All of our community and voluntary controlled first and primary schools have the same admission policy.
Each of our schools has a specific number of places which can be offered in reception for new children joining the school. This is called the admission number. The law says infant classes (classes in Reception, year 1 and year 2) should not have more than 30 children to one teacher.
If there are more places at a school than there are applications, every child who wants a place at the school will be offered a place.
We need a fair way to decide which children get places at oversubscribed schools. The law says that we must use oversubscription criteria, or rules, to ensure that school places are allocated fairly. These are applied in the order shown below. We apply these equally to all applications for a school. Our aim is to meet the highest preference possible for every applicant.
The following criteria are applied for Newcastle community primary schools and Central Walker Church of England School when there are more applications than places available:
First we offer places to children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs naming the school.
This means a child who is looked after by a local authority in accordance with section 22 of the Children Act 1989 at the time the application for admission to a school is made, and who the local authority has confirmed will still be looked after at the date of admission.
Sibling means a brother or sister, half brother or sister, adopted brother or sister, step brother or sister, or the child of the parent or carer’s partner. The children are expected to live at the same address. Parents who share responsibility for the care of their child are expected to agree school preferences between themselves. In the event of a dispute the Local Authority will accept the preferences of the parent to whom child benefit is paid. The sibling link does not apply to attendance at a sixth form.
An example of medical need is families where one or both parents or the child has a disability that means they can only go to one school. Note that all of our schools have experience in dealing with a range of medical needs.
Supporting evidence from a doctor or other professional involved with the family must be provided. The evidence must relate specifically to the school for which the application is made and clearly demonstrate why this is the only school that can meet the needs of the child. It should also explain the difficulties that would arise if the child had to attend an alternative school. Apply online, and then send us the proof before the closing date. Include your child’s full name and date of birth in any correspondence. If you do not provide evidence of medical need we are unable give your child higher priority.
Distance is calculated electronically using an electronic map measurement system. The system measures a direct line from a single fixed point at your child’s home address to the school.
This is an objective measurement which does not take into account factors such as the safety of routes or the needs for some families to take other children to a different school or schools.
You can find out your nearest school using our online school finder as a guide or by calling us on 0191 277 4133.
Before you look at the flowchart for community and voluntary controlled schools (PDF)
(a) Read the admissions policy and think about how well your child meets the criteria
(b) Think about whether there may be more children applying to a school than there are places available by looking at the statistical information for each school. See allocations of school places for community primary schools for September 2011. (PDF)
Please note that the faith schools have their own admission rules and will follow a similar process when considering your application.
Next step: How do I apply?
Page last updated: 9 September, 2011
