A primary school in Greater Manchester has unveiled a controversial new admissions policy that would give priority to children from churchgoing families for places starting in 2027.
Strict New Criteria for School Places
St Chad's Church of England Primary School in Uppermill, Oldham, is consulting on sweeping changes to how it allocates its 30 annual reception places. The proposals, brought forward by the Forward As One Trust, would apply if the school is oversubscribed.
The planned hierarchy for admissions is clear. First priority goes to children who are currently or were previously in care, followed by siblings of pupils already at the school. The third and most debated criterion then comes into play: spaces would be allocated to children based on strict church attendance records.
Parents would need to provide proof from a relevant church official. To be prioritised, a child must have attended worship at least 24 times over the past two years. Those with 12 attendances in the past 12 months would be next in line.
Community Reaction and Concerns
The policy has ignited a fierce debate in Uppermill. Some residents argue that as the village's only school, St Chad's should be accessible to all local children, irrespective of faith.
"Parents should be able to take their children to the nearest primary school, not have to drive them to the next village," one local stated. "A 4-year-old can't be expected to walk to Diggle or Greenfield when there is a good school in their own village." Another critic labelled the plan "ludicrous".
Supporters counter that many families can access schools further afield and that faith-based admissions are common nationwide. The school's consultation document stresses it is "welcome to all" and that applying under the faith criterion is optional.
Wider Trust Consultation and Next Steps
St Chad's is not alone. Other schools under the Forward As One Trust, including St Peter's Smithalls Dean CE Primary in Bolton and St Paul's CE Primary in Bury, are consulting on similar measures. In total, 16 schools' policies are open for feedback from parents.
Karen Bramwell, CEO of Forward As One, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "The proposed admissions arrangements for 2027–28 are still under consultation, and no decision has been made... We welcome families of all faiths and none."
The trust is appealing for views from local families and residents until January 28. All comments will be considered before a final decision is made by 28th February 2026. Applications for the affected school places will open on 1st September and close on 15th January 2027.
