School Admissions
This Admissions Policy has been formally adopted by the governing body who is the Admissions Authority and is responsible for determining the school’s admissions policy.
The Planned Admission Number for this school is 30 pupils. The Admissions Policy Criteria will be applied on an Equal Preference basis. We welcome applications from all families.
How and When to apply
Applications must be made online on the schools admissions page on the Local Authority Common Application Form. All forms must be returned by the closing date set by Durham County Council.
Admission Policies
Full details of the admission arrangements can be found in the Primary and Secondary Admissions brochure produced by Durham County Council.
The Admission Policy for 2021-22
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Admissions Policy: Admission Policy 2021 – 2022 Visit the Durham County Council website for information regarding the school admission process and primary school admissions.
Timetable for applying for school places for September 2022
In-Year Applications
Applications are welcome for all year groups during the school year. If you would like to transfer your child from another school, please inform their current school that this is your intention and request a school transfer form. Please contact St Mary’s Catholic Primary School office at blackhillstmary@durhamlearning.net to inform the school that you would like to request a place for your child. Once the school transfer form has been received, parents will be notified if there is place available and transition details will be discussed.
Admission Appeals
If you have applied for a place at our school for your child and they are not offered a place, you can appeal against this decision. Admission appeals are organised by Durham Local Authority for our school. Further information is available here: School Admissions – Appeals.
Your appeal will be decided by a panel which is independent of both the school and the council and the decision is binding on all parties.
To appeal for a place at the school, contact the local authority admissions team by emailing schooladmissions@durham.gov.uk to request a school admission, or follow the link to access an appeal form. This can be returned to schooladmissions@durham.gov.uk. Please provide proof of your child’s address with your appeal documentation.
Appeals for admission for a place in Reception year must be lodged by 7th June 2022. Additional evidence may be submitted by 14th June 2022. Those making an appeal will receive at least 10 school days’ notice of the appeal hearing. Parents and carers will be notified of the appeals panel decision by letter within 5 school days of the hearing.
Applying for a school place if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan
Children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan follow a different admission and transfer process for a new school. Please continue to complete Durham County Council’s parental preference form, as part of the admission process to a new school. You continue to have a right to request a particular school and this will be considered alongside the information that we have about your child’s special educational needs. The information would have been provided as part of the Education, Health and Care assessment or following the review meeting.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment with our Special Needs Coordinator.
