Herefordshire Council is advising parents of potential secondary school changes which could alter the choices they make when selecting a school for their child.
In September, parents of the county's year six children were sent details of school admissions procedures for their child's transition to secondary school next year. The deadline for applications is Friday, 2nd November.
Since then, the council has learned that if all the necessary approvals are given over the next few months, the Waldorf Steiner School at Much Dewchurch and Wyebridge Sports College could both become academies in the 2008-09 academic year.
In case this happens, Herefordshire Council has decided to offer parents of year six children the chance to review their school admission applications and preferences to include either of these schools.
Steiner schools are independently run offering an alternative curriculum with a strong focus on creativity and educating the whole child. Earlier this year government ministers agreed a feasibility study to state-fund the Waldorf Steiner School in Herefordshire under the government's city academy programme, and bring the school into the maintained sector.
The Waldorf Steiner School in Much Dewchurch was refused planning permission by Herefordshire Council in January and June 2007. An appeal is to be held on 12th/13th November, although it is unlikely that the final decision will be made until February 2008.
George Salmon, head of commissioning and improvement, said: "We are not sure whether the Waldorf Steiner School and Wyebridge Sports Academy will get the appropriate approvals to enable them to meet timescales.
"The choices parents make could be different if these two academies are open next year, and therefore we believe we should give parents the chance to decide for themselves and revise their preferences if they wish."
"This will not affect the closing date for secondary school applications unless parents decide to change their preferences to either of these schools, in which case the deadline for returns will be 30th November."