The Eastwood Academy

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 / previously looked after children — Looked after children and children who were previously looked after.
2. 2Sibling on roll — Pupils who have a sibling on roll at the Academy at the time of application.
3. 3Selective admission (aptitude) — Selective admission (aptitude) - up to 22 places (11 Sport, 11 Performing Arts) allocated by aptitude test ranking, as described above.
4. 4Catchment area — Children living inside the Academy's catchment area.
5. 5Children of staff — Children of staff employed by the Academy.
6. 6Outside catchment area — Children living outside the Academy's catchment area.

If two applications tie: No distance-based tie-break is used. In the case of oversubscription within any criterion EXCEPT criterion 3 (selective/aptitude), places are allocated by random allocation (Vice Principal, using Excel's random number function, supervised by an individual independent of the Academy) - this provides all applicants an equal chance. Within criterion 3, applicants are ranked by aptitude score; where scores are tied, the ranked position is determined by random allocation.

Children whose EHCP names the Academy must be admitted (described as following a different process, ahead of and outside the numbered criteria - not itself a numbered criterion). Catchment area covers Eastwood Park and St Lawrence ward, and parts of Belfairs, Blenheim and Prittlewell wards. Sibling of multiple birth: if the process "cut-off" point falls between siblings of a multiple birth in the randomisation for the main criteria, the additional pupil is offered a place above the admission limit; this exception does NOT apply to the selective/aptitude places (criterion 3), which are based wholly on assessment results. Children of staff qualify if the staff member has been employed 2+ years, or was recruited for a demonstrable specialist skill shortage, and remains employed through the application/allocation process. Waiting list (to 31 December, renewable) is ranked by the criteria above (with ties by random allocation), except that a child on the criterion-3 (Sport/Performing Arts) waiting list can only be offered a place if there is no one waiting under criteria 1 or 2, AND the vacancy arose from a pupil leaving who had themselves been admitted via criterion 3 in the same discipline.

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.