Local councils must follow the schools admissions code (GOV.UK) when carrying out duties relating to school admissions.
The protocol is used when a parent has not secured a school place. A protocol is a set of rules or procedures that govern how something is done.
It will help unplaced and vulnerable students get a school place quickly, especially when they apply outside the normal admissions times.
If a school does not want to admit a child due to behaviour issues, they must refer the case to the local council.
Using the fair access protocol does not take away a parent's right to apply for a school place through regular admissions or to appeal if their application has been refused.