In-year admissions and fair access protocols

The School Admissions Code 2021 made changes to the rules on in-year admissions and fair access protocols (FAPs). Get to grips with these new rules.

Last reviewed on 8 June 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 40619
Contents
  1. In-year admissions
  2. Fair access protocols (FAPs)

The DfE published a new version of the School Admissions Code, in response to its consultation. The new code came into force on 1 September 2021. 

The updated code aims to:

  • Clarify and improve the process for admitting children to school outside of the normal admissions round (i.e. in-year admissions)
  • Provide additional information for admission authorities to support them in discharging their duties effectively

We updated our model admissions policy to reflect these changes. 

In-year admissions

The DfE has added a new section to the code on in-year admissions that includes the following provisions.

Local authorities (LAs) must publish information on their website by 31 August each year on how in-year admissions can be made and will be dealt with from 1 September onwards in that year, including details on: Which schools the