School Admissions
Walsall Council Admissions 2023/24
St Giles CE Primary School
Admissions Policy 2023/24
Nursery | Admission Number 52 |
Years 1 -6 | Admission Number 60 |
Years 1 -6 | Admission Number 60 |
Admission criteria for St Giles’ CE Primary School
The admission authority for Walsall community and voluntary controlled schools is Walsall Council. Admissions are administered by the Admissions and Pupil Place Planning Team.
2. Oversubscription criteria for community and voluntary controlled primary schools
If there are more applications than there are places available, places will be allocated using the oversubscription criteria in the following order of priority:
- Children in public care (looked after children) and previously looked after children (see 3.1 below);
- Pupils who have a sibling already in attendance at the school, or paired junior school when the application is made and who will be still attending the school at the proposed admission date (see 3.2 below);
- Pupils for whom a place at the school is essential on medical or social grounds as supported in writing by a medical practitioner or a social worker (applications will be subject to verification by the Director of Children’s Services) (see 3.3 below);
- For applications to junior schools only. Attendance by the child at the relevant paired infant school, when the application is made (see 3.4 below);
- For applications to voluntary controlled Church of England primary schools only. Up to 25% of places may be allocated as ‘church places’ to children, regardless of distance between home and school, whose parents are regular worshippers at a Christian church and whose application is supported in writing by the minister of the church where they worship (see 3.5 below);
- Distance between the home address and the school as measured in a straight line with those living closer to the school receiving the higher priority (see 3.6 below)
If there is oversubscription in criteria 2 to 5, priority will be given to those living closest to the school as measured in a straight line.
3. Explanatory notes for oversubscription criteria
3.1 Children in public care (looked after children) and previously looked after children
Children who are in the care of a local authority or provided with accommodation by a local authority and previously looked after children who ceased to be looked after because they were adopted or became subject to a residence order or special guardianship order.
3.2 Sibling
A sibling is a child who resides at the same address as the child for whom a place is being requested and is one of the following:
- A brother or sister sharing the same parents;
- A half-brother or sister sharing one common parent;
- A step-brother or sister (i.e. related by their parent’s marriage);
- Any other child for whom it can be demonstrated that he or she is residing permanently at the same address (e.g. under the terms of a residence order).
3.3 Social or medical factors
If parents believe there are specific medical or social reasons for claiming priority for a child to attend a particular school, the relevant part of the application must be completed and evidence to support the claim must be submitted to the local authority.
Requests for such consideration will be subject to verification by the Director of Children’s Services. This is necessary because parents will be asking the Authority to assess the child as having a stronger case than many other children, some of whom may live closer to the school.
3.3a Medical evidence
Medical evidence must be submitted in writing from a medical practitioner and should state why the preferred school is the only school that can meet the child’s needs. This must relate to either the child or
the parents, for example where the parent(s) or the child has a disability that may make travel to a school further away more difficult. Medical evidence, which relates to parent, will be considered in the following circumstances:
- Where the child lives with a single parent who has a medical condition or disability that may make travel to a school further away more difficult
- Where the child lives with both parents and both parents have a medical condition or disability that may make travel to a school further away more difficult
- Where a child lives with both parents and one parent has a medical condition or disability that may make travel to a school further away more difficult medical evidence may be considered if the other parent is unable to accompany the child on the journey to and from school because they are the sole carer for the other parent.
3.3b Social evidence
Social evidence must be submitted in writing from an appropriate professional and should state why the preferred school is the only school that can meet the child’s needs.
Please note that preferences are only given priority under the medical/social criterion in very exceptional cases where medical or social evidence clearly demonstrates that the preferred school is the only school which can meet the child’s needs.
3.4 Church places at voluntary controlled Church of England primary schools
Voluntary controlled Church of England primary schools with an admission number of 30 will offer a maximum of seven church places; schools with an admission number of 45 will offer a maximum of 11 church places; schools with an admission number of 60 will offer a maximum of 15 church places; schools with an admission number of 90 will offer a maximum of 22 church places.
If there is oversubscription for church places, priority will be given to those living closest to the school as measured in a straight line.
‘Regular worshipper’ is defined as attending a place of worship on at least one occasion per month over the past twelve months.
3.6 Distance
Distance will be measured in a straight line from the centre point of the home address to the centre point of the school address using the local authority’s computerised measuring system with those living closer to the school receiving the higher priority.
3.6a Definition of a home address
The home address of a child is considered to be the permanent residence of a child in a residential property when the place is offered. The address must be the child’s only or main residence and is either:
- owned by the child’s parent(s) or guardian; or
- leased to or rented by the child’s parent(s), or guardian under lease or written rental agreement of not less than six months duration.
Documentary evidence of ownership or rental agreement may be required together with proof of actual permanent residence at the property concerned. In certain circumstances the child’s current school will be asked to verify the address given.
Where parents have shared responsibility for a child and the child lives with both parents for part of the week, the main residence will be determined as the address where the child lives for the majority of the week. Parents may be requested to supply documentary evidence to support the address used for the application.
The offer of a place is based upon the address of the child when the offer is made. If a child is offered a place at an oversubscribed school the place may be withdrawn if it is found that the child moved (before the place was offered) to a new address, which was further away from the school, and the child would not have qualified for a place under the distance criterion.
In the event that a family moves between the application and the date of offer, the School Admissions and Appeals Team must be informed as soon as possible of these circumstances.
If the home address is a flat (or apartment) and there is more than one flat at the same address, priority will be given to applicants living at the lowest numbered flat on the lowest floor.
4. Oversubscription criteria for nursery schools
Applications for nursery places should be made directly to the school. If there are more applications than there are nursery places available then places will be allocated using the oversubscription criteria in the following order of priority:
4.1 Priority for nursery places will be given to children who are eligible to start the term after their 3rd birthday.
If places are oversubscribed, the following oversubscription criteria will apply:
- Children in public care (looked after children) and previously looked after children (see 3.1 above).
- Pupils who have a sibling already in attendance at the school, or paired junior school when the application is made and who will be still attending the school at the proposed admission date (see 3.2 above).
- Pupils for whom a place at the school is essential on medical or social grounds and supported in writing by a medical practitioner or a social worker. (Applications will be subject to verification by the Interim Director of Children’s Services). (see 3.3 above)
- Distance between the home address and the school as measured in a straight line with those living closer to the school receiving the higher priority. (see 3.6 above)
4.2 Where places are still available schools may only offer places to children who have attained the age of 3.
If the remaining places are oversubscribed the oversubscription criteria 1-4, shown above, will apply. If there is oversubscription in criteria 2 and 3, priority will be given to those living closest to the school as measured in a straight line.
5. Policy for deferred entry to reception
Children reach compulsory school age on the first day of the term following their fifth birthday. However, all Walsall primary schools provide full time places for pupils in a reception class from September in the year before children reach their fifth birthday.
If parents prefer their child to start school later than 1 September 2021, they have the option of deferring the child’s entry until later in the 2021/22 school year. Parents opting for this must notify the school in writing of the date they wish their child to start in a reception class.
Parents are not able to defer entry beyond the beginning of the term following their child’s fifth birthday or beyond the academic year for which admission is sought. The effect of this is that the place is held for that child and is not available to be offered to another child.
6. Admission of ‘summer born’ children to reception
Summer born children, (born between 1 April and 31 August) reach compulsory school age in the September following their fifth birthday (or on their fifth birthday if it falls on 31 August). Parents of summer born children may submit a request for their child to be admitted to a reception class in the September following their fifth birthday, at the point at which other children in their age group are moving from the reception class to year 1.
Parents seeking deferred admissions to reception in a community or voluntary controlled primary school should make a request in writing to Walsall Council, providing details of the reason for the request and supporting medical evidence or evidence from the child’s current head teacher, if appropriate, demonstrating that deferred admission to reception would be in the child’s best interests.
Requests for deferred admission to reception in respect of children who would normally be admitted in September 2021, should be submitted by 15 January 2021 where possible.
When an application for deferred admission to reception at the point at which other children in their age group are moving into Year 1 is received for a community or voluntary controlled primary school, Walsall Council, as admission authority for the school, will make the decision on whether or not to grant the request based on the individual circumstances of each case. Requests will only be approved in
circumstances where it is in the bests interests of the child to defer admission to reception.
Parents seeking deferred admission to reception in a voluntary aided school, foundation school or in an academy should submit a request directly to their preferred school. They must also notify the local authority in writing of the request and must complete a local authority application for the year of admission.
Admission to a year group outside of a child’s chronological year group.
Parents who wish to apply for their child to be admitted to a Walsall community or voluntary controlled primary school, in a year group other than that which is designated by their chronological age should submit a written request to the local authority. Walsall Council, as admission authority for the school, will make the decision on whether or not to grant the request based on the individual circumstances of each case. Requests will only be approved in circumstances where it is in the bests interests of the child to be educated outside of their chronological year group.
Parents wishing to make an application for their child to be admitted out of their chronological year group to a voluntary aided or foundation school or academy, should write to the admission authority for the school. In either case, the letter should include details of why the parents/carers believe it is in the best interests of their child to be educated out of their chronological year group, and should include
supporting evidence from an appropriate professional.
Parents applying for midyear admission to a year group outside their child’s chronological age, in a Walsall primary school will also need to submit an online midyear admission application to the local authority.
Article 3 (best interests of the child) The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children.
Article 29 (goals of education) Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment
When should your child start school?
Children reach compulsory school age on the first day of the term after their fifth birthday.
Your child can start school in the September term (before their fifth birthday), or in the first term after their fifth birthday (deferred start).
If you defer their start date, the school will hold their place. It will not be offered to another child.
Parents/carers that want to defer must write to the school. The letter should include the date you wish your child to start in a reception class. You will still need to complete the online application form before the deadline.
Having a place in the nursery class attached to a school does not guarantee a place in the reception class at that school. You must send a separate application for a place in the reception class.
Deferred admission for summer born children
Children born between 1 April and 31 August are classed as ‘summer born’. They do not need to start school until a full year later than other children in their age range, and can start school at the beginning of Year 1.
If you want your summer born child to be admitted to a reception class, rather than go straight to Year 1, you can ask for admission out of their normal age group. The admission authority will make this decision in the best interests of the child.
Deferred admission to reception in a community or voluntary controlled primary school
You will need to show that deferred admission to reception would be in your child’s best interests. Write to us, and explain why. You should include supporting medical evidence, or evidence from your child’s current head teacher.
Deferred admission to reception in a voluntary aided school, foundation school or in an academy
You will need to apply directly to your preferred school. You will also need to write to the local authority, and complete a local authority application.
Applying for a Reception Place
Overview
It's important that you include three schools on your application. This will increase your chance of getting a place at one of your preferred choices. If you only put your top choice down, there is a risk you might not get a place at that school. You may be offered a school that you’re not happy with instead.
We always aim to offer you a place at your highest ranked school.
If you live outside Walsall, you should complete an application from your home local authority (even if you are applying for a Walsall school).
Reception
Children born between 1 September 2017 and 31 August 2018 are due to start reception in September 2022.
Having a place in the nursery class attached to a school does not guarantee a place in the reception class at that school. You must send a separate application for a place in the reception class.
Deciding on your school preferences
You can apply for a place at up to three schools for your child, and list them in order of preference.
If any of your preferred schools are outside Walsall Borough, you still apply in the same way. Walsall Council runs a co-ordinated admissions scheme with neighbouring councils and admission authorities, so you only have to complete one application.
Walsall Council has a duty to offer your child a place in a school. We always try to meet your first choice, but sometimes we receive more applications than the school has places available. We will then try to offer your next highest preference. If we cannot meet any of your preferences, we will offer you a place in the nearest school to your home address with available places.
The schemes for co-ordinated admissions document tells you more about:
- when key decisions are made
- evidence for late applications
- what to do if you live near a borough boundary and want to apply for a school in another authority
- which schools are their own admissions authority
The determined admission arrangements document tells you about:
- class sizes
- oversubscription criteria
- priority applications from siblings
- paired infant and junior schools
Make a late application
The online portal closed on 15 January 2022.
If you apply after this date, or change the name or ranking of a school, we will process your application as late. It is unlikely that you will get a place at one of your preferred schools.
You can make a late application if the deadline of 15 January has passed and:
- your child is due to start reception in September 2022
- your child is due to transfer from infant to junior school in September 2022
Make a late application for a primary school place
Late applications received up to 4 weeks after the closing date
We will accept late applications as being on time if:
- you were unable to submit your online application to Walsall Council on time because you moved into the Borough of Walsall after the closing date
- exceptional circumstances prevented you from submitting your online application
- you are a single parent and have been ill for some time.
You will need to explain your circumstances in writing when you apply, and they will be considered by the Director of Children’s Services. This applies to applications received between 16 January 2022 and 13 February 2022.
You can view our late application policy for full details.
Late applications received more than 4 weeks after the closing date
Applications for schools received more than 4 weeks after the closing date but before the notification date will be considered only after all other applications.
This applies to applications received between 14 February 2022 and 15 April 2022.
Late applications received after the notification date (once places have been offered)
We will offer you a place at the highest ranked school if places are available.
For Walsall residents, if a place is not available at any of the preferred schools we will offer you a place at the nearest alternative Walsall school with vacant places. We will also put your child’s name on the waiting list for your preferred schools.
Get support with making your application
Our step-by-step admissions guide will take you through the whole admissions process. It explains how to create an account, how to log in, and how to submit your application.
The guide is only available in English. If you need extra support, you can contact the admissions and appeals team.
You can also download the information for parents booklet.
Faith schools ask for some additional information. You can download the form for admissions to Walsall faith schools.
Moving to a different school
(Mid-Year Admission)
You may need to move your child to a different school if you're moving house or they are having difficulties at their current school. This is called a mid-year admission or transfer. You can apply online to move to a different primary school. If you need to change your child's secondary school, you'll need to apply direct to your preferred school.
Contact the relevant local authority if you want to apply to a school outside Walsall.
Before you begin
Schools use admissions criteria to decide which children they can offer a place to. They will make any offers in order of priority. You should check first to see if your child is eligible for the school you’re interested in. You can find further information about criteria and fair access protocol in our policies.
If you’re applying for more than one child to change school, you'll need to complete a separate application for each child.
Make sure you know which schools you want to apply to and list them in priority order. If you’re not sure, visit our find a school page. Contact us if you need help finding schools that have vacancies.
To find out more information, the schemes for co-ordinated admissions document tells you about:
- when and how key decisions are made
- what to do if you live near a borough boundary and want to apply for a school in another authority
The determined admission arrangements document tells you about:
- class sizes
- oversubscription criteria
- priority applications from siblings
- paired infant and junior schools
Children with special educational needs (SEN) or an education health and care (EHC) plan
If your child has a statement of SEN or an EHC plan, you should contact Walsall Council’s SEN Team or the local authority that issued their statement or plan.
Get support with making your application
Our step-by-step guide to online applications will take you through the whole admissions process. It explains how to create an account, how to log in, and how to submit your application.
Admissions to Primary Schools in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
This document includes answers to some questions that are frequently asked on primary admissions offer date. If you do not live in Walsall, please contact your home local authority for information about your application.
Q. What is Primary school ‘offer’ day?
A. Local authorities are required to ensure that all children that are resident in their local authority area, who are eligible to start Reception/Junior in September 2022 and submit an on-time application are made a single offer of a school place on the same Primary National Offer Day. This normally falls on the 16th April or the next working day if 16th April falls over a weekend.
Q. When is the Primary offer date?
A. Tuesday 19th April 2022.
Q. How will I be notified of the outcome of my application for a primary school place?
A. Parents who submitted an on time application to Walsall Council will receive notification of the outcome of their application by email on Tuesday 19th April 2022. The emails are sent automatically by Capita, the local authority’s automated admissions system, throughout the day. Unfortunately, we are unable to give a precise time when you will receive your email.
Q. I haven’t yet received the outcome of my application. What should I do?
A. If you have not received your offer email by Tuesday 20 April 2022 then please email the School Admissions and Appeals Team at primary.admissions@walsall.gov.uk.
The team will be able to provide you with email confirmation of the outcome of your application subject to your request passing relevant data security checks. Please note confirmation of school offers will not be provided via telephone.
Q. I submitted my application after the closing date of 15 January 2022 when will I be notified of the outcome of my application for a Reception/Junior school place?
A. Late applicants who submitted their application after the national closing date of 15 January 2022 will receive the outcome of their offer by email after 19 April 2022.
Q. My child did not get my first preference, how do I add their name to the waiting list for the school?
A. Your child’s name will automatically be added to the waiting list for any Walsall Primary schools that were ranked more highly on your application than the school they have been offered. If you wish to be added to the waiting list for a school outside of the Walsall Local Authority area then please contact the relevant Local Authority directly.
Q. When will the waiting lists be available?
A. Waiting lists will be available from Monday 9 May 2022. If after this date you wish to enquire about your child’s position on a waiting list for a Walsall School then please email the School Admissions and Appeals team at primary.admissions@walsall.gov.uk.
The team will be able to provide you with email confirmation of your position on the relevant waiting subject to your request passing relevant data security checks. Please note information about waiting list positions will not be provided via telephone.
Q. Do I need to notify Walsall Council that I want to accept the place that has been offered to my child?
A. No. Walsall Council will only make one offer to your child, unless it becomes possible to offer a higher ranked preference later in the process or you have are successful at appeal. The school that is offered is the school that your child must attend from September 2022. It is not necessary for you to contact either Local Authority or the relevant School to accept the offer. Schools outside the Walsall Borough may require you to accept your school offer with that Local Authority.
Q. Can I refuse the place that has been offered to my child?
A. No. Walsall Council has a duty to ensure that your child has a school place for September 2022. The Local Authority will not withdraw an offer that has been made unless the place is no longer required due to a house move outside the borough, or because you have made other arrangements for your child’s education and you are able to provide evidence of this.
Q. Can I appeal for a place at one of my preferred schools?
A. You can appeal against the decision to refuse a place at any of the preferred schools on your application. Information on how to appeal will be available on the Walsall Council website from Tuesday 19 April 2022.
Appeal forms will need to be returned by 19 May 2022 to ensure that they can be heard prior to the end of summer term 2022.
If you wish to appeal for a school outside of the Walsall Local Authority area, you should contact the relevant home Local Authority. More information about the appeals process is available on the Walsall Council website.
Q. I am a Walsall resident and my child is eligible to start Primary School in September 2022 but I haven’t yet submitted an application. How can I can submit my application and when will I find out the outcome?
A. Please submit a late application at the earliest possible opportunity. The application can be found on the Walsall Council website.
Q. I need some advice or support about my application or my offer, who can I contact?
A. In the first instance please review this list of frequently asked questions as you may find the answer here.
However, if you still require advice and support you can contact the School Admissions and Appeals Team, by email at primary.admissions@walsall.gov.uk or by telephone on 01922 652585 between the hours of 9am and 4pm. This will be extended until 5pm between the 19 April and 21 April 2022.
Please note that the School Admissions and Appeals Team receive a large numbers of telephone calls and emails during the weeks following primary offer day. Your calls and emails are important and we appreciate that this can be an anxious time for children and their families. The team will try to respond to all calls and emails as quickly as possible but it may take up to 5 working days for you to receive a response.
If you do not live in Walsall, please contact the school admissions team for your home local authority to discuss your application. These details will have been provided in the offer email that you have received from your home local authority.