Getting a school place

Admissions to schools in Nottinghamshire are co-ordinated by the Local Authority (LA). Some schools - academy, voluntary aided or foundation schools - make their own decisions on admissions through their governing bodies. In community and voluntary controlled schools the LA makes the decisions on admissions.

The co-ordination process is designed to allow parents to state preferences for a number of schools on one application form. The form is returned to the LA by a parent directly, by a school on behalf of a parent or via the on-line application service. The LA will then ensure the application is considered appropriately and that a response is given to the parent.

It is important that a parent gives as much information as possible at the time of application about the child and the child’s circumstances. This may include evidence from professionals such as doctors or social workers. Some schools may require the completion of a supplementary form in order for the governing body of the school to find out more information such as aptitudes for certain subjects, church attendance and baptism.

Schools have a limited number of places available in each year group. If all places have not been allocated then a request for a place at the school will normally be agreed. If there are more applications than there are places available, then the published oversubscription criteria are used to decide who is offered a place. These will be published in the school’s prospectus, a copy of which is available from the school.

If a parent is not successful in being allocated a place for their child at a school they have stated as a preference, they have a right of appeal ( Word 32KB) to an independent appeals panel.

Parents can ask about applying for school places by contacting the admissions office at the appropriate area base:

Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield and Newark areas
tel: 01623 433433
Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe areas
tel: 0115 8546161

Primary and secondary school admissions and appeals: A guide for parents

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has published a new guide for parents on school admissions and appeals.

The guide outlines the school admissions and appeals processes: what parents can expect from the admissions system, how to object to unlawful arrangements, and how to find further information and support. Copies of the guide can be downloaded or ordered from teachernet online.

Or alternatively, to order a copy please email admissions.consultation@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk with 'Guide for parents' as the subject. (General enquiries should continue to be directed to school.admissions@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk)

DCSF consultation

In the Children’s Plan, published in December 2007, government ministers committed to review the school application and allocation process. The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) recently launched a consultation which outlines proposed changes to make the admissions process for parents as fair, transparent and straightforward as possible. Parents’ views on the proposed changes are welcome and full details about the consultation as well as supporting documents can be viewed on the DCSF website.