Schools

For voluntary controlled schools

The LA is the admissions authority although some LAs delegate aspects of the process to VC schools.  We provide advice on all aspects of admissions:

• Individual cases
• Working with the local authority on admissions policies
• Working within the co-ordinated admissions scheme administered by the local authority in accordance with the Admissions Code* 

For voluntary aided schools

The governing body is the admissions authority and therefore responsible for setting its own admissions policy and making the decisions about applications.  Governors are also responsible for the appeals process, although we offer an independent appeals service which is used by all VA schools in the Diocese.  We provide:

• Advice on the legal requirements of the admissions policy
• Advice on the annual consultation process
• Advice on the appeals process
• Advice on the Codes on Admissions and Appeals*

• Programme of briefing seminars for headteachers, governors and presenting officers on
  • admissions
  • the appeals process
  • role of the presenting governor at appeals
  • updates on changes in the law
• Publication of literature on admissions and appeals
• Representation on the Admissions Forum in each of the 9 local authorities within the Diocese
• Discussions with DCSF on the role and responsibilities  of church schools (as reflected in the current Codes*)
• Response to DCSF on  consultations
• Promulgation of advice from Board of Education following publication of national guidance

For schools changing from voluntary controlled to voluntary aided status we provide support and advice before, during and after the process including advice on administering the admissions policy inherited from the local authority and advice on appeals and who administers the process

*available on the DCSF website: www.dfes.gov.uk/sacodes