Annex 1

Some Examples of Admission Policies

 

These example policies have been drafted to comply with the Code of Practice. They are examples of what the dioceses consider good practice and are not exhaustive. No examples could deal with every local situation. They will therefore need to be adapted for local circumstances, in collaboration with other Catholic schools and in accordance with the diocesan guidance on oversubscription criteria.

 

Primary

SYON ABBEY CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

ADMISSION POLICY

Syon Abbey Catholic Primary School was founded by the Catholic Church to provide education for children of Catholic families. The school is conducted by its governing body as part of the Catholic Church in accordance with its trust deed and instrument of government, and seeks at all times to be a witness to Jesus Christ.

Whenever there are more applications than places available, priority will always be given to Catholic applicants in accordance with the oversubscription criteria listed below. All applicants are required to declare their positive support for the aims and ethos of the school.

The governing body has responsibility for admissions to this school and intends to admit [xx] pupils to [the reception class] in the school year which begins in September, 20[xx].

Oversubscription Criteria

Where there are more applications for places than the number of places available, places will be offered according to the following order of priority.

1.      Looked after children from Catholic families.

2.      Catholics who are resident in the parish of [name].

3.      Catholics who are resident in the parish(es) of [name(s)] [for whom Syon Abbey is the nearest Catholic school].

4.      Other Catholic children.

5.      Catechumens and members of an Eastern Christian Church.

6.      Other looked after children.

7.      Christians of other denominations whose parents are in sympathy with the aims and ethos of the school and whose application is supported by a minister of religion.

8.      Children of other faiths whose parents are in sympathy with the aims and ethos of the school and whose application is supported by a religious leader.

9.      Any other applicants.

Where the offer of places to all the applicants in any of the categories listed above would lead to oversubscription the following provisions will be applied.

The attendance of a brother or sister at the school at the time of enrolment will increase the priority of an application within each category.

The governing body may increase the priority of an application within a category where evidence is provided at the time of application of an exceptional social, medical or pastoral need of the child which can be most appropriately be met at this school.

Tie Break

Where the offer of places to all the applicants in any of the sub-categories listed above would still lead to oversubscription, the places up to the admission number will be offered to those living nearest to the school.

Application Procedures and Timetable

Applications must be submitted by [closing date] to [person, address] on the form attached to this policy. A standard LEA application form must also be completed and returned to [person, address] by [closing date]. Parents will be advised of the outcome of their applications by 15th April. Unsuccessful applicants will be given reasons related to the oversubscription criteria listed above and advised of their right of appeal to an independent appeal panel.

Applicants are requested to note that applications will be invalid unless BOTH the forms described above have been completed and received at the correct addresses.

Waiting Lists

In addition to their right of appeal, unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity to be placed on a waiting list. This waiting list will be maintained in order of the oversubscription criteria set out above and not in the order in which applications are received or added to the list. Names are normally removed from the list after [six months].

Pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Needs

The admission of pupils with a statement of Special Educational Needs is dealt with by a completely separate procedure. This procedure is integral to the making and maintaining statements by the pupil’s home Local Education Authority. Details of this separate procedure is set out in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice.

Notes (these notes form part of the oversubscription criteria)

‘looked after child’ has the same meaning as in section 22 of the Children Act 1989, and means any child in the care of  a local authority or provided with accommodation by them (e.g. children with foster parents).

‘Catholic’ means a member of a Church in communion with the See of Rome. This includes the Eastern Catholic Churches. This will normally be evidenced by a certificate of baptism in a Catholic Church or a certificate of reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

‘catechumen’ means a member of the catechumenate of a Catholic Church. This will normally be evidenced by a certificate of reception into the order of catechumens.

‘Eastern Christian Church’ includes Orthodox Churches, and is normally evidenced by a certificate of baptism or reception from the authorities of that Church.

To demonstrate an exceptional social, medical or pastoral need of the child which can be most appropriately met at this school, the governing body will normally require written evidence from an appropriate professional, such as a social worker, doctor or priest.

For the purposes of this policy, parish boundaries are as shown on the attached map. Distances will be measured from the main entrance of the school [in a straight line on a large scale map] [by the shortest walking distance using lit and made up public roads and paths].    

[Map attached]


Secondary

CARDINAL LANGTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION POLICY

Cardinal Langton Catholic High School was founded by the Catholic Church to provide education for children of Catholic families. The school is conducted by its governing body as part of the Catholic Church in accordance with its trust deed and instrument of government, and seeks at all times to be a witness to Jesus Christ.

Whenever there are more applications than places available, priority will always be given to Catholic applicants in accordance with the oversubscription criteria listed below. All applicants are required to declare their positive support for the aims and ethos of the school.

The governing body has responsibility for admissions to this school and intends to admit [xx] pupils to [the first year] [and xx to the sixth-form] in the school year which begins in September, 20[xx].

Oversubscription Criteria

At any time where there are more applications for places than the number of places available, places will be offered according to the following order of priority:

1.      Looked after children from Catholic families.

2.      Baptised Catholics who are resident in the deanery of [name] and for whom Cardinal Langton is the nearest Catholic school.

3.      Other Baptised Catholics.

4.      Other looked after children.

5.      Christians of other denominations whose parents are in sympathy with the aims and ethos of the school and whose application is supported by a minister of religion.

6.      Children of other faiths whose parents are in sympathy with the aims and ethos of the school and whose application is supported by a religious leader.

7.      Any other applicants.

Catechumens and members of an Eastern Christian Church are to be given priority next after baptised Catholics in each of the above categories.

Where the offer of places to all the applicants in any of the categories listed above would lead to oversubscription the following provisions will be applied.

The attendance of a brother or sister at the school at the time of enrolment will increase the priority of an application within each category.

The governing body may increase the priority of an application within a category where evidence is provided at the time of application of an exceptional social, medical or pastoral need of the child which can be most appropriately be met at this school.

Tie Break

Where the offer of places to all the applicants in any of the sub-categories listed above would still lead to oversubscription, the places up to the admission number will be offered to those living nearest to the school.

[Admission to the Sixth-Form

The sixth-form is available for all existing pupils subject to pupils fulfilling the individual requirements of suitable courses. Remaining places in the sixth-form of the school will be distributed in accordance with the oversubscription criteria, subject to applicants fulfilling the individual requirements of suitable courses.]

Application Procedures and Timetable

Applications must be submitted by [closing date] to [person, address] on the form attached to this policy. A standard application form from the parents’ home LEA must also be completed and returned to [person, address] by [closing date]. Parents will be advised of the outcome of their applications on 1st March. Unsuccessful applicants will be given reasons related to the oversubscription criteria listed above and advised of their right of appeal to an independent appeal panel.

Applicants are requested to note that applications will be invalid unless BOTH the forms described above have been completed and received at the correct addresses.

Waiting Lists

In addition to their right of appeal, unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity to be placed on a waiting list. This waiting list will be maintained in order of the oversubscription criteria set out above and not in the order in which applications are received or added to the list. Names are normally removed from the list after [six months].

Pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Needs

The admission of pupils with a statement of Special Educational Needs is dealt with by a completely separate procedure. This procedure is integral to the making and maintaining statements by the pupil’s home Local Education Authority. Details of this separate procedure is set out in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice.

Notes (these notes form part of the oversubscription criteria)

‘looked after child’ has the same meaning as in section 22 of the Children Act 1989, and means any child in the care of  a local authority or provided with accommodation by them (e.g. children with foster parents).

‘Catholic’ means a member of a Church in communion with the See of Rome. This includes the Eastern Catholic Churches. This will normally be evidenced by a certificate of baptism in a Catholic Church or a certificate of reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

‘catechumen’ means a member of the catechumenate of a Catholic Church. This will normally be evidenced by a certificate of reception into the order of catechumens.

‘Eastern Christian Church’ includes Orthodox Churches, and is normally evidenced by a certificate of baptism or reception from the authorities of that Church.

To demonstrate an exceptional social, medical or pastoral need of the child which can be most appropriately met at this school, the governing body will normally require written evidence from an appropriate professional, such as a social worker, doctor or priest.

For the purposes of this policy, deanery boundaries are as shown on the attached map. Distances will be measured from the main entrance of the school [in a straight line on a large scale map] [by the shortest walking distance using lit and made up public roads and paths].    

[Map attached]

 
Secondary - Feeder Schools

SAINT GILBERT OF SEMPRINGHAM CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMISSION POLICY

Saint Gilbert’s School was founded by the Gilbertines to provide education for children of Catholic families. The school is conducted by its governing body as part of the Catholic Church in accordance with its trust deed and instrument of government, and seeks at all times to be a witness to Jesus Christ.

Whenever there are more applications than places available, priority will always be given to Catholic applicants in accordance with the oversubscription criteria listed below. All applicants are required to declare their positive support for the aims and ethos of the school.

The governing body has responsibility for admissions to this school and intends to admit [xx] pupils to [the first year] [and xx to the sixth-form] in the school year which begins in September, 20[xx].

Oversubscription Criteria

At any time where there are more applications for places than the number of places available, places will be offered according to the following order of priority:

1.      Looked after children from Catholic families.

2.      Catholic children who attend a feeder Catholic primary school, namely, [name], [name], [name], and [name].

3.      Catholic children who attend a Catholic primary school in the deanery of [name].

4.      Other Baptised Catholics.

5.      Other looked after children.

6.      Christians of other denominations and children of other faiths whose parents are in sympathy with the aims and ethos of the school and whose application is supported by a minister of religion or other religious leader.

7.      Any other applicants.

Catechumens and members of an Eastern Christian Church are to be given priority next after baptised Catholics in each of the above categories.

Where the offer of places to all the applicants in any of the categories listed above would lead to oversubscription the following provisions will be applied.

The attendance of a brother or sister at the school at the time of enrolment will increase the priority of an application within each category.

The governing body may increase the priority of an application within a category where evidence is provided at the time of application of an exceptional social, medical or pastoral need of the child which can be most appropriately be met at this school.

Tie Break

Where the offer of places to all the applicants in any of the sub-categories listed above would still lead to oversubscription, the places up to the admission number will be offered to those living nearest to the school.

[Admission to the Sixth-Form

The sixth-form is available for all existing pupils subject to pupils fulfilling the individual requirements of suitable courses. Remaining places in the sixth-form of the school will be distributed in accordance with the oversubscription criteria, subject to applicants fulfilling the individual requirements of suitable courses.]

Application Procedures and Timetable

Applications must be submitted by [closing date] to [person, address] on the form attached to this policy. A standard application form from the parents’ home LEA must also be completed and returned to [person, address] by [closing date]. Parents will be advised of the outcome of their applications on 1st March. Unsuccessful applicants will be given reasons related to the oversubscription criteria listed above and advised of their right of appeal to an independent appeal panel.

Applicants are requested to note that applications will be invalid unless BOTH the forms described above have been completed and received at the correct addresses.

Waiting Lists

In addition to their right of appeal, unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity to be placed on a waiting list. This waiting list will be maintained in order of the oversubscription criteria set out above and not in the order in which applications are received or added to the list. Names are normally removed from the list after [six months].

Pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Needs

The admission of pupils with a statement of Special Educational Needs is dealt with by a completely separate procedure. This procedure is integral to the making and maintaining statements by the pupil’s home Local Education Authority. Details of this separate procedure is set out in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice.

Notes (these notes form part of the oversubscription criteria)

‘looked after child’ has the same meaning as in section 22 of the Children Act 1989, and means any child in the care of  a local authority or provided with accommodation by them (e.g. children with foster parents).

‘Catholic’ means a member of a Church in communion with the See of Rome. This includes the Eastern Catholic Churches. This will normally be evidenced by a certificate of baptism in a Catholic Church or a certificate of reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

For the purposes of this admission policy, attendance at a feeder primary school includes those who were prevented from attending a feeder school due to oversubscription of Catholics and whose application to attend was unsuccessful.

‘catechumen’ means a member of the catechumenate of a Catholic Church. This will normally be evidenced by a certificate of reception into the order of catechumens.

‘Eastern Christian Church’ includes Orthodox Churches, and is normally evidenced by a certificate of baptism or reception from the authorities of that Church.

To demonstrate an exceptional social, medical or pastoral need of the child which can be most appropriately met at this school, the governing body will normally require written evidence from an appropriate professional, such as a social worker, doctor or priest.

Distances will be measured from the main entrance of the school [in a straight line on a large scale map] [by the shortest walking distance using lit and made up public roads and paths].      

 

 


Primary - Priority to Practising Catholics

SAINT RADEGUND CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

ADMISSION POLICY

Saint Radegund Catholic Primary School was founded by the Catholic Church to provide education for children of Catholic families. The school is conducted by its governing body as part of the Catholic Church in accordance with its trust deed and instrument of government, and seeks at all times to be a witness to Jesus Christ.

Whenever there are more applications than places available, priority will always be given to Catholic applicants in accordance with the oversubscription criteria listed below. All applicants are required to declare their positive support for the aims and ethos of the school.

The governing body has sole responsibility for admissions to this school and intends to admit [xx] pupils to [the reception class] in the school year which begins in September, 20[xx].

Oversubscription Criteria

Where there are more applications for places than the number of places available, places will be offered according to the following order of priority.

1.      Looked after children from Catholic families.

2.      Baptised Catholic Children from practising Catholic families who are resident in the parish(es) of [name(s)] [for whom Saint Radegund is the nearest Catholic school].

3.      Other baptised Catholic children who are resident in the parish(es) of [name(s)] [for whom Saint Radegund is the nearest Catholic school].

4.      Other baptised Catholic children.

5.      Other looked after children.

6.      Any other applicants whose parents are in sympathy with the aims and ethos of the school.

Catechumens and members of an Eastern Christian Church are to be given priority next after baptised Catholics in each of the above categories.

Where the offer of places to all the applicants in any of the categories listed above would lead to oversubscription the following provisions will be applied.

The attendance of a brother or sister at the school at the time of enrolment will increase the priority of an application within each category.

The governing body may increase the priority of an application within a category where evidence is provided at the time of application of an exceptional social, medical, pastoral or other need of the child which can be most appropriately be met at this school.

Tie Break

Where the offer of places to all the applicants in any of the sub-categories listed above would still lead to oversubscription, the places up to the admission number will be offered to those living nearest to the school.

Application Procedures and Timetable

Applications must be submitted by [closing date] to [person, address] on the form attached to this policy. A standard LEA application form must also be completed and returned to [person, address] by [closing date]. Parents will be advised of the outcome of their applications by 15th April. Unsuccessful applicants will be given reasons related to the oversubscription criteria listed above and advised of their right of appeal to an independent appeal panel.

Applicants are requested to note that applications will be invalid unless BOTH the forms described above have been completed and received at the correct addresses.

Waiting Lists

In addition to their right of appeal, unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity to be placed on a waiting list. This waiting list will be maintained in order of the oversubscription criteria set out above and not in the order in which applications are received or added to the list. Names are normally removed from the list after [six months].

Pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Needs

The admission of pupils with a statement of Special Educational Needs is dealt with by a completely separate procedure. This procedure is integral to the making and maintaining statements by the pupil’s home Local Education Authority. Details of this separate procedure is set out in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice.

Notes (these notes form part of the oversubscription criteria)

‘looked after child’ has the same meaning as in section 22 of the Children Act 1989, and means any child in the care of  a local authority or provided with accommodation by them (e.g. children with foster parents).

‘Catholic’ means a member of a Church in communion with the See of Rome. This includes the Eastern Catholic Churches. This will normally be evidenced by a certificate of baptism in a Catholic Church or a certificate of reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

‘practising Catholic’ means Catholic children from practising Catholic families who habitually worship at Mass on a regular basis and where the application is supported by a Catholic priest. The governing body will expect this practice to be verified by a reference from a priest in the standard format laid down by the diocese.

‘catechumen’ means a member of the catechumenate of a Catholic Church. This will normally be evidenced by a certificate of reception into the order of catechumens.

‘Eastern Christian Church’ includes Orthodox Churches, and is normally evidenced by a certificate of baptism or reception from the authorities of that Church.

To demonstrate an exceptional social, medical or pastoral need of the child which can be most appropriately met at this school, the governing body will normally require written evidence from an appropriate professional, such as a social worker, doctor or priest.

For the purposes of this policy, parish boundaries are as shown on the attached map. Distances will be measured from the main entrance of the school [in a straight line on a large scale map] [by the shortest walking distance using lit and made up public roads and paths].    

[Map attached]