We are committed to meeting the needs of all children including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We would ask parents to discuss the identified needs with the school prior to starting so that appropriate intervention and support can be planned and implemented. Advice from the LA or other agencies may be requested to ensure any the school can meet any needs appropriately.
Full details of the admission arrangements can be found in the Primary and Secondary Admissions brochure produced by Durham County Council and further information can be found in the schools admission policies – see below.
Visit the Durham County Council website for information regarding the school admission process and primary school admissions. To appeal against an admission decision visit: School admissions-appeals.
You can view or download our Admission Policies here:
- St Mary’s, Barnard Castle Admission Policy 2020-21
- St Mary’s Barnard Castle Admission Policy 2021-22
Applying for a school place if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan or a Statement of SEN
Children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (or Statement of Special Education Needs) follow a different admission and transfer process for a new school. Please continue to complete Durham County Council’s parental preference form, as part of the admission process to a new school. You continue to have a right to request a particular school and this will be considered alongside the information that we have about your child’s special educational needs. The information would have been provided as part of the Education, Health and Care assessment or following the review meeting.
The majority of Children with Special Educational Needs can be supported at any school. Provision is also available in certain Special Schools. Support for individual pupils is determined by Durham Local Authority through Education, Health and Care Assessment. Our Admissions Policy (see link above) details admission ranking, with children who are Looked after and are in the care of the local authority and children baptised in the Roman Catholic faith ranking before other applicants. If a child has a SEND and the school is named on their Health and Care plan they rank higher up the admissions.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.