Admissions

St Benedict’s Catholic College is a Voluntary Aided, Catholic School situated in the Diocese of Brentwood and is maintained by the Essex Local Authority.  Applications are welcomed from parents who wish their children to receive a Christian education.

Year 7 Entry

The number of intended admissions to Year 7 in any school year is 180.

Parents wishing to apply for a place at St Benedict’s Catholic College must apply to their Local Authority and also complete the college’s Supplementary Information Form. The Supplementary Information Forms can be accessed via the link on this page. The closing date for applications to the Local Authority is the 31st October, and the Supplementary Information Form should be returned to the college by the 31st October.

Where applications for admission exceed the number of places available, the admissions criteria will be applied. Please see the link on this page for our admissions criteria.

The National Offer Date is 1st March or the first working day after.  Offers of places will be sent out to parents/guardians of applicants by first class mail on that date.

Timetable for Admissions and Appeals for Children Starting Secondary School in September 2025

Mid-Year Applications

Mid-year applications will, as far as reasonably practicable, be dealt with promptly. Applications need to be made directly to St Benedict’s Catholic College, by completing the Mid Year Application Form and Supplementary Information Form which can be obtained via the link on this page. Applications will be ranked according to the admissions criteria. Should we be unable to offer a place then the details under Right to Appeal and Waiting List and Over-Subscription will apply.

Right to Appeal

Unsuccessful applicants have the right to appeal to an independent appeals panel.
Details of how to appeal and the form to complete can be accessed via the links on this page.

Waiting Lists and Over-Subscription

In addition to the right of appeal, unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity to be placed on a waiting list. The waiting list will be maintained in accordance with the admissions criteria set out above and not in the order in which applications are received or added to the list. Names are normally removed from the list after 3 months and parents will need to make a fresh application to remain on the list.

Students with a Statement of Special Educational Needs

The admission of pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Needs is dealt with by a separate procedure, which is integral to the making and maintenance of statements by the pupil’s local Education Authority. Parents considering naming the college are advised to make early contact with our SEND department.

Admissions Procedure for Disabled Students

Applications from disabled students will be ranked according to the admissions criteria, unless there is a Statement of Special Educational Needs / Education, Health and Care Plan. The admission of disabled students with a Statement of Special Educational Needs / Education, Health and Care Plan is dealt with by a separate procedure which is integral to the making and maintenance of statements by the pupil’s local Education Authority. Parents considering naming the college are advised to make early contact with our SEND department.