Choice Advice is a service for all parents and carers, and not just those of children with special educational needs.

Choice Advice offers impartial information and support on schools' admissions and the transition process.

Information can be provided about all schools in your area however it is families who decide the best choice to make for their child's requirements. The Choice Adviser cannot guarantee or offer a place at a specific school.

If you need any further help or information on Choice Advice please contact:
The Choice Adviser
Somerset Parent Partnership
Children and Young People's Directorate
County Hall
Taunton
TA1 4DY

Telephone: 01823 356903

Our Aim

The Choice Advice Service aims to support all families with their school choices however on occasions it may not be possible for a Choice Advisor to attend all appeal hearings in person. 

Relevant documents and links:

Choice Advice Service (2.49Mb)

 ACE school appeals document (122kb)

Example appeal statement for school admission appeals

Go to the Somerset Admissions Team website

School Admissions Code 2010 (3 Mb, opens in new window)
Primary Phase Admissions Booklet  (4.6Mb, opens in new window)
Secondary Phase Admissions Booklet (3.3Mb, opens in new window)

Choice Advice can offer (but is not limited to):

• Help on filling out application forms
• Information about individual schools including school prospectus, online profiles and special facilities available
• Oversubscription criteria
• Special needs policy and provision
• Transport information
• Support through the admissions process, including appeals and tribunals
• Advice via email, telephone or face to face.

A Choice Adviser will actively listen to parents' and carers' concerns using appropriate and effective resources to help smooth the transition process whenever possible.

Top tips for choosing schools

• Plan ahead
• Find out all you can about the schools you are interested in
• Make a list of questions
• Visit the schools and talk to the headteacher
• Decide which school best suits your child
• Make your three preferences for school choice
• Apply online and on time.