Astley CofE 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 — ‘Looked After’ children. In this document, a “looked after child” has the same meaning as in section 22(1) of the Children Act 1989, and means any child who is (a) in the care of the local authority or (b) being provided with accommodation by them in the exercise of their social services functions (eg children with foster parents) at the time of making the application to the school. A “previously looked after child” is a child who immediately moved on from that status after becoming subject to an adoption, child arrangement order or special guardianship order and includes those children who appear to have been in state care outside of England and ceased to be in state case as a result of being adopted. Evidence of a child being in state care prior to adoption may be requested during the admission process.
2. 2Children resident in the Civil Parish — Children who reside in the Civil Parish. Please refer to the catchment area map at section 8. The Worcestershire Children First catchment area search can be found at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/schoolsearch
3. 3Siblings outside the parish currently attending the school — Children who reside outside the Civil Parish but have a sibling currently attending Astley School. The term ‘sibling’, as well as brother and sister, includes half siblings (that is children who share one birth parent), step siblings, foster siblings and legally adopted children. They must be living at the same address at the time of application and admission, and will still be on role at the time of admission. Children who are brought together as a family by a civil partnership and who are living at the same address are also to be considered siblings.
4. 4Children of families worshipping in named deaneries' churches — Pupils whose parents worship,or are active in member churches of ‘Churches Together in England’ within the Stourport and Kidderminster Deaneries. In order for your application to be considered under this particular criteria, the minister’s declaration at Appendix 1 of this policy should be completed by your minister providing confirmation of at least monthly attendance for a minimum period of a year prior to the date of your application. This form must be sent to the School at the time you make your online application for a place. In the event that no form is received by the School, your eligibility for entry under the ‘religious’ criteria cannot be considered
5. 5Special need for admission (medical, social or physical) — Those who demonstrate a special need for admission (e.g. medical, social or physical circumstances). Appropriate evidence would be required including possible professional referral (e.g. from a local authority).
6. 6Nearest by distance outside the civil parish — Children who reside outside the civil parish, who live nearest to the school by the shortest straight line distance.

If two applications tie: In the event of equidistant applicants, lots will be drawn for any available place. This lottery will be supervised by a person independent of the governing body.

A place will be given to children for whom the school is identified as most suitable to fulfil educational requirements as set out in an Education Health and Care Plan (this is a statutory duty applied above the ranked oversubscription criteria). Within categories 1-6, allocation prioritised by distance from school (except criterion 3). Where parents have shared responsibility and reside at two addresses, application may be made from the closest address. Multiple applications from one family into a single year group where only one place remains: all siblings admitted even if this exceeds PAN, as exception to Infant Class Size legislation. School PAN not explicitly stated as a number in the supplied text. CATCHMENT: Children who reside in the Civil Parish. Please refer to the catchment area map at section 8. Transcribed from the school's own determined admission arrangements as published by Worcestershire County Council. Children with an EHCP naming the school are admitted first; that is a statutory duty, not an oversubscription criterion.

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.