Admissions Policy

Admission Policy of St. Joseph’s Primary School

School Address: Kilmuckridge, Gorey, Co. Wexford
Roll Number: 14903V
School Patron: The Bishop of Ferns

1. Introduction

This Admission Policy complies with the Education Act 1998, the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, and the Equal Status Act 2000. It was developed in consultation with school staff, the school patron, and parents.

The policy was approved by the school patron on [insert date] and is available on the school website and in hard copy upon request.

Dates and timelines for the admission process are published in the school’s annual admission notice.

The application form is available on the school’s website and in hard copy upon request.

2. Characteristic Spirit and General Objectives

St. Joseph’s is a Catholic, co-educational primary school under the patronage of the Bishop of Ferns.

The Catholic ethos promotes:

• Holistic development (intellectual, physical, cultural, moral, and spiritual)
• A living relationship with God and others
• A philosophy inspired by the life of Jesus
• Formation in the Catholic faith

Religious education is provided in accordance with the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church.

In accordance with Section 15 (2)(b) of the Education Act 1998, the Board upholds the school’s characteristic spirit.

The school aims to provide a secure and friendly learning environment where all are valued and supported to reach their full potential.

The school caters for children of all abilities from Junior Infants to Sixth Class.

3. Admission Statement

St. Joseph’s will not discriminate on any of the following grounds:

• Gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation
• Religion, disability, race, Traveller community
• Special educational needs

In accordance with legislation, St. Joseph’s:

• Will cooperate with the NCSE and the DES
• May refuse admission to non-Roman Catholic students where it is essential to maintain the school ethos

4. Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school supports pupils with SEN through DES/NCSE resources.

• Inclusiveness is central to our admissions
• SEN applications are processed in line with this policy
• Pupils are resourced based on available supports

To assess needs:

• Parents must notify the school early of any SEN
• All relevant reports should be submitted
• If unavailable, parents should request assessments
• Additional information may be requested
• Meetings may be held to discuss needs (non-compulsory)

5. Admission of Students

All students seeking admission will be admitted unless:

1. The school is oversubscribed (see Section 6)
2. Parents fail to confirm acceptance of the Code of Behaviour as required

The school may refuse admission to non-Catholic students to preserve its ethos.

6. Oversubscription

If oversubscribed, the following criteria apply in order:

1. Siblings of current pupils
2. Siblings of past pupils
3. Applicants living in the Parish of Litter (Kilmuckridge/Monamolin)
4. Children of current school staff
5. All other applicants

• Applicants will be assigned to the highest applicable category

In cases of tied applications:

• Priority will go to the oldest eligible applicant
• If dates of birth are identical, a random selection will apply

A waiting list will be maintained (valid until 30th September). Incomplete applications are not considered.

7. What Will Not Be Considered

The school will not consider:

• Pre-school attendance
• Payment of fees
• Academic ability or family background
• Interviews or open day attendance
• Family connections (unless sibling/past parent rule applies)
• Application timestamp (within allowed window)

8. Decisions on Applications

Decisions will be based on:

• This policy
• The school’s annual admission notice
• The information in the official application form

No other criteria will be used.

9. Notifying Applicants

Applicants will receive written notice of the decision within the timelines set out in the annual admission notice. Reasons will be provided if a place is not offered.

Applicants have the right to seek a review or appeal (see Section 18).

10. Acceptance of a Place

Applicants must indicate:

• If they have accepted an offer from another school
• If they are awaiting offers from other schools

11. Withdrawal of Offers

An offer may be withdrawn if:

• Information was false or misleading
• The offer was not accepted in time
• The Code of Behaviour was not accepted
• Section 10 conditions were not met

12. Sharing of Data

The school may share information with other schools to facilitate admissions, including:

• Application date, offer date, acceptance date
• Student’s name, address, DOB, PPSN

13. Waiting List

Unsuccessful applicants due to oversubscription will be placed on a waiting list in accordance with priority.

Late applicants are placed at the end of the list.

14. Late Applications

Late applications will be processed per this policy and the Act. Decisions will be issued within three weeks of receipt. If no place is available, the applicant joins the waiting list.

15. Admission to Other Years or During the Year

Procedures include:

• Completed application form with supporting documentation
• Consideration of teaching and learning continuity
• Availability of space, class size, SEN needs

For late Junior Infant enrolment (after Oct 1):

• Must have attended another school for 20+ days
• All documentation and reports must be provided

Lobbying school personnel will disqualify the application.

16. Non-Charging of Fees

The Board will not seek fees or contributions as a condition for:

• Applying for admission
• Admission or continued enrolment

17. Students Not Attending Religious Instruction

Parents (or students over 18) may request exemption. A written request should be made to the Principal. A meeting will be held to discuss how this can be facilitated. There will be no reduction in the school day.

18. Reviews/Appeals

Review by the Board:

• May be requested under Section 29C of the Education Act
• Must follow procedures set by the Department of Education

If refusal is due to oversubscription, a review must be requested before appealing under Section 29.

Right of Appeal:

• Available under Section 29 (1)(c)(i) or (ii) of the Education Act
• Determined by an independent appeals committee

Implementation, Review, and Communication

This policy was ratified by the BOM and approved by the Patron. It is published on the website and available in hard copy from the school office. It will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary. All stakeholders may request a review at any time.