Purpose

This is the annual report to determine the Local Authority’s school admissions arrangement for community schools for 2027/28 school year

Decision

DECISION;

1. Agreed the Local Authority Relevant Area (geographical area) for admissions purposes.  
2. Agreed the admission policy for admission to Community Nursery Schools/Classes in 2027/28, as set out in Appendix A.  
3. Agreed the admission policy for admission to Community Primary Schools in 2027/28, as set out in Appendix B.
4. Agreed the admission policy for admission to Community Secondary Schools in 2027/28 as set out in Appendix C.
5. Agreed the schemes for coordinating admissions to the Reception Year and Year 7 for 2027/28, as set out in Appendix D.
6. Agreed the scheme for coordinating ‘In-Year’ Admissions for 2027/28, as set out in Appendix E.
7. Agreed the planned admission number (PAN) for each school in Tower Hamlets in 2027/28, as set out in Appendix F.
8. Noted the Equalities Impact Screening in Appendix G and specific equalities considerations as set out in Paragraph 4.1 to 4.4. This included the School Clothing Grant.

Reasons for the decision

The Local Authority decides and implements its school admission arrangements through local consultation and collaboration, enabling it to fully understand and meet circumstances in its area. In doing so, the Local Authority seeks to provide a clear framework intended to ensure that arrangements are lawful, reasonable and minimise delay to children accessing education.

The proposed relevant area, schemes, consultation and recommendations in this report are consistent with the Local Authority’s statutory duties as set out in the most recent revision of the Department for Education’s School Admissions Code (2021).

The co-ordination of all admission arrangements, including nursery and ‘in year’ together with school catchment areas provide a framework to plan the provision of school places more coherently, taking account of existing and future school locations; travelling distance; pupil migration and changes in neighbouring boroughs.

Alternative Options

When changes are proposed to the school admission arrangements, the Local Authority has a statutory duty to consult and determine the arrangements that will apply for applications to its community schools the following school year, and to formulate a compliant scheme for co-ordinating admissions at the main points of entry (i.e. Reception, Year 3 for junior schools and Year 7 for transfer from primary to secondary school). If Cabinet fails to take such action the Local Authority would be acting contrary to the law.

The recommendations in this report have been prepared with regard to the need for arrangements to be clear, objective, and fair. Due consideration has been given to alternative admission arrangements, but any alternative action could lead to inequality and leave the Local Authority open to legitimate complaint and legal challenge. If Cabinet wished to consider adoption of alternative arrangements, then full consideration would need to be given to the guidance provided, particularly as to the legal requirements.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR FOR CHILDREN’S SERVICES (S.REDDY)