Schools: Admissions
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has considered amending the school admissions code to allow schools to withdraw an offer if new information suggests that their admittance poses a risk to another student.
Answered by Georgia Gould
All children, from whatever background and no matter what challenges they face, deserve a safe environment in which they can learn. Nothing is more important than safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. Keeping children safe in education is statutory guidance that all schools and colleges must have regard to when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
Admission authorities must comply with parental preference and can only refuse a place or withdraw a place in limited circumstances, as set out in admissions law.
Admission authorities can refuse a place in year, in specific circumstances, where they have good reason to believe a child may display challenging behaviour, but cannot withdraw a place, once offered, on this basis.
Any changes to the Code will require a statutory process, including a full public consultation and Parliamentary approval.
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