Sutton Primary Academy

When there are more applications than places for 2026-27 (Reception), places are offered in this order of priority. Meeting a higher criterion beats meeting a lower one.

1. 0EHCP/Statement naming the school — Children with a Statement of Special Education Needs or an Educational, Health & Care Plan which names a particular school will be allocated places, after which places are allocated according to an agreed set of criteria, in strict order of priority.
2. 1Looked after and previously looked after children — Children who are looked after and children who were previously looked after, but ceased to be due to being adopted or became subject to a residence order or special guardianship order
3. 2Catchment area — Children living within the defined catchment area* of the school
4. 3Sibling connection — Children who have an older sibling** at the preferred school not only at the time of application but also when the younger child is due to start
5. 4Exceptional circumstances — Children with exceptional medical, social or compassionate grounds for admission and whose parents can show that entry to a particular school only is necessary for the wellbeing of their child. Parents are required to produce a medical certificate or other appropriate information preferably from an independent source. Applications on such grounds will not be considered by the Director of Children's Wellbeing's advisory panel unless this supporting information is attached to application forms received by 31st October 2026 (secondary schools) or 15th January 2027 (primary schools)
6. 5Distance — Home to school distances are calculated using the Herefordshire Council routing software Routefinder Pro, for full details please see: Find a school – Herefordshire Council

If two applications tie: Distance from home to school, measured by the shortest available walking route using a road and/or made up footpath from the front door of the child's address (including flats) to the main entrance of the school, using the Local authority's computerised digital map measuring system, with those living closer to the school receiving the higher priority.

The policy covers four academies within the HMFA trust with individual admission numbers: Lord Scudamore Academy – 90, Sutton Primary Academy – 30, Kings Caple Primary Academy – 10, St Weonards Primary Academy – 10. The pan field is left null as no single school-wide PAN is stated. A sibling connection requires the child to live in the same family unit at the same address. Catchment area defined as child residing with parent(s)/carer(s) at normal and genuine place of residence for the majority of the time.

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.