Decision details

The Chief Officer: Strategy, Resources and Early Intervention reported on pupil places and school admission appeals.

For secondary schools there had been approximately 1100 applications of which 94% had been offered one of their three preferences. 43 transfer appeals had been submitted of which 10 had been allowed. In addition there had been 16 in-year admissions, where families had moved into the area during the year, of which 8 had been allowed. As at 11 September, 146 secondary school places were available.

For primary schools there had been approximately 1500 applications of which 93% had been offered one of their three preferences. 51 transfer appeals had been submitted of which 5 had been allowed. In addition there had been 24 in-year admissions, of which 4 had been allowed. As at 11 September, 59 primary school places were available.

The Panel was informed of the school admissions process for September 2013 including the key dates. In order that applicants were better informed, a number of information sessions were scheduled and the Council was making greater use of social media.  

In response to Members’ questions, the Chief Officer: Strategy, Resources and Early Intervention reported that, although there were some demand “hot spots”, mainly in north Bracknell, he was confident that there would be sufficient school places next year. He advised that school admission information leaflets were circulated as widely as possible and officers endeavoured to explain the legal admissions process to parents.

He agreed to provide details of how many applicants were awarded their first preference.