In line with the School Admissions Code, Cathedral Schools Trust (CST), which is the admission authority, is consulting on the admission arrangements for the following schools only that are within the Trust, for children who will be admitted during the academic year 2026/27:

• Ashton Gate Primary School

Proposal 1: to reduce the published admission number (PAN) for new Reception children from 120 to 90 places, effective from September 2026.

Since 2017, birth rates have fallen in Bristol and there is therefore reduced demand for primary school places across the city. This trend is not unique to our school; across Bristol, there are currently 500 unused primary places and the decrease in overall demand is forecast to continue into the foreseeable future.  Managing pupil admission numbers (PAN) down in a controlled and organised way in conjunction with other schools allows for more sustainable place planning across the city and better distribution of places. 

We have consulted with the School Place Planning Team regarding future projected pupil numbers in Bristol, and they have confirmed that the planned requirements will still be met once this proposed change is implemented. 

Proposal 2: to include a children of staff criterion to the priority list for admissions for Ashton Gate Primary School. The option for staff to be able to send their children to the school where they work is important for a range of reasons including making the logistical challenges of childcare more manageable and supporting their wellbeing. Evidence from other trust schools indicates it also supports recruitment and retention of staff. 

Please click here to view the draft Ashton Gate Admission Arrangements 2026/27

(Proposed changes are highlighted in yellow)

In addition, CST is consulting on the admission arrangements for:

• Bristol Cathedral Choir School (Post 16 provision only)
• Trinity Academy (Post 16 provision only)

Proposal: Both schools use an on-line admissions portal to administer and process applications to the 6th Form.  The proposal is to amend the wording to better explain the application process including how provisional offers are made, and how confirmation and enrolment takes place. The wording in the arrangements has also been amended to provide clarity as to how late applications and applicants with non-standard qualifications are treated.

Please click here to view the draft BCCS Post 16 Admission Arrangements 2026/27

Please click here to view the draft Trinity Academy Post 16 Admission Arrangments 2026/27

(Proposed changes are highlighted in yellow).

The consultation process will run from Friday 6th December 2024 to 12 noon on Friday 31st January 2025. 

It is important to emphasise that this is a consultation process and that all views will be heard as part of this consultation and arrangements are not agreed until after the consultation has taken place. 

Comments are not being sought on the rest of the arrangements.

If you would like to comment or offer feedback on the proposed changes to the admission arrangements please complete the form here, ticking the relevant box to show which school your comments refer to.  Please note responses received after 12 noon on 31st January 2025 will not be considered.

If you have any queries or requests for hard copies of the admission arrangements please contact Mrs Juliet Turner, Admissions, Cathedral Schools Trust via email: enquiries@cathedralschoolstrust.org

Determination of Admission Arrangements 2025/26