Admissions
Thank you for your interest in joining the St Paul’s community.
We are proud to be a school where students are known, loved and inspired to achieve their full potential, academically, socially, and spiritually.
Whether you are applying for a place in Year 7, transferring mid-year, or exploring our Sixth Form, we are here to support and guide you at every step.
How to Apply for a Year 7 Place
We know that choosing the right secondary school is a big decision, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Below is a simple breakdown of what to do and when. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Looking to join us mid-year? This is a different process, outlined further down the page.
Apply Online via West Sussex
The first step is to complete the Local Authority’s Common Application Form (CAF). This is an online process managed by West Sussex County Council and must be completed between September and October when your child is in Year 6.
Submit our Supplementary Information Form (SIF)
Next, please complete the Governors’ Supplementary Information Form. This allows us to apply the correct admissions criteria, for example, if your child is Catholic, attends a feeder school, or has siblings at St Paul’s.
While not compulsory, without this form, we can only consider your application under the final admissions criterion (any other children).
Wait for your Offer
School places are offered by West Sussex County Council in March. They will contact you directly by email or post, depending on how you submitted your application in Step 1.
There’s nothing else to do at this stage: just keep an eye out for your official notification.
Accepting or Appealing
If you’re happy with your child’s place, no action is required, their place will be secured automatically.
If you’re disappointed or unclear about the outcome, there is a formal appeals process managed by the local authority. We’ll support you with any questions you may have.
In-year admissions is the term used to describe the process of applying to join St Paul’s Catholic College during the academic year into Years 7 to 11. This process is different to the primary to secondary transition process described above.
Appeals
We understand how disappointing it can be if your child is not offered a place at St Paul’s, especially if our school was your preferred choice.
If your child’s application is unsuccessful, you have the right to appeal to an independent appeal panel. This process is entirely separate from the school and is overseen by trained professionals who are not connected with St Paul’s, but who have a good understanding of education.
Appeals must be made in writing and should clearly outline your reasons for believing your child should be offered a place. All appeals are heard in private and handled with care and confidentiality.
Appeals typically take place in April or May. In the meantime, you may also ask for your child to be added to our in-year waiting list.
Applying for an In-Year Place (Years 7–11)
If you’re hoping for your child to join St Paul’s during the school year, we welcome your application and will do our best to support you through the process.
Complete our In-year Application Form
Please download and fill in the In-Year Admissions Form and return it directly to us. There is no need to apply through the local authority for in-year transfers.
Provide your Supporting Documents
Alongside your application, please include:
- A utility bill or bank statement confirming your child’s main home address
- If applying under a faith criterion: a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate, and a signed/stamped reference from your priest (Part 3 of the form)
We’ll Process your Application
We aim to respond within 15 school days of receiving your completed application and documents. You will receive confirmation of your child’s position on our waiting list.
Stay in Touch
We will contact you if a place becomes available. If we haven’t been in touch, we’ll ask annually if you wish to remain on the list. Please note:
- We cannot hold places open.
- If a place is offered, your child is expected to start within seven days.
- You have the right to appeal if your application is not successful.
Still undecided?
We’re very proud of the high-achieving, supportive and caring faith community that exists at St Paul’s and we are delighted that you are considering joining us.
Our website provides an insight into ‘life at St Paul’s’. Here are a few links to help you get started:
