14th May 2008
School admissions arrangements have arguably had an unwarranted amount of attention this spring. The resulting publicity has created a feeling of unease amongst some faith communities. The pre-Easter exercise in which DCSF examined the admissions arrangements of three local authorities showed that the vast majority of schools, of whatever type, were complying with the School Admissions Code. At the time the CES acknowledged that some schools still needed further assistance to achieve the necessary clarity in their admissions practices. The CES also welcomed reasonable and fair action to ensure transparency and to increase confidence in the process of school admissions.
The Government’s proposals should be reasonable and proportionate and not add significantly to the workload for schools, dioceses and others involved in the admissions process. The CES is aware of some disquiet amongst the Catholic school community regarding further changes. We will continue to scrutinise developments and work to ensure the preservation of the rights that Catholic school governing bodies have as the admissions authorities of their schools. We do this mindful of the rights of dioceses and the requirement that schools consult with their diocese on their admissions arrangements. The CES will continue to support schools and dioceses in the implementation of the School Admissions Code so as to ensure a fair and transparent school admissions system for all and will, so far as the Government’s proposals fall within the parameters set out above, support these amendments.
ENDS
Ms Oona Stannard
Chief Executive and Director
Catholic Education Service for England and Wales
For more information please contact Laura McCann, Policy and Briefing Officer t: 0207 901 4854 e: lmccann@cesew.org.uk w. www.cesew.org.uk.
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