Primary
Where the number of applications for admission is greater than the Published Admission Number, Darlington Borough Council, as the Admissions Authority for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools will consider all preferences against the oversubscription criteria set out below. After the admission of pupils with a statement of special educational need where a specific school is named on the statement, the criteria will be applied in the order in which they are set out below:
Order of Priority
Priority 1 - Looked After Children. A ‘looked after’ child is a child who is in the care of a local authority or provided with accommodation by that Authority.
Priority 2 - Medical. Children with very exceptional medical factors directly relating to school placement. Applications under this criterion should be supported by written evidence from a doctor.(see below for further details).
Priority 3 - Family Links. Children who have a brother or sister already attending the school and are expected to be on roll at that school at the time of admission. In the case of associated schools a family link would exist if a brother or sister would be expected to be on roll of either school at the time of admission. (see table of schools in the Primary Guide for Parents 2012/13 for associated schools)
Priority 4 - Associated Schools. Pupils who are transferring from a Darlington Infant to a Junior school will be given priority over pupils from other schools. (See Guide for Parents 2012/13 for associated schools)
Priority 5 - Rural. Children living within the Rural Wards of the Borough of Darlington who have been unsuccessful in obtaining a place at one of their preferred schools AND for whom the nearest alternative school would otherwise be more than two miles from their home will be given priority over other children for places at certain schools (Click on link below for map of rural wards)
Priority 6 - Distance - Urban Wards of Darlington Borough Council. Children who live nearest the preferred school measured from the front door of the home address (including flats) to the main school gate by the shortest walking route. This will be based on the home address of the child. To remain consistent the Authority uses a Geographical Information System to measure all distances. The Authority's priority when measuring a route is to identify the shortest route judged to be safe (safe is lit at regular intervals, paved/tarmaced).
Rural Wards of Darlington Borough Council. Children who live nearest the preferred school measured from the front door of the home address (including flats) to the main school gate, by the shortest route which is paved/tarmaced*. This will be based on the home address of the child. To remain consistent the Authority uses a Geographical Information System to measure all distances.
*In the rural wards the Council is aware that the shortest route may not be a safe route to walk. Therefore, if a child living in a rural ward, is successful in gaining a place at a school; where the the route taken when measured by the Local Authority, is paved/tarmaced but not also lit at regular intervals, then the Local Authority will provide assistance with transport, even if it is less than the statutory distance for a child of the appropriate age.
Secondary
Where the number of applications for admission is greater than the Published Admission Number, Darlington Borough Council, as the Admissions Authority for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools will consider all preferences against the oversubscription criteria set out below. After the admission of pupils with a statement of special educational need where a specific school is named on the statement, the criteria will be applied in the order in which they are set out below:
Order of Priority
Priority 1 - Looked After Children. A ‘looked after’ child is a pupil who is in the care of a local authority or provided with accommodation by that Authority.
Priority 2 - Medical Reasons. Pupils with very exceptional medical factors directly relating to school placement. Applications under this criterion should be supported by written evidence from a doctor (see below for further details).
Priority 3 - Family Links. Pupils who have a brother or sister already attending the school and who are expected to be on roll at that school at the time of admission (see brochure for further details) - 2012/13 Guide for Parents will be available from September 2011).
Priority 4 - Associated Transport. Pupils who live in an area from which the Local Authority provides designated transport to the preferred school in order to limit travel costs (see transport section in the Guide for Parents 2012/13 for further details - available from September 2011).
Priority 5 - Distance. Pupils who live nearest the preferred school measured from the front door of the home address (including flats) to the main school gate, by the shortest walking route judged to be safe (lit at regular intervals and paved/tarmaced). This will be based on the home address of the child. To remain consistent the Authority uses a Geographical Information System to measure all distances.
Tie-Break
In the event of a tie-break within any criteria distance will be the deciding factor. The Authority will carry out a thorough investigation, which may involve an Officer walking the route using a pedometer.
Multiple Births
In the case of secondary admissions where a single place remains and the next child to be offered is a twin or other multiple birth, then the Authority will use its discretion in deciding whether to offer over the Published Admission Number. For primary admissions for multiple births where there is only 1 place available, then through consultation with the parent/carers, the place will be offered to the chosen child.
Medical Criterion
If you state a preference for a school and indicate your reason for doing so is ‘medical’, then you are required to send a supporting letter from a professional practitioner. The supporting evidence should set out the particular reasons why the school in question is the most suitable school and the difficulties it would cause if your child had to travel to another school. The Authority will make contact the District Medical Officer for independent information regarding your child’s condition. We will also seek advice from other qualified professionals (such as Psychologists) or other specialists where necessary.