Admissions

School Admissions- Ukrainian refugees

We know that our church schools want to do all they can to welcome and support refugees and evacuees from Ukraine. We hope that the following information will be helpful as the Ukrainian refugee situation is uncertain, developing and changing.

Up to date school admission information from Suffolk County Council (29 March 2022)
Admissions- Ukrainian refugees, advice from SCC | Weblink

Government advice on school admissions provided in English and Ukrainian (11 April 2022)
How do families arriving from Ukraine apply for a school place and childcare? | Weblink

Suffolk County Council advice on supporting refugees
Supporting Refugees- information from SCC | Weblink

The Sanctuary Foundation
Promoting refugee welcome and welfare | Weblink

You can register to receive a weekly email update, from SCC, by sending your details to refugeesupport@suffolk.gov.uk

Allison Coleman is the Refugee and Migrant Lead at Suffolk County Council, allison.coleman@suffolk.gov.uk  01473 265160

Other useful links:

Letter to schools and local authorities about supporting Ukrainian children to integrate into English schools - sets out the Secretary of State’s expectation that schools and local authorities support Ukrainian children arriving in the UK  to integrate into their schools and communities

Guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK - Government guidance for Ukrainians arriving in the UK

Ukraine Family Scheme - Government guidance on applying for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa 

Homes for Ukraine - Government guidance on applying for a visa under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme

School admissions: applications for overseas children - Government guidance on how local authorities and admission authorities should process applications from foreign nationals, or from another country, for a state-funded school place in England.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has published:guidance for local authorities regarding the Homes for Ukraine scheme and FAQs

If you have any additional questions, please do get in touch: sue.todd@cofesuffolk.org

A Prayer for Ukraine

God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen

Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop Stephen Cottrell

Admissions for Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary Schools and Academies

In the case of Church of England Voluntary Aided (CEVA) Primary Schools the Governing Body is the Admissions Authority.

In the case of an Academy - at a "standalone" Academy the Directors are the Admissions Authority; for a school within a Multi Academy Trust, the Directors of the MAT are the Admissions Authority.

Admissions to CEVA Primary Schools and Academies | PDF

Application for admission for first entry to primary school at age 4+ must be completed by 15 January in the year that you intend for your child to start.

All applications are processed by the local authority. Admissions at other times are made direct to CEVA Primary Schools and all academies

Suffolk County Council School Places | Weblink

Admissions for Church of England Voluntary Controlled Schools

In all Church of England Voluntary Controlled Schools the Local Authority (Suffolk County Council) is the Admissions Authority. Of particular importance to those applying because the School has a Church of England foundation is the condition relating to oversubscription category 3a. 

Application for admission for first entry to primary school at age 4+ must be completed by 15 January in the year that you intend for your child to start.

All applications are processed by the local authority. 

Suffolk County Council School Places | Weblink

Further information

Admissions advice for schools (September 2021) | PDF

School Admissions Code 2021 | Weblink

Top tips for VA Schools and academies with useful links | PDF

Timeline for 2021-22 (taken from the Schools Admission Code 2021) | PDF

Directory of Church of England Schools in Suffolk | Weblink

Directory of Schools in Suffolk for the 2021/2022 school year | Weblink

Any queries, please contact Jacqui Studd.

Appeals process

The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 gives parents the right to appeal against the decision of any Admissions Authority if that body is unable to meet the parents' preference for choice of School. 

This page cannot give a definitive guide to Appeals, rather it aims to signpost you to the best sources of information. It can also serve as a reminder for Schools as to their role in the process. 

The Education Appeals Office is the independent body which administers all Admission Appeals within Suffolk. It is unable to offer personal advice about individual appeals. However the Advisory Centre for Education (A.C.E.) is a national charity that provides advice and information to parents and carers on a wide range of school-based issues. Call them on 0300 011 5142 or look at their website.

ACE Education | Weblink 

The Education Appeals Office (EAO) can be contacted by email or call 01473 264218 or 01473 264219 or 01473 264227. 

Education Admission Appeals information on SCC website | Weblink

This website also provides the latest EAO Guidance Booklet and Notice of Appeals Form.

Statutory Admission Appeals Code of Practice 2021 | Weblink

Please note that all appeal hearings are being held remotely for the foreseeable future.

Schools are reminded that they can access support from the Deputy Diocesan Director of Education.

Statutory Consultation

All Church of England Voluntary Aided schools and academies have now concluded the statutory consultation on their Admission Policies for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic years. Appropriate variations have been added to policies to comply with changes to the Code, with effect from 1^st September 2021.