How do we consider applications for every year group? (In-year applications)

What if St Catherine's has a place available?

We will consider if the year groups is currently full. Our admission number at the moment is 30 per year group. If there is a place available then parents should make an appointment to meet the Headteacher and view the school. At this meeting we will ask parents to complete a pupil transfer form and discuss the reasons for the move. If a place is available then the Headteacher will request the parents inform their current school at the earliest opportunity. The Headteacher will liaise with your child's current school and you as parents to arrange a suitable start date. We encourage children to start at the beginning of a new term but we know that in some circumstances this is not possible. 

In Year Applications

For ‘In Year’ applications received outside the normal admissions round, if places are available they will be offered to those who apply.  Direct application to the school can now be made under this heading.  If there are places available but more applicants than places then the published oversubscription criteria for the relevant year group will be applied.  A waiting list for those who have not been offered a place will be kept until the end of the relevant academic term.     

Appeals

If an application for admission has been turned down by the Governing Body, parents can appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel.  Parents must be allowed at least twenty school days from the date of notification that their application was unsuccessful to submit that appeal.  Parents must give reasons for appealing in writing and the decision of the Appeals Panel is binding on the Governors. 

What if there is no place available?

The Governing Body alone is the admitting authority in a Catholic school. If the Year group is full but you would still like a place at St Catherine's, please write to the Governing Body stating your case as to why you would like a place. Please include as much detail as possible. The Governing Body will make a decision as to whether to admit on a case by case basis.  

Written applications should be addressed to the Appeals Committee and delivered to the school office.  We will accept email applications which should be sent to: head@st-catherines.lancs.sch.uk   

If the Governing Body choose to admit your child then the normal process explained above will commence.