Schools' admissions forum

It is compulsory for every local authority to establish an admissions forum. This is a requirement of Section 85a of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

What the forum does

The forum has a key role in ensuring the admissions system is fair, that it promotes social equity and does not disadvantage children. It also ensures that the admissions system is straightforward and easy for parents and carers to understand. Forums also monitor the local authority to ensure that we are complying with the schools admissions code.

We will publish all meeting agenda and minutes here.

Core membership

This is the membership as laid out in the forum's constitution, followed by the number of representatives allowed from each of these groups

• Representatives of the local authority (one to five)
• Community and voluntary controlled schools (one to three)
• Foundation schools (one to three)
• Voluntary aided schools (one to three)
• Church of England diocese (one to three)
• Roman Catholic diocese (one to three)
• Parent governors (one to three)
• Local community (up to three)
• Academies (one per academy)
• City technology colleges (one per college)

We also invite the following to attend:

• A UK service representative such as a councillor
• Representatives of neighbouring local authorities where there is cross border movement
• All schools nominated will be represented by their headteacher or governor

Useful reference documents

• Admission forum constitution
• Schedule of meetings and Forward Plan for 2007/08 
• Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme for primary schools - Southwark 2008/09
• Pan-London Co-ordinated Admissions System for secondary schools   
• Southwark School fair access protocol  
• Schedule of meetings and Foward Plan for 2009/10