With more schools becoming their own admission authorities there are increasing concerns about the complexity and exclusivity that the new system is creating – with one report suggesting that more than 1,500 primaries are now highly socially selective. Suzanne O’Connell looks at the evidence

The School Admissions Code is the statutory guidance to ensure that admission arrangements are fair and equitable. All schools have a statutory duty to comply with the Code but more and more appear to be finding ways of managing their intakes to their advantage.

For community schools and voluntary controlled schools, the local authority is the admission authority. However, for foundation schools, voluntary-aided schools and academies, either the governing body or the academy trust has responsibility for admissions. It would seem that this is having an unintended impact on the application process that is making it increasingly difficult for parents to navigate.

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