oasismark   10 #1 Posted July 11, 2006 Basically i want to know if non-catholic children can attend catholic schools eg Notre Dam?  My daughter is only very young (3) at the mo, but i'm thinking very long term and i'd like her to attend Notre Dam, as i've heard it's got an excellent reputation.  Must she be christned or, must i be christned?  Would we all have to attend church?  What are the 'requirements'?  Any help is aprecciated, thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
senora   10 #2 Posted July 11, 2006 I went to Mount St Marys in Spinkhill, a catholic jesuit school. I'm not christened. It was compulsory to attend mass anyway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
deadheadfred   10 #3 Posted July 11, 2006 Non-Catholics can attend the school but I seem to recall that preference will be given to Catholics.  See this and look at the admissions policy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
KenH Â Â 10 #4 Posted July 11, 2006 The admissions policy for all schools will change before your child gets to school. The entry requirments for catholic schools are likely to change least. The way these things work is that they decide which group of applicants you belong to depending on your personal circumstances. If you are catholic and get a reference from your priest then you will probably be in the top group. All places are given to those in the top group and then any spare places are allocated to the next priority group. If you aren't a catholic but are a practicing christian and get a reference then you would also be in a high group. Other criteria include attending a feeder school and having a sibling already at the school. If there are not enough places for everyone in one group to get a place then they can apply tie break criteria which is normally distance from the school. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
marcy   10 #5 Posted July 11, 2006 Im not catholic but went to All Saints catholic school Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Emma29 Â Â 10 #6 Posted July 11, 2006 Hi OasisMark, Â I went to St Mary's High Green 1989 - 1994 and then to Notre Dame in 1994 - 1999 and you had to be Catholic then. Â xxx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
martin1print   10 #7 Posted July 11, 2006 Ken is right. Baptised Catholics have top priority (whether they attend Mass or not). Church going non-Catholics are welcome to apply with a reference from their minister, although preference will be given to Catholics. There are some places for non-Catholics, the percentage allowed in depends on the amount of Catholics that apply. If you have your daughter baptised a Catholic and live in the catchment area then admission should be no problem. However, the priest will not baptise children just for the purpose of entering the school. A period of allegiance to the church is expected, including attendance at Mass on Sundays. Notre Dame is indeed an excellent school, very high standards with glowing Ofsted results. Both my kids go there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Liose   10 #8 Posted July 11, 2006 Just out of interest - where is the proof that you have been baptised catholic - do the schools check this?  I went to St Maries at Fullwood then to All Saints on Granville Road (am non-catholic)...Obviously, it is much more difficult now - but how would they verify if I told them my daughter was baptised catholic (even though she hasn't)? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
senora   10 #9 Posted July 11, 2006 You have a certificate but it's doubtful they would ask to see it. Plus they would be confirmed. Your kid would be expected to know what to do at mass and eat the bread which they don't let you do till you are confirmed i think Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
bhoy   10 #10 Posted July 11, 2006 I believe they have to let non catholics into the schools now ?? think about 2%. So its pot luck that you get your child a place in the 2% of non catholics. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
oasismark   10 #11 Posted July 11, 2006 Thanks for all your help people.  So basically, we've got a better chance of getting her in if she is baptised and we as a family attent church.  The vicar is coming round tonight to chat about her being baptised, i'm really nervous, feel like i'm cheating him or summat as i'm not currently attending church, although i was baptised. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
senora   10 #12 Posted July 11, 2006 I was just thinking, by the time your child goes to school, the school probably won't be allowed to choose between catholics and non catholics. It would be something you could argue about now, saying that it's discriminatory(can't spell it) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...