Decision details

Councillor Lucy Smith, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, presented the report which set out the outcome of the consultation on proposed changes to the admissions policy for maintained secondary schools, including removing catchment areas and instead using a distance criterion, so when considering oversubscription priority would be given to those applicants residing closest to the school for which they are applying. The changes would come into effect for applications for secondary school places for the academic year 2024/25 and would apply to all Community secondary schools and non-faith Academies in the borough.

In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that this should reduce the numbers of non-SEN transport to school. Members also discussed the new school in Radcliffe, noting frustration with the DfE over the temporary facilities expected for September 2024, and it was noted that efforts continued to ensure these were fit for purpose and would be for as short a time as possible.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Approved the proposed admissions policy for maintained secondary schools, to come into effect for applications for secondary school places for the academic year 2024/25; and

2.    Following consultation on behalf of Academy Trusts, agreed that the proposed policy will apply to all Community secondary schools and non-faith Academies in the borough.

Reasons for the decision:

Catchment areas in Bury have not been reviewed for many years. Changing demographics across the borough over time, means that catchment areas no longer reflect the schools that they serve. Further, as a number of secondary schools have closed over time, with former catchment areas being consolidated into those of remaining schools, that don’t reflect size of school being served, or geographical boundaries.

The Council is committed to delivering a new secondary school for Radcliffe, which is expected to admit its first cohort of pupils in September 2024. This will also impact on the current designated catchment areas. The majority of respondents to the consultation were in favour of the proposed policy changes. Discussions have taken place with neighbouring LA’s as to their admission arrangements. Removing catchment areas would align with our neighbouring LA’s admissions policies whilst complying with the School Admissions Code.

Alternative options considered and rejected

To retain existing admission arrangements for maintained secondary schools would not be viable due to the reasons stated above.