Overview

This bill aims to make all state-funded secondary schools in England and Wales non-selective, prohibiting admission based on ability or aptitude. It requires schools to submit plans to the Secretary of State outlining how they will achieve this by September 2027, with exceptions for pupils with education, health and care plans and for existing selective banding arrangements under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

Description

The bill establishes a "comprehensive principle," mandating that state-funded secondary schools cannot use ability or aptitude in admissions. Exceptions are made for children with Education, Health and Care Plans and for existing selection mechanisms allowed under the 1998 School Standards and Framework Act.

Key Stages:

• By September 1st, 2023: All admission authorities must report to the Secretary of State on their current admissions practices.
• By September 1st, 2024: Schools currently selecting by ability must submit proposals (in consultation with parents and other stakeholders) to the Secretary of State on how they intend to comply with the new law by September 1st, 2027.
• The Secretary of State will review these proposals, approving, amending, or rejecting them.
• Rejected proposals must be resubmitted within 12 months. If these are also rejected, the Secretary of State will create their own plan.
• Full implementation of the new rules is expected by September 1st, 2027 (or 2028 for proposals submitted and approved/amended after the initial deadline).

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, implementing the changes may require additional resources for schools to adapt their admissions processes and potentially for support programs to help ensure equitable access to education.

Groups Affected

• Schools: State-funded secondary schools in England and Wales will need to change their admissions policies if they currently select based on ability or aptitude. This could necessitate significant administrative changes.
• Parents: Parents will be consulted during the process and the changes could affect the school their child attends.
• Pupils: The bill's aim is to benefit pupils by ensuring equal access to education regardless of ability or aptitude. However, the impact on individual pupils will depend on how schools adapt their admission processes.
• Local Authorities: Will be involved in the process, particularly in supporting schools to comply with the bill.

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