Study shows state schools breaking new admissions rules

Study shows alarming number of state schools are flouting government rules concerning admissions.

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Tuesday, 11, Mar 2008 04:20

An alarming number of state schools are flouting government rules concerning admissions, it has been confirmed.

According to children's secretary Ed Balls, a 'disproportionate' number of schools have been found to be denying places to children whose parents refuse to make a financial contribution to the school before submitting an application.

The schools admissions code, which was introduced by the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and came into force in February 2007, prohibits schools from basing their admissions policies on the academic ability or social class of applicants, as well as the marital status of the child's parents.

But an internal survey undertaken in three representative local authorities - Northamptonshire, Manchester and Barnet - found schools were contravening the code by "asking parents to commit to making financial contributions as a condition of admission".

Mr Balls called the request of a 'donation' from applicants' parents "totally unacceptable" and said local authorities would now be required to submit annual reports on admissions policies in their areas.

"The large majority of schools appear to be complying with the code, including an overwhelming majority of academies and schools where local authorities are the admission authority," he explained.

"However, a significant minority of schools in our sample appear not to be compliant with the code, of which a disproportionate number are voluntary aided or foundation schools."

Faith schools can legally ask parents for a voluntary financial contribution towards their children's education but are not permitted to base admission policies on said contribution.

The survey found further contraventions of the code including parents being questioned about "marital status, occupational or financial status", interviewing children and failing to give admissions priority to looked-after children.