The schools adjudicator can make decisions on school organisation in cases where:
- there is competition to provide a new school and the local authority (LA) has submitted its own bid
- key local partners appeal against a decision made by an LA
- the LA has failed to make a decision within a prescribed timescale
- an LA objects to a school becoming a trust school
- there are changes in school provision – e.g. significant changes to an existing school, the closure of existing schools and opening of a new primary school without a competition.
When the local authority should refer cases
The local authority (LA) should refer cases to the schools adjudicator for a decision when:
- it has failed to make a decision within the prescribed period
- proposals are made by a governing body for its school to become a trust school, and the LA believes consultation has been inadequate or standards are at risk.