Education Act 1981 (repealed 1.11.1996)

16 Amendment and revocation of school attendance orders. E+W

(1) This section applies in any case where—

(a) a local education authority have served a school attendance order on the parent of a child under section 37 of the principal Act; and

(b) the authority maintain a statement for that child under section 7.

(2) If at any time while the order is in force the parent applies to the local education authority requesting—

(a) that another school be substituted for that named in the order; or

(b) that the order be revoked on the ground that arrangements have been made for the child to receive efficient full-time education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude and to his special educational needs otherwise than at school;

the authority shall amend or revoke the order in compliance with the request unless they are of the opinion that—

(i) the school selected by the parent as the school to be named in the order is unsuitable to the child’s age, ability or aptitude or to his special educational needs or that the proposed change of school is against the interests of the child;

(ii) the attendance of the child at the school so selected would prejudice the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources; or

(iii) no satisfactory arrangements have been made for the education of the child otherwise than at school.

(3) If a parent is aggrieved by a refusal of the authority to comply with a request made under subsection (2) above he may refer the question to the Secretary of State, who shall give such direction thereon as he thinks fit.

(4) Any direction under subsection (3) above may require the local education authority to make such amendments in the statement concerned as the Secretary of State considers necessary or expedient in consequence of his determination.

(5) Where, in pursuance of a direction given by the Secretary of State under this section, a school which is to be substituted for that named in the school attendance order is a school maintained by a local education authority, it shall be the duty of the authority and of the governors of the school to admit the child to the school.

[F1 (6) Where, in pursuance of a direction given by the Secretary of State under this section, a school which is to be substituted for that named in the school attendance order is a grant-maintained school, it shall be the duty of the governing body of the school to admit the child to the school.]

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 16(6) inserted by Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), ss. 231(7), 235(6), 237(1), Sch. 12 para. 28