Consultation on Changing the Pupil Admission Numbers (PAN)

Consultation on Changing the Pupil Admission Numbers (PAN)

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School

A Voluntary Aided School in the Diocese of Portsmouth.

January 2018

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School would like to propose reducing the Pupil Admission Numbers (PAN) with effect from 1 September 2019.

Although the Regulations and Code of Practice relating to school admissions no longer require an admissions authority to consult when maintaining or increasing a school’s PAN, there remains a requirement to consult when the proposal is to reduce a PAN. St Mary’s Catholic Primary School as the admissions authority is seeking comments on the proposed change.

Proposal

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School proposes to reduce the published admission number of the school from 40 to 30 with effect from 1 September 2019.

Factors considered by St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in deciding to consult on this proposal are;

- A PAN of 40 currently results in mixed age classes. A reduction of the PAN to 30 will result in single form entry which will enable teachers to plan more effectively for age related expectations, leading to improved outcomes for all.

- A PAN of 40 results in mixed age classes across the school. As a consequence of this, pupils of the same age do not have the same curriculum experience because teachers must plan differently to ensure curriculum coverage and objectives for two year groups in mixed age classes. A reduction of PAN will mean that pupils have the same curriculum experience as their peers of the same age.

- A PAN of 30 will ensure that pupils are able to learn with peers of the same age. This will enable their social and emotional needs to be met more effectively because pupils will transition to the next year group together. This is particularly important for Year 6 pupils; all will have had the same opportunity in terms of the curriculum and learning together before they transition to secondary school.

For these reasons the governing body and headteacher are in favour of the proposal.

How to Respond

This consultation will run from 17^th January until 28^th February 2018 and you are invited to submit comments in writing about the proposal above to the Chair of Governors, Mrs Carmen Tweed on the email below or in writing.

Email: tweedcarmen01@gmail.com

Written Response: Chair of Governors

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School

Anns Hill Road

Gosport

PO12 3NB

Following the consultation period St Mary’s Catholic Primary will then make a formal decision based on consideration of any responses received. Admission arrangements for 2019 will be determined by the statutory date of 28^th February 2018.