Definitions for voluntary aided and foundation schools and academies for admission purposes

The following terms used throughout the school admission policy summaries are defined as follows, except where individual arrangements spell out a different definition.

Distance 

The 'straight line' method of measurement only applies for admission purposes. For transport 'walking routes' are used to determine distance.

Parents / family members

A parent is any person who has parental responsibility or care of the child. Where admission arrangements refer to 'parent's attendance at church' it is sufficient for just one parent to attend. 'Family members' include only parents and siblings.

Medical/social/welfare

Where schools have a medical/social/welfare admission criterion then this should take into account the circumstances of the child and the family. Please note the Local Authority information in the main school admissions section.

Looked after children and previously looked after children

The School Admissions Code [December 2014] states that within the oversubscription criteria, the highest priority must be given to looked after children and children who were looked after, but ceased to be so because they were adopted (or became subject to a residence order or special guardianship order). 

 A 'looked after child' (1) or a child who was previously looked after but immediately after being looked after became subject to an adoption(2) child arrangements order (residency order) (3) or special guardianship order (4) .

  1. A 'looked after child' is a child who is (a) in the care of a local authority, or (b) being provided with accommodation by a local authority in the exercise of their social services functions (see the definition in Section 22(1) of the Children Act 1989) at the time of making an application to a school.
  2. This includes children who were adopted under the Adoption Act 1976 (see section 12 adoption orders) and children who were adopted under the Adoption and Childrens Act 2002 (see section 46 adoption orders).
  3. Under the provisions of s.12 of the Children and Families Act 2014, which amend section 8 of the Children Act 1989, residence orders have now been replaced by child arrangements orders.
  4. See Section 14A of the Children Act 1989 which defines a ‘special guardianship order’ as an order appointing one or more individuals to be a child’s special guardian (or special guardians).

This includes children who are legally adopted from overseas.  Relevant, legal documents must be provided to evidence the adoption.

Admission Authorities for faith schools may give priority to all looked after children and previously looked after children whether or not of the faith, but they must give priority to looked after children and previously looked after children of the faith before other children of the faith.  Where any element of priority is given in relation to children not of the faith they must give priority to looked after children and previously looked after children not of the faith above other children not of the faith.