Admissions policy - binding once on school website?

[AdmissionsNameChange]

Does anybody know whether a school has to follow their admissions policy as soon as it’s been uploaded to their website?Even if it’s for admission in September 2025 and so the admissions process hasn’t yet started? Or could they take it down and correct it if they noticed the mistake?

Trying to keep it vague but I think I’ve spotted a mistake in an admissions policy that would favour my DC if the school were compelled to adhere to the policy as it is…. Thanks to anyone who can advise.

The Admissions Policy for Sept 25 should have been determined by Feb 28, and must be published by March 15 (so they still have over a week for that). So if they catch the mistake quickly and republish, there would be no issue I don't think.

However, Admission Policies for Sept 25 can still be objected to, to the Schools Adjudicator, until May 15, and admissions authorities have until Aug 8 to provide their policies for publication in the LA composite prospectus. So someone could spot it and object, and if the objection was sustained, the policy would be amended.

The admission policy for the year you are applying stands until the next policy starts e.g apply for sept 24, admissions policy for that year, the new policy will apply for next year e.g staff member moves from category 6 to 3 for Sept 25, in policy for September doesn't apply till then and admission for this September will stick with the policy for Sept 24 admissions- they have to publish early to allow for those looking to be aware, in case of changes that affect them, like PAN, catchment area of changes to categories.

Ah yes I assumed you would be applying in September for next year. The policy won't be relevant for waiting lists for sept 24.

@PatriciaHolm i think your first assumption was right - we’ll be applying in Sep 24 for admission in Sep 25 - so I’m wondering whether the policy for admission in Sep 25, as it is on the school’s website, could still be changed? It seems from your first message that it could change up to August 24, is that right?