Agenda and draft minutes

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting held on 12 February 2026.

Agreed: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 12 February 2026 be approved as a correct record.

With reference to Minute No. 48 (Matters Arising from the Previous Minutes), it was reported that the Clerk had made a further attempt to contact the member but had received no response. In light of the sustained period of non-attendance and lack of communication, the Forum agreed that it would be appropriate to remove Sandra Butterworth from the membership going forward. The Forum also formally recorded its thanks for her previous contributions.

With reference to Minute No. 51 (School Admission Appeal Update), an update was sought regarding school buy-back for the appeals service. It was noted that schools may choose to opt in or out of the service, and that currently only Oakwood High School had opted out of bulk appeals support, although support for in-year appeals continued to be provided.

It was further noted that outcome data from external appeal providers was not routinely received by the Appeals Team; however, the Admissions Team did follow up on outcomes directly with schools. The potential to introduce the tracking of appeal success rates and outcomes for appeals administered by external providers was discussed, and it was agreed that this would be explored further.

Consideration was given to the latest update on the Admissions, School Organisation and Fair Access Process provided by the Access to Education Team.

The Forum received an update on outcomes following National Offer Day. It was noted that, for Secondary admissions, 92.4% of pupils received their first preference and 97.7% were allocated one of their three stated preferences. For Primary admissions, 94.4% received their first preference and 98.5% were allocated one of their three preferences. Overall, performance was reported to be strong, with the majority of children securing a place at one of their preferred schools.

It was further highlighted that submitting three preferences increased the likelihood of securing a preferred school, whereas where only one preference was expressed and could not be met, the Local Authority had a duty to allocate the next nearest available school.

The Forum was advised that there had been an improvement in the number of on-time applications this year, supported by targeted follow-up work undertaken by the team, which may have contributed to the reduction in late applications progressing to appeal. It was also noted that communication activity, including the use of social media, may have supported these improved outcomes.

It was noted that, following consultation, RMBC’s concerns regarding the proposed reduction in the Published Admission Number (PAN) at Anston Park Junior School had been accepted, and the PAN was to remain at 60 for 2027/28. It was further noted that Swinton Academy had determined a reduced PAN of 180 for 2027/28, from 200.

The Forum was advised that there were currently no planned school expansions, and that the upcoming SCAP 2026 return would be used to update and review local place planning forecasts.

Reference was made to a query regarding discrepancies in the Published Admission Number (PAN) for Wingfield Academy. It was confirmed that the PAN is 200 and that any apparent variances may have related to pupil numbers on roll or to a clerical error. It was noted that any specific concerns could be raised through the Clerk and would be subject to further review.

The Forum received an update on Fair Access and noted that 63 pupils had been placed under the Fair Access Protocol in the Spring Term 2026, representing a reduction from 106 placements in the Autumn Term. The admissions and Fair Access processes were reported to be operating effectively in securing school places for children requiring one.

It was further noted that a higher number of placements had been made through the secondary Fair Access Protocol than the primary, reflecting the greater number of primary school settings.

An update was also provided on appeals, noting that grouped appeals were being undertaken for both primary and secondary schools, with group hearings held in person and individual hearings conducted online, although parents retained the option to request an in-person hearing. It was noted that the final Year 6–7 appeals concluded on 12 June, supporting timely transition arrangements.

The Forum was advised that appeals had been lodged for 15 primary schools  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

The Forum received an update on the academisation of schools across Rotherham.

It was noted that all secondary and special schools had converted to academy status, with 16 primary schools remaining maintained. A small number of primary schools were in the process of proposing academisation; however, no definitive timescales were in place.

Agreed:  That the academies update be received and the contents noted.