Monday was “National Offer Day”. The day when parents and students received their offer of a Secondary School place (Primary School National Offer Day isn’t until 16th April).

For 80 to 85% across Walsall it will have been good news. They would have got their first preference place, others would not have been so lucky but would have got a lower preference. Around 2% could not be offered any of their parents’ preferences and would have been allocated a place at an alternative school.

This whole process began at the end of last summer and applications closed back on 31st October. The work then began going through the submissions applying a strict criteria set centrally:

1. Looked after or previously looked after children
2. Siblings
3. Paired Primary Schools
4. Faith schools
5. Medical needs
6. Distance. Based on nearest available walking route

This work continues until offers are finalised.

Parents are able to express up to 5 preference for a secondary school place. It is important to know that this is a preference, not a choice which is the way that it is seen.

So for those who have been disappointed with what they have been offered what happens next?

The offer date is right at the start of the process, many parents who are unhappy with their child’s offer will obtain a place for their child which they are happy with later in the process. Each year a significant number of children are offered places from the waiting list for one of their parents’ preferred schools – after the offer date.

And if all else fails? Parents have the right of appeal against the decision to refuse their child at a place at any school for which the application has been unsuccessful. These appeals are heard by independent appeal panels. These panels are independent of school and of local authority. The decision of the admission appeal panel is legally binding on all parties involved.

The process for admissions is a national process. All local authorities adhere to it. This year, here in Walsall, was the first time the process has been done all on-line. Most local authorities have already gone to a fully on-line process.

I have to say that I find this move to be one more for convenience than fairness. It discriminates against those families who are not on-line in favour of those perhaps more affluent who are.

A closer look at the process leading up to the submission of Secondary School  Admissions are also discriminatory in that parents are encouraged to go to Open Days to see for themselves what the schools are like. What happens if you are a single parent, do not have your own transport or work shifts?

In the interest of fairness shouldn’t the system bring the options to the parents? Selection went out with the end of the 11+ back in 1976. It is clear that the current process still discriminates against the disadvantaged.

Much has been done as a result of Liberal Democrats being in Government with the introduction of the pupil premium, pre school nursery places and free school meals for younger pupils but more must be done to make the schools admissions process fairer. Everyone should have an equal opportunity in life. You should not be a victim of your Post Code.