Primary School Admissions
Please visit the Durham County Council website for information regarding the school admission process and primary school admissions but because we are a Faith school and therefore, Voluntary Aided, our policy does differ from some other Durham County Council schools. Please click on the suitable policy below to view our admission policy.
To appeal against an admission decision visit: School admissions-appeals. As we are a Voluntary Aided School, anyone wishing to appeal against a school admission decision, please contact the school also as we will provide you with the appropriate diocesan appeal forms.
You can view a copy of our Admissions Policy below or by visiting the School Policies section of our website
Admission Policy 2020-2021 (agreed at our governing body admissions’ committee meeting 04-10-18)
2021-2022 Admissions Policy (agreed at our full governing body meeting 12-11-19)
2022-2023 Admission Policy (agreed at our full governing body meeting 10-11-20)
Parish Boundaries
As a Roman Catholic Primary School, we serve a parish- the Parish of St Joseph’s, Birtley.
For information of neighbouring areas:
The areas of Ouston and Birtley belong to the parish of St Joseph’s, Birtley (catchment area)
The areas of Pelton and Chester-Le-Street belong to the parish of St Cuthbert’s, Chester-le-Street
The areas of Beamish and Stanley belong to the parish of St Joseph’s, Stanley
Nursery School Admissions
Nursery-Application-Form – here is the form that you can download to complete an application form for our Nursery provision.
Our policy for admitting children into our Nursery is different from our primary school admission policy. Children are entitled to 15 hours free Nursery provision starting the term after their third birthday. A copy of our Nursery admission policy (agreed by the Governing Body of St Benet’s, annually) can be found below.
Nursery Admissions Policy 2020-21 (agreed at our governor body admissions’ committee meeting 05-03-19)
Nursery Admissions Policy 2021-22 (agreed at our governor body admissions’ committee meeting 04-03-20)
Nursery Admissions Policy 2022-23 (agreed at our governor body admissions’ committee meeting 24-02-21)
Please note that admission into our Nursery does not guarantee admission into Reception.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Here at St Benet’s we are a fully inclusive school and we endeavour to ensure that every single child in school will be supported and guided throughout school, from Nursery to Year 6. We are committed to meeting the needs of all children including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Children with Special Educational Needs are supported greatly during their time here as we want every single child to reach their utmost potential. If your child has an Education, Health Care Plan or an older Statement of SEND and you are considering St Benet’s as a school or Nursery of choice, please let us know so we can highlight to you what we can offer your child. We would ask parents to discuss the identified needs with the school prior to starting so that appropriate intervention and support can be planned and implemented. Advice from the LA or other agencies may be requested to ensure any the school can meet any needs appropriately.
Full details of the admission arrangements can be found in the Primary and Secondary Admissions brochure produced by Durham County Council and further information can be found in the school Admissions Policy above.
