URL: https://northumberland.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=423

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To inform Cabinet of the outcomes of the consultation on School Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools and the Home to School Transport Policy. Approval (determination) of the Admission Arrangements and Home to School Transport Policy is also sought.

Content: RESOLVED that:-   (a)      Cabinet note the outcomes of the six-week consultation undertaken in relation to the Council’s proposed admissions arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools for 2027/2028 and the Council’s School Transport Policy for Children of Compulsory School Age that took place between 3 November and 12 December 2025;   (b)      Cabinet approve the proposed co-ordinated admissions scheme for all maintained schools and academies, as provided in Appendix 1 of this report;   (c)      Cabinet approve (determine) the proposed final admissions arrangements for 2027/28, including proposed oversubscription criteria and proposed admission numbers for First and Primary community and VC schools, as provided in Appendix 4 of this report.  These arrangements include the amendments to the Council’s Admissions Policy for secondary community and VC schools required by the Schools Adjudicator in their determination letter of 5 January 2026;   (d)      Cabinet approve (determine) the proposed final admissions including proposed over subscription criteria and proposed admission numbers, for Middle, High and Secondary community and VC schools, including sixth forms, as provided in Appendix 5 of this report.  These arrangements include the amendments to the Council’s Admissions Policy for secondary community and VC schools required by the Schools Adjudicator in their determination letter of 5 January 2026;   (e)      Cabinet approve the proposed reduction of the Planned Admission Number (PAN) into Reception class of Swarland Primary School from 17 to 15 with effect from 1 September 2027;   (f)       in the light of the determination letter received from the School’s Adjudicator on 5 January 2026, Cabinet approve the amendments required by the Adjudicator in relation to the Council’s Admissions Policy for primary and secondary admissions into community and VC schools for 2026/27, provided at Appendix 6 and 7 of this report; and   (g)      Cabinet approve the Council’s School Transport Policy for Children of Compulsory School Age 2025 provided in Appendix 8 of this report.

Date of Decision: February 10, 2026