To comment on the proposed changes to the admission arrangements for two Community schools and the academic year 2017/18.

The Executive Member for Education and Skills introduced a report on the Council’s Admission Arrangements for 2017/18.  The Executive on 6 October 2015 had approved the consultation process on admissions arrangements and the Committee comments and recommendations would be considered by the Director of Children’s Services and Executive Member who had delegated authority to determine admission arrangements at the end of the consultation period.

Clarity was sought regarding the criteria for parental preference and catchment area that had caused confusion for some parents.  The Executive Member advised that parental preference did not feature in the admissions criteria and would only be offered subject to capacity.  The Director explained that schools worked closely in localities to ensure the system worked fairly.  Reassurances were provided that there was no scope for schools to ‘cherry pick’ students.

RECOMMENDED

1.    The Executive Member for Education and Skills update the Committee on the outcome of the Council’s Admission Arrangements for the Academic Year 2017/18.

2.    That school catchment area criteria for all wards be circulated to the Committee.