Admission to Blackpool Secondary Schools 2021- A Guide for Parents CLOSING DATE 31st OCTOBER 2020 APPLY ON-LINE AT ...
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Admission to
Blackpool Secondary
Schools 2021 –
A Guide for Parents
CLOSING DATE
31st OCTOBER 2020
APPLY ON-LINE AT
www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
www.blackpool.gov.ukINTRODUCTION
This brochure is designed to support you through the process of applying for a
secondary place. It explains how the process works, what your rights as a parent
or carer are and how to appeal if you are not offered a place for your child in one
of your preferred schools. Dear Parent/Carer,
Please read this brochure carefully and if you have any queries please contact the As the Lead Member for Children’s Services and the Director of Children’s Services,
School Admissions Team on 01253 476637. we are pleased to introduce this brochure, setting out the arrangements for the
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
admission of children to secondary schools for the academic year beginning in
All Blackpool secondary schools are now academies. Some secondary academies September 2021.
(excluding voluntary aided academies) currently delegate responsibilities for
admissions and appeals to the Local Authority. You will need to contact an academy to We are aware that choosing a school for your child is a really important decision.
establish their appeal arrangements. Page 8 explains the different types of academy. This brochure tells you about secondary academies in Blackpool, how to apply
Note: The information contained in this brochure is accurate at the time of going to for a place, and what criteria will be used to allocate places. If your preference
press. However, legislation may be reviewed and you are strongly recommended to cannot be met, you will be told why, how to appeal and how to put your child’s
consult the Council’s and relevant school’s website for updates. Where this booklet name on the waiting list
refers to “Schools” the information and advice applies to all state funded schools
This brochure explains how to apply on-line for a secondary school place. One of
and academies.
the main benefits of applying on-line is that you can find out on the National Offer
You must complete and return an application form before the closing date of date, by e-mail, which school your child has been allocated.
Wednesday 31st October 2020. Do not wait until the final day to submit your
application in case of computer failure or a delay in postal services. You must submit your application by the closing date, even if you have another
child at your preferred academy or school. If your application is late, it will reduce
You can apply on-line at www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions. your chances of being allocated a place at one of your preferred options.
Alternatively, you can apply on a paper application form, which is available from any
Each academy has its own website and prospectus that contains a great deal of
primary school or the School Admissions Team. If you apply on-line you must NOT
information about the school, to help you make up your mind before you complete
complete the paper application form.
the application. If you have any queries about an individual establishment, do not
Some voluntary aided academies may also require a supplementary form to be hesitate to contact the Headteacher/Principal of the academy.
completed in relation to applications based on faith. It must be returned to the
school, before the closing date. We wish your child every success in their future education.
The School Admissions Team can be contacted at: If you need further help with the application process, please contact Blackpool’s
Children’s Services Department, School Admissions Team (please see page 31).
PO Box 4,
Blackpool FY1 1NA Yours sincerely,
Tel: 01253 476637
Email: schoolaccess@blackpool.gov.uk
PLEASE KEEP THIS SAFE
Make a note of your email address and login/password for you to access your
on-line application
Cllr Kathryn Benson Diane Booth
Email address _________________________________ Lead Member for Children’s Services Director of Children’s Services
Password ____________________________________
Voluntary aided schools/academies ask that you also complete a
supplementary formCONTENTS
Page
1 How old does your child have to be when you apply for a secondary HOW OLD DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE IF YOUR CHILD HAS SPECIAL
school/academy place? TO BE WHEN YOU APPLY FOR A EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
1 Your child may need to stay in education until they are 18 SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACE? Not all children with special educational
1 If your child has Special Educational Needs Pupils normally transfer from primary needs require an Education, Health and
school to secondary school at the end Care Plan (EHCP). If this is the case,
2 How to apply for a place at a Blackpool Secondary Academy – of Year 6. you will need to follow the admissions
(on-line)
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
process for mainstream applications
To help you decide which schools to
4 How to apply for a place at a Blackpool Secondary Academy – and complete an application by 31
apply for, it’s important to:
(paper application) October 2020. This is because your
Q Read this brochure carefully
child will have their special educational
5 Important points to remember when completing your application Q Ask schools to send you their needs met by their mainstream school
prospectus and read the admission through the graduated response as
6 Timetable for Secondary Admissions policies for voluntary aided schools outlined in the SEND Code of Practice
7 Secondary School/Academy Open Days/Evenings carefully. You should also contact 2015.
academies, for details of their
8 Applying for a Voluntary Aided Academy IF YOUR CHILD IS IN THE PROCESS
admission criteria.
8 Applying for an Academy OF OBTAINING AN EDUCATION,
Q Visit schools and go along to open
evenings HEALTH AND CARE PLAN (EHCP):
9 Independent Schools
Q Read each school’s OFSTED Your child will access the admissions
10 How places are allocated for Blackpool Secondary Academies process for mainstream applications
Inspection Report (you can find these
10 Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan on the OFSTED website so you will need to complete an
10 Oversubscription Criteria www.ofsted.gov.uk) and look at the application by Wednesday 31 October
13 Joint Residency and Transport Achievement and Attainment Tables 2020.
14-15 Map of all Blackpool Schools / Academies www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance Should your child receive an EHCP
during Autumn Term 2020, your
16 Additional Information YOUR CHILD MAY NEED TO STAY IN application will still be processed by
16 Late Applications EDUCATION UNTIL THEY ARE 18 the SEND Team who will contact you
16 Change of Preference The age for leaving education has been directly.
16 Moving House raised to 18. IF YOUR CHILD HAS AN EDUCATION,
16 Fraudulent Applications
HEALTH AND CARE PLAN (EHCP) IN
17 Waiting Lists Continuing in learning until 18 does PLACE:
17 UK Service Personnel not mean staying on at school. Young
17 Applications from abroad and other areas of the UK people will be able to choose one of Your child’s primary school will let you
the following routes: know that an Annual Review will be
18 Admission to Blackpool Secondary Academies after 1st September held in the Autumn Term 2020 where
Q Full time education, such as school
18 In-Year Fair Access Protocol a discussion will take place about the
or college;
18-19 Appeal Arrangements Q Work-based learning, such as an
secondary school places you wish to
apprenticeship; or consider. They will then consult with
20-21 School Transport those schools and also make any
Q Part-time training, alongside working
22-23 Where to get further information amendments to the EHCP. If you have
or volunteering for over 20 hours a any questions about this, please contact
24 Contact information for all Blackpool Secondary Academies week. our SEND team directly at send@
29 St Georges Church of England Academy Supplementary Information blackpool.gov.uk. For children with an
EHCP the phase transfer process needs
Form to be completed by 15 February 2021.
30 Useful Telephone Numbers/websites
1How to apply for a place at a Blackpool
Secondary Academy
Should you send a paper copy as How can you get information
APPLY ON-LINE Do not wait until the final day to
well?
You do not need to send a paper
about schools on-line?
The School Admissions Team web page
submit your application in case of application providing you receive an gives links to related pages such as
computer failure or difficulties in e-mail acknowledgement that your Blackpool schools and external links
You must apply for a school place
accessing the internet. on-line application has been received. to other web pages giving information
on-line at: www.blackpool.gov.uk/
schooladmissions before the closing about schools (such as the OFSTED
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
Will your application be secure?
date of Wednesday 31st October 2020 Important note: If you are applying site).
The system has a series of security for a voluntary aided secondary
Why should you apply on-line? school, additional information might
features that will prevent others from
Some of the benefits of applying seeing your information. You should be required to assist the governors NB. You must only use the
on-line are: not disclose your username and/or of the school in deciding whether Blackpool on-line application if
Q It’s quick and easy to use. password to anyone else. your child qualifies for a place. If you are resident in Blackpool.
Q There is no risk that your a supplementary form needs to be Lancashire County Council also
application will be lost in the post. Who makes the application? completed, it should be returned direct has an on-line system for people
Q You will receive an e-mail to the school before the closing date. who live in the Lancashire area.
confirming that your application has The person who has parental You must still submit your on-line
been received. responsibility should normally submit application.
the application. If you do not have Can I use the on-line system during
Q You can change your application up
parental responsibility, you will need You may also need to provide the the academic year?
to the closing date.
to explain why you are completing the school with a copy of your child’s The on-line school admissions system
When can you use the on-line application. baptismal certificate. is only for applying for a school
system? place for a child who is due to start
This system will be available virtually If you can’t finish the application, Please read the school’s admission secondary (or primary) school the
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There can you go back to it later? policy carefully – available from the following September – Reception and
may be periods of time during the individual schools, or their website. Year 7 starters.
You have until the closing date to
early hours of the morning that the
complete your application. Every There is no on-line access for In Year
system is closed due to technical How will you receive notification
time you make a change to your Admissions.
reasons. of the allocated school?
on-line application, you should
You will be able to apply on-line from You will receive an e-mail on the
press ‘SUBMIT’. You will receive an Parents who are new to the area
Tuesday 1st September 2020 1st March 2021 confirming your child’s
e-mail confirming the status of your should contact the Blackpool School
until midnight on the closing date of allocated school. You can also access
application. Admissions Team to request an
Saturday 31st October 2020 your on-line account to find out the
allocated school. application form and find out which
NB. Once you are happy with your schools have availability. If you are
application, press ‘SUBMIT’ before thinking about transferring your child
the closing date to ensure your What do you need to apply
from one Blackpool school to another
application is received. on-line? during the academic year, you should
If you do not receive an e-mail You need access to a computer and an
initially speak to your child’s current
acknowledgement immediately, e-mail account. The council offers free
school to discuss any issues. The
please contact the School Admissions computer access at its libraries. Local
school will advise you on the transfer
Team on 01253 476637, as there may library staff may be able to help you to
process.
be a problem with your application. set up a free e-mail account.
2 3How to apply for a place at a Blackpool IMPORTANT POINTS TO
REMEMBER WHEN COMPLETING
PLEASE NOTE: The Local Authority
will try to offer a place at one of your
Secondary School YOUR APPLICATION preferred schools, but in some cases
this will not be possible, and a place
14 days. Please ensure your email Equal Preference Scheme will be offered at an alternative school.
address is printed clearly.
PAPER Blackpool Council operates an CO-ORDINATED ADMISSIONS SCHEME
APPLICATION FORM If you do not receive this, please Equal Preference Scheme, which is
contact the School Admissions Team mandatory across the country. This All Local Authorities are required to
immediately as your application may scheme means that each school listed co-ordinate admission arrangements
You may apply on a paper application not have been received. on your application will be considered for schools within their area.
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
form, which is available on request independently and fairly against the
from all Blackpool primary schools or A letter will be posted to you on You must apply for secondary school
school’s published oversubscription
the School Admissions Team. Do not Monday 1st March 2021, confirming places to your home Local Authority
criteria.
complete a paper application form if your child’s allocated school. (the local authority where you live
you have applied on-line. You have the opportunity to express and pay Council Tax to). You can
If you live outside the Blackpool
three preferences. It is strongly include Lancashire secondary schools
Be sure to return the application area, please contact your home Local
recommended that you name three on your Blackpool application – this
before the closing date of Wednesday Authority to request an application.
different schools to maximise your information will be exchanged with
31st October 2020. If you are posting Lancashire as part of the process to
your application, please allow A Lancashire County Council chances of securing a school that is
application can be requested by acceptable to you. co-ordinate school admissions.
adequate time for this to be delivered.
ringing the Pupil Access Team on
Even if you have a child already Do not be tempted to name the same Your home Local Authority will issue the
01524 581148 or writing to the Area
school two or three times on your offer of one secondary school, on behalf
attending your preferred school Education Office, White Cross Centre,
application as this will be considered of all admission authorities who operate
you must apply on time, as a late Quarry Road, Lancaster LA1 3SE
as one preference only. Your three within the co-ordinated scheme.
application will reduce your chances
Lancashire County Council also preferences should be listed in priority
of obtaining a place for your younger Supplementary Forms
operates an on-line admissions system order. All preferences are circulated
child at that school
for residents in the Lancashire areas. between admission authorities and are Voluntary aided (church) schools and
Where to submit your application www.lancashire.gov.uk considered equally at the same time. some voluntary aided academies
Voluntary aided schools and academies normally require a supplementary
If you are applying for a secondary Important note: If you are applying are sent all the details they need in order form to be completed. This
school, you must apply to the Local for a voluntary aided secondary to apply their own oversubscription additional information is used by
Authority where you live. If you are school, additional information might criteria. Where parents have requested the governing board to apply their
unsure, for example if you live near be required to assist the governors a school outside of Blackpool, the details oversubscription criteria. If the
council boundaries, it is whichever of the school in deciding whether of the application, together with any school is oversubscribed, a failure to
Local Authority you pay your council your child qualifies for a place. If supporting information provided by the complete the supplementary form may
tax to. a supplementary form needs to be parent(s), are forwarded to the relevant result in the application for a place in
completed, it should be returned direct admission authority.
You can apply for a secondary school in the school being considered against a
to the school before the closing date.
any area, but you must apply to your lower priority criteria as the governing
You must still submit your application Where a place can be offered at any or
home Local Authority. board will have no information
to the School Admissions Team. You all of your preferred schools, a place upon which to assess the worship
may also need to provide the school will be allocated at the one that is
Application forms must be returned to: attendance. You may also need to
with a copy of your child’s baptismal highest on your preferred list. provide the school with a copy of your
Q School Admissions Team, certificate.
child’s baptismal certificate.
Children’s Services, If a place cannot be offered at any
PO Box 4, Blackpool FY1 1NA Please read the school’s admissions of the preferred schools, the Local
policy carefully - this is available from You must still complete the common
Authority will allocate a school where application in order for your
You will receive an email confirming the school, or on it’s website. places are available. application to be considered.
receipt of your application within
4 5Timetable for Secondary Admissions Secondary School Open Days/Evenings
“It is strongly recommended that you check on each secondary academy’s website
Date Action what their arrangements will be for open days / evening in September and
1st September 2020 Parents can access the on-line October 2020”.
application or obtain an application pack
from Blackpool primary schools or the School Date
Schools Admissions Team
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
By 31st October 2020 On-line applications must be submitted Unity Academy Blackpool www.unity.blackpool.org.uk
before midnight. Paper applications
must be returned to the School Armfield Academy www.armfieldacademy.co.uk
Admissions Team by this date.
Do not wait until the final day to submit South Shore Academy www.southshoreacademy.co.uk
your application in case of computer
failure or a delay in postal services. St George’s School, www.stgeorgesblackpool.com
A Church of England Academy
During this period, all applications are processed and all preferences are
considered against the published admissions policy. The Local Authority will
liaise and exchange information with all other admission authorities, including St Mary’s Catholic Academy www.st-mary.blackpool.sch.uk
Lancashire County Council
Montgomery Academy www.montgomeryschool.co.uk
On 1st March 2021 If you have applied on-line, you will
receive an e-mail confirming the
Blackpool Aspire Academy www.blackpoolaspireacademy.co.uk
allocated school. The on-line system will
go live on the 1st March 2021. If you
have applied on a paper application, you Highfield Leadership Academy www.highfieldleadershipacademy.com
will receive a letter in the post - this will
be posted on Monday 1st March 2021. Secondary academies in Blackpool arrange annual open events for parents during
The letter may arrive at various times September and October. They will be considering options for these in 2020,
depending on the postal service in your possibly including virtual or guided events. Parents should consult academy
area. websites to ascertain what arrangements each establishment will offer.
If you are not satisfied with the allocated
school, you may request an appeal
form from the School Admissions Team, It is strongly recommended that you participate in these events.
or from the school direct if you are
appealing for a voluntary aided school.
You will need to contact an academy to
establish their appeal arrangements.
By mid April 2021 Appeal forms should be returned in order
to be heard in the first round of appeals.
Later appeals can be submitted but will
not be heard until later in the year
June 2021 First appeals heard by the Independent
Appeal Panels
September 2021 Pupils start secondary school
6 7Applying for a Voluntary Aided Secondary Independent Schools
Academy and Academies
Applying for a Admission policies for voluntary
aided schools differ from school to
Independent schools set their own
curriculum and admissions policies.
Please be aware that if you do not
apply for a secondary school before
Voluntary Aided school. It is important that you check
the admission policy of the school
They are funded through fees paid by
parents. The School Admissions and
the closing date, and your child is not
offered a place at an independent
(Faith) Academy carefully even if you have an older
child already attending that school.
Appeals Codes do not apply to them. school, you reduce your chances
of obtaining a place at a preferred
Most voluntary aided schools have If you are considering applying for secondary school.
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
a faith basis and serve their local
community, therefore, anyone can
Applying for an an independent school and do not
wish your child to be allocated an If you apply for an academy and an
apply for a place. The governing board
of a voluntary aided school decides the
Academy academy, please advise in writing which
independent school you are applying for.
independent school, and are fortunate
to be offered a place at both, please
policy for allocation of places. confirm in writing, which school place
Academies are publicly funded you are accepting.
independent schools, free from local
Parents who wish their application to authority control. Other freedoms
a faith school to be considered against include setting their own pay and
the faith criteria should also complete conditions for staff, freedoms concerning
the supplementary form, if this is the delivery of the curriculum, and the
required. ability to change the length of their
terms and school days.
If the school is oversubscribed, failure
to complete the supplementary form Academies have the opportunity
may result in the application for a to manage their own admissions
place in the school being considered and appeals. However, some
against a lower priority criteria. This Blackpool academies have delegated
is because the governing board will the responsibilities in relation to
have no information against which allocations for admission in 2021, to
to assess the worship attendance or the Local Authority.
other relevant faith / denominational
requirements. You will need to contact an academy to
establish their appeal arrangements.
You may also need to provide the
school with a copy of your child’s
baptismal certificate.
Please note that you must still complete
the common application in order for
your application to be considered.
8 9HOW PLACES ARE ALLOCATED FOR
BLACKPOOL ACADEMIES
Academies NB. The oversubscription criteria Medical/Social/Welfare reasons Medical evidence must be provided
The governing board is the is different for voluntary aided Children for whom the council accepts from a consultant/specialist. A GP’s
admission authority; however, academies and academies, so it is a that there are exceptional medical, letter is not sufficient. Evidence of
some Blackpool academies have good idea to check the criteria for social or welfare reasons associated social reasons must be provided
delegated the responsibilities in every school that you are interested with the child and/or family which by a social worker, police officer or
relation to allocations for admission in. You will need to contact individual are directly relevant to the school educational psychologist. It is parental
in September 2021, to the Local schools to get a copy of their concerned. responsibility to provide the necessary
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
Authority. admissions policy. supporting evidence. Priority will not
Only exceptional reasons which are be given if supporting evidence is not
If you are applying for a place at Some academies have policies that directly relevant to a particular school produced with the application.
a Blackpool academy you should mirror the following oversubscription will be considered. If you feel that
criteria that is applied to Blackpool there are exceptional medical, social Siblings
check the academy website for the
admission policy and arrangements. community schools or welfare reasons associated with Priority will be given to brothers and
Looked After Children your child and/or family which support sisters of children already attending
CHILDREN WITH AN EDUCATION, admission to a particular school you the school at the time of application
Blackpool Council gives the highest
HEALTH AND CARE PLAN must indicate that this is the case on and allocation (the national statutory
priority to Looked After Children
your application. offer date).
(LAC), as required by the Education
The vast majority of all secondary school
and Inspections Act 2006 and All applications will be considered This includes full brothers and sisters,
children, including those with special
the Education (Admission of LAC) but supporting professional evidence half brothers and sisters, step brothers
educational needs, enjoy a successful
(England) Regulations 2006. will be required to demonstrate and sisters and adopted and foster
education in a mainstream school.
exceptional or compelling reasons why brothers and sisters who are living
A looked after child is a child who
only a specific school can cater for a within the same family at the same
Where a particular school is is in the care of a local authority or
particular child’s needs. This must set address.
additionally resourced or has the provided with accommodation by that
out the reasons and the level of risk to
required expertise, then priority for a Authority, as defined in Section 22 of Full brothers and sisters who do not
the child or family and why the school
place at the school is given to children the Children Act 1989, at the time of live at the same address will still be
in question is the only suitable school;
who have an Education, Health and application and allocation. given priority as siblings. Half, step,
plus any difficulties which would arise
Care Plan that names the school. adopted and foster brothers and
Under legislation, children who if the child had to attend an alternative
sisters who do not live at the same
leave public care through adoption, school.
OVERSUBSCRIPTION CRITERIA address will not be classed as siblings.
a residence order or special
It should be noted that all schools can
guardianship order, will continue to be
The ‘Published Admission Number’ is make provision for special educational Distance
given the same priority although they
the number of pupils that the school needs, and can also manage common Blackpool Council determines the
are no longer looked after by the state.
can admit. conditions e.g. asthma, epilepsy, distance from the applicant’s home
Also children who were previously in diabetes. address to the school with the nearest
Priority is given to parental preference, state care outside of England and have to a preferred school having priority
Only exceptional reasons directly
however, when there are more ceased to be in state care as they have for a place.
relevant to a particular school will be
preferences than there are places been adopted. These are children who
considered. Priority will be given to the The distance between the applicant’s
available, the admission authority were looked after outside of England
child for the preferred school only if home and school is taken as a straight
applies its oversubscription criteria to by a public authority, a religious group
the submitted evidence unequivocally line between the Local Land and
determine which children should be or another provider of care whose sole
proves the circumstances and Property Gazetteer (LLPG) address
allocated a place at that school. purpose is to benefit society. Parents
demonstrates why any alternative point of the applicant’s home address
and carers will be expected to provide
schools would be unsuitable. and of the school. The LLPG is a point
evidence of previous looked after
status. within the boundary of the property
10 11and is usually located at its centre. JOINT RESIDENCY AND TRANSPORT
Distances are measured using the IMPORTANT NOTE: BLACKPOOL COUNCIL DOES NOT OPERATE A ‘FEEDER’
council’s geographic information A child’s residency may on occasion be SCHOOL SYSTEM – A CHILD’S PRIMARY SCHOOL IS NOT TAKEN INTO
system. 50/50 between two addresses over a CONSIDERATION WHEN ALLOCATING A SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACE.
school year. Parents may be required
If the local authority is unable to
to provide evidence to support this There are certain primary schools that are located near a particular
determine eligibility on distance, i.e.
information. However, it remains secondary school and may have close links with the school, but pupils who
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
two or more addresses are equal
that only one address can be used for attend these primary schools do not automatically move into that secondary
distance from the school; a random
admission purposes. Parents will be school.
allocation will be carried out. In the
given a short time to agree which is
event of a random allocation, someone
the child’s main address and to confirm Please see page 27 and 28 in relation to Unity Academy and Armfield
independent of the children’s services
preferences (this must be done quickly Academy which are ‘all through schools’.
department and of the school would
to allow the admissions process for all
supervise the process, and parents/
schools to proceed). If agreement is
carers would be invited to attend.
not possible the admission authority
The address you must apply from is and / or the Council will decide which
the one at which the child resides and address will be used. This will consider
will travel to/from school. Addresses information from third parties. For
of relatives or friends must NOT be example - child minders, nurseries,
used and neither should any other primary schools electoral and council
properties owned by the applicant. tax records as well as child benefit
arrangements (historic and current).
You may be asked for proof of address.
Such proof may include a tenancy Some children live with one parent
agreement, council tax or utility bills. part of the week and another for the
rest. Only one address can be used for
school admission purposes. This should
IMPORTANT NOTE: be where the child lives for most of the
The Local Authority will investigate school week. If advice is needed, please
any apparent or alleged inaccuracies contact the Admissions Team (01253
which come to light at any time 476474). Parents should be aware
during the allocation process. that entitlement to assistance with
transport is assessed separately after
School places will be withdrawn the admissions process. You cannot use
where they have been offered due to one address to apply for and access a
misleading or false information. preferred school place and then flip
to another for transport assessment.
This will not be accepted, even if the
child’s pattern of residence changes.
There must be very exceptional reasons
for the other address to be accepted;
e.g. bereavement, house fire at one
address, evidenced sale of one address.
12 13Schools and Children’s
Centres in Blackpool
46
Marton Mere 15
53
Golf Course
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
28
39
26
50 35 6
47
5 40
14
43
11 Stanley Park 18
3
Layton 41
13
Depot
23
16 36
1 Golf 9
Driving
Range
5251
25 DR 30
27 33 34 IT E GATE
37 WH
FLEETWOOD RD 8
4 Blackpool
21 DEVONSHIRE RD
O RD
17 Airport
DEVONSHIRE RD
CHURCH ST
31 44 20
WATERLO
48 45 38
19
22
North Shore Golf Course
10 TA
LB CENTRAL DR 2
7 OT 32 RD
RD 24 LYTHAM
QUEE 12 42
N’S PR RD 29
O MENA LYTHAM
DE 49
Town
Gynn Square QUEEN’S PROME Hall
NADE QUEEN’S PROMENADE
Blackpool
Tower
Starr Gate
Primary School 11. Kincraig Primary School 23. St John Vianney Catholic Secondary School Children’s Centre Special School
1. Anchorsholme Primary 12. Langdale Free School Primary School 2. Armfield Academy (2 years 41. Baines Outreach Centre 50. Highfurlong School
Academy 13. Layton Primary School 24. St John’s C of E Primary to 16 years) 42. Westminster Outreach 51. Park Community Academy
2. Armfield Academy (2 years to School 34. Unity Academy Blackpool Centre
14. Marton Primary Academy 52. Woodlands School
16 years) & Nursery 25. St Kentigern’s Catholic (4 years - 16 years 43. Kincraig Outreach Centre
Primary School 53. Lotus School
3. Baines’ Endowed Primary 35. Blackpool Aspire Academy 44. Revoe Family Hub
15. Mereside Primary School &
School and Children’s Centre, 26. St Nicholas’ C of E
Children’s Centre 36. Highfield Leadership 45. St Cuthbert’s Outreach
a Church of England Academy Primary School
16. Moor Park Primary School Academy Centre
4. Bispham Endowed C of E 27. St Teresa’s Catholic
Primary School 17. Norbreck Primary Academy Primary School 37. Montgomery Academy 46. Mereside Outlook Centre
5. Boundary Primary School 18. Our Lady of the Assumption 28. Stanley Primary School 38. South Shore Academy 47. Grange Park Family Hub
6. Christ the King Catholic Catholic Primary School 39. St George’s School – 48. Talbot & Brunswick Family
29. Thames Primary Academy
Academy 19. Revoe Learning Academy A Church of England Hub
30. Waterloo Primary Academy Academy
7. Westminster Primary 20. Roseacre Primary Academy 49. Thames Outreach Centre
Academy 31. Westcliff Primary Academy 40. St Mary’s Catholic Academy
21. St Bernadette’s Catholic 32. Blackpool Gateway Academy
8. Devonshire Primary Academy Primary School
9. Hawes Side Academy 33. Unity Academy Blackpool
22. St Cuthbert’s Catholic (4 years - 16 years)
10. Holy Family Catholic Primary Academy
School
14 15Additional Information areas and the relevant support
agencies for your child / children.
should contact the school direct
regarding the waiting list.
For further information about how
Blackpool Council uses your personal Children will be placed on the waiting
Late Applications Moving House information, including your rights as a lists using the oversubscription criteria.
Data Subject, please see our website: Late applicants will be slotted into the
Applications received after the If you are planning to move house, www.blackpool.gov.uk/privacy list according to where they meet the
closing date will be treated as late you will need to notify the School oversubscription criteria.
applications. Only in exceptional Admissions Team as soon as you have The Local Authority will investigate
circumstances, and where appropriate details of your new address. If you have each application individually by means Therefore, a child who moves into the
evidence is provided, will those exchanged contracts or have evidence which are most appropriate in the area later can have a higher priority
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
applications received after the closing of a confirmed offer of a tenancy, you particular circumstances. The Local than one who has been on the waiting
date (but before offers of places have can ask for your child’s application to Authority reserves the right to seek
list for some time. This is a statutory
been made) be considered alongside be considered from the new address. information from any relevant third
requirement, stipulated in the School
those received on time. If you move after you have applied but party when investigating disputed
Admissions Code, that all admission
before places are allocated, you will information.
authorities have to follow.
If you move into the area after the need to contact the School Admissions
closing date, it is possible that your Team to discuss the situation. If you The relevant address is where the child
lives and will travel to/from school. UK Service Personnel
preferred schools will be fully allocated. move temporarily during the admissions
A place will, therefore, be allocated at process you must also contact the Addresses of relatives, friends or
childminders must not be used and Families of UK Service Personnel, other
the closest school with availability. School Admissions Team, as temporary
neither should addresses of any other Crown Servants and British Council
addresses may not always be accepted
properties owned by applicants. employees are subject to frequent
Even if you have a child attending for admission purposes.
movement within the UK and from
your preferred school, submitting
abroad, often at relatively short notice.
a late application will reduce your Fraudulent Applications Waiting Lists
chances of gaining a place for your
The Local Authority will allocate a
younger child at that school. The Local Authority will investigate any Waiting lists for all secondary schools
school place in advance, subject to an
apparent or alleged inaccuracies which will be set up in the week following
official government letter (e.g. MOD,
Change of Preference come to light at any time during the the letters being sent to parents. If you
FCO or GCHQ) declaring a relocation
allocation process. would like your child to be placed on
date and intended address. A Unit
You can only request a change of a waiting list for an alternative school
postal address, or, if appropriate, a
preference up until the closing date – If it is found that a child has been you will need to contact the School
‘quartering area’ address (the address
any request must be put in writing or allocated a school place due to Admissions Team.
of the closest house in the nearest
emailed to schoolaccess@blackpool. misleading information having been ‘quartering area’), will be accepted on
gov.uk. Once an application has been provided, for example an incorrect If a place becomes available, the child
applications in the absence of a new
submitted, and the closing date has address, then the Local Authority will highest on the waiting list will be offered
home postal address.
passed, a change of preference can withdraw the offer of the place and an the place. This is not dependent on
only be actioned if there is a significant alternative school will be allocated. whether an appeal has been submitted.
Applications from Abroad (and
change of circumstances, ie. a house
The School Admissions Team Other areas of the UK)
move. Blackpool Council has a statutory
duty to co-ordinate annual admission will maintain the waiting lists for
academies, until the end of the It is required that families must be
You will be unable to access the intakes and must ensure a school
resident in Blackpool (or nearby) in
on-line system after the closing or academy offer for every child. autumn term (when schools finish for
order to apply within the annual intake
date. Any requests for a change of We will share your information with the Christmas break).
process.
preference should be made in writing, and request information from other
but evidence must be provided to admission authorities in order to NB. Voluntary aided secondary
Exceptions will include UK Service and
demonstrate the reasons for your complete this statutory process academies will maintain their own
Crown Servants and British Council
change. It may not be possible to action including, where required, those waiting lists in accordance with the
employees (as above).
any changes after 31 January 2021. in neighbouring local authority school’s admissions policy, so you
16 17Families returning to an address in
Blackpool (or nearby) will need to Appeal If you are moving house
If you are moving house, firm written
How are you notified of the
decision?
provide evidence of ownership -
whether the address is pre-owned
Arrangements evidence will be required with the appeal
form. The minimum which is normally
The appeal panel will come to a
decision after considering all aspects
or not. In addition they must be accepted is a solicitor’s letter confirming of your circumstances as well as the
If you are unhappy that you have not
physically resident during the an exchange of contracts. difficulties the school would experience
been offered a place at one of your
application period for an application to through the admission of another pupil.
preferred schools, you have the right to
be accepted. This means that the child How is the appeal arranged?
appeal to an independent appeal panel.
must be resident with parents / carers The Independent School Appeals A letter notifying you of the panel’s
(or a parent or a carer). This applies Before deciding whether to appeal, you Team arranges all appeal hearings for decision will be sent to you as soon as
to new to country applicants and to may find it helpful to visit the school schools in Blackpool. You will receive an possible. The clerk to the panel will advise
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
those returning from work placements that you have been offered. You may acknowledgement of your appeal form. when you should expect your letter.
/ secondments abroad. find that this school is an acceptable A letter will then follow which gives the
alternative option. date, time and place of your hearing, What happens if your appeal is not
The Local Authority will decide together with information on how the successful?
whether or not applications can How to Appeal appeal is organised. You will receive at The appeal panel’s decision is final
be accepted within the process least two weeks notice of the hearing. A and binding on all parties. You cannot
to coordinate admissions. Where
Blackpool Academies
If you wish to appeal for a Blackpool copy of the admission authority’s case appeal twice for a place at the same
required individual admission will be sent to you at least one week school in the same school year unless
academy, you should contact the School
authorities will be consulted. before the hearing. the admission authority agrees that
Admissions Team for advice.
Tel: (01253) 476474 or 476637. your first appeal was not conducted
ADMISSION TO BLACKPOOL Where will the appeal be heard? properly or accepts a significant
SECONDARY SCHOOLS AFTER 1ST Voluntary Aided Academies Appeals for schools within Blackpool are change in your circumstances (this
SEPTEMBER 2021 normally held in Blackpool Town Hall. must be a change since the original
If you wish to appeal for a place in a
hearing or information which was not
voluntary aided academy, you should
All parents requesting a secondary When will the appeal be heard? known at that time).
contact the school direct to request an
school place, because they are new Appeal hearings take place during the
appeal pack, as a different appeal form If you feel that the procedures have
to Blackpool, will be required to summer term during office hours.
is used. not been followed correctly or that
complete an In-Year school admissions
there have been irregularities in the
application form, allowing them to What happens at the hearing?
Schools within the Lancashire way your appeal has been handled,
express up to three preferences. The You are advised to attend the hearing if
admission of all students to Blackpool County Council area you can write to:
possible. This gives you the opportunity
schools will be co-ordinated by the To request an appeal form, please Local Government Ombudsman
to state your case, and it also helps
School Admissions Team. contact: Pupil Access Team, Area PO Box 4771 Coventry CV4 0EH
the appeal panel should they have any
Education Office, White Cross Centre, Tel: 0300 0610614
questions for you. If you cannot make
Blackpool secondary schools operate Quarry Road, Lancaster LA1 3SE. www.lgo.org.uk
the date of the appeal hearing, the
a separate application process for Tel: (01524) 581148 E-mail: advice@lgo.org.uk
appeal may go ahead in your absence.
transfers between Blackpool schools. Web: www.lancashire.gov.uk
If you are ill on the day of the hearing,
Contact your child’s current school for or are unable to attend for any other The Local Government Ombudsman
more information. Can you submit more than one cannot look at complaints about
reason, please contact the Independent
appeal? School Appeals Team at the Town Hall on academies. You should speak to the
In-Year Fair Access Protocol There is no restriction on how many 01253 477157, who will try to arrange a academy initially about how to complain
appeals you can lodge at any one suitable alternative date. Due to statutory to them. They will provide you with a
Blackpool Council operates an In-Year time. You do not have to wait for the timescales, this may result in a delay in copy of their complaints procedure.
Fair Access Protocol, which ensures that decision from one before you initiate an hearing your case.
access to education is secured quickly appeal for another school. This applies The Secretary of State has no power
for children who have complex needs. if you wish to appeal for a Lancashire to review the decisions of individual
community school, an academy, or a appeal panels. You can contact the
voluntary aided school/academy. Education Funding Agency if you feel
18 19that the admissions authority has It is the responsibility of parents to Q The school is between 2 and 15 Each child will be assessed
acted unreasonably with regard to the ensure that their children get to and miles and is the nearest school individually and a formal application
appeals process. from school at the appropriate time preferred on the grounds of religion and assessment will be based on
each day. or belief (aged 11-16 years) individual needs. For any application
Complaints about academies should be there must be substantive medical
made by completing the Department What is the criteria? Further information about how the evidence in support. All applications
for Education’s schools complaints There are certain circumstances when
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
nearest suitable school is defined for are considered by a panel of council
form, which can be accessed via Blackpool Council will provide support transport purposes is contained in the officers and you will normally be
www.gov.uk/government/publications/
or pay for your child to receive school Home to School and Transport Policy notified of the outcome of your
complain-about-an-academy. Or, by
transport. Full details of the eligibility application within 28days.
post to Ministerial and Public
and decision criteria is outlined in the What support is available?
Communications Division, Department
for Education, Piccadilly Gate, Store Home to School and College Transport Where transport is necessary When and how to apply
Street, Manchester M1 2WD. policy which can be downloaded from Blackpool Council will arrange this If your child is starting primary or
www.blackpool.gov.uk in the most cost effective way that is secondary school for the first time in
In-Year Appeals consistent with what is reasonable for September and you think you may be
If you move into the area or want to The policy also explains about what the child’s individual needs. entitled to support you should apply
transfer your child to another school, action you can take if you feel your once your child has been offered a
you also have the right of appeal if a application has not been fairly At the discretion of Blackpool Council school place.
place is not available at your preferred considered and wish to make an appeal. support may be provided in the
school. Appeal hearings take place following ways: If you child is transferring schools at
throughout the academic year, every Blackpool Council may provide any other time you can apply at the
4 – 6 weeks. Your appeal would transport assistance where a child Q Bus passes for journeys to and
appropriate time.
be scheduled for the next hearing lives further away from the nearest from school on Blackpool Transport
in accordance with the deadlines suitable school than the specified services Application forms for mainstream and
for submitting an appeal form. The Q Transport on Blackpool Council
walking distance. The specified walking Special Educational transport support
Independent School Appeals Team at vehicles or contractors vehicles
distance is can be obtained from Blackpool
the Town Hall can provide these dates. Q Cycle maintenance grants
Mileage allowances Council website www.blackpool.gov.
Q For a child under the age of eight Q
uk/Residents/Education-and-schools/
Support with independent travel
School Transport years: 2 miles Q
training Getting-to-school/School-transport.
Q For a child aged between eight and
aspx
sixteen: 3 miles
When choosing a preferred school Q Blackpool Council may also provide Children unable to walk to school
Applications can also be made online
for your child you should carefully transport assistance where pupils (accompanied if necessary) by reason
or telephone 01253 476795/476174
consider how your child will travel are entitled to free school meals of their special educational need,
to school. Where possible you or their parents are in receipt of disability or mobility or email:
should encourage your child to travel maximum working tax credit if:
transportdirect@blackpool.gov.uk
independently; on foot; by bicycle Q The nearest suitable school is Blackpool Council may provide
beyond 2 miles (for children over transport assistance for pupils with
or by bus. Information on local bus
the age of 8 and under 11) Education, Health and Care Plans in
routes can be obtained from Blackpool
Q The school is between 2 and 6 miles accordance with the criteria outlined
Transport on 01253 473001, at (if aged 11-16 years and there are
www.blackpooltransport.com or by in the Home to School and College
not three or more suitable nearer
downloading the mobile app. Transport policy.
schools)
20 21Where to get
further information
Blackpool Family Information Service OFSTED Reports School Performance Data Schools Adjudicator
is a free, impartial, service offering OFSTED Reports are produced by the Performance data is available by To object to an admission
information on a wide range of Government’s school inspectors. For the contacting the school or on authority’s admissions processes or
services for children, young people most recent reports you may contact the www.compare-school-performance. oversubscription criteria, you may
and their families and professionals school or they are available at: service.gov.uk contact: The Secretary, Office of the
working with families. Blackpool http://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ Schools Adjudicator, Mowden Hall,
Family Information Service also Staindrop Road, Darlington, DL3 9BG.
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
DfE Parents’ Centre
offers impartial and free advice on Telephone: 01325 735303,
the admissions process and can be The Department for Education has a
website which can support and advise e-mail: osa.team@osa.gsi.gov.uk
contacted on 0800 092 2332.
parents on a wide range of issues
www.education.gov.uk Website: www.education.gov.uk/
schoolsadjudicator/
There are a number of links to other
parents’ organisations and support Legislation
groups on this website. School Admissions is based on the
Education Act 1996, the School
The DfE has also produced a booklet Standards and Framework Act 1998,
‘Primary and Secondary School the Education Act 2002, and the
Admissions and Appeals: A Guide for Education and Inspections Act 2006
Parents’. This can be accessed at (www.legislation.gov.uk).
http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/8152/
The School Admissions Code 2014 and
Advisory Centre for Education School Admissions Appeals Code can
The Advisory Centre for Education be found on www.gov.uk
(ACE) is an organisation that advises
parents on state education. The
website is www.ace-ed.org.uk. You can
also contact them on 0300 0115 142.
22 23Secondary School Information
BLACKPOOL ASPIRE ACADEMY HIGHFIELD LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MONTGOMERY ACADEMY SOUTH SHORE ACADEMY
A BRIGHT FUTURES EDUCATIONAL
Blackpool Old Road, Blackpool FY3 7LS Highfield Road, Blackpool FY4 3JZ All Hallows Road, Blackpool FY2 0AZ TRUST SCHOOL
Telephone: 01253 353155 Telephone: 01253 965750 Telephone: 01253 356271
e-mail: admin@aspire.fcat.org.uk E-mail:: info@highfield.staracademies.org E-mail: admin@montgomery.fcat.org St Anne’s Road, Blackpool FY4 2AR
Website: Website: Website: www.montgomeryschool.co.uk Telephone: 01253 336500
www.blackpoolaspireacademy.co.uk www.highfieldleadershipacademy.com E-mail: admin@ssa.bfet.uk
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
Executive Principal: Mr S Bullen Website:
Executive Principal: Mr C Lickiss Principal: Mr A Galbraith www.southshoreacademy.co.uk
Principal: Mr S Careless
Principal: Mr J Woods Highfield Leadership Academy is a Principal: Mr N Reynolds
mixed secondary school catering for Montgomery Academy, is located to
Blackpool Aspire Academy is a mixed pupils between the ages of 11 and the north of Blackpool and caters for South Shore Academy is a mixed secondary
secondary academy catering for pupils 16 years, and is located in the South students between the ages of 11 and school catering for students between
between the ages of 11 and 16 years, Shore area of Blackpool. 16 years. the ages of 11 and 16, and is located in
and is located in the Layton area, in the the South Shore area of Blackpool.
east of Blackpool. The Admission Number for September
Highfield Leadership Academy is
2021 is 250. The new three storey building and
supported through sponsorship by the
Blackpool Aspire Academy is supported sports hall opened in September 2017.
Star Education Trust.
through sponsorship by the Fylde Coast Montgomery Academy became a
Academy Trust. The Admission Number for September member of the Fylde Coast Academy The Admission Number for September
2021 is 150 (this may vary subject to Trust (FCAT) in October 2014 2021 is 175.
The Admission Number for September local agreement).
2021 is 180 The Academy Council is the school’s South Shore Academy became part of
The academy’s website and prospectus the Bright Futures Educational Trust in
provides further information. Admission Authority and is the
The academy’s website and prospectus employer of teaching and associate December 2013.
provides further information. staff.
As an academy, the governing board is
The academy’s website and prospectus the employer, with direct responsibility
provides further information. for all teaching and support staff in the
academy.
The Governors of the Academy Trust
have delegated the responsibilities in
relation to allocations and appeals to
the Local Authority.
The academy’s website and prospectus
provides further information.
24 25ST MARY’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY ST MARY’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY UNITY ACADEMY BLACKPOOL ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL A CHURCH OF
PART OF THE BLESSED EDWARD SIXTH FORM, PART OF THE BLESSED ENGLAND ACADEMY, PART OF THE
BAMBER CATHOLIC MULTI EDWARD BAMBER CATHOLIC MULTI Warbreck Hill Road, Blackpool, FY2 0TS CIDARI BLACKBURN DIOCESE MULTI
ACADEMY TRUST ACADEMY TRUST Telephone: 01253 355493 ACADEMY TRUST
E-mail: admin@unity.fcat.org.uk
St Walburga’s Road, Blackpool FY3 7EQ St Walburga’s Road, Blackpool FY3 7EQ Web Site: www.unity.blackpool.org.uk Cherry Tree Road, Marton, Blackpool
Telephone: 01253 396286 Telephone: 01253 396286 FY4 4PH
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
E-mail: admin@st-mary.blackpool.sch.uk E-mail: admin@st-mary.blackpool.sch.uk Executive Principal: Mr C Lickiss Telephone: 01253 316725
Website: www.st-mary.blackpool.sch.uk or info@6thform.co.uk E-mail: enquiries@stgeorgesblackpool.co.uk
Website: www.st-mary.blackpool.sch.uk Principal: Mr S Cooke Website: www.stgeorgesblackpool.com
Executive Director: Mrs H O’Neill
Executive Director: Mrs H O’Neill
Headteacher: Mr S Eccles The Admission Number for September Headteacher: Mr G Warnock
Headteacher: Mr S Eccles 2021 is 120.
St Mary’s Catholic Academy is a catholic
St George’s School is a mixed voluntary
academy catering for pupils between the St Mary’s Sixth Form is part of St. Mary’s Unity Academy is an all-through
aided academy located in the Marton
ages of 11 and 18, and is located in the Catholic Academy, catering for pupils academy. Located in the North Shore
area, to the south east of Blackpool
Layton area. between the ages of 16 and 19, located in area of Blackpool and it is Blackpool’s
town centre, catering for pupils
the Layton area. first all through school, providing
The Admission Number for September between the ages of 11 and 16.
education for children and young
2021 is 210. The Admission Number for September people from 4 -16 years. It also offers The Admission Number for September
2021 is 115. nursery provision for 2 and 3 year olds. 2021 is 210.
The school has a sixth form facility
providing advanced level education Application forms and the Sixth Unity Academy is supported through Voluntary aided academies are mainly
form prospectus are available on the sponsorship by the Fylde Coast religious or ‘faith’ schools, however,
Voluntary aided academies are mainly
academy’s website or from Mrs E Murray, Academy Trust. St George’s does not make faith
religious or ‘faith’ schools, although
Senior Head of Sixth Form. The closing commitment a first priority as in some
anyone can apply for a place. The process Pupils already in Year 6 at Unity
date for applications is 31st March 2020. faith schools - please see the school’s
for applying for a place at a voluntary Academy at the time of secondary
Students attaining a minimum of 5 A* - C admissions criteria. The process for
aided academy is similar to applying applications are already on roll at the
(including English and Maths) at GCSE are applying for a place at a voluntary aided
for a place at a community secondary academy and are guaranteed a place in
offered a place to study A levels. academy is similar to applying for a
school, except that the academy board Year 7, should they wish to take up the
place at a community secondary school,
is the admissions authority, having Details of the sixth form open evening will place there.
except that the governing board of
responsibility for determining the be posted on the Academy’s website. The academy also provides primary the school is the admissions authority,
arrangements for admitting pupils.
provision for children 4-11 years old. having responsibility for determining
The academy’s website and prospectus the arrangements for admitting pupils.
The academy’s website and prospectus provides further information. The Admission Number for Reception
provides further information. in September 2021is 60. The academy’s website and prospectus
provides further information.
The academy’s website and prospectus
provides further information. (See page 29 for the supplementary
information form)
26 27You can also read
