The rules
In community schools and voluntary controlled schools we decide the rules for getting places.
In voluntary aided Catholic schools, academy and foundation schools, the governors decide admission rules for their school.
The rules are known as 'admissions criteria'
Under the 1996 Education Act, you have a legal right to express a preference for which school you want your child to attend. We and school governors have a general duty to meet this preference, as long as it does not "prejudice the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources".
In law there is no automatic right to a place in any particular school
We will offer you one place, at the highest-priority school possible.
Where we cannot offer a place at any of your chosen schools, your child will be allocated a place at the normal area school - if places are still available - or the next nearest school with places available.
You should bear in mind that school admissions to year 7 are considered on an annual basis. It's not possible to confirm that a place is available at a school any earlier than during the year before your child will join.
Each year secondary schools have to admit eligible pupils on request up to their published admission number (as shown in the schools list) which takes account of the amount of accommodation available.
In the case of offers for places in schools in neighbouring councils, they make the decision and we make the offer on their behalf.