Increasing the published admission number (PAN)

Find out who's responsible for increasing your published admission number (PAN), and how to prepare if an increase is coming.

Last reviewed on 13 June 2022
School types: Maintained, Academy · School phases: All
Ref: 6739
Contents
  1. Consultation isn't required if you are your own admission authority
  2. LAs can propose an increase for your school
  3. How to prepare for an increased PAN

This article is based on the DfE's statutory guidance School Admissions Code 2021.  

Consultation isn't required if you are your own admission authority

This applies if you're:

  • An academy
  • A foundation school
  • A voluntary aided school 

See the table in paragraph 11 of the School Admissions Code.

Although you're not required to consult on your PAN where you propose to increase it or keep it the same, many schools still choose to do this when considering an increase. 

However, you must:

  • Notify your local authority (LA) 
  • Make reference to any changes to your PAN on your school website

See paragraph 1.3 to 1.4 (page 9) of the School Admissions Code.

Note the requirements are different if you want to reduce your published admission number (PAN).

LAs can propose an increase for your school

If your LA is the admission authority, they're responsible for setting the PAN.

This applies to:

If the

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