Admissions
Parents have a right to state a preference for a school of choice for their child, unless that school is over subscribed and it can be shown that admitting the child would prejudice the provision of efficient education or the use of the resources of the school. Children have no independent right to choose their school. In practice parents may not obtain a place for their child at the school of their choice. The Education and Inspections Act 2006 purports to have created a fairer system of admissions. School admissions arrangements are a live issue, and future challenges in this area are likely.
There is a right of appeal against a refusal of a school place which is heard by an independent panel established by the LEA or the school governing body. Children, however, have no right to appeal.
