Open consultation Review of Temporary Variation Policy Consultation

Summary

The Department is consulting on a review of the Temporary Variation (TV) Policy

Documents

• Review of Temporary Variation Policy - Public Consultation Document Adobe PDF (249 KB)
• Rural Needs Impact Assessment for Temporary Variation (TV) Policy Review Adobe PDF (290 KB)
• Data Protection Impact Assessment for Temporary Variation (TV) Policy Review Adobe PDF (215 KB)
• Equality and Human Rights Policy Screening for Temporary Variation (TV) Policy Review Adobe PDF (519 KB)
• Privacy Notice for Temporary Variation (TV) Policy Review Adobe PDF (147 KB)

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Consultation description

The Department of Education is seeking views on a significant change in policy direction to reform the operation of the Temporary Variation (TV) policy. These proposals reflect a broader shift towards placing children and families at the centre of decision making, strengthening parental choice, and ensuring the education system is more responsive to demand.

When a mainstream school is oversubscribed with applications, it may apply to the department to admit additional, named children.  The TV Policy determines whether additional places will be approved.

A review of the 2026 admissions cycle identified that, in some cases, outcomes did not align with parental expectations. This included situations where capacity existed in a preferred school but could not be utilised. This consultation focuses on how a revised, more responsive approach should operate in practice.