Admissions
Guide us O God to be the best we can be; in every thought, in every word and every deed
We are delighted that you are interested in St Mary & St Andrew's Catholic Primary School.
St Mary & St Andrew's is a successful Catholic School where pupils flourish and thrive in a caring and supportive environment.
We understand that choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. The admission process usually begins with a visit to the school on an open day or pre-arranged personal tour. Prospective parents are always welcome to contact the school office to check the availability of places.
Governors have set the Pupil Admission Number (PAN) at 18.
To get into our school you don’t necessarily have to be Catholic. As is the case with most schools, who gets in is highly dependent on how popular a school is with parents. We will always prioritise Catholic pupils in their admissions, and if we have space for more, all are welcome to apply.
In 90% cases, Catholic schools can cater for the local Catholic demand. In these instances, parents only need to provide a Baptism certificate as proof of Catholicism. In the handful of cases where Catholic schools are oversubscribed with Catholics, Catholic practice is taken into account. Information on the Certificate of Catholic practice can be downloaded here.
Please do contact us with any further questions you may have; we will be delighted to assist. Please view the admission policies below for more information.
The process for admissions is timetabled as follows:
1st September 2023:
The online application system goes live and will be available from Lancashire County Council's website, Apply for a School Place Section:
15th January 2024:
Closing date for applications to be returned by parents/carers to Lancashire County Council. Supplementary information forms (link below), including baptismal certificate where applicable, must be returned to the school.
16th April 2024:
On-line applicants will have their offer confirmed electronically on the offer date. (There will be links to reserve list and appeal information). Paper applicants will have a letter issued by second class post on 16th April 2024 and delivery times will vary.
2024 Date to be confirmed:
Primary appeal deadline**
2024 Date to be confirmed:
On time primary appeals anticipate to be heard.
(**late appeals will be slotted into the appeal schedule where possible)
Please view the Admission Policies below for further information:
Primary Admissions - Information Booklet for Parents
Appeal Against an Admission Decision
See Lancashire County Council Website - Primary School Appeals
See LCC Area Education Office South for further information
In-Year Applications
An application can be made for a place for a child at any time outside the admission round and the child will be admitted where there are available places. An application should be made to the school by completing the in-year admissions application form (link below) and returning it to bursar@st-mary-st-andrews.lancs.sch.uk. If applying on faith grounds please also complete the Supplementary Information Form, (link below).
Where there are places available but more applications than places, the published oversubscription criteria, as set out in the admission arrangements for 2023-2024, will be applied. Parents are advised to read the admission arrangements carefully before making their application.
If there are no places available, the child will be added to the waiting list. Please see the admission arrangements for more details.
You will be advised of the outcome of your application in writing as soon as possible. Applicants must be informed of the outcome of their application within 15 school days of receipt, but the aim is to notify applicants of the outcome of their application within 10 school days of receipt.
You have the right to appeal to an independent appeal panel if your application is unsuccessful.
Appeal Against an Admission Decision
If you have any questions in relation to in-year admissions please contact the school office on 01772 862335 or email bursar@st-mary-st-andrews.lancs.sch.uk.