What are the challenges, barriers and facilitating factors connected to the various school admissions approaches used by local authorities? This report gathers the views of local authority admissions officers on the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches, as well as the issues and challenges they face in this important area. It covers: (1) an overview of the admissions process; (2) views on school admissions mechanisms; (3) working with schools and parents; (4) demographic changes and over-subscription; and (5) strengths and challenges in the process. Key findings show that, in most areas, the process was being implemented with fairness, efficiency and clarity, meeting the needs of the majority of parents and schools. However, some exceptions to this standard approach emerged from local circumstances, and these brought up interesting questions about admissions processes generally and their relation to school improvement. This report is important reading for local authority school admissions officers and staff working in pupil place planning, as well as for school staff and parents wishing to keep up to date on current developments in admissions. Appendices include: (1) Overview of the admissions process; (2) Survey questionnaire; and (3) Interview schedule. (Contains 5 tables.)