School Admissions

Consultation intention on Admissions 2026-27

Proposed Changes to Christ Church CE Voluntary Aided Primary School’s Determined Admission Arrangements

Background

The national falling birth rate has been impacting future admission numbers across the whole country and in Warrington. Forecasts indicate that it will have a significant impact on the financial viability of the primary schools in the East of Warrington. Predictions show that by 2026, intake into Reception classes in East Warrington will have fallen by at least 20%. Other schools within wider Warrington are also being affected by the low birth rate, and some other schools have already reduced PAN.

Proposal

The Governing Body of Christ Church CE VA Primary school is proposing to reduce the published admission number (PAN) from 45 to 30 in September 2026.

Aim

Our aim with this strategic decision is that it will protect the future financial viability of the School. The admission criteria for entry to the School has not been changed.

The Governing Body of Christ Church CE VA Primary School is proposing to:

Reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) for Reception from 45 to 30, to take effect from September 2026.

As set out in the School Admissions Code 2021 we are entering into a 6-week statutory consultation period.

Official Consultation

Change to the Published Admission Number (PAN) for Christ Church CE VA Primary School

Due to forecast changes in demand for places in Woolston area and Warrington taking effect from the academic year 2024-25 and forecast to continue for the subsequent years to 2028, we have observed a reduction in applications for Reception places at the School and have taken in fewer children in Reception 2024 than the PAN.

The proposed PAN change will help to secure financial stability and so will benefit future outcomes for its pupils, whilst still enabling the school to meet the anticipated wider demand for places. School place planning requirements for Warrington will still be met once this proposed change has been made.

There will be no other changes to the school’s admission arrangements. The proposed change will not affect the current pupils.

Although the School Admissions Code 2021 does not require an admissions authority to consult when maintaining or increasing a school’s PAN, there is a requirement to consult when the proposal is to reduce.

The Governing Body of Christ Church CE VA Primary School is seeking comments on the proposal to change the PAN from 45 to 30 from September 2026.

How to make your views known

It is important to consider the views of our parents and the wider community. The consultation will run from Monday 4th November to Wednesday 18th December 2024. If you would like to contribute to the consultation, please submit comments in writing about the proposal to:

[email protected] with ‘PAN consultation’ in the e-mail subject line.

Please see the additional sheet of Frequently Asked Questions for further information. Thank you

Admissions Policy of our School -2026-27 draft.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions (2).pdf

Parents Consultation Letter Nov 24.docx

NURSERY ADMISSIONS

For more information about admission to our nursery class, please visit our Class 1 Nursery page.

Visit Schools | warrington.gov.uk where you will find information about nursery provision across Warrington or you can view the booklet below.

Link to Warrington Borough Council's School Admissions Web Page

Link to Child Care Choices website for help in paying for childcare

Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK

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