A 12 week consultation period, fueled by an aim to overhaul the current admissions and appeals code system, has resulted in the publication of a revised code.
The new code includes 2 key changes. Firstly, from Autumn 2014, 16 April will be the day for allocating primary school places and offers will be received at the same time regardless of geographical location. Secondly, greater priority will be given to adopted children who were previously in care, benefiting around 5,000 children each year. The admissions rules will also be amended in order to make it easier for oversubscribed schools to expand.
These amendments aim to raise school standards and close the attainment gap between different economic backgrounds. The revised code may still be amended before final approval on December 1. Subject to this, the Department intends to bring this into force on 1 February 2012. We will follow this outcome and its impact on the education sector as it happens.