Admissions

St Francis Catholic Primary School is a voluntary aided school in the Diocese of Southwark. It is in the trusteeship of the Diocese. The school is conducted by its governing body as part of the Catholic Church in accordance with its Trust Deed and Instrument of Government, and seeks at all times to be a witness to Jesus Christ.

As a Catholic school, we aim to provide a Catholic education for all our pupils. At a Catholic school, Catholic doctrine and practice permeates every aspect of the school’s activity. It is essential that the Catholic character of the school’s education is fully supported by all families in the school.

The school exists primarily to serve the Catholic community. However, the Governing Body welcomes applications, subject to the availability of places, from those of other denominations and faiths who support the religious ethos of the school.

The governing body has responsibility for admissions to this school and, having consulted with the local authority and other admission authorities, intends to admit 60 pupils to the Reception class in the school year which begins in September.

Pupils with an Education and Health Care Plan

The admission of pupils with an Education and Health Care Plan is dealt with by a completely separate procedure. This procedure is integral to the making and maintaining statements by the pupil’s home local authority. Details of this separate procedure are set out in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice.

Application procedures

To apply for a place at this school, you must complete and return two separate forms.

The Common Application Form (for applications to Reception Class) is available online and should be completed electronically. To access the form, please visit https://www.eadmissions.org.uk
The Supplementary Information and Priest’s Declaration Form is available from the school and on our school website. This must be completed and returned to St Francis Catholic Primary School, Friary Road, Peckham SE15 1RQ.

Note: The closing date for return of these two forms (for Reception Class) is 15th January, prior to the Reception start date for your child.

You will be advised of the outcome of your application by a common offer date specified by the local authority. This will initially be by letter from the local authority on behalf of the school. If you are unsuccessful (unless your child gained a place at a school you ranked higher on your Common Application Form), you may ask the school for the reasons, related to the oversubscription criteria listed above, and you have the right of appeal to an independent appeal panel.

Both the Supplementary Information Form and the Common Application Form MUST be completed if you wish your son/daughter to be considered for a place. You are advised to make two copies of the forms. You should retain one copy and pass the second copy to the school or your priest, as indicated.

Over Subscription Criteria

Where there are more applications for places than the number of places available, places will be offered according to the Over Subscription Criteria in order of priority. This criteria can be found within the school’s Admission’s Policy.

Appeals

Parents whose applications for places are unsuccessful may appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel set up in accordance with sections 88 and 94 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. Appeals must be made in writing and must set out the reasons on which the appeal is made. Appeals should be made to the Admissions Appeal Clerk at the school address. Appellants have the right to make oral representations to the Appeal Panel.

Late Applications

Any late applications will be considered by the Governors’ Admissions Committee, in the event of there being any available places using the Over Subscription Criteria. If all places have been filled parents will be offered the opportunity of placing their child’s name on the waiting list. This does not prevent parents from exercising their right to appeal against the decision not to offer a place.

Waiting List

Parents of children who have not been offered a place at the school may ask for their child’s name to be placed on a waiting list. A waiting list will be maintained by the Local Authority until 31^st August and subsequently by the school until 31^st January. A child’s place on the waiting list will be determined in accordance with the oversubscription criteria found within the school’s Admission Policy. Placing a child’s name on the waiting list does not guarantee that a place will become available. This does not prevent parents from exercising their right to appeal against the decision not to offer a place. Names are normally removed from the list after six months.