ADMISSIONS POLICY

 The Governors of St Mary’s School admit 30 children in a single intake in September.  Preference will be given to the admission of children in the following order of priority.

 1         Children who are baptised practising Catholics.  A copy of their baptismal Certificate                 will be required, together with a letter of support from their Parish priest.

2         Children who are baptised Catholics.  A copy of the Baptismal Certificate will be                          required.

3        Places may be given to baptised children with at least one parent, who is a practising member of a recognised Christian Church.  In this case the application for the child’s admission to the school must be supported by a Priest or Minister of Religion.

4                 Children whose parents support the ethos of the school.

Where there are too few places to satisfy all preferences in any category above, priority will be given to “looked after” children who have a care order (full or interim) or who are accommodated under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989.  

If too few places are available to satisfy preferences expressed within any of the priority order categories above, places will be allocated on the following basis

(a)    Children who have a brother or sister in school at the time of admission.  This includes stepbrothers/sisters/foster siblings living in the same family

(b)   the child’s closeness to St Mary’s School (defined by straight line measurement using the Map Info Professional computer mapping system).

 The admission of children with statements of special educational needs is covered by Sections 324 to 328 of, and Schedule 27 to, the Education Act 1996.  Guidance on the admission of statemented pupils is given in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice.

 In the event of over-subscription for the Reception class intake, a waiting list will be operating by the school using the existing criteria to determine the allocation of spaces which may become available.

REFUSAL OF ADMISSION

 Most applications for admission will be processed by the Head Teacher though there may be occasions when an application will be considered by the School Governors.  If the Head Teacher and/or the Governors are unable to offer a place, parents have the right to appeal against the decision.  Any appeal must be addressed to the Chair or Clerk to the Governors, at the school address.  Such appeals will be considered by an independent body shortly after being lodged and its decision will be legally binding in accordance with recent legislation.  

ADMISSION OF PUPILS WITH DISABILITIES

 St Mary’s School endeavours to give every pupil the opportunity to succeed at every level both within and outside the curriculum regardless of gender, race or ability.

 Specific disabilities which require additional facilities in the school are considered in the light of individual needs and in consultation with the Local Authority where appropriate.  Unfortunately access for people with physical disabilities is currently limited.

Our School:

Building a community

Where all can grow,

Knowing and learning about God’s love.

Realising our own worth,

Recognising our needs in the world today,

Based on the Gospel values and attitudes.

Offers pupils and adults the opportunity to participate in different forms of prayer – in school, the community and parish – and to realise that this prayer touches everything we do. We will teach them to respect all faiths and Cultures.

Fosters a sense of wonder at creation by looking after our surrounding and caring for the people we work and play with

Encourages good relationships amongst everybody in the community and parishes that we belong to.

Endeavours to create a happy and secure environment where everyone is welcomed, valued and respected and where everyone feels safe.

Encourages all pupils and adults to reach their full potential at every level of school life, in the curriculum and in their play.

Gives encouragement and positive, honest appraisal to children and adults on how they have worked and played and helps them know how they can improve and move forwards

Places a high value on fun and enjoyment, both in learning and at play.