St Francis V.R.C. School

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. 1Baptised Catholic children within parish — Baptised Catholic children within the parishes served by the school.
2. 2LA specifically requested placement — Children for whom the Local Authority has specifically asked for a place at the school
3. 3Orthodox Church baptised, catchment area — All children baptised in the Orthodox Church living in the school’s catchment area.
4. 4Other baptised Catholic children — Other baptised Catholic children.
5. 5Sibling in school — Children who have a brother or sister in the school at the time of admission.
6. 6Other Christian denominations — Children of other Christian denominations.
7. 7Other faiths seeking Catholic education — Children of other faiths whose parents seek a Catholic education
8. 8Non-Catholic children seeking Catholic education — Non-Catholic children whose parents seek Catholic education for their child.

If two applications tie: Where more than one child meets these criteria and applicants remain then the child living nearest the school will be admitted. All distances are measured by the shortest walking distance using public highways from the child’s front door to the main entrance of the school.

In all of the above categories Looked After Children (LAC) will be given priority. All schools have a duty to admit children with a Statement of Education Needs where the school is named in the statement. All Christian applicants will be required to produce baptismal certificates. As required by law, the Governing Body will not admit more than 30 pupils to any one Reception of Foundation Phase class. Waiting lists: A waiting list of unsuccessful applications will be maintained. If a place becomes available, the governors will consider those on the waiting list based on the published oversubscription criteria, not on the date the application was received. If the governors place an application on the waiting list, it will not affect the parents’ or guardians’ right of appeal. The waiting list will be maintained until 31st August in the school year that the application was made. Waiting lists for Reception under the normal admission round are to be held until 30th September. Appeals: If an application for admission has been turned down by the Governing Body, parents can appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel. This panel must be sent in writing to the School Admissions Appeal Panel within 14 days (10 working days) of refusal. There is no right of appeal for nursery applications – only from Reception (normal admission round) upwards. Parents must give reasons for appealing in writing and the decision of the Appeals Panel is binding on the Governors. Policy states it governs: 2026 - 2027.

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.