Waddesdon CofE School - Statutory consultation on proposed changes to the school’s admission arrangements

The Governing Board of Waddesdon Church of England School has commenced a consultation on proposed changes to the school’s admission arrangements which would take effect from the beginning of the academic year 2026 to 2027.

The proposals being consulting on, are:

•     To include in the definition of a sibling (over-subscription criterion 3a) the son or daughter of the cohabiting partner of the applicant's parent who permanently live at the applicant's home address and are being brought up as part of the same core family unit as siblings; and a statement for the avoidance of doubt, that children of extended family members (e.g., cousins) and friends will not be 'siblings' for the purpose of this policy, even where they permanently live at the same home address as the applicant.

•     a change to criterion 5 of over-subscription criteria from strong commitment to other churches which are members of Churches Together in England or the Evangelical Alliance to strong commitment to a church of another Christian denomination. This change is because some Christian churches are not a member of either of the stated organisations. The definition of Christian denomination to be adopted is suggested by the Catholic Education Service.

•     The removal of provision for the closure of churches during the COVID pandemic, as it is no longer required.

•     Simplification of the sixth form entry requirements to remove the distinction between applicants with 90 and above Waddesdon Points and those with 80 and above Waddesdon Points.

•     Inclusion of the full application process for Year 12.

•     A statement that applicants for Year 12 seeking admission due to exceptional circumstances must support their applications with relevant evidence from an independent professional (such as a teacher, doctor, health visitor or Education Welfare Officer) and that each case will be considered on its own merits and circumstances.

The full proposed admission arrangements are available to read or download here: Admissions consultation – Waddesdon Church of England School

The consultation runs until 12 November 2024.

If you have any comments on the proposed changes, please send them to

Clerk to Governors [email protected]