Bennett Memorial Diocesan School

When there are more applications than places for 2027-28 (Year 7), places are offered in this order of priority. Meeting a higher criterion beats meeting a lower one.

1. 1Looked after children and previously looked after children — Looked after children and all previously looked after children, including those children who appear (to the Local Authority (LA)) to have been in state care outside of England and ceased to be in state care as a result of being adopted.
2. 2Children of Staff — Children of Staff at Bennett Memorial School employed by the Tenax Schools Trust (up to 15 places)
3. 3Church of England Christian families — Children from Church of England Christian families. This is a child who has one or both parents worshipping regularly (by which is meant at least two times per month on average) in a Church of England church and who have done so for at least two years up to the time of application. If applications which meet these criteria exceed the number that can be offered, applicants with a sibling at Bennett in September of the year of admission will have priority and then applicants will be ranked by distance from the school. The number admitted under category C will not exceed 180. Category C applications not admitted because of this cap will be re-ranked in category F.
4. 4Non-Church of England Christian families — Children from non-Church of England Christian families. This is a child who has one or both parents worshipping regularly (by which is meant at least two times per month on average) in any non-Church of England Christian church and who have done so for at least two years up to the time of application. If applications which meet these criteria exceed the number that can be offered, applicants with a sibling at Bennett in September of the year of admission will have priority and then applicants will be ranked by distance from the school. The number admitted under category D will not exceed 60. Category D applications not admitted because of this cap will be re-ranked in category F.
5. 5Non-Christian faith backgrounds — Children from faith backgrounds other than Christian. A maximum of 20 places are available for children from non-Christian faith backgrounds who wish their child to benefit from a Church of England education. To be considered for one of these reserved places, they will require a reference from their local religious leader stating that they are observant members of their faith, and that they worship publicly with their faith community according to the norms and customs of that faith, on at least a monthly basis, and that they have sustained this pattern of commitment for at least two years up to the time of application. If applications which meet these criteria exceed the 20 places that can be offered, applicants with a sibling at Bennett in September of the year of admission will have priority and then applicants will be ranked by distance from the school. Category E applications not admitted because of this cap will be re-ranked in category F.
6. 6Low or no church attendance — Children from families with church attendance of less than two times per month or no church attendance. If applications which meet these criteria exceed the number that can be offered, priority will be given in the following order: i. applicants with a sibling at Bennett in September of the year of admission ii. applicants currently in receipt of Free School Meals in Year 6- evidence to be provided e.g. a letter from the headteacher iii. distance from the school

If two applications tie: Distance from school measured by straight line using National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point; where applications are made from properties not registered to NLPG, KCC may use planning sites or other relevant co-ordinates.

Category C capped at 180 places; Category D capped at 60 places; Category E capped at 20 places. Sibling priority applies within categories C, D, E and as first tie-breaker in category F. Category C and D applications exceeding caps are re-ranked in category F. For category B (staff), if applications exceed 15 places, sibling priority applies then distance. Document also contains separate sixth form admissions policy for entry September 2027 with different criteria (children in public care, then distance).

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.