Admissions

The academy is a very popular, highly regarded school with very good results at both GCSE and A level. Consequently, we are oversubscribed in most year groups.

This page will give you information on how to apply for a place at the school. We would strongly encourage all prospective parents, carers and pupils to visit the school prior to application, so that you can experience what it is like to be part of our community. We are sure that you will be impressed by what you see.

We trust that you will find all the information you require regarding admissions below.

Visiting

Parents of prospective Year 7 students (Year 6 in September) are  invited to visit the school for a ‘School in Action Evening’ in September, where they will be able to meet staff and students, visit all curriculum areas including the Student Support Centre and ask questions about the school prior to the application process.

The date for this event will be on the school website from July and all parents and Year 6 pupils are welcome to attend. You do not need to book a place as a ‘rotation’ arrangement for tours and presentations will be in place to accommodate all guests.

If parents of prospective Year 7 students for September are unable to attend this evening, or would like to visit during school hours, several daytime tours will be available during September and October. Please note that we are unable to arrange visits for pupils in Year 5 or below.

Visits for in-year admissions (Years 7-11) can be arranged by contacting the school.

How to apply and appeal

Entry to the school in September (Year 7)

You will receive detailed information about applying for secondary schools from Nottinghamshire County Council via your child’s primary school in the September when they are in Year 6. We strongly advise that parents wishing to apply to The Joseph Whitaker School, where there child does not already attend a feeder school, also submit a Supplementary Form with details about why you would like your child to attend the school, including any information about your child which you feel may support their application.

Please see the Admissions Arrangements in the Prospectus for details.

The deadline for applications to a Nottinghamshire school is 31 October. Parents/carers will be informed by Nottinghamshire County Council Admissions via e-mail or post of their child’s allocation on 1 March.

Parents/carers must reply to Nottinghamshire County Admissions to confirm or reject a place – information you receive will contain instructions on how to do this. It is helpful if parents let us know of their intentions for administration purposes, but please be aware that we cannot inform Nottinghamshire Admissions of your decision – this must come from the applicant.

Pupils who choose The Joseph Whitaker School as a first preference but who are not allocated a place on 1 March will automatically be placed on a waiting list, according to our admissions criteria.

If you do not receive a place at The Joseph Whitaker School for September and wish to appeal the decision, please download an Appeal Form.

Mid-Term Admissions

Applications received in mid- term are now made directly to the school (application forms are available above) and will be dealt with in accordance with the above criteria. In the event of a place being available in the appropriate year group then that will be offered.

Appeals

If you are not satisfied with a decision regarding admission to the school, please  view/download the Admission Appeal Form from the downloads section at the top of this page. appeals will be heard within thirty school days of the appeal being lodged. Appeals are managed by an independent appeals clerk and heard by and independent panel.