Determined admission arrangements 2026-27

If you think that any maintained school or academy’s arrangements are unlawful or not in compliance with the School Admissions Code (external link) or law relating to admissions, you can make an objection to the Schools Adjudicator through the GOV.UK website. You have until 15 May 2024 to contact the adjudicator if you have an objection.

The relevant area for consultation on school admission arrangements

Each local authority is required to define a 'relevant area' in which admission authorities must consult annually on their proposed admission arrangements.

The relevant area is determined after a consultation with local admission authorities and is reviewed periodically. 

A report was presented to the Cabinet on Thursday 8 February 2024 and the relevant area was determined for 2026/27; 2027/28 and 2028 to 29.

Co-ordinated admission scheme

Lancashire County Council is currently consulting on a co-ordinated admissions scheme which applies to families seeking school places for September 2026.

The scheme makes applying for a secondary school place more transparent for all parties involved in the admission process. As co-ordination is a legal requirement, all Lancashire schools are included within the arrangements.

The aim of the co-ordinated scheme is to provide all parents with an offer of a single school place on the same day.

Community and voluntary controlled schools

Lancashire County Council is the admissions authority for community and voluntary controlled schools. There is one admissions policy for all these schools.

Lancashire is currently consulting on admission arrangements which apply to families seeking school places for September 2026.

Voluntary aided and foundation schools, free schools and academies

These schools are their own admission authorities and set their own admission policies.

Determined admission arrangements from these schools will be added as we receive them.

All schools must determine their arrangements on or by 28 February 2025 and send them to us by 15 March 2025.