Fraudulent addresses and addresses of convenience

Birmingham City Council takes any attempt to obtain a school place through fraudulent means very seriously.

Obtaining a school place through deception is unfair and denies other children their legitimate claim to take up that place.

If we find that a school place was obtained using a false address, we can withdraw (retract) the offer under the School Admissions Code (2021). We will then give that place to the child who should have been rightfully offered it.

We undertake many checks to verify data provided on school application forms. These checks include sharing information with:

  • other relevant organisations, such as Fraud, Housing, Benefits or Council Tax teams
  • other local authorities
  • schools
  • other appropriate internal or external agencies

We reserve the right to carry out unannounced home visits. We will also ask the new school to check the child's home address at the time of admission. If it is different from the address on the application form, the school may check whether the previous address was a temporary address used for the purposes described above. If this is found to be the case, the place will be retracted.

The decision to retract an offer of a school place that has been obtained fraudulently is final and will not be reviewed. There is no right to appeal against the decision.

Last year, Birmingham School Admissions retracted several offers that were obtained using a fraudulent address.

Report a school application with a false address

If you believe someone has used a fraudulent address or address of convenience to get a school place for their child, you can report it to us.

When reporting this to us, it is important to include as much detail as possible.

You must provide your email address so we can contact you if we have any questions. The information you provide, including your email address, will be kept confidential.

The parent or carer you report will not know you have contacted us.

Report a school application with a false address

We will investigate your claims fully and take appropriate action where necessary. Due to GDPR legislation, however, we cannot advise you of the details of any investigation undertaken or its outcome.


Page last updated: 22 October 2023

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