Note for independent schools: you're required to have an admissions policy, but you don't have to follow the School Admissions Code. This is set out in the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (see part 6, paragraph 32(1)(b) and 32(3)(a)).
What this policy needs to do
All schools must publish their admissions arrangements in line with statutory guidance given in the:
How parents/carers should apply to your school – including admission outside of the normal age group How applications will be considered for each age group The set number of admissions for each age group (known as the published admission number (PAN)) Your school's oversubscription criteria (i.e. how your school will determine which pupils gain a place if there are more applications than spaces) The process for in-year admissions Information about your waiting list The process for appeals Your