Whale Hill 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 and previously looked after children — Children who are looked after; or who were previously looked after but immediately after being looked after became subject to an adoption, residence or special guardianship order. A looked after child is a child who is (a) in the care of a local authority, or (b) being provided with accommodation by a local authority in the exercise of their social services functions (Section 22(1) of the Children's Act 1989). This category includes children who are in care / previously in care from other countries
2. 2Children permanently resident in the admission zone — For the purposes of determining whether a child lives within the admission zone, only the address at which the parent / guardian ordinarily resides and with whom the child normally lives will be taken into account. If parents are separated and the child lives for periods of time with both parents, the address used will be of the parent who receives child benefit for the child (if eligible). If neither parent is eligible for child benefit, the address used will be that on the child's medical registration card (proof may be required). Short term tenancies entered into with the prime objective of securing admission for a child at a particular school will not qualify as places of ordinary residence. The local authority will take action should false information be submitted in order to secure a place at a particular school.
3. 3Siblings attending the school in 2027/28 — Brothers and sisters and step brothers and sisters will qualify under this criterion as long as they both live at the same permanent address and the elder sibling is still attending the preferred school in the 2027/28 school year. 'Sibling' refers to brother or sister, half brother or sister, adopted brother or sister, step brother or sister, or the child of the parent / carer's partner where the child for whom the school place is sought is living in the same family unit at the same address as that sibling.
4. 4Exceptional social and/or medical reasons — Social reasons generally do not include domestic circumstances such as parents' working commitments, childcare arrangements, or separation from friends. In the case of medical reasons, evidence would need to demonstrate the exceptional long-term nature of the condition. All mainstream schools are able to cater for a wide range of medical needs which may be encountered by children. You are strongly urged to provide independent third party information (e.g., from a professional person who knows or is involved with your child) in support of any exceptional long-term medical or social reason why you think your child should be given special consideration for placement in a particular school. This written support must make clear why the preferred school is the only school which could meet your child's needs. The submission of independent information will not automatically guarantee a place under this criterion. However, the evidence will be carefully considered by the local authority's professional advisors as to whether or not your application falls into this category.
5. 5Children living closest to the school — The distance from home to school will be measured by computer on a straight line basis using the number and postcode of the house and the postcode of the school.

If two applications tie: If it is necessary to distinguish between children within categories (i)-(v), places will be offered using the criteria listed above in priority order and determined by criteria (v) - measurement on a straight line basis using the number and postcode of the house and the postcode of the school. In the case of a tie break in category (v) the final allocation will be determined using the shortest walking route using the number and postcode of the house and the postcode of the school.

This is a shared policy for four schools within Steel River Academy Trust: Bankfields Primary School (PAN 40), Caedmon Primary School (PAN 47), Grangetown Primary School (PAN 38), Whale Hill Primary School (PAN 78). EHC Plan / Statement of SEN pupils are placed by the Special Educational Needs Team, not through the oversubscription criteria.

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.