A total of 39 catchment area appeals for the island’s schools have been approved since 2013.

The figure was revealed in a written answer to a House of Keys question this week from Onchan MHK Julie Edge.

An ’out of catchment’ appeal comes when parents/guardians wish for a child to attend a school for which they do not live in the catchment area, this could be, for example, because an older sibling already attends that school.

Since 2013 Kewaigue School has seen the most appeals for a primary school, with seven appeals, four of which were approved.

Ballakermeen High School also had seven appeals, all of which were granted. There have been no appeals rejected between the years 2013 and 2018 for students to attend any island high school.

During the Keys sitting, Ms Edge asked the Education Minister Graham Cregeen: ’What legal powers has his department to enforce catchment areas?’

Mr Creegen replied that the legal powers are detailed in section 15 of the Education Act 2001.

He said a request to admit a child to a school can be rejected because the child has special educational needs that cannot be reasonably provided at that school, admission would prejudice against children who live within that catchment area, or the child has been expelled. He added that catchment areas are reviewed annually, the last time in 2017.

Ms Edge asked who decides on appeals. The Minister said it was a panel of department officers, their decision is final and he has never overruled them.

Garff MHK Daphne Caine asked the Minister if the new Education Bill will strengthen catchment areas, despite ’48% opposition to catchment in the government’s consultation with 50.6% yes or unsure’.

He replied: ’We will review legislation surrounding catchment areas.’