Pupils aiming to change schools left without offer
MORE THAN 140 pupils in Cardiff looking for a transfer during the academic year have been told they can’t currently join their preferred schools.
Cardiff council has revealed 144 applications this academic year by families looking for an in-year transfer of schools have not been made an offer.
The council says this is because their preferred schools have been over-subscribed or the application has not been made properly.
But the authority has said it has “more than enough capacity” in its primary and secondary schools – and the 144 figure is not a sign it doesn’t have enough room in its schools.
Between July 1 and September 30, 835 in-year transfer applications were made, and 404 of these were made an offer.
A total of 379 applications are being processed or have been refused, while 52 families have withdrawn their applications.
Cardiff council says, where transfers are unavoidable, families are encouraged to continue taking their children to their current school while waiting for a new place. Only a small proportion of these children would be taken out of school and given a home education.
Councillor Sarah Merry, deputy leader of Cardiff council and cabinet member for education, said: “There is a school place available for every child or young person living in Cardiff, in fact we have more than enough capacity in our primary schools and in our secondary schools.
“In-year transfers are made when parents want their children to move to alternative schools, so it is separate to the annual admissions process for children starting primary school, or moving into secondary school each September.
“The figure of 144 represents those inyear transfers that have not been offered a place at their preferred school, either because they have applied for those schools in Cardiff that are currently oversubscribed, or the application hasn’t been made properly. All refused applicants are immediately informed of alternative places available.
“The council is working with those families to help them with their applications and to ensure that their children continue to receive an education in the meantime.”