A short welcome from Executive Headteacher, Mrs Greaves
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you and your child to our happy and purposeful Catholic Primary School and Nursery. We, headteacher, staff, governors, pupils and parents, are all proud of our thriving school. I am privileged to be Headteacher of St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy and have been so since September 2007.
We are proud to have a diverse community which attracts families across the whole of Derby City. Inspectors noted that, ‘The school has strived to develop its inclusivity to a highly successful level, and has seized many opportunities to open up the school to parents, to the parishes and to the local community’ (April 2011).
At St Mary’s, we believe that parents are the first and most important educators of their children. The staff and governors therefore foster and encourage a partnership between home, school and parish so that together we can help each child to develop and flourish in a happy, secure and caring atmosphere. I look forward to making very strong links with yourselves and also developing a partnership between school, child and parents that will help us all to provide the very best education for your child.
Parents are most welcome to visit to look around the school before completing their application form and additional Supplementary application form.
We look forward to welcoming you.
The Admissions Authority for Our School
The St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust is the admission authority for all the schools within the Trust and is responsible for determining the admissions policy. On behalf of the Trust the admissions process is coordinated by the relevant Local Authority.
All decisions relating to admission applications will be taken by the Governing Body of the Academy applied for.
The schools within the Trust are principally provided to serve the Catholic communities of Derbyshire and the surrounding counties. The Governors also welcome applications from all parents and carers, regardless of faith or background, who would like their children to be educated in a Christian environment.
Overview of the Diocese of Nottingham
St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy is under the Trusteeship of the Diocese of Nottingham and belong to the Nottingham Diocesan family of schools. They are founded by and are part of the Catholic Church and seek at all times to be a witness to Jesus Christ. Religious Education and worship are in accordance with the teachings and doctrines of the Catholic Church. This does not affect the right of parents or carers who are not of the faith of these schools to apply for and to be considered for places. We ask all parents or carers applying for a place to respect this ethos and its importance to the school community.
In-Year Admissions
In Year Admissions
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 Derby City Council.
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 enquiries@mde.srscmat.co.uk
Please see our In Year Admissions Statement for full details.
Admissions 2023-2024
SRSCMAT Admissions Policy (Primary 2023-2024)
SRSCMAT Supplementary Information Form (2023 to 2024)
Application forms will be available from your Nursery and need to be returned to Derby City Council.
If your application is successful you will be invited to attend a meeting in school during the Summer Term before your child is due to be admitted. This gives parents a chance to make early contact with staff and share any concerns they may have. It is also an opportunity to order school uniform in time for delivery before the end of the school year.
Pupils who are successful in gaining a place at the school will be invited to attend a number of transition days during the Summer Term. These days are an opportunity for the children to get to know their new class teacher, school routines, including lunch, play and snack times, and what to expect when they start school in September.
If you wish to apply on faith grounds, please complete the Supplementary Information Form and either email this to enquiries@mde.srscmat.co.uk with a copy of the evidence of faith or post to school – see Contact Us for the school address.
Admissions for Reception in 2024-2025
Admissions for future years
Nursery Admissions
Admissions to Nursery are administered by the school and attending Nursery does not guarantee a place at school.
Children can attend Nursery from the Term after their third birthday.
To request a place at Nursery you will need to provide the school with your child’s name, date of birth, address and contact telephone number. These details will be placed on the Nursery waiting list and you will be contacted the term before your child is due to attend to inform you of the sessions the school have available and to ask you for your preferences.
You and your child will also be invited to attend ‘Nursery Stay & Play’ sessions, to see Foundation Stage Nursery in action and gain an understanding of what will be expected of your child during their time in Nursery. This is also a great opportunity to meet staff and other new parents.
