School admissions research
How do we address the gap in attainment between the most advantaged and disadvantaged students in the UK? Pioneering research, led by the University of Bristol's School of Economics, has revealed the reforms most likely to equalise our education system.
In an age of academies and free schools, secondary schools have never had more freedom over their admissions rules. But how do they decide who gets in? And are these rules fair?
A study by Professor Simon Burgess and others has pieced together the complex picture of admissions rules now in place across England and identified the single measure that could have the biggest impact on attainment inequality.
In an article summarising the group's findings, Professor Burgess explains:
'The idea is straightforward. Each school would reserve 15% of places for [free school meal]-eligible pupils, with remaining places allocated according to its existing admissions arrangements. The idea is that the reform tempers geography with a measure of social equity.
Our simulation results, combining families’ estimated school preferences with school admissions criteria, indicate a substantial effect. Under this reform, virtually all FSM pupils would be assigned to one of their top two preferences – typically representing a more effective school than their school assignment without reform (baseline).
This reform is therefore very effective and very targeted.'
Read more about the group's recommendations: