Introduction
Admission authorities and local authorities must comply with the regulations and legislation outlined in the School Admissions Code 2021 and the School Admissions Appeal Code 2022. These codes establish the legal framework for managing school admissions and appeals processes, ensuring fairness and transparency in decision-making.
Target Audience
This training session is designed for school staff responsible for managing or overseeing the admissions and appeals processes.
Session Overview
School admissions and appeals have grown increasingly complex and demanding in recent years. To effectively address these challenges, it is essential for schools to have a thorough understanding of their responsibilities and to implement procedures that fully comply with current regulations. The “Understanding School Admissions and Appeals” training course empowers participants and their organizations with the information and skills necessary to ensure compliance with the School Admissions and Appeal Codes.
Through a series of sessions, attendees will receive up-to-date guidance on admissions and appeals processes, legal requirements, and best practices for managing school admissions, appeals, and complaints.
Key Topics Covered
- Comprehensive understanding of the School Admissions and Appeals Codes.
- Establishing clear admissions policy and procedures to assure the Governing Body of statutory compliance.
- Revising the admissions policy and managing the consultation process.
- Refusing admission based on challenging behaviour.
- Implementing Fair Access Protocols.
- Effective management strategies for the School Admission Appeal Process.
- Preparing documentation to oppose an admission appeal, including outlining required components.
- Techniques for delivering presentations during School Admission Appeal Hearings.
- Procedures for addressing complaints to the Department of Education regarding School Admissions Policies or Appeal outcomes.
- Analysing primary issues from the Office of the School Adjudicator’s report.
- Engaging in interactive discussions to exchange insights and analyse common challenges in this area.
Course Objective
By the end of this session, you will be able to implement effective admissions policies, handle appeals with confidence and address common challenges using proven methods. The aim is for participants to leave with practical strategies and up-to-date knowledge to confidently navigate admissions and appeals challenges in their schools.
This training course will run on the following dates:
20 January 2026
10 February 2026
Time: 9:30m – 3 pm
Type: Online
Cost: £200 per person
A 10% discount per individual will be applied for multiple delegates representing the same school.