6th form and priority places

[Didkdt]

as we know previously looked after children have a high priority for school places, but does this drop away if they apply for 6th forms?
I wasn’t sure if my son wanted to go to sixth form but he’s decided he does, I think it would be good for him, but school work requires extra effort from him, and on paper he meets the minimum requirements but he’s not going to be the highest achieving applicant
it’s ultimately based on the application and interview as well as the school reference

Are you sure 'it’s ultimately based on the application and interview as well as the school reference'?

We only have 6th form colleges around here and the 'interviews' are only to check you understand about the courses you have selected and they are suitable for future aspirations; if you meet the grades, you're in, more or less.

There is a very helpful poster @prh47bridge who may be able to advise on whether adopted children have priority entry for school 6th forms.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-admissions-code--2

@Didkdt

looking at page 22 of the guidance, states that adopted children and LACs should be given priority, where the school is oversubscribed, as long as they meet the adademic requirements.

It depends whether we are talking about a school sixth form or a sixth form college. If it is a school sixth form, previously looked after children who meet the academic entry requirements must be given priority and the school may not use an interview as part of the process of selecting students, although they can meet the student to discuss options and courses. However, the Admissions Code does not apply to sixth form colleges. They are not required to give priority to previously looked after children and can use an interview to decide which students to admit.

Thanks @prh47bridge

Thanks @prh47bridge thats really helpful, I just didn’t know where to start looking
His school has a new sixth form, I’ve shed blood sweat and tears to get to year 11 with them, I think half the staff would love him to stay, and the half who never read the learning passport and ignored all the plans because they are “busy” or “know kids better than (me)’ would probably rather see the back of us, ultimately the choice is his
His current first choice is a sixth form college, I hope they see his potential but they are very popular with all schools.

Does he have any SEND plans that you could call the school and "ask that they are made aware of" under the guise of having a chat? Often secondary schools rope in members of senior and middle leadership to do the interviews, but will designate a senior or pastoral member of staff to cases where there may be particular issues. For example, he might be interviewed with a HOY who has more in depth knowledge of pastoral support systems, or an assistant principal who could advise on appropriate options depending on the course.

Thanks the SEND -lans are possibly a way forward
i will see what SEN teams I can speak to before he interviews