School measures - Functions of the School Adjudicator in relation to admissions numbers

A measure to enable the Schools Adjudicator to set a school’s published admission number (PAN) where they uphold an objection to it, and to enable local authorities to better influence the setting of PANs to support the needs of the local community.

Specifically, this measure is intended to allow the independent Schools Adjudicator to set the PAN of a school where an objection about the PAN set by an admission authority has been upheld.

At present, objections to PANs can only be made where an admission authority has decreased a school’s PAN. It is intended to amend the 2012 School Admissions Regulations to extend local authorities’ ability to object to the Adjudicator, to enable them to also object where a school’s PAN has been increased or has been kept the same.

Where an objection to PAN is upheld, this measure will allow the Adjudicator to specify the level at which the PAN must be set, for up to two years, if they deem this necessary, to ensure that the admission authority, local authority and parents are all clear on how many places the school must offer. This measure will, it is said, help meet the government’s manifesto commitment to ensure “admissions decisions account for the needs of communities”, both in cases where there are insufficient places in an area, and where a surplus of places needs to be effectively managed.

The above analysis relates to Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill which has not yet become law and may be subject to change as it passes through Parliament. We will be posting updates to this page if there are any key developments but the above may not reflect the latest changes to the legislation.  Please contact our School Support (schoolsupport@wslaw.co.uk)  or Schools HR (schoolshr@wslaw.co.uk) teams if you require an update on the latest status of the Bill.