Admissions and enrolment

Admissions authorities are required by law to set, consult on, and determine their admissions arrangements. These arrangements must follow the Department for Education’s School Admissions Code 2021.

• Annual Approval: Admissions authorities must formally agree on their arrangements for the upcoming academic year at a Governing Body or Academy Trust Board meeting, which must take place before 28 February.
• Consultation Process: If any changes to admissions policy or practice are proposed, a public consultation is required. This consultation must last at least six weeks and take place between 1 October and 31 January.
• No Changes: If no changes are made, the Governing Body or Academy Trust only needs to formally record this decision.
• Seven-Year Review: Even if no changes are made, admissions arrangements must go to public consultation every seven years.
• Publication: Admissions arrangements must be published on the school website and shared with the local authority by 15 March each year.  

The diocese reviews any proposed changes to admissions arrangements to provide feedback, particularly concerning faith-based admissions criteria. Admissions authorities should send any proposed changes to the diocese by 31 October before the public consultation.

While the diocese can provide guidance, it does not check for compliance. We can, however, direct schools to resources for compliance support if needed.