This course is available to junior lawyers at a discounted rate of £80 + VAT. Click here for more information.
PLEASE NOTE: The content of this course does NOT cover relevant Welsh laws.
Admission authorities and local authorities are required to comply with the regulations and legislation set out in the School Admissions Code 2021 and School Admissions Appeal Code 2022.
Admission authorities must ensure that the practices and the criteria used to decide the allocation of school places are fair, clear and objective and do not disadvantage unfairly, either directly or indirectly, any child.
The course will look at the Schools Admissions and Appeals Codes and what admission authorities/local authorities need to do to meet their statutory obligations.
The course will cover:
Reviewing the changes to the School Admissions Code and School Admission Appeals Code
Developing admission procedures that are fair, clear, and objective
Managing the School Admission Appeal Process effectively
Complaints made to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator and the Education Skills and Funding Agency
Interactive discussion session where delegates will be able to discuss any problems they have or have had to deal with in this area
There will be practical exercises based on:
Previous complaints made with regards to a School Admission Policy
Previous School Admission Appeal cases
The aim of the course is for delegates to leave with the knowledge to ensure that their School Admission and Appeal policies meet the DfE statutory requirements.
The course is suitable for anyone who works in a school, local authority or private practice who has to manage or give advice in this area.
Expertise in School Admissions and Appeals.
Professional Background and Experience
Sharon Oliver brings more than 30 years of comprehensive strategic and operational expertise in the School Admissions & Appeals process. Throughout her career, she has developed an in-depth understanding of admissions and appeals, consistently demonstrating her commitment to supporting educational institutions.
Leadership in Multi Academy Trusts
For several years, Sharon managed a central Admissions Department for a highly successful multi academy trust (MAT). Her leadership in this role contributed significantly to the effective administration and compliance of the school’s admissions and appeals process.
Consultancy and Training Services
Since establishing Sharon Oliver Consultancy Ltd in 2015, Sharon has provided guidance and training to numerous schools and MATs, focusing on school admission and appeals compliance. She has also shared her expertise by presenting at various School Admission & Appeal training and conference events.
School Admission Appeals Management
Sharon oversees the School Admission Appeals process for a substantial number of MATs. She maintains a pool of independent school admission appeal panelists who are rigorously trained to ensure that appeal hearings are conducted in accordance with statutory regulations.
Governance and Community Involvement
Until 2022, Sharon served as Chair of Governors for a primary school and was an active member of the Croydon School Forum, further demonstrating her dedication to the education sector and her commitment to governance and policy development.
Collaborative Approach
Sharon collaborates with colleagues who possess experience working with Councils, MATs, further education institutions, and governing bodies. These professionals are all trained to advise schools and parents on the school admission appeals process, ensuring that guidance is accurate and compliant with current regulations.
Understanding and Supporting Schools
With a clear understanding of the pressures faced by schools today, including extensive workloads, shifting priorities, and the challenge of staying up to date with statutory requirements, Sharon’s objective is to leverage her expertise to support schools. She provides targeted guidance and training, helping management teams navigate the complexities of School Admission and Appeal compliance.
Related training
09:30 - 14:45
Online
