Introduction

These guidelines are issued under Section11G(3) of the Education Act 1989 for the purpose of describing the basis on which the Secretary's powers in relation to enrolment schemes will be exercised. They replace guidelines issued under previous legislation in March 1999.

Section 11PB of the Education Act 1989 sets out the basis on which the enrolment scheme legislation contained in Sections 11A to 11P applies to State integrated schools

All enrolment schemes are required to comply with certain purposes and princples expressed in legislation. In the case of other State schools, the Government's intent is given more specific expression in the wording of several precise requirements. Only one of these, however, has an equivalent in a State integrated schools context. (This is the requirement to give priority to applicants for whom the school is reasonably convenient. See the first paragraph of the section headed "Catering for local students.) This means that State integrated schools have more flexibility in applying the purposes and principles to their scheme than other State schools have. This enables them to ensure that maintenance of the school's special character remains the prime focus of their enrolment policy.

It is useful to set out the purposes and principles before providing guidance on matters which the Secretary will take into account when approving schemes or exercising other powers granted to the Secretary under legislation. The Secretary has delegated his powers to approve schemes and arbitrate on other matters to specific managers in the Ministry of Education's regional and local offices.