Admissions
Consultation on the proposed 2027-28 admission arrangements for St Paul's CofE Primary School.
In accordance with the School Admissions Code, Forward As One CE Multi Academy Trust (the admission authority) is consulting on proposed changes to our admission arrangements for entry in September 2027. Consultation will run for a minimum of 6 weeks from Wednesday 17th December to Wednesday 28th January. This consultation period falls within the statutory window as per the Admissions Code: GOV.UK
We are consulting with parents of children aged 2–18, local schools and admission authorities, the local authority, the diocese and other interested parties in the locality as required under the Admissions Code.
Please note that admissions consultation information for 2027–28 was previously shared in error during the Autumn Term 2025. The content below, including the updated policy and Supplemental Information Form, replaces and fully supersedes the earlier information, with the consultation running from 17th December 2025 to 28th January 2026. We apologise for any confusion and encourage all members of our community to respond to the consultation. Your feedback is very important.
What has changed:
- Introduction of a new faith-based admissions criterion, including a two-band church attendance model.
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Oversubscription criteria expanded from 4 priorities to 6 priorities.
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Medical needs criterion downgraded in priority and widened to include exceptional social needs, with clearer evidence requirements.
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Explicit clarification that attendance at the school nursery does not give priority for Reception admission.
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Greater detail and transparency added to distance measurements and random allocation tie-breakers.
- Waiting list arrangements clarified, including re-ranking on each new application and priority for Looked After / Fair Access placements.
A full copy of the proposed admission arrangements are linked below and available on request.
Supplementary Information Form
Please respond by Wednesday 28th January 2026 (consultation closes at 5pm on that date). Responses can be submitted by:
- Email: enquiries@fa1.uk (subject: Admissions Consultation)
- Online form: https://forms.office.com/e/HiRQVKCShi
- Post: The Clerk to the Board of Trustees, Forward As One CE Multi Academy Trust, Newnham Street, Bolton, BL1 8QA (FAO Admissions Consultation)
Reception Admissions
For children starting school in September, the admissions procedure for children in Reception class is carried out by the Local Authority, Pupil and Student Services. If you would like to apply for a place at our school please contact:
Bury Admissions Team
3 Knowsley Place
Duke Street Bury
BL9 0EJ
Tel 0161 253 6474/7675
Offers of places will be notified by the LA in April each year
https://www.bury.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-admissions/primary-school
Published Area Number (PAN) for reception is 60 full time places.
For children starting school (Reception-Year 6), after September and at any point throughout the academic year, please see the 'In- Year Admissions' tab below.
In-Year Admissions
For an In- Year Admission, where children are moving from one primary school to another (Reception-Year 6), please complete the application form below. You can apply via the school, by handing in the admission form to the school office, or via Bury Admissions Team, 3 Knowsley Place, Duke Street Bury.
primary-school-transfer-application-form
Visits to St Paul's CE Primary School
Parents/carers considering an application to the school or with children who are transferring to St Paul's from another school, are warmly invited to tour the school. Please contact the school for an appointment. For any information or enquiries regarding visits to school, please contact Mrs Jones, in our school office.
For further information, please see our Admissions Policy: