Service families may be disadvantaged when applying for a school place. This is because:
- they are more likely to need to apply when schools may already be full; and
- they may be unable to provide a specific address in time for the admissions process.
The Armed Forces Covenant exists to make sure the service community is not disadvantaged when accessing public services. There are some specific references to Service Children in the School Admission Code.
Making an application
Applications during the school year ('in-year') can be made up to eight school weeks ahead of a place being required. For children of UK service personnel or crown servants returning from overseas an application can be processed earlier than this if the application is accompanied by an official letter that declares a relocation date.
Addresses
Applications in the normal admissions round and in-year applications will be processed and places allocated using the proposed address (with supporting evidence) or, if the family is not able to confirm a proposed address an allocation can be made using the unit or quartering address.
Infant Class Size
The Infant Class Size legislation allows specified children, including children of UK service personnel admitted outside the normal admissions round, to be admitted to an infant class over the 30 limit as an ‘exception’. However, admission authorities are not required to admit all service children into infant classes that are already at their legal limit. They are able to do so but are not required to do so. Consideration must and will be given by admission authorities to the effect on provision for all of the children in the class of admitting an additional pupil.
Admission appeals
In light of the Infant Class Size legislation, independent appeals panels can treat ‘in-year’ appeals for infant children (Key Stage 1) of service families as they would appeals for any other Key Stage. However, consideration will still be given to the potential impact on other children in the class of admitting an additional pupil and it may still not be possible for a place to be offered, even if the child could be an excepted pupil.
Support and information
The Children's Education Advisory Service (CEAS) provides expert and impartial advice. Visit the CEAS website.
The Department for Education has guidance: Service Pupils in Schools