ATL ON CHANGES TO SCHOOL ADMISSIONS POLICY

11 March 2008

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said:

“We support the Government’s determination to have fair admissions to all UK state schools, and we applaud their actions to further enforce the national implementation of the admissions code.

“The Government’s evidence shows some schools – particularly voluntary aided and some trust schools - have been playing fast and loose with the school admissions code. 

“We know the rhetoric of school choice does not deliver for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.  Even looked-after children are not getting the school places they want, as schools continue to choose the children they take rather than the other way around. 

“If schools are to continue to receive state funding they must not break the law.  The Government should consider withdrawing funding from any that do.”