Education Minister has launched a public
consultation on proposals to make it easier for schools to admit
extra pupils, giving parents more choice over which school their
child attends.
The proposals would change the rules on Temporary Variations
(TV), which are requests from schools to admit more pupils than
they are normally allowed.
Launching the consultation, said: "Earlier this year, I set
out my plans to reform Northern Ireland's school admissions
system in a Ministerial statement. Today marks the next step in
delivering that reform.
"The changes I am proposing put parents and children first when
deciding on school admissions. There are currently too many
children who are refused admission to their preferred school,
even when capacity exists and the school can safely accommodate
additional pupils. I want to change that so that every child has
a fair chance of getting into the school that best suits their
needs."
Consultation responses will help inform decisions on the future
operation of the Temporary Variation Policy ahead of the 2027
admissions process.
The Minister added: "I am committed to creating an education
system that listens to parents, reflects their preferences and
responds to the needs of children and families.
"I also recognise the need for flexibility for children with
Special Educational Needs as demand for SEN provision continues
to grow. Any revised approach must support access for children
with SEN.
"The consultation seeks views on how we can better respond to
parental preference, but also on the safeguards that may be
needed to ensure all children, including those with SEN, can
access suitable school places.
"I encourage parents, schools and all interested stakeholders to
consider the proposals and share their views."
The consultation opens on 16 September and will run for eight
weeks. It can be accessed at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/review-temporary-variation-policy-consultation
Notes to editors:
1. The Temporary Variation (TV) Policy allows the Department to
consider requests from schools to admit pupils above their
approved admissions or enrolment numbers in certain
circumstances.
2. Projections indicate that by the 2033-34 academic year,
overall school enrolment is expected to fall by 12.7%, with
primary enrolment projected to fall by 20.4% and post-primary
enrolment by 9.5%.
3. The consultation proposals include:
- presumption of approval for Temporary Variation requests in
primary schools where capacity exists and schools can safely
admit additional pupils.
- a similar presumption for non-selective post-primary schools.
- continued case-by-case consideration for academically
selective post-primary schools.
- greater flexibility for children already holding a school
place to transfer to another school in line with parental wishes.
4. Further information is available in the Written Ministerial
Statement, available at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/written-ministerial-statement-temporary-variation-policy-review
