Catchment area

An area a school prioritises for admissions (sometimes a hard boundary, sometimes a soft concept). Not every school uses a catchment.

Oversubscription criteria

The rules used to allocate places when there are more applicants than places. Criteria order and definitions vary by school and Local Authority.

PAN (Published Admission Number)

The number of places available in the intake year (e.g. Reception or Year 7). This is published and can change over time.

Admission authority

The body responsible for admissions arrangements. Often the Local Authority for community schools, or the academy trust/governing body for academies.

Distance rule

A rule that prioritises applicants by distance from a defined point. Many policies use straight-line distance, but methods and points vary.

Straight-line distance (as the crow flies)

Distance measured directly between two coordinates. This is not route distance and can differ significantly from driving or walking distance.

Sibling rule

A criterion that prioritises applicants who already have a sibling at the school. Definitions of sibling and cut-off dates vary.

Looked-after child

A child in the care of a Local Authority. Admissions policies often give highest priority to looked-after and previously looked-after children.

Feeder school

A primary school that may give priority for transfer to a secondary school (where the admissions policy specifies it).

Waiting list

A list maintained after allocations where families can be offered a place if one becomes available. Rules for ordering can differ from initial allocations.

Appeal

A formal independent process where a family argues for a place after refusal. Appeals do not guarantee a place and require evidence.

In-year transfer

Applying for a school place outside the normal entry point (e.g. moving mid-year). Processes vary by LA and school type.

Local Authority (LA)

The local council responsible for coordinating admissions for many state schools in its area and publishing admissions guidance and timelines.

SEND

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Support and entitlement vary; always read the school's SEND information report and relevant policies.