High school applications

[MyLostUsername]

In the on-line application, what are valid reasons, in addition to distance, to request a specific school?

Thank you

Depends upon the Admissions policy of each school and whether you have evidence of the things that place the child in a higher category.

Generally it is children with an EHCP and looked after children (in care, adopted), with additional priority for religious reasons for faith schools. Then sibling link, all other children, and often the latter two categories are further split by in catchment and out of catchment.

Your local council will have an admissions policy for the LA maintained schools, for academies, free schools and faith schools look on their websites as they can set their own admissions criteria.

Reasons like live really close, can't get to work otherwise, prefer the school to others etc etc are not valid. You have the right to request a school but not the right to receive an allocation at a particular school.

What's your reason, maybe people can help if you say my specifics?

If you are referring to the open ended question in the Applications form - nothing I'm afraid. The only thing, legally, that can be used is the admissions criteria. The box is essentially useless, and a source of great frustration of those of us on appeals panels!

Thank you both, sorry I should have been clearer

'EHCP', 'looked after child', 'sibling link' and 'catchment' are all accounted for in the on-line form. Ie there are specific questions where these reasons can be stated. However, there is also an 'Other reasons' section ("You may tell us any other reasons to support your application").

I am just wondering what are valid 'other reasons'

Specific GCSEs?
All his peer group attending the school?

Exactly, that is my question!

Nope. We won't be doing more than giving them a quick glance to see if the child is looked after, a sibling or there's something that might count as exceptional circumstances in the policy, such as a parent with a terminal illness (fully evidenced).

Thanks for clarying!
Not sure why it is in the form then?