Criterion 2 Exceptional Circumstances

[Lildaisy]

Has anyone applied for a secondary school place in Surrey under Criterion 2 (Exceptional Circumstances / Sensitive Individual)?

We’re applying for September 2027 entry and live outside the catchment area. I’ve read the school’s admissions policy and FAQs, which state that supporting information and evidence must be provided at the time of the original application, but neither explains how or where to submit it.

I’ve left a voicemail for the admissions officer and have followed up by email, but with the 31 October deadline approaching, I’m keen to make sure we get everything submitted correctly.

Has anyone been through this process? Did you submit your supporting statement and evidence directly to the school or through Surrey County Council alongside the main application?

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/admissions/secondary/apply/step-3-apply

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/236205/eAdmissions-Online-Leaflet-2027.pdf

This indicates that you upload the supporting documentation through eAdmissins as part of your CAF submission.

Assuming that you actually live in Surrey - you have to apply for school places through your home LA, do if you don't live in Surrey or a London borough, you would need to use the process of your home LA.

Not the point but I'm really struggling with the fact that they've used 'Step 4: Adding your child's' as one of the headings. It's awful.

@Lildaisy with the caveat that I don't know your circumstances, bear in mind that 'exceptional' really does mean 'the exception'. So many people think that their difficulty getting two children to different schools on time, or the fact that all their friends go to the school, etc., means they have exceptional grounds. If you do think your child's circumstances are exceptional, do your best to get objective evidence to support that and make sure that the source states that it is their opinion that a place is needed.

Thank you - no we do have very exceptional reasons relating to wellbeing but we understand it’s subjective and a long shot.

We’ve been so focused on getting this information together we didn’t double check with the school how it’s to be submitted and felt pretty panicked when it came to completing the form.

Thanks for your help @MarchingFrogs