ADMISSIONS POLICIES, APPEALS & WAITING LISTS

Agreed Admission Arrangements (Years 7–13)

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Admissions Policy 2027-28 Consultation / Contributions and queries

Years 7–11 admission criteria / Oversubscription Priorities

Admission outside normal age group 

Years 7–11: Admission criteria

This page summarises arrangements for convenience. Where there is any discrepancy, the Academy Trust's published Admissions Policy and the Local Authority’s coordinated admissions scheme take precedence.

Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the academy are admitted before other allocations.

Oversubscription priorities

* Distance measurement method and mapping base are defined in the full policy and the Local Authority’s coordinated admissions scheme.

Admission outside the normal age group

Principle: The academy’s policy and practice are that children are educated in the normal chronological year group, with differentiated curriculum as appropriate.

Placement outside the normal age group will be considered only in very limited circumstances.

Key points

- Placement follows date of birth.For example, a child of Year 8 age would start in Year 8 (if a vacancy exists) with transitional support, not Year 7.

- Parents/carers may request out‑of‑year admission; there is no right to insist. Each case is judged on its merits and the child’s best interests.

- Department for Education guidance supports education in normal age groups except in limited circumstances.

- If a child is educated outside normal age presently, contact Hounslow Council Admissions (admissions@hounslow.gov.uk • 020 8583 2711). Online secondary transfer may not be available in such cases.

Information to provide with a request

- Parents’ views.

- Recent evidence of the child’s academic, social and emotional development.

- Relevant medical history and/or professional views.

- Whether the child has previously been educated out of their normal age group.

The view of the Headteacher is an important part of the consideration.

The Local Authority may also consult professionals to assess whether any of the following apply:

- Significant delay in intellectual development/educational skills across subjects such that reasonable curriculum differentiation (with SEN support) is insufficient.

- Physical maturity significantly different from peers.

- Equivalent delay in emotional development and social skills appropriate for a younger group.

Parents will be notified of the outcome.

If agreed, the Admission Authority will confirm how to proceed. 

Statutory right of appeal applies to refusal of a place, but not to a preference for a different year group once a place is offered.

Cranford’s Sixth Form: Admission criteria

Academic & capacity thresholds

- Average GCSE point score across the best 8 subjects*.

- Subject‑specific GCSE grade criteria for intended courses (minimums are published on the academy website and may change).

- Course capacity: sufficient places must be available on the proposed programme.

- Course viability: courses run subject to demand and staffing.

- Repeat study: students will not normally be permitted to repeat the same courses after an unsuccessful first attempt.

Applications from external pupils must include acceptable evidence that entry criteria are met at enrolment. Where applications exceed places, offers will be made in the order of priority in the academy’s admission criteria.

NOTE: Permanently excluded pupils cannot be re-admitted to the Sixth Form

Who can appeal?

If you have not been offered a place (in‑year or for transfer) you may appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel. The panel is completely independent of the school and the Local Authority.

Use only the Cranford appeal link above. Do not send appeal forms to your local authority.

Include all evidence and supporting material with your form. Photos of children will not be accepted.

Important — grounds required

You must state the grounds of your appeal when you submit your form. Forms without grounds cannot be accepted.

Appealing for more than one school or child? Submit a separate form for each school and each child.

Complete the online form 

Upload two utility bills dated within the last 3 months. If you can’t scan, you may upload mobile photos of the bills.

Need help with the form? Email the clerk: clerk@educationappeals.com

Receive hearing details

You will receive an invitation letter/email from the Clerk at least 10 school days before your hearing.

Attend your online appeal 

All appeals are heard online. A decision email is sent a few working days after your hearing, followed by a full decision letter around 15 school days later.

Appeal timetable (In‑year & Secondary Transfer)

Recent appeals data

Number of appeals heard for September 2025 entry: 9 • Upheld: 0.

Admissions waiting list

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