The Schools Admission Code

Both children in care and previously looked after children have been given the highest priority within school admission arrangements and oversubscription criteria.

The child’s status as a looked after child must be clearly stated on the application form.

The admission requirements for children in care are set out on the School Admissions Code 2021.

This applies to maintained schools and academies, including free schools.

All schools must have oversubscription criteria for each ‘relevant age group’ and the highest priority must be given to looked after children and all previously looked after children.

This includes those children who have been in state care outside of England and ceased to be in state care as a result of being adopted.

Exceptions

If the school is of a particular religious denomination, the school may prioritise applications in the following order:

• looked after children of the particular faith
• other children of the particular faith
• other looked after children

If the school was full, it would be unlikely that the child or young person would be admitted

Page last updated: 15 May 2024