Decision - School Admissions Arrangements for 2011/12

1.       That the proposed school admission numbers set out in the consultation documents be adopted for the admissions year 2011/12.

2.       That the exceptional circumstances admission priority be retained for all age groups, but is applied more rigorously with a stronger burden of proof of the need for admission to the school in question.

3.       That a new admission priority be applied to the junior admission exercise where there are linked infant and junior schools (new priority 4).  At the same time the limit of 2 miles placed on the sibling link for primary schools be removed.

4.       That the proposed Voluntary Aided School admission arrangements be noted as conforming to the requirements of the Admissions Code.

5.       That the co-ordinated schemes of admission, including schemes for in-year admission, be approved.

6.       That the City boundary be retained as the relevant area for consultation for school admissions.

The City Council must conform to legislative requirements on the publication of admission arrangements which reflect the requirements of the Admissions Code.  The recommendations ensure the City Council’s compliance, and reflect the body of debate and consultation which has taken place around admission arrangements in Brighton & Hove this year and in previous years.

The City Council is required in law to review its school admission arrangements every year, although following the Education and Skills Act  2008 this will change to once every three years if no changes are made.  The consultation is intended to identify alternative proposals for admission arrangements.  Issues raised by schools will be set out in the tabled addendum to this report.