Admissions Arrangements

St. Helen’s is a Voluntary Aided Catholic Primary School in the Diocese of Southwark. As a Catholic Primary School, Catholic doctrine and practice underpins everything we do and it is essential that the Catholic character be fully supported by all families in the school.

Our school exists to serve the local and wider Catholic community primarily.

The Governing Body also warmly welcomes applications from those of other denominations and faiths and those of non-faith backgrounds who will support the religious ethos of the school. 

We are happy to show prospective parents and their children around the school at a mutually convenient time. As well as giving you information about the school, we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

For your child to join the school, you will need to read the latest Admissions’ Policy, which is available here on the school website or from the school office. This is available from the school office and on our website. If you are a Catholic, you will need to have an additional form signed by your Parish Priest.

Your completed form should be returned to the school office and will be forwarded to the Governing Body for consideration.

The admissions criteria are the same for both nursery and the main school, however separate applications are required and admission to the Nursery does not guarantee a place at the school.

Nursery

Children will be admitted to the Nursery at the beginning of the school year in which their fourth birthday occurs, provided there are spaces available. Part time places may be allocated based on the needs of children and families.

Reception

Up to 30 children will be admitted for full-time schooling at the beginning of the academic year (that is September) in which they become of statutory school age (that is five years of age.) When an application for a Reception place is successful, parents are invited to meet the Headteacher and staff in the summer term prior to their child starting in the Reception class.

There is one intake in September to the Reception Class.

Children are invited to visit their new class prior to their starting school

Admissions Procedures

St Helen’s Catholic Primary Primary School is a Voluntary Aided Catholic School for children aged three to eleven years old.

The Governors are the admitting authority. A committee will look at your application form and the confirmation of religious practice before deciding whether or not to admit your child into our Nursery or School.

In order to do this you will need to do the following:

• Complete the St. Helen’s Certificate of Catholic Practice Form

• Return the form in person to the school office.

• Ensure that you also complete your Local Authority’s Common Application Form (CAF) and return it as instructed by the agreed date.

We are here to support any prospective applications to our school and are available to help with the application process.