Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 11, 2025

Purpose: To inform Cabinet of the outcomes of the consultation on School Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools and the home to schools transport policy. Approval (determination) of the admission arrangements and Home to School Transport Policy is also sought.

Content: RESOLVED that:-   (a)      Cabinet note the outcomes of the six-week consultation undertaken in relation to the Council’s proposed admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools for 2026/27 and the Council’s School Transport Policy for Children of Compulsory School Age that took place between 4th November 2024 and 16th December 2024; (b)      Cabinet approve the proposed co-ordinated admission scheme for all maintained schools and academies, as provided in Appendix 1 of this report;  (c)      Cabinet approve (determine) the proposed admission arrangements, including proposed oversubscription criteria (please note the removal of greater catchment criterion) and proposed admission numbers for First and Primary community and voluntary and controlled schools, as provided in Appendix 2 of the report;  (d)      Cabinet approve (determine) the proposed admission arrangements, including proposed over subscription criteria (please note the removal of greater catchment criterion) and proposed admission numbers, for Middle, High and Secondary community and voluntary controlled schools, including sixth forms, as provided in Appendix 3 of this report; (e)      Cabinet approve a reduction of the Published Admission Number at The Sele First School from 84 to 60 with effect from September 2026, in view of current and future pupil numbers; and (f)      Cabinet approve the Council’s School Transport Policy for Children of Compulsory School Age provided in Appendix 5 of the report, and agree that the School Transport Policy continue to be reviewed and reported back to Cabinet in due course.