Torbay LG Branch - Schools Portal

UNISON is concerned that a staggering number of England’s self-governing schools could be cherry-picking pupils.

Checks by the schools adjudicator reveal that of the 3,500 faith schools, foundation schools and academies examined, half are breaking a new admissions code by asking questions such as parents’ occupations.

"This is unacceptable," said UNISON head of education Christina McAnea. "It is particularly alarming that this is happening in schools that control their own admissions."

The code was brought in to make the admissions process fairer and more transparent. There are fears that the breaches could lead to segregation on social grounds, with the children of wealthier and highly educated parents more likely to get into the schools they want to get into.

"That is what the code was brought in to avoid," Ms McAnea said.

The schools have been warned before. An official inquiry earlier this year showed admissions' flaws in one in six schools throughout the UK.

UNISON wants strong action from the government to tighten the code, and for the schools adjudicator to enforce it.

"Despite warnings, we now have further evidence that schools are breaking the law," said Ms McAnea, adding: "There's no point having a code that is legally binding if schools can ignore it."