Oversubscription criteria

Also called Admissions criteria, Catchment

The published order a school uses to decide places when there are more applicants than places.

What it is

Where a school has more applications than places, it must allocate them strictly according to published oversubscription criteria.

Looked-after and previously looked-after children must come first in every school's criteria. After that, schools commonly use medical or social need, siblings, distance and catchment, and for faith schools, religious criteria.

Where it applies

Every state school when oversubscribed.

How it works

A child with an EHCP naming the school is admitted outside this process entirely — the naming of the school in Section I carries a duty to admit, and the school cannot refuse on the basis of being full.

Distance is measured in a way each school defines, and the definition matters: straight line, walking route, and the point of measurement all differ.

What you can ask for

Read the criteria for each school you list, not just the first. And check last year's published furthest distance offered — most councils publish it.

If your child has a medical or social need for a particular school, check whether that criterion exists and what evidence it needs. It usually needs a professional letter and a deadline.

Where to get help

The council's admissions booklet and each school's own policy. SENDIASS where SEND is involved.