Determination of school admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled schools for 2017-18.

To agree the proposed admission arrangements for 2017-18 i.e.

·         Admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools 2017-18

·         Co-ordinated in year scheme for 2017-18

·         Primary co-ordinated scheme for 2017-18

·         Secondary co-ordinated scheme for 2017-18

It is a legal requirement to determine admission arrangements each year.  Changes to admission arrangements have been made to ensure that they are reasonable and fair.

The option of keeping the existing admission arrangements, where applicants living within the designated area of a school are prioritised, was considered.  However, with an increasing number of academies removing their designated area this is now thought to be an unfair system as many families within Torbay now do not have a designated school.  Therefore it was proposed to remove the designated area for remaining community and voluntary controlled schools.  This has been discussed repeatedly with primary head teachers.

The following officers of the Council, individuals and organisations were consulted:-

·         Parents of 2-18 year olds (via schools, nurseries, web site, local press and social media)

·         All admission authorities in Torbay

·         All affected schools

·         Devon County Council

·         Diocese of Exeter (CE)

·         Diocese of Plymouth (RC)

·         Nurseries in Torbay

·         Lead Member and councillors in affected wards

The following background papers were used in considering the issue:-

·         Consultation documents

·         Draft admission arrangements

This decision will be implemented immediately.

An increasing number of academies have removed or are currently in the process of removing their designated area, this is now thought to be an unfair system as many families within Torbay now do not have a designated school.

None.