In year admissions - how long is reasonable

Kabalagala · 2022-10-03T18:12:44+00:00

We're waiting for DS to be allocated a year 2 school place. Application was submitted to LA early July. We missed the deadline by 2 days, so were told it would 15 school days after start of new school year. Obviously this has been and gone and no one is giving me any information at all. I know they can't magic a place out of nowhere, but the complete silence is very frustrating. How long should we expect to wait?

prh47bridge · 03/10/2022 23:03

Unless grammar schools are involved, the LA is required by paragraph 2.30 of the Admissions Code to notify you of the outcome of your application within 15 school days. You shouldn't be waiting at this stage. Remind them of this. If they still won't tell you anything, it might be time to start telling them that you are thinking of referring the matter to the Local Government Ombudsman.

Original poster

Kabalagala · 04/10/2022 08:12

prh47bridge · 03/10/2022 23:03

Unless grammar schools are involved, the LA is required by paragraph 2.30 of the Admissions Code to notify you of the outcome of your application within 15 school days. You shouldn't be waiting at this stage. Remind them of this. If they still won't tell you anything, it might be time to start telling them that you are thinking of referring the matter to the Local Government Ombudsman.

Thank you. I will push them today for more information with this in mind

OP posts:

Original poster

Kabalagala · 05/10/2022 11:21

prh47bridge · 03/10/2022 23:03

Unless grammar schools are involved, the LA is required by paragraph 2.30 of the Admissions Code to notify you of the outcome of your application within 15 school days. You shouldn't be waiting at this stage. Remind them of this. If they still won't tell you anything, it might be time to start telling them that you are thinking of referring the matter to the Local Government Ombudsman.

He has now been given a school place. Thank you for your advice!

OP posts:

Littlemissprosecco · 05/10/2022 11:23

This is where MN really works!

prh47bridge · 05/10/2022 13:12

Glad to hear its sorted. Happy I could help.

Catimoons · 09/12/2022 16:23

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for privacy reasons.

prh47bridge · 09/12/2022 18:28

When you can apply depends on the LA. Some will accept an application after you have exchanged contracts or signed a rental agreement, some won't accept an application until you've actually moved. Who you apply to also depends on the LA. Some deal with in-year admissions themselves, so you apply to the LA, some make you apply to individual schools. However, unless your child's current school is within reasonable travelling distance, the LA must come up with a place.

For an in-year application, distance only matters if there is a waiting list. If there is no waiting list, the only question is whether the school has a place available. If there are no schools within a reasonable distance with places available, the LA will figure out which one is best able to handle an additional pupil and offer you that.