St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Aided 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. 1Looked after children and all previously looked after children
2. 2The governors will admit children on medical or education grounds, where professionals have clearly identified that the school will best meet the needs of the child via an approved Education Health Care Plan. These applications must be accompanied by documentary evidence from appropriate professionals within the Health or Social services.
3. 3Children who have a sibling attending the school at the time of admission (see sibling

If two applications tie: If two or more applications cannot otherwise be separated and there is only one place available, a random allocation process will be used to determine who should be allocated the place.

You must complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) if you would like your child to be considered under either of the Faith criteria. The SIF is available from the school and must be returned to the school by 15 January 2027. Places will first be allocated to children with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan which names the school as offering the appropriate provision. Definition of siblings A sibling is defined as a child’s brother or sister. A sibling must be living at the same permanent address and as part of the same family unit (one or two parents plus children) to qualify under this criterion. For School Admissions purposes, the term sibling includes: • half-brothers and half-sisters • step-brothers and step-sisters • adopted children • children in foster care • children living in the same family unit, even if they are not biological brothers and sisters – for example when the parents are not married/in a civil relationship. Cousins are not regarded as siblings. Parish Boundaries and Electoral Ward For Parish boundaries, please consult the A Church Near You website, put in your postcode, click on where you live and the name of your parish will be shown. For Electoral Ward, please consult the map held at the school office. Definition of Home Address (Child’s) The child’s home address is defined as the address at which the child normally resides with their parent/carer at the time of application. If a child lives with parents who are separated, the home address will be treated as the place where the child sleeps for most of the school week (i.e., Sunday night – Thursday night inclusive). If the child spends equal amounts of time at two addresses, the parents must agree which address they wish to be the child’s main address before we can process the application. Documentary evidence of ownership or rental agreement may be required together with proof of actual permanent residence at the property concerned. Guidance on “Worshipping Member” At least one of the parents or guardians of the child are regarded by the priest / minister / worship leader as part of the worshipping community at the church / worship centre. This would not necessarily mean that the parent is a “Member” in a technical sense (e.g., through baptism, confirmation or electoral roll) but would imply a pattern of attendance at worship (on Sunday or at other times) that is more than “occasional” and has been sustained for more than a short, very recent period of 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.