Admissions Consultation 2027/28

Colwick St John the Baptist Primary Academy is proposing to introduce a “Children of Staff” criterion as part of the main oversubscription criteria, in line with section 1.39 of the School Admissions Code 2014. Under this proposal, priority would be given to children of staff after looked-after and previously looked-after children. A clear definition of “Children of Staff” is included in the ‘Notes’ section of the admission arrangements to ensure transparency and consistency.

Proposed wording:

Children of staff, specifically teaching or support staff, full- or part-time, on the payroll of Archway Learning Trust working at Colwick St John the Baptist Primary Academy at the time of admission, where:

• the member of staff has been employed at the Academy for two or more years at the time the application for admission is made, and/or
• the member of staff is recruited to fill a vacant post for which there is a demonstrable skill shortage.

Rationale:

• Retention and recruitment: This criterion helps the Academy attract and retain high-quality staff by offering priority to their children.
• Fairness: The criteria are clear and apply only to staff with a genuine connection to the Academy, either through long-term service or recruitment into a post with a proven skill shortage.

The Academy is proposing to merge the existing criteria (3) and (4), which currently distinguish between worship at a Church of England church and worship at another Christian church. The revised criterion will create a single, clearer category that reflects a broader definition of Christian practice and aligns with Diocesan guidance and arrangements used by other academies within Archway Learning Trust.

Under the new proposal, places would be offered to children who are involved in the work and worship of either a Church of England parish or another Christian church that is a member of Churches Together in England or the Evangelical Alliance. The revised criterion also introduces clearer definitions of worship commitment, using established descriptors such as “at the heart of a Church” and “attached to a Church”, to ensure fairness and transparency when ranking applicants within this category.

Proposed revised wording:

4) Places will then be offered to children who are involved in the work and worship of a Church of England parish or another Christian church that is a member of Churches Together in England or the Evangelical Alliance. In the event of oversubscription within this category, the following sub-criteria will be applied:

i) Whether the child or the child’s immediate family is at the heart of a Church
ii) Whether the child or the child’s immediate family is attached to a Church

Rationale:

• Clarity and consistency: Merging the previous criteria provides a simpler and more equitable approach for families.
• Alignment: Ensures the Academy’s arrangements are consistent with Diocesan expectations and other academies within Archway Learning Trust.
• Fairness: The inclusion of Church of England parishes and Christian churches affiliated to Churches Together in England or the Evangelical Alliance broadens eligibility while maintaining clear, measurable definitions of commitment.

The Academy proposes to update its catchment boundary to improve clarity, reflect current residential patterns, and ensure fair access for local families. The proposed changes are shown on the map below. The black line shows the current catchment boundary, the red line shows the proposed expansion, and the purple outline shows the area proposed for removal.

Proposed updates include:

• Northern, North-East and North-West Boundary Adjustments (red line):The catchment would extend slightly along these edges to include residential streets that are currently split or partially outside the boundary. The proposed line follows clearer, recognisable features, such as full street lines and neighbourhood edges, removing irregular bends and making it easier for families to understand whether their home is within the catchment.

• Inclusion of Residential Areas Developed Since the Original Catchment: Several pockets of housing, particularly on the eastern side, were built after the original parish-based catchment was established. These properties are now well established and fully occupied. The Academy already has children living in this area. Including these homes ensures that families are treated consistently and fairly, and that the catchment reflects where children actually live rather than historic parish boundaries.
• Removal of Non-Residential Industrial Area (purple outline): A small industrial area on the eastern edge, which contains no residential properties, would be removed from the catchment. This ensures the boundary reflects only inhabited areas, improving clarity, consistency and ensures the catchment boundary is meaningful for future place-planning.

Rationale:

• Clarity: The existing catchment boundary is unclear in several places, particularly where it cuts between residential properties or follows irregular paths. The proposed adjustments use clear and identifiable boundaries, making it easier for parents and carers to understand whether their home is within the catchment.
• Accuracy and Fairness: The updated boundary aligns with current residential patterns and longstanding community development. It removes the anomaly created by older parish boundaries, which no longer reflect where families live.
• Reflecting Community Growth: The eastern residential pockets, although not recent new-builds, represent development that occurred after the catchment was originally defined. Bringing them into the catchment supports equitable access for children living in these established communities.

Download Full-Size Catchment Map (PDF)

The Academy is proposing to remove the existing Special Circumstances criterion, which currently gives priority to children whose medical needs, mobility support needs or social circumstances require special consideration.

Current Wording Proposed for Removal: 

Children whose particular medical needs, mobility support needs or social circumstances must be supported by written evidence from a doctor, social worker or other relevant professional, or EHCP at the time of application. The governing body will consider these applications. These cases will take priority over all but the first criterion.

Rationale:

• Simplification: Removing this criterion simplifies the admissions arrangements and ensures all applicants are considered under the same transparent, measurable criteria.
• Fairness: All children will now be assessed according to the published oversubscription criteria without exception, with individual needs supported instead through statutory processes outside the admission criteria.
• Lack of measurability: The current criterion is too vague and does not set out clear, objective measures for how applications should be assessed. This can lead to inconsistent interpretation and uncertainty for families.
• Trust alignment: This criterion reflects a historical approach from when the Academy operated as its own admissions authority. It is not used at any other academy within Archway Learning Trust, and its removal will ensure consistency across all Trust schools.

Note: Children with an EHCP are already given priority for admission under statutory requirements, so the removal of this criterion does not disadvantage them.