GUIDANCE ON ADMISSIONS FOR PARENTS

The governing body of each Catholic school is the admissions authority for the school and therefore has the legal responsibility for all matters relating to admissions. The diocese has no legal ability to intervene in individual admission cases. There are statutory procedures for you to follow if you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the admissions process.

1    Admissions criteria

Governing bodies are responsible for their own admissions criteria. If you wish to make representations about what these might be in future years, you must make representations to the Governing Body of the school who will no doubt consider them at the appropriate time.

2.    Application of admissions criteria

Applicants who are dissatisfied with the Governing Body’s application of its criteria may appeal to the independent appeals panel. There is no further appeal from the panel.

3.    Arrangements for the Independent Appeal Panel

If the IAP has acted in a way that constitutes maladministration, a complaint can be made to the Local Commissioner for Administration. If the Commissioner is satisfied that maladministration has occurred, and that the maladministration has resulted in injustice, he can make recommendations to the governing body as to any action which he considers they ought to take as a result. The governing body are obliged to consider his recommendations.

For further details, see DfES.

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