Since becoming a primary school in 2007, our numbers have swelled significantly and we are proud to provide a Catholic education for children from all different faith backgrounds.  

If you’re unsure as to whether St. Matthew’s is the place for you and your child, please give us a call and we would be happy to chat with you about what we can offer and provide your family as part of our school community.

During Term Time:
If you’re interested in joining our school mid-year, please give us a ring and we can chat about making sure that St. Matthew’s can offer you an enriching education from start to finish! To complete an application for in-term admissions, please contact Northumberland County Council’s admissions team on 0345 600 6400 or contact the school office who will be happy to help.

Roots and Shoots Nursery Admissions:
Please give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to arrange to show you around our fantastic Roots and Shoots Nursery and discuss what we can offer your child. You may be entitled to up to 30 hours of nursery provision a week. We also have a limited number of spaces for 2-year-olds. If you think we might be able to help, please do get in touch!

Reception Admissions:
For admission to our Reception class, from our own or other local nurseries, please keep an eye out for the council’s deadlines for the current academic year. The portal usually opens in early November and closes in mid-January.

For next academic year 2022-23:
Portal Opens: 1st November 2022
Portal Closes: 15th January 2023
Portal Link: https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Education/Schools/School-admissions-places-appeals-1/Reception-entry-applications.aspx 

In-Year Applications

An application can be made for a place for a child at any time outside the admission round and the child will be admitted where there are available places. An application should be made to the school by completing the in-year admissions application form and returning it to Schools Admissions at Northumberland County Council. A copy of the in term admission form is below in the ‘Important Documents’ section.

Where there are places available but more applications than places, the published oversubscription criteria, as set out in the admission arrangements for the relevant academic year, will be applied. Admissions policies can be found on our school website at the following link – link. Parents are advised to read the admission arrangements carefully before making their application.

If there are no places available, the child will be added to the waiting list. Please see the admission arrangements for more details.

You will be advised of the outcome of your application in writing as soon as possible. Applicants must be informed of the outcome of their application within 15 school days of receipt, but the aim is to notify applicants of the outcome of their application within 10 school days of receipt.

You have the right to appeal to an independent appeal panel if your application is unsuccessful.

If you have any questions in relation to in-year admissions please contact Mr Martin Gray (Headteacher) via the main school office. You may also wish to discuss in-year applications with the local authority via 0345 600 6400.