Cardinal Newman R.C. Comprehensive 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. 1Catholic Looked After Children — Catholic Looked After Children/ previously ‘Looked After’.
2. 2Other Looked After Children — Other Looked After Children/ previously ‘Looked After’.
3. 3Catholic contributory schools and parishes — The school has the responsibility to serve its Catholic contributory schools and parishes. These children will be given priority. a. The contributory schools are St. Michael’s, Treforest, St. Helen’s Caerphilly, Our Lady’s Mountain Ash and S.S. Gabriel & Raphael, Tonypandy. b. A list of parishes served by Cardinal Newman is attached.
4. 4Baptized Catholic children in catchment — Baptized Catholic children in the catchment area will be given priority over other children wishing to be admitted.
5. 5Baptized Catholic children outside catchment — Baptized Catholic children from outside the school’s catchment area will be considered after the above.
6. 6Siblings — Brothers and sisters of children already in the school will be given consideration next.
7. 7Baptized Christian children from other denominations — Baptized Christian children from other denominations will be given consideration next.
8. 8Non Catholic children seeking faith-based education — Non Catholic children will be offered places if the parents or carers of the children request a faith based education for their children and the Governors are satisfied that the religious and moral atmosphere and teaching of the school is of prime importance to those making the application.

If two applications tie: If the governors are unable to admit all applicants within a particular category, priority will be given to applicants who met the published application deadline before late applicants. If the school is unable to allocate places to the whole of a certain category, then the proximity test is applied to that particular category. Proximity is measured as residing closest to the school by the shortest distance from the nearest public kerbside to the home to the main school gates on public roads by car.

The school is part of the co-ordinated admissions arrangements with Rhondda Cynon Taf for pupils moving from Year 6 into Year 7; applicants must complete the online application via the Local Authority portal. Contributory parishes listed: St Dyfrig’s Treforest, All Hallows Llantrisant, Our Lady’s Mountain Ash, St. Thomas’ Abercynon, SS Gabriel & Raphael Tonypandy, St. Mary Magdalene Ynyshir, St. Peter’s Bargoed, St. Helen’s Caerphilly. Appeals: If a parent or carer has expressed a preference by applying for a place in the school and the Governors refuse the application, the parent or carer has the right to appeal; appeals against the decision of the Governors should be addressed to Mrs Rebecca Crumbie (Clerk to the Governing Body), Cardinal Newman Catholic Comprehensive, Dynea Road, Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd, CF37 5DP.

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.