Starting Primary School (reception admissions for September 2024 entry)
The staff, governing body and pupils of St Francis’ Catholic Primary School would welcome your applying for a place at our school.
To do this you must follow the correct process for your child’s age as detailed below
We are an academy school which means we are our own admission authority but to ensure continuity across the borough we follow the London Borough of Newham’s admissions processes.
All applications for this school must be made through London Borough of Newham’s Pupil Services, not this school.
Reception Admission for September 2024 entry
For all children born from 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 inclusive, their parents/carers will need to apply for a reception class place in an infant or primary school for September 2022 entry.
National closing date for on time reception applications 15 January 2024
National offer date for on time reception applicants 16 April 2024
All reception 2024 applications must be made through the family’s home local authority. For children living in Newham, families must apply via London Borough of Newham.
For children living outside Newham, whose family wants them to attend this school their application must be made through their home borough naming this school as a preference on their application.
Remember, parents/carers must apply for a reception place in this school, even if the child:
- Attends our nursery
OR - Has a brother or sister attending this school.
Before submitting a reception application we strongly recommend all families read the autumn 2023 edition of the local authorities ‘Starting Primary School’ guide and find out information about the school you are interested in.
Other information to help with your September 2024 application can be found at Newham Primary School Admissions.
The Pan London eAdmissions portal opens on 1 September 2023 for September 2024 reception applications:
Supplementary Information Form (SIF)
As part of our admission arrangements we require a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) if an applicant wants their child to be consider under our faith based criteria (priority groups). If an applicant does not complete and submit a SIF or does not want to be considered under our faith based criteria (priority groups) the child will be automatically added to the lowest priority group when we rank the applications.
A SIF is not an application form so cannot be considered unless an application is made.
Deadline for on time Supplementary Information Forms (SIFs) – 15 January 2025
- Newham Catholic Deanery Admission Criteria
- Certificate of Catholic Practice
- Pan London Co-ordinated Scheme
- School Finder – We recommend you use the Newham School Finder tool to determine the location of your preferred Newham schools and calculate home to school distances.
In year admissions 2023/24 (Current academic year – also known as, mid-term or mid-phase admissions)
If a family arrives in Newham during the school year 2023/2024 and their child needs a school place they must complete an In Year form naming their preferred schools.
School places are usually offered within 10 days.
The place offered may not be at the school the family prefers as that school may not have a suitable place available.
In Year Admissions for 1 September 2023 to 18 July 2024 (Year Groups: reception to Year 6)
Before submitting an In Year school application we strongly recommend all families read the autumn 2023 edition of the local authorities ‘Starting Primary School’ guide and find out information about the process.
Determined Arrangements for September 2023 onwards entry
- Newham Catholic Deanery Admissions Criteria 2022-23
- In Year school application form (all year groups) for September/ 2023 to July 2024
Supplementary Information Form (SIF)
As part of our admission arrangements we require a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) if an applicant wants their child to be consider under our faith based criteria (priority groups). If an applicant does not complete and submit a SIF or does not want to be considered under our faith based criteria (priority groups) the child will be automatically added to the lowest priority group when we rank the applications.
A SIF is not an application form so cannot be considered unless an application is made.
- Supplementary Information Form (SIF)
- Diocese of Brentwood guidance for the Certificate of Catholic Practice
- School Finder – We recommend you use the Newham School Finder tool to determine the location of your preferred Newham schools and calculate home to school distances.
Determined Admission Arrangements for 2023 and 2024
Useful websites for admissions
- Gov.UK
- LB Newham School Fact Finder
- Ace Education – Independent Advice for Parents and Carers
Moving from primary to secondary school in September 2024
For children born between 1 September 2012 and 31 August 2013, their parents or carers must apply for them to start a secondary-phase school in September 2024. The closing date is 31 October 2023.
Every family must apply to their home borough. This means if a family live in Newham they must apply through Newham Council even if their child attends a junior or primary school outside of Newham or they only want to apply for secondary school in another borough.
Since 2004, the 33 London boroughs and some of the Home Counties work together to make the application process easier for parents. The Pan London coordinated scheme 2024/25 scheme will be available soon.
Remember, parents/carers must apply for a place, even if:
- They want their child to go to the local school.
OR - Their child has an older brother or sister at the school.
Information of year 7 application process
Primary to secondary transition
Pan London eAdmissions portal – opens 1 September 2023 for September 2024 year 7 applications
We are going to the secondary school prospectus
Nursery
Admissions to Pre-school
Link to eligibility for a free place for two year olds
We welcome applications from all families (all faiths and backgrounds). Please complete and return an application to our school if your child is between 3 and 4 years old.
Fair Access
The law requires that each local authority must have a Fair Access Protocol (FAP), agreed with the majority of schools in its area to ensure that for In Year admissions unplaced children, especially the most vulnerable, are offered a place at a suitable school as quickly as possible. In agreeing a protocol, the local authority must ensure that no school – including those with available places – is asked to take a disproportionate number of children who have been excluded from other schools, or who have challenging behaviour. St Francis’ Catholic Primary has signed up to the LB Newham’s Fair Access Protocol.
Catholic Education in Newham
Newham has excellent Catholic primary and secondary schools. In our schools, the whole child is nurtured as a unique individual. Newham Catholic schools are open to all children and provide a wealth of experiences to support your child’s development.
Please click on the link to view Newham Catholic Schools brochure.