The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (Commencement No. 6 and Saving and Transitional Provisions) Order 1999

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order brings certain provisions of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 into force on 1st April, 1st June and 1st September 1999 respectively.

The principal provisions brought into force on 1st April 1999 are as follows. First, sections 24 and 26 (in so far as not already in force), 28 (partially), 29 (partially), 31 (partially) and 35, regarding school organisation and the establishment, alteration, discontinuance and change of category of schools.

Second, sections 86, 87, 90 to 92, 93 (partially), 94 to 103, and Schedules 24 and 25, which relate to the admission of pupils to maintained schools, the determination of arrangements for the admission of pupils, the fixing of admission numbers, and appeals against admission decisions; and certain provisions of Schedules 30 and 31 which make consequential amendments to the provisions of the Local Government Acts 1972 and 1974 and the Tribunal and Inquiries Act 1992, and repeal sections 426(6), 428, 431 and 432 of the Education Act 1996.

Third, the repeal of a number of provisions of the Education Act 1996 conferring functions on the Funding Agency for Schools.

The provisions brought into force on 1st June relate to amendments to the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Act 1991.

The provisions brought into force on 1st September 1999 are section 93 (so far as not already in force) and Schedule 23 which relate to the fixing of admission numbers, and the determination, variation and review of standard numbers; and certain provisions of Schedules 30 and 31 which repeal sections 411 to 427, 429 and 430, and 436 of, and Schedules 32 to 33B to, the Education Act 1996.

The Order also contains transitional and savings provisions relating to sections 86, 87 and 91 to 97 of, and Schedules 23 and 24 to, the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, and Chapter I of Part VI of the Education Act 1996.

This Order also brings the Code of Practice on School Admissions under section 84 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 into force on 1st April 1999 and the Code of Practice on LEA–School Relations under section 127 of that Act into force on 19th April 1999. Both codes of practice can be obtained from the Department for Education and Employment, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BT and may also be found on the Department’s WEB Site.