St Francis V.A. Primary School

When there are more applications than places for 2027-28 (Reception), places are offered in this order of priority. Meeting a higher criterion beats meeting a lower one.

1. 1Baptised Catholic looked after/previously looked after children — Baptised Catholic looked after children and previously looked after children.
2. 2Baptised Catholic children in St Francis'/St Clare's parishes — Baptised Catholic children living in St. Francis’ Parish and St Clare’s Parish, Ely.
3. 3Baptised Catholic children of neighbouring parishes — Baptised Catholic children of neighbouring parishes.
4. 4Looked after children of other/non-Christian faiths — Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children of other Christian or Non-Christian faiths.
5. 5Other Christian faith children seeking Catholic education — Children from other Christian faiths whose parents wish them to have a Catholic education. Each application should be supported by a letter or evidence of practice of worship from their religious leader.
6. 6Non-Christian children seeking Catholic education — Non-Christian children whose parents wish them to be educated in a Catholic School.

If two applications tie: Where it is possible to admit some, but not all of the children who fall within one particular category within the Oversubscription Criteria, preference will be given to those children whose homes are within the shortest safe walking distance to the main entrance of the school and the council will calculate this.

Confirmation of Baptism will be required for categories 1-3 and 5 by the provision of a copy of the baptism certificate from the relevant parish or confirmation in writing from the current Parish Priest/Minister. The child’s birth certificate is required. Evidence of permanent residence must be supplied (current Council Tax form with correct postal address or equivalent documentation e.g. a child benefit statement; utility bills will not be accepted). Children with a sibling on roll in the September the applicant would begin school will be given priority within each category, with priority by reference to the youngest sibling in the school. Sibling definition includes brother/sister, half-brother/sister, step-brother/sister, and adopted or fostered children living at the same address. If the last child to be admitted under the oversubscription criteria is one of a multiple birth, the governors will admit the other sibling(s). Only applications received by the published closing date will be considered in the initial round of allocation of places. Children not offered a place will be placed on a waiting list, ordered by the same oversubscription criteria (no account taken of time on the list); the waiting list will be maintained until 30 September.

Published by the admission authority. Meeting a criterion never guarantees a place — it sets the order places are offered in. Full detail, other entry points and previous years are on the Admissions tab.