School Admissions – in year applications

As the new school year begins, schools are reminded of the key requirements in the School Admissions Code 2021 relating to in-year applications for school places.

Parents and carers can apply for a place at any school at any time, and schools must consider all applications. Schools cannot refuse to consider an application because a parent has not visited the school or attended a tour before applying.

Where places are available, schools are required to offer a place to every child who applies, unless admitting the child would prejudice the efficient provision of education or use of resources. Where there are more applications than places available, schools must apply their published oversubscription criteria.

The Council aims to notify parents of the outcome of an in-year application within 10 school days and must do so within 15 school days. Schools are therefore asked to respond promptly to requests from their link Admissions Officer regarding new applications and current vacancies.

Schools that do not share pupil number data through Electronic Data Import (EDI) are reminded that they must provide the Council with updated information on roll numbers and vacancies within two school days of a request.

When a place is offered and accepted, arrangements should be made for the child to start as soon as possible. Schools should be particularly mindful of supporting children who are currently out of education.

Further information is available in the School Admissions Code 2021 and the Council's School Admission Rules and Policies.

For advice, schools should contact their link Admissions Officer or email admissions.schools@oxfordshire.gov.uk.