Admission
Admission Information
2024-25
(next school year)
To apply for a place in Reception Class in September 2024:
> Download the Admissions Policy below
> Download the supplementary information form below
The process for making applications is explained on the Suffolk County Council website; you will need to complete their online application form as well as a Supplementary Information Form.
Please click here and follow the instructions. Please submit the Supplementary Information Form directly to us.
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Admission Information
2023-24
(current school year)
To apply for entry to the current school year (Sept 2023 to July 2024)
> Download a copy of the Admissions Policy below
> Download the ADM1 Form below
> Download the Supplementary Information Form below
In-Year Applications
An application can be made for a place for a child at any time outside the admission round and the child will be admitted where there are available places. An application should be made to the school by completing the in-year admissions application form (ADM1) plus a Supplementary Information Form and returning it to St. Mark’s Catholic Primary School, Stone Lodge Lane West, Ipswich, IP2 9AS or by email to admin@st-marks.suffolk.sch.uk. The ADM1 and SIF forms can be found on this page.
Where there are places available but more applications than places, the published oversubscription criteria, as set out in the admission arrangements for 2023/24 will be applied. These are set out in the Admissions Policy which can be found at the bottom of the page. Parents are advised to read the admission arrangements carefully before making their application.
If there are no places available, the child will be added to the waiting list. Please see the admission arrangements for more details.
You will be advised of the outcome of your application in writing as soon as possible. Applicants must be informed of the outcome of their application within 15 school days of receipt, but the aim is to notify applicants of the outcome of their application within 10 school days of receipt.
You have the right to appeal to an independent appeal panel if your application is unsuccessful.
If you have any questions in relation to in-year admissions please contact the school office on admin@st-marks.suffolk.sch.uk or 01473 601748 or by post to the address above. You may also wish to discuss in-year applications with the local authority: Admissions Team, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX; telephone: 0345 600 0981; email: admissions@suffolk.gov.uk
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Please submit the forms by email to
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Appeals Information
If your application for your child to join St. Mark’s Catholic Primary School in September 2024 is unsuccessful you may wish to submit an appeal. The appeal process for St Mark’s Catholic Primary School is managed by the Educational Appeals Office.
> How to make an appeal
You have the right to appeal for places at all schools for which you have applied and been refused a place.
If you have been refused a school place for your child at your preferred school you will receive a letter from the county council which will offer you the right of appeal. The letter will include information with a link to an appeal application form and the Guide to School Admission Appeals. You must fill in a separate form for each school you wish to appeal for.
The appeal process and its administration are independent of the admission authority, the school and its governing body. The independent appeal panel has no previous knowledge of your child’s case, nor have they had any contact with the school, governing body or admission authority. They will make a decision based only on the evidence presented to them.
If you are appealing for a Suffolk school, please return the appeal form directly to the Education Appeals Office, PO Box 579, Ipswich, IP1 2BX marked Private and Confidential. We strongly suggest that you get proof of postage. The Education Appeals Office is not responsible for forms that are lost in the post.
> Is there a deadline to appeal by?
If you are planning to appeal it is very important that your appeal application form is received in good time by the Education Appeals Office. The key dates are set out below.
> Applications received on time for admission to St Mark’s
If you applied on time and wish to appeal, you should send your appeal application form to the Education Appeals Office by 21st May 2024. Appeals received on or before this date will be heard within 40 school days.
If you made a late application, your appeal should be heard within 40 school days from the deadline for lodging an appeal, where possible, or within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged.
> In-Year appeals
If your application is refused for an in-year admission or for the first year of entry and it is submitted on or after the first day of the first school term of the admission year, your appeal will be heard within 30 school days of the form being received by The Education Appeals office.
> What happens at an appeal hearing?
An independent appeal panel will review the decision of the admission authority to refuse your child a place at your preferred school.
During the appeal hearing the admission authority will explain why your preference was not met and why it is not possible to offer your child a place at your preferred school. You will be given the opportunity to explain why you think that it is in the best interests of your child to attend your preferred school.
The panel will look at your written case but it is strongly suggested that you go to the appeal hearing to help clarify, explain and expand upon your written reasons for appealing.
The Clerk will let you know the decision of the panel in writing within 5 school days. If the panel make a place available for your child after a successful appeal you should contact the headteacher who will arrange for your child to be admitted as soon as is practicable.
> Where can I get further information?
Please read the Guide to School Admission Appeals, a link will be included in your refusal letter. You can also contact The Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) on 0808 800 5793 for further help, or call the Education Appeals Office directly on 01473 264088 or 264219.