What your council does: School admissions

About the School Admissions Team

The School Admissions Team at Bury Council ensures that every child in the borough has the opportunity to attend a suitable school, supporting families through one of the most important steps in their education journey.

Led by Team Manager Vicky Hunter, this small but highly experienced team coordinates the allocation of school places, manages in-year applications and appeals, and ensures there are enough school places to meet local demand.

Their work plays a vital role in maintaining fairness, transparency, and confidence in Bury’s education system.

Key services provided

• Coordinating school admissions for primary and secondary places across Bury
• Achieving exceptional outcomes for 2025, with 94.7% of primary pupils and 89% of secondary pupils securing their first-choice school — the highest rates in Greater Manchester and well above the national averages
• Monitoring school census data each term to forecast pupil numbers, manage admissions demand, and inform school place planning
• Liaising with schools, academies, and neighbouring authorities to coordinate admissions and share best practice
• Representing Bury at secondary school open evenings to explain admission policies to families and answer questions
• Managing hundreds of in-year applications and school placement appeals each year to ensure every child is treated fairly and consistently
• Coordinating the In-Year Fair Access process to secure appropriate education placements for vulnerable children, including those new to the area, asylum seekers, and children permanently excluded from school
• Conducting safeguarding checks for children missing in education and those who are electively home educated, ensuring every child receives suitable education provision

Service impact

Bury continues to outperform national averages for both primary and secondary school admissions, highlighting the team’s outstanding professionalism and planning.

Together, the small group of specialists has amassed 127 years of service with Bury Council, demonstrating exceptional dedication and local knowledge. Their careful co-ordination ensures school resources are used effectively while balancing the needs of families and schools - particularly in more popular or oversubscribed areas.

Challenges and solutions

• Managing oversubscription pressures in central and eastern Bury, where demand is highest due to affordable housing and new arrivals
• Supporting families facing transport challenges by arranging travel solutions where possible
• Balancing the needs of children admitted through appeal with schools’ capacity, ensuring quality and fairness remain central to decisions

Future plans and developments

The team continues to refine its admissions forecasting methods to keep pace with population changes and housing growth. Collaboration with local schools will remain central to ensuring there are enough places for every child, while maintaining Bury’s position as a high-performing authority.