to expect a catholic primary school for my catholic children?

[Mixedupmind]

No idea where to put this so I've put it here
We are moving to west sussex in a few months time, just in time for reception applications
Now there is only one catholic primary in the borough where we are moving to, compared to 3 where we currently are ( London )
Am I being unrealistic to think we will get the school place?
My sister in law today has made it very clear she thinks we are!
There are 2 intakes for each year so 60 children, we will live 0.4 miles away from it and are practising Catholics.
We want this primary as much as we want the catholic secondary college so it's important we get the primary as its a feeder school.
If for some reason it becomes over subscribed could we appeal for religious reasons?
And would this mean we may get offered a catholic school in a different borough miles away?

Yabu to 'expect' anything!

Apply and see, like everyone else

How could you appeal on 'religious reasons'? If it's a catholic primary surely they are going to take catholic children first, so your children won't be any different/more special than any others ?? Also, if you move into a borough knowing there's only one school then surely that's the risk you have to take? If you're desp for a catholic education for them, accept there's a chance you may need to travel (shrugs).

I'd suggest you go private and pick whatever school you want.

If you're in competition for state funded school places, no I don't think you should have priority over anyone else in the catchment area.

Do you mean oversubscribed with other catholic children who meet more of the admissions criteria than you do?

Have you checked the admissions policy? The school should be able to tell you how many non catholic children they took last year. If your children are baptised and live close to the school you ought to get a place, but it all depends on who applies the same time as you.

It should be pretty easy to view a copy of their entrance criteria, then you'll get an idea of how likely it is that you'll get in. My local rc school usually has a few places left over for children from other Christian denominations, which means that if you're a practising Catholic, you'll most likely get a place!

We are practising Catholics otherwise obviously wouldn't expect anything!
I wasn't being ungrateful I was asking in case anyone had any experience with it, something I yet don't as my eldest is only 3.
I have no idea if you get offered another catholic school if the one on your borough is full although obviously would accept that and travel if it's the case!

You can't really expect anything with state schools

What are the admissions criteria for the school you want as they do vary for church schools

How old were your children when they were baptised and how often do you attend church? Will your current priest support your application?

These things will make a difference

So what if you are practising Catholics? Why should that entitle you to a taxpayer funded school place over anyone else?

Bloody faith schools.

Go private if you want to pick and choose, otherwise take what you are offered like everyone else. No one is going to stop you being catholic just because your children go to a secular school.

Your children won't suffer from lack of religion if you are practising Catholics in non religious school. Personally I think set religion has no place in schools

Where I live the council publishes info on admissions that includes data on the no of applicants, the no of places offered and how many were offered under each of the criteria over the last 3 years.

They are fabulous charts. (I like charts!)

17 not necessarily. Our local catholic primary (which takes 1-2 non catholic Holstein per year on average) doesn't take date of baptism or whether you are known to the priest into account.

OP, you need to check the admissions criteria and history for your own school. I do not think you are guaranteed a catholic education for your children I'm afraid. Hopefully you love close enough to get in.

Why can't you go private?

Quite agree purple

Do check the school admission policy to see the criteria they apply

Arf at non Catholic Holstein!

You can't move counties and expect to have a space allocated on religious preference.

Are you serious?, if the school's full you're going to have to look elsewhere or take a private/ home school route to suit your beliefs.

Why should I have to go private when we are Catholics who will live 400 metres away from a catholic school?!
They were baptised as newborns and our priest will write a letter to confirm we have been attending for the last 5 years weekly and we will obviously be attending weekly from sep - jan at the new church when we move
Looking at the criteria we fall into the top category barring looked after children and siblings

We are moving BEFORE applications are due in not after and " expecting " a place

Living 400 metres away from any school won't guarantee a place!

So its ok for atheist / agnostic parents to want to send their offspring to secular schools, but wrong for the Catholic OP to want to send her offspring to a Catholic school? Lets be honest. We all want to send our children to schools which reflect our values.

2 intakes, 400m and top category. You're in.

I know they are closed for summer now but you should call them up and ask them when they open!

Are you applying for one child to enter an RC school as a practising Catholic from a distance of 0.4 miles away? Depending on the admissions criteria you have a very good chance of getting a place, as usually RC applicants get priority (and then they use distance if an excess but seems unlikely there will be 60 closer than you if there is only one RC school in the area).

In my area you would be assured a place but you need to check with school/council. You may also want to contact the priest of your future parish as he may be able to provide more info/help!

17 not necessarily. Our local catholic primary (which takes 1-2 non catholic Holstein per year on average) doesn't take date of baptism or whether you are known to the priest into account.

OP, you need to check the admissions criteria and history for your own school. I do not think you are guaranteed a catholic education for your children I'm afraid. Hopefully you love close enough to get in.

So why are you worried? You fit the criteria.

Sounds like you should be absolutely fine to me. Most catholic schools have quite a few sibling places taken up, but you'll be right at the top of the list after those and the looked after children. Good luck.