How to consult on admission arrangements

If you're an admissions authority, you must consult on your admissions arrangements at prescribed times. Understand what you need to do to carry out your consultations.

Last reviewed on 26 January 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 5284
Contents
  1. How often to consult
  2. Who to consult 
  3. How to consult
  4. Handling objections to your admissions arrangements

The information in this article is from the School Admissions Code and applies to you if you're the school's admission authority, i.e.: 

  • Academies - the academy trust is the admission authority
  • Foundation schools - the governing board is the admission authority
  • Voluntary-aided schools - the governing board is the admission authority

How often to consult

You must consult on your admission arrangements:

  • Whenever you propose changes to your admissions arrangements, unless the changes are 1 of the exceptions below
  • At least once every 7 years if you make no changes

You don't need to consult on your admission arrangements if you're: 

  • Increasing your published admission number (PAN); or
  • Changing your arrangements to comply with the admissions code or school admissions regulations

If you don't consult properly, this can be grounds for complaints and appeals.

Who to consult 

Parents of children between the ages of 2 and 18 Other people in your area who you think might have an