Choosing a school is a very important decision and joining any new school can be a daunting experience for both pupil and parent. In order to make the transition as smooth as possible we have outlined the process below but if you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
 

Admissions for Reception

Children are admitted to school in the academic year in which they are five (September 1st – August 31st). Parents wishing to send their child to St. Mary’s are invited to contact the Headteacher for information and to arrange a visit.

The Governing Body, in consultation with the Anglican Diocese of Gloucester, set the ethos for the school and it is their intention to continue the tradition of Christian education in the local community.

Applications for a Reception place at the school for September should be made through South Gloucestershire Council Department for Children and Young People. Full details are published in the ‘Admission to Primary Schools in South Gloucestershire – Information for Parents’ booklet which can be downloaded via their website www.southglos.gov.uk. Booklets are also available from the school office.

Applications must be made to South Gloucestershire County Council by Monday 16th January 2023. If your reason for applying to St Mary’s is a faith-based application then you should also complete a church reference form (available from the school office) and return to the Headteacher with a copy of the child’s baptism certificate by the same date. The reference form should be signed by your church (there is no requirement for this to be St Mary’s Thornbury).

Once the LA deadline for receipt of Preference Forms has passed, the details of all pupils seeking a place at the school will be sent electronically to the school for consideration by the School Governors. The Governors will then apply the School’s Admissions Criteria (as listed in the schools admission policy) and the 30 children who meet the criteria will be offered places. Parents will be informed directly by the LA if their child has been offered a place on 17th April 2023 in line with their published criteria. Parents must then accept or decline the place offered by the 2nd May 2023. If parents have not accepted the place offered by the deadline the place will be offered to a child on the waiting list.