Agenda item

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 in respect of Reception (Foundation Stage 2) admissions, and that arrangements for those appeals were progressing.

A Forum member referred to their recent experience of a grouped appeals process, noting that a significant number of applications included only a single preference. It was suggested that stronger communication be provided to encourage parents to select up to three school preferences, in line with the application process; this was noted for consideration.

Agreed: That the update be received and the content noted.