Choosing a school
You have a right to request a place at the school of your choice and the local authority must grant this request if possible. However, the local authority can refuse your request for various reasons.
It is allowed to consider things like –
• the cost of employing extra staff or creating extra classrooms
• whether the school is suitable for your child’s age, ability or aptitude
• whether providing for your child in the school would be at the expense of other pupils’ education
• whether the school is for children with additional needs and the local authority thinks your child does not need the equipment or specialist staff there.
Most schools have a catchment area and most children go to their local school. You can enrol your child on the advertised date. If you want your child to go to another local authority school then you will need to make a formal placing request in writing to your local authority. It is usually helpful to check first if the school of your choice is able to offer your child a place. If the local authority turns down your placing request then you have a right of appeal.