School attendance order consultation and direction record
- Version
- v1
- Updated
- 7 October 2026
- Reviewed
- 7 October 2026
- Audience
- Maintained and academy primary and secondary schools in England, excluding independent schools, completing this record when a local authority is considering naming the school in a school attendance order.
- Jurisdiction
- england
Blank fields · read-only preview
Scope and applicability
Use this record when the local authority is considering naming the school in a school attendance order. Complete the maintained-school direction fields only where the school is maintained, is not a hospital school, and disagrees with being named. The 15-day period for seeking a Secretary of State direction is managed from the date the notice is received.
School and case details
School name
RequiredEnter the full name of the school.
Written response
School reference or URN
Enter the school’s internal case reference or unique reference number, if used.
Written response
School phase
RequiredSelect all phases that apply.
Choose all that apply
- Primary
- Secondary
- All-through
School type
RequiredSelect the school’s status for this case. Independent schools are outside the scope of this form.
Choose one
- Maintained school
- Academy
Is the maintained school a hospital school?
Complete this field where the school type is maintained. The Secretary of State direction route described in this form does not apply to hospital schools.
- Tick when complete
Local authority
RequiredEnter the name of the local authority considering the school for naming in the order.
Written response
Local authority case reference
Enter the reference shown on the local authority’s correspondence, if available.
Written response
Child or pupil case reference
RequiredUse the school’s secure case reference rather than unnecessary personal details.
Written response
Date the local authority notice was received
RequiredFor a maintained school that disagrees with being named and may seek a Secretary of State direction, use this date to manage the 15-day period from receipt of the notice.
- Day
- Month
- Year
Local authority notice reference or subject
RequiredRecord the notice reference, subject line, or other identifying information.
Written response
Consultation and concerns
Concern categories raised by the school
Select all categories raised during consultation. Add detail in the following field.
Choose all that apply
- Capacity or available places
- Pupil needs or suitability
- Staffing or specialist provision
- Premises or facilities
- Transport or travel arrangements
- Timing or transition arrangements
- Other concern
Details of concerns raised
Record the school’s concerns about being named and any information supplied to the local authority.
Written response
Consultation communications
RequiredRecord dates, participants, communication methods, key points, actions, and any response deadlines. Add each communication in chronological order.
Written response
School’s proposed admission position
RequiredExplain whether and on what basis the school considers the proposed admission could be accommodated, or why it considers that it could not be accommodated.
Written response
Actions proposed to address concerns
Record any actions discussed with the local authority to address concerns and support agreement about the proposed admission.
Written response
Current consultation outcome
RequiredSelect the current position after consultation. If the position changes, update the record and explain the change below.
Choose one
- Agreement reached about the proposed admission
- Continuing disagreement
- Consultation ongoing
- Outcome not yet recorded
Outcome details and reasons
RequiredRecord the basis for the selected consultation outcome, including any agreed actions or unresolved issues.
Written response
Secretary of State direction route for maintained schools
Is the Secretary of State direction route being considered?
Complete only if the school is maintained, is not a hospital school, and disagrees with being named in the order.
- Tick when complete
Decision about seeking a Secretary of State direction
Complete only where the direction route is applicable.
Choose one
- Direction to be sought
- Direction not to be sought
- Decision pending
Date by which a direction request must be made
Complete only where the direction route is applicable. Record the date calculated from receipt of the notice; the stated period is 15 days.
- Day
- Month
- Year
Date the direction request was made
Complete only if the school sought a Secretary of State direction.
- Day
- Month
- Year
Details of the direction request
Record the request reference, submission method, reasons for disagreement, and any other relevant details.
Written response
Date the local authority was informed of the direction request
Complete only if the school sought a Secretary of State direction. The school must inform the local authority if it does so.
- Day
- Month
- Year
Evidence and details of notification to the local authority
Record the recipient, communication method, reference, and confirmation or other evidence of notification.
Written response
Record ownership and review
Person completing this record
RequiredEnter the name and role of the person responsible for the entry.
Written response
Date this record was updated
RequiredEnter the date of the latest update.
- Day
- Month
- Year
Next review date
Set a date to review the consultation position or any applicable direction deadline.
- Day
- Month
- Year
Additional notes
Record any further information needed to understand the case or track outstanding actions.
Written response