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The process and rules for allocating school places.

Used in
All four UK nations (details may differ), United States
Topic
Policy and law

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

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Catchment area All four UK nations (details may differ)
The geographical area from which a school gives priority to applicants in its admissions criteria. US: school attendance zone.
Oversubscription criteria England
The rules a school uses to decide who gets a place when there are more applicants than places, such as siblings and distance.
Admissions appeal England Wales
A hearing by an independent panel when parents challenge a decision to refuse their child a school place.

More terms: Policy and law

Attendance register · Authorised absence · Busing · Chronic absenteeism · CIPA · Class size

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Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.