Where there are more parental preference applications than places available, the admission criteria described below will be applied in the order shown:
- exceptional medical or welfare reasons, supported by relevant written evidence or recommendation.
- elder sibling(s) already attending the school, who are likely still to be there when the child in respect of whom the application is made enters the school.
- position in waiting list, determined by date of application.
- any other local criteria applicable to an individual school, if approved by the School Governance Committee and HQ SCE.
Admission criteria will not take into account: the child's academic ability, aptitude, race, religion, or gender; nor will they take into account the rank/grade of the child's parent(s). Exceptionally, where application is made on the basis of the need to study a minority subject not available in other SCE secondary schools, the child's ability or aptitude in that subject may be considered.
Admission to a boarding place under parental preference arrangements will only be permitted if all of the following criteria are met:
- to follow post-16 courses which are not available at the pupil’s designated school,
- where there is appropriate spare capacity in the school
- where spare boarding capacity exists, as determined by the relevant Area Education Officer.
Parental preference applications should be made to the headteacher of the preferred school. Parental preference applications for boarding places should be made initially to the headteacher, who will refer such requests to the relevant Area Education Officer. Parents who have been refused a place other than at the designated school or boarding school may appeal against the decision. Appeals should be submitted in writing to the Assistant Director (Pupil and Family Services) at HQ SCE.
Children who are admitted under the parental preference scheme will be allowed to use school transport on a "fill up" basis only. The use of official school transport other than to the designated school is concessionary and parents may be charged for its use. Concessionary transport may be withdrawn upon two weeks' written notice.