Admissions Questions

The overall procedure, practices and oversubscription criteria used in deciding the allocation of school places must follow the School Admissions Code which came into force on 28 February 2007. This applies to all maintained schools. The new code is to co-ordinate schemes between primary, middle and high admissions for all schools on the Island and is being consulted on for the September 2009 intake via the Admissions Forum. The main purpose of this coordinated scheme is to ensure that every child living on the Isle of Wight receives an offer of a school place on the due date (March 1st). The authority has more than enough school places to meet demand and a very high percentage of parents obtain places at their preferred school. However, demand for places at some schools can exceed demand.

The differences in popularity affect schools' budgets and their operation. Less popular schools face challenges in maintaining and improving standards. More popular schools also face challenges in maintaining and improving standards whilst catering for high pupil numbers. The proposed organisation of island schools in all options offers an opportunity to review and consult on admission arrangements. This will include consultation on priority or catchment areas for each school and will offer greater predictability for parents/carers whilst balancing the supply and demand of school places in all areas of the Island.