Admissions
Consultation on the proposed 2027-28 admission arrangements for St. Paul's CE Primary School.
In accordance with the School Admissions Code, Forward As One CE Multi Academy Trust (the admission authority) is consulting on proposed changes to our admission arrangements for entry in September 2027. Consultation will run for a minimum of 6 weeks from Friday 19th December to Friday 30th January. This consultation period falls within the statutory window as per the Admissions Code: GOV.UK
We are consulting with parents of children aged 2–18, local schools and admission authorities, the local authority, the diocese and other interested parties in the locality as required under the Admissions Code.
Please note that an incorrect version of the admissions policy for 2027–28 was previously shared in error on 17th and 18th December 2025. The content below, including the updated policy, replaces and fully supersedes the earlier information, with the consultation running from 19th December 2025 to 30th January 2026. We apologise for any confusion and encourage all members of our community to respond to the consultation. Your feedback is very important.
What’s changed/summary of proposals:
- The Trust is now formally named as the Admissions Authority.
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Oversubscription criteria – headline changes:
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Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school continue to be admitted before all other applicants.
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Looked After and Previously Looked After children remain the highest priority oversubscription group.
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The sibling criterion has been clarified and expanded to include half-siblings, step-siblings and children living as part of the same family unit at the same address.
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The faith-based criterion has been revised and clarified:
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Applications under this criterion are optional.
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Evidence of regular Church of England worship is required.
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A two-band attendance model is used to rank applications fairly.
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Nursery attendance is now included as a defined oversubscription criterion, giving priority to children attending the school nursery at the time of application.
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The medical and social needs criterion has been tightened so that professional evidence must show the child’s needs can only be met at this school.
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Distance from the school remains the final criterion, measured in a straight line using the Local Authority’s mapping system.
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Tie-break arrangements have been clarified: where distances are equal, an independent random allocation process will be used.
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Clearer rules are included for shared or split residency, including how a child’s main address is determined.
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- A full copy of the proposed admission arrangements are linked below and available on request:
Proposed Admissions Policy 2027 28
- The Supplementary Information Form is linked below:
Supplementary Information Form
Free paper copies are available from the school office at:
St. Paul's CE Primary School
Newnham Street
Bolton
BL1 8QA
How to respond:
Please respond by Friday 30th January 2026 (consultation closes at 5pm on that date). Responses can be submitted by:
- Email: enquiries@fa1.uk (subject: Admissions Consultation)
- Online form: https://forms.office.com/e/HiRQVKCShi
- Post: The Clerk to the Board of Trustees, Forward As One CE Multi Academy Trust, Newnham Street, Bolton, BL1 8QA (FAO Admissions Consultation)
What happens next:
All responses will be considered by the Trust Board prior to determination of the admission arrangements by 28th February 2026. Once determined, the arrangements will be published on each academy’s website by 15th March and a copy sent to the local authority. Once the final arrangements are determined, anyone with concerns has the right to refer the matter to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator.
Please let us know if you have any questions about the consultation or need the documents in an alternative format.
Little Saints and Nursery
Our Little Saints 2-year old provision provides both full and part-time places for up to 24 children. If you think your child may be eligible for a 15 hour funded 2 year old place, we have the facility to check in school if you are eligible. Please contact the school office if you would like to use this facility.
Our Nursery provision caters for both full and part-time places. We offer the 15 hour entitlement for parents of three and four year olds (the universal entitlement) the 30 hours funded entitlement for working parents of three and four year olds (extended entitlement) alongside paid places. Please contact the school office on 01204 333741 if you would like to enquire about a place in our Little Saints or Nursery Provision. If you require additional information about funding for your child, please visit the Bolton Start Well website.
Reception and other classes
Primary school admissions are co-ordinated by our local authority, Bolton Council. If you would like to apply for a place at our school please contact School Admissions: 01204 332143 /2144 /2137
Pupil and Student Services
Town Hall
Bolton
BL1 1RU More information on admissions can be found on the Bolton Council website:
More information on admissions can be found on the Bolton Council website:
You may wish to read our Admissions Policy for further details: