation to the inspection.

(8) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (7) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(9) The proprietor of the school shall pay the Chief InspectorF24 ..., in respect of the inspection, a fee of such amount, and by such time, as may be specified in or determined under regulations.

(10) Where the proprietor fails to comply with subsection (9), the registration authority may remove the school from the register.

(11) The Chief InspectorF25 ... shall pay the amount of any fee received under subsection (9) into the Consolidated Fund.

(12) Subsection (11) has effect subject to paragraph 4 of Schedule 6 to the Government of Wales Act 1998 (Treasury power to direct that requirement for payment into Consolidated Fund not to apply in relation to specified sums received by the Chief InspectorF26 ...).]

Textual Amendments

F17 Ss. 163, 164 substituted (1.9.2005 for E., 1.9.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2005 (c. 18), s. 125(4), Sch. 8 para. 3; S.I. 2005/2034, art. 4; S.I. 2006/1338, art. 3, Sch. 1

F20 Words in s. 164(1) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 20, Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F21 Words in s. 164(2)(a) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 20, Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F22 Words in s. 164(3) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 20, Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F23 Words in s. 164(4) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 20, Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F24 Words in s. 164(9) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 20, Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F25 Words in s. 164(11) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 20, Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F26 Words in s. 164(12) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 20, Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

165 Failure to meet standards E+W

(1) This section applies where, taking into account—

(a) a report under section F27 ... 163 in respect of a registered school, or

(b) any other evidence in respect of a registered school,

the registration authority is satisfied that any one or more of the independent school standards is or are not being met in relation to the school.

(2) If the registration authority considers that there is a risk of serious harm to the welfare of pupils at the school, the authority may determine that the school is to be removed from the register on such date after the appeal period as the authority may determine.

(3) Where the registration authority does not make a determination under subsection (2), it shall serve a notice on the proprietor of the school—

(a) identifying the standard or standards in question, and

(b) requiring the proprietor to submit an action plan to the authority before the date specified in the notice (or such later date as the authority may specify after service of the notice).

(4) For the purposes of this section, an action plan is a plan specifying—

(a) the steps that will be taken to meet a standard or standards, and

(b) the time by which each step will be taken.

(5) Where an action plan is submitted in accordance with subsection (3) the registration authority may—

(a) reject it, or

(b) approve it, with or without modifications.

(6) Where an action plan is required under subsection (3) but is not submitted in accordance with that subsection, or is so submitted but rejected, the registration authority may—

(a) determine that the school is to be removed from the register on such date after the appeal period as the authority may determine, or

(b) make an order under subsection (8).

(7) Where an action plan has been approved under subsection (5), but any step specified in the plan is not taken by the date specified in the plan (whether as originally approved or as varied under paragraph (a)), the registration authority may—

(a) substitute a later date for the taking of that step,

(b) make an order under subsection (8), or

(c) determine that the school is to be removed from the register on such date after the appeal period as the authority may determine.

(8) An order under this subsection is an order requiring the proprietor of the school to do one or more of the following no later than such date after the appeal period as may be specified in the order—

(a) to cease using any part of the school premises for all purposes or purposes specified in the order;

(b) to close any part of the school’s operation;

(c) to cease to admit any new pupils, or new pupils of a description specified in the order.

(9) If the proprietor of a school fails to comply with an order under subsection (8)—

(a) he is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months, or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both, and

(b) e registration authority may determine that the school is to be removed from the register on such date after the appeal period as the authority may determine.

(10) Where the proprietor of a school in respect of which an order is made under subsection (8) applies to the registration authority for the order to be varied or revoked, the authority shall—

(a) vary or revoke the order as requested in the application, if it is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so because of any change of circumstance, and

(b) in any other case, refuse to do so.

(11) The variation or revocation of an order under subsection (10) shall take effect as from the date on which the proprietor of the school is notified of it.

(12) Where the registration authority has made a determination under this section to remove a school from the register on a particular date and no appeal is made against the determination under section 166, the authority shall remove the school from the register on that date.

(13) For the purposes of this Chapter, the “appeal period” in relation to a determination or order is the period within which an appeal against it may be made under section 166.

Textual Amendments

F27 Words in s. 165(1)(a) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 21, Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 165 restricted (19.11.2003) by The Education Act 2002 (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) (No.2) (Wales) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/2959), regs. 1(1), 8(1)

Commencement Information

I14 S. 165 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4 (with Sch. para. 6)

I15 S. 165 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III

166 Appeals E+W

(1) The proprietor of a registered school may appeal to the [F28 First-tier Tribunal] against—

(a) a refusal under section 162 to approve a material change,

(b) a determination under section 165 to remove the school from the register,

(c) an order under section 165(8) requiring the taking of specified action, or

(d) a refusal under section 165(10) to vary or revoke such an order.

(2) An appeal under subsection (1) must be made within the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which notice of the refusal, determination or order is served on the proprietor.

(3) Where an appeal is made under subsection (1)(b) against a determination under section 165—

(a) if the appeal is withdrawn or otherwise disposed of before it is determined by the tribunal under section 167, the registration authority may remove the school from the register on such date after the appeal period as it may determine, and

(b) in any other case the registration authority may only remove the school pursuant to the determination in accordance with section 167.

(4) Where an appeal is made under subsection (1)(c) against an order under section 165(8), the order shall not have effect in relation to any time before the appeal is determined by the tribunal under section 167 or withdrawn or otherwise disposed of.

(5) In the case of an appeal against a determination under section 165(2), if at any time the tribunal considers that there is a risk of serious harm occurring to the welfare of pupils before the determination of the appeal, it may by order provide that the school is to be regarded as not registered for the purposes of section 159 until the tribunal determines the appeal under section 167 (or revokes the order before so determining the appeal).

Textual Amendments

F28 Words in s. 166(1) substituted (3.11.2008) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 194

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 166(2): power to modify conferred (temp.) (25.3.2020) by Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(1), Sch. 17 para. 7 (with ss. 88-90) (which affecting provision expires (25.9.2022) by Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 89 (with s. 90))

Commencement Information

I16 S. 166 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

I17 S. 166 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III

167 Determination of appeals E+W

(1) This section applies where an appeal is made under section 166 to the [F29 First-tier Tribunal].

(2) In the case of an appeal against a refusal under section 162 to approve a material change, the tribunal may—

(a) uphold the refusal to approve, or

(b) itself approve the change.

(3) In the case of an appeal against a determination under section 165 to remove the school from the register, the tribunal may—

(a) uphold the determination, or

(b) revoke the determination.

(4) Where under subsection (3)(a) the tribunal upholds a determination, the registration authority shall remove the school from the register on such date as the tribunal may specify or, if it does not specify a date, on such date as the registration authority may determine.

(5) Where under subsection (3)(b) the tribunal revokes a determination, it may order the proprietor of the school to do one or more of the following by such time as may be specified in the order—

(a) to cease using any part of the school premises for all purposes or purposes specified in the order;

(b) to close any part of the school’s operation;

(c) to cease to admit any new pupils, or new pupils of a description specified in the order.

(6) In the case of an appeal against an order under section 165(8) requiring the taking of specified action, the tribunal may—

(a) uphold the order,

(b) vary the order, or

(c) strike down the order.

(7) In the case of an appeal against a refusal under section 165(10) to vary or revoke an order under section 165(8), the tribunal may—

(a) uphold the refusal, or

(b) if in any case it is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so because of any change of circumstance after the making of the order—

(i) vary the order in such manner as it thinks fit, or

(ii) revoke the order.

(8) The tribunal may, on the application of the proprietor of a registered school, vary or revoke any order made by it under subsection (5) in relation to the school where it is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so because of any change of circumstance.

(9) If the proprietor of a school fails to comply with an order of the tribunal under subsection (5)—

(a) he is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months, or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both, and

(b) the tribunal may, on the application of the registration authority, authorise the registration authority to remove the school from the register on such date as the tribunal may determine.

Textual Amendments

F29 Words in s. 167(1) substituted (3.11.2008) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 195

Commencement Information

I18 S. 167 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

I19 S. 167 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III

[F30 Prohibition on participation in management of independent schools E+W

Textual Amendments

F30 Ss. 167A-167D and cross-heading inserted (12.10.2009 for W.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 169, 188(3); S.I. 2009/2545, art. 3(1)(a)

167A Prohibition on participation in management of independent schools E+W

(1) The appropriate authority may direct that a person—

(a) may not take part in the management of an independent school;

(b) may take part in the management of an independent school only in circumstances specified in the direction;

(c) may take part in the management of an independent school only if conditions specified in the direction are satisfied.

(2) A direction under this section may be given in respect of a person only on one or more prescribed grounds connected with the suitability of persons to take part in the management of an independent school.

(3) Regulations may prescribe the procedure for giving a direction under this section (including provision about notification of persons who are subject to directions).

(4) The appropriate authority may vary or revoke a direction under this section in prescribed cases.

(5) Regulations may prescribe the grounds on which a person subject to a direction under this section may seek to have it varied or revoked under subsection (4).

(6) In this section and sections 167B to 167D, “appropriate authority” means—

F31 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) F32 ... the registration authority or such other public authority as may be prescribed.

Textual Amendments

F31 S. 167A(6)(a) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 22(a), Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F32 Words in s. 167A(6)(b) repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 22(b), Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

167B Directions under section 167A: appeals E+W

(1) A person in respect of whom a direction has been given under section 167A may appeal to the [F33 First-tier Tribunal]—

(a) against the decision to give the direction;

(b) against a decision not to vary or revoke the direction.

(2) Regulations may—

(a) provide that the Tribunal may not entertain an appeal under this section insofar as the appellant's case is inconsistent with his having been convicted of an offence;

(b) prescribe circumstances in which the Tribunal shall allow an appeal under this section;

(c) prescribe the powers available to the Tribunal on allowing an appeal under this section.

Textual Amendments

F33 Words in s. 167B substituted (3.11.2008) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833, art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 196

[F34 167C Directions under section 167A: information E+W

(1) Where the appropriate authority is a public authority other than the Welsh Ministers, the Welsh Ministers may provide to that authority any information relating to a person which is held by the Welsh Ministers in connection with the Welsh Ministers' functions under this Chapter.

(2) The Secretary of State may provide to the appropriate authority any information relating to a person which is held by the Secretary of State and which appears to the Secretary of State to be relevant to the exercise of the appropriate authority's functions under section 167A or by virtue of section 167B.

(3) The Chief Inspector may provide to the appropriate authority any information relating to a person which appears to the Chief Inspector to be relevant to the exercise of the appropriate authority's functions under section 167A or by virtue of section 167B.

(4) The Independent Barring Board may provide to the appropriate authority any information relating to a person which is held by the Board in connection with its functions and which appears to it to be relevant to the exercise of the appropriate authority's functions under section 167A or by virtue of section 167B.

(5) The appropriate authority may provide to the Independent Barring Board, the General Teaching Council for Wales, the Chief Inspector, the Secretary of State or, where the appropriate authority is a public authority other than the Welsh Ministers, the Welsh Ministers, any information relating to a person which is held by the appropriate authority in connection with its functions under section 167A.]

Textual Amendments

F34 S. 167C substituted (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 23 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z) (with art. 4)

[F35 167D Directions under section 167A: notification E+W

Where the appropriate authority gives a direction under section 167A(1), or varies or revokes any such direction, it must notify—

(a) the registration authority (unless the appropriate authority is the registration authority), and

(b) the Secretary of State and (if different) the appropriate authority for the purposes of sections 128 to 131 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 (prohibition on participation in management of independent educational institutions in England).]]

Textual Amendments

F35 S. 167D substituted (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 23 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z) (with art. 4)

Supplementary E+W

168 Provision of information E+W

(1) Regulations may make provision for requiring the proprietor of a registered school to provide the registration authority, when the authority so requests, with such particulars relating to the school as may be prescribed.

(2) Regulations under this section may in particular—

[F36 (a) require the provision of such information as is required for the purposes of determining whether the school is—

(i) a children’s home in England (within the meaning of the Care Standards Act 2000), or

(ii) a provider of a care home service (within the meaning of the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016);]

(b) provide for the registration authority to remove from the register any school in respect of which any requirement imposed by or under the regulations is not complied with;

(c) provide that a person who fails to comply with any specified provision of the regulations is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Textual Amendments

F36 S. 168(2)(a) substituted (2.4.2018) by The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/195), regs. 2(1), 18

Commencement Information

I20 S. 168 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

I21 S. 168 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III

[F37 168A Proceedings for offences E+W

No proceedings for an offence under this Chapter shall be instituted except by or with the consent of the registration authority.

Textual Amendments

F37 Ss. 168A-168C inserted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 172(2), 188(2) (with s. 172(4))

168B Offences by bodies corporate E+W

(1) Where an offence under this Chapter committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of—

(a) any director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, or

(b) any person who was purporting to act in any such capacity,

he (as well as the body corporate) is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(2) Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) applies in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his functions of management as it applies to a director of a body corporate.

Textual Amendments

F37 Ss. 168A-168C inserted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 172(2), 188(2) (with s. 172(4))

168C Offences by unincorporated bodies E+W

(1) Proceedings for an offence alleged to have been committed under this Chapter by an unincorporated body are to be brought in the name of that body (and not in that of any of its members) and, for the purposes of any such proceedings, any rules of court relating to the service of documents have effect as if that body were a corporation.

(2) A fine imposed on an unincorporated body on its conviction of an offence under this Chapter is to be paid out of the funds of that body.

(3) If an unincorporated body is charged with an offence under this Chapter, section 33 of the Criminal Justice Act 1925 and Schedule 3 to the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (procedure on charge of an offence against a corporation) apply as they do in relation to a body corporate.

(4) Where an offence under this Chapter committed by an unincorporated body (other than a partnership) is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, any officer of the body or any member of its governing body, he as well as the body is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(5) Where an offence under this Chapter committed by a partnership is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, a partner, he as well as the partnership is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.]

Textual Amendments

F37 Ss. 168A-168C inserted (8.1.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 172(2), 188(2) (with s. 172(4))

169 Unsuitable persons E+W

The registration authority may remove a registered school from the register where it is satisfied that any person who, in relation to the school, carries out [F38 any work to which section 142 applies—

(a) is carrying out that work in contravention of a direction under that section, or

(b) is subject to an order under section 28 or 29 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (c. 43) (disqualification from working with children).]

[F38 work of a prescribed kind is subject to a direction, order or decision of a prescribed description made under any prescribed enactment having effect in any part of the United Kingdom.]

Textual Amendments

F38 Words in s. 169 substituted (12.10.2009 for W.) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 170(1), 188(3); S.I. 2009/2545, art. 3(1)(b)

Commencement Information

I22 S. 169 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

I23 S. 169 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III

170 Service of notice etc. E+W

(1) The registration authority must serve on the proprietor of a registered school notice of—

(a) any decision made by the authority under section 162 in relation to the school;

(b) any determination or order made by the authority under section 165 in relation to the school;

(c) any decision made by the authority under subsection (10) of that section in relation to the school.

(2) For the purposes of this Chapter, any notice, order or other document required to be given to or served on the proprietor of a registered school may be given to or served on him by delivering it to the registered address of the school.

Commencement Information

I24 S. 170 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

I25 S. 170 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III

171 Interpretation of Chapter 1 E+W

In this Chapter—

• “appeal period” has the meaning given by section 165;

• “Chief Inspector” means—

  (a)

  F39 ...

  (b)

  F40 ... Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales;

• F41 ...

• “independent school standards” has the meaning given by section 157;

• “the register” means—

  (a)

  F42 ...

  (b)

  F43 ... the register of independent schools in Wales;

• “registered” means entered in the register;

• F44 ...

• “registration authority” means [F45 the Welsh Ministers].

Textual Amendments

F39 Words in s. 171 repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 24(2)(a), Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F40 Words in s. 171 repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 24(2)(b), Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F41 Words in s. 171 repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 24(3), Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F42 Words in s. 171 repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 24(4)(a), Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F43 Words in s. 171 repealed (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 24(4)(b), Sch. 2 (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z)(aa) (with art. 4)

F44 Words in s. 171 repealed (1.9.2005 for E., 1.9.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2005 (c. 18), s. 125(4), Sch. 8 para. 5, Sch. 19 Pt. 1; S.I. 2005/2034, art. 4; S.I. 2006/1338, art. 3, Sch. 1

F45 Words in s. 171 substituted (5.1.2015) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), s. 173(4), Sch. 1 para. 24(5) (with s. 139); S.I. 2014/3364, art. 2(z) (with art. 4)

Commencement Information

I26 S. 171 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

I27 S. 171 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III

Chapter 2 E+W Children with special educational needs

172 Alteration to definition of “independent school” E+W

For section 463 of the Education Act 1996 (c. 56) (meaning of “independent school”) there is substituted—

“463 Meaning of “independent school”

(1) In this Act “independent school” means any school at which full-time education is provided for—

(a) five or more pupils of compulsory school age, or

(b) at least one pupil of that age for whom a statement is maintained under section 324, or who is looked after by a local authority (within the meaning of section 22 of the Children Act 1989),

and which is not a school maintained by a [F46 local authority] or a special school not so maintained.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a) and (b) it is immaterial if full-time education is also provided at the school for pupils under or over compulsory school age.”

Textual Amendments

F46 Words in Act substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), art. 1, Sch. 2 para. 11(2)

Commencement Information

I28 S. 172 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

I29 S. 172 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III

173 Right of access of [F46 local authority] E+W

In section 327 of the Education Act 1996 (c. 56) ( [F46 local authority] to have access to certain schools to monitor provision made for child with special educational needs), in subsection (1)(b) (schools to which section applies), at the end there is inserted “or at an independent school”.

Textual Amendments

F46 Words in Act substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), art. 1, Sch. 2 para. 11(2)

Commencement Information

I30 S. 173 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

I31 S. 173 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III

174 Consent to placement E+W

In section 347 of the Education Act 1996 (approval of independent schools as suitable to provide special education), in subsection (5)(b) (no child to be placed at an unapproved school unless the Secretary of State consents), after “Secretary of State” there is inserted “ is satisfied that there is a place available for the child at the school and ”.

Commencement Information

I32 S. 174 in force at 1.9.2003 except in relation to W. by S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

I33 S. 174 in force at 1.1.2004 for W. by S.I. 2003/2961, art. 6, Sch. Pt. III