Admissions
- Nursery places for children aged 3 and over are available now - please call our office on 020 7407 2642 for more information
- For admission to our Reception class for September 2024, please complete the online form on the Southwark website by 15th January 2024
- For In Year admissions in any year group (including Reception after September 1st) please speak to the school office
- Please see our Admissions Policy here
Saint Joseph’s Catholic Primary School is a voluntary aided school in the Diocese of Southwark. It is in the trusteeship of the Diocese. The school is conducted by its governing body as part of the Catholic Church in accordance with its Trust Deed and Instrument of Government, and seeks at all times to be a witness to Jesus Christ.
As a Catholic school, we aim to provide a Catholic education for all our pupils. At a Catholic school, Catholic doctrine and practice permeates every aspect of the school’s activity. It is essential that the Catholic character of the school’s education is fully supported by all families in the school.
The school exists primarily to serve the Catholic community. However, the Governing Body welcomes applications, subject to the availability of places, from those of other denominations and faiths who support the religious ethos of the school.
The governing body has responsibility for admissions to this school and, having consulted with the local authority and other admission authorities, intends to admit 30 pupils to the Reception class in the school year which begins in September.
Further information on admissions:
Pupils with an Education and Health Care Plan
The admission of pupils with an Education and Health Care Plan is dealt with by a completely separate procedure. This procedure is integral to the making and maintaining statements by the pupil’s home local authority. Details of this separate procedure are set out in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice.
Application procedures
To apply for a place at Saint Joseph's whether you are a Southwark resident, or live in another borough, you must complete the Common Application Form (CAF) and complete the school's Supplementary Information Form.
A) For applications for Reception Class only, the Common Application Form is available online and must be completed electronically. To access the form, please visit https://www.eadmissions.org.uk You will need to register and create an account.
OR
B) For In Year admissions in any year group (including Reception after September 1st) please visit https://www.southwark.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-admissions/in-year-admissions
AND
C) The Supplementary Information Form. Please return to Saint Joseph’s Catholic Primary, Little Dorrit Court, London SE1 1NJ. Paper copies available from the school office or see below.
Note: The closing date for Reception Class only is 15th January, prior to the Reception September start date for your child.
Note: If you are resident in a borough other than Southwark, you must complete the application forms for that borough.
You will be advised of the outcome of your application by a common offer date specified by the borough. This will initially be by letter from the borough you are resident in on behalf of the school. If you are unsuccessful (unless your child gained a place at a school you ranked higher on your Common Application Form), you may ask the school for the reasons, related to the oversubscription criteria listed below, and you have the right of appeal to an independent appeal panel. See below.
You are advised to print/make completed copies of either the Common Application Form OR the In Year Application Form and the Supplementary Form for your records. When received, also make a copy of the Priest's Reference Form for your records.
Over Subscription Criteria
Where there are more applications for places than the number of places available, places will be offered according to the Over Subscription Criteria in order of priority. This criteria can be found within the school’s Admission’s Policy.
Appeals
Parents whose applications for places are unsuccessful may appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel set up in accordance with sections 88 and 94 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. Appeals must be made in writing and must set out the reasons on which the appeal is made. Appeals should be made to the Admissions Appeal Clerk at the school address. Appellants have the right to make oral representations to the Appeal Panel.
Appeal timetable
From the date of notification that your application is unsuccessful, you have 20 school days to prepare and lodge a written appeal.
A further 10 school days is assigned for those making an appeal, admissions authorities and the clerk to submit additional evidence and send appeal papers to the panel and other relevant parties.
The school will ensure those making the appeal receive at least 10 school days notice of the appeal hearing.
The school will ensure that decision letters are sent within 5 school days of the appeal hearing.
Late Applications
Any late applications will be considered by the Governors’ Admissions Committee, in the event of there being any available places using the Over Subscription Criteria. If all places have been filled parents will be offered the opportunity of placing their child’s name on the waiting list. This does not prevent parents from exercising their right to appeal against the decision not to offer a place.
Waiting List
Parents of children who have not been offered a place at the school may ask for their child’s name to be placed on a waiting list. A waiting list will be maintained by the Local Authority until 31st August and subsequently by the school until 31st January. A child’s place on the waiting list will be determined in accordance with the oversubscription criteria found within the school’s Admission Policy. Placing a child’s name on the waiting list does not guarantee that a place will become available. This does not prevent parents from exercising their right to appeal against the decision not to offer a place. Names are normally removed from the list after six months.
In Year Admissions
Nursery
We will consider applications for the Nursery in the school term following your child's third birthday.
All other year groups
Please contact the school office prior to contacting Southwark schools admissions (details below).
Please visit the Policies section of the website for downloadable copies of the Admissions Policy and Procedures.
For more information from Southwark Local Authority please visit:
https://www.southwark.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-admissions/primary-admissions
Admission Arrangements for 2025 2026
Admissions Policy SJB 2025 2026
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