Admissions authority

Whoever decides who gets a place at a school. It is not always the council, and knowing which changes everything.

What it is

The admissions authority is the body that sets and applies a school's oversubscription criteria and decides on applications.

For community and voluntary controlled schools it is the local authority. For academies, free schools, foundation schools and voluntary aided schools it is the governing body or the academy trust.

Where it applies

Every state-funded school in England.

How it works

All admissions authorities must follow the School Admissions Code. Applications still go through the council's co-ordinated scheme, but the decision on an own-admission-authority school is made by the school or trust.

That means an appeal against a refusal is heard by a panel arranged by that admissions authority, not by the council.

What you can ask for

Check who the admissions authority is before applying, and read that school's own oversubscription criteria — they differ, sometimes a lot, especially for faith schools.

If a school's criteria look unlawful, you can object to the Schools Adjudicator, which is a separate and free route.

Where to get help

The school's admissions policy, published annually. The Office of the Schools Adjudicator for objections to criteria.