02/09/2013

New Legislation Published To Reform School Admissions

Proposed legislation governing admission policies could see schools obligated to enrol children with learning difficulties.

The new regulations, which are published today, aim to tackle concerns that the enrolment policy of some schools could see them "cherry-picking" students.

The proposed legislation and draft regulations also includes the outlawing of non-fee paying schools accepting deposits or payments to secure placements, alongside the banning of schools interviewing potential pupils or their parents.

Schools will however, under certain circumstances, still be allowed to favour the children of former pupils ahead of other applicants.

(MH/JP)

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