Admissions

• Exceptional results — 8% above the national average; 16% above in maths and 15% above in reading.
• Small, close-knit school offering a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Strong sense of community fostering lasting connections between children, teachers, families and the wider community.
• Learning beyond the classroom.
• Open communication and consistent engagement.
• Every child’s needs met and their potential maximised.
• Welcoming to all — children of all faiths and backgrounds.

St. James’ is a one-form-entry Roman Catholic Primary School (4–11 years) in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear. We are part of the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust. We are very proud of our school and the community it serves. We are delighted that you are considering St. James’ Catholic Primary School for your child’s primary education.

Our governing body has responsibility for admissions to our school. The local authority undertakes the co-ordination of admission arrangements during the normal admission round for Reception entry in September.

September Admissions

You will find our Admission Policy below with full information about our admission process and criteria.

Feel free to contact the school office if you have any queries about the admission of your child into St. James’. We know the admissions process can be daunting and are more than happy to support you.

What we offer 

1. Peer Learning and Social Development - Mixed-age interaction encourages younger children to learn from older peers, while older children reinforce their understanding by modelling behaviours and skills. This dynamic fosters collaboration, empathy, and independence.

2. Leadership and responsibility - Supporting younger peers nurtures empathy, patience, and social responsibility.

3. Consolidation of skills - Teaching or modelling behaviours (like tidying, turn-taking, or early literacy) strengthens their own understanding.

4. Confidence building - Being seen as capable and “grown-up” raises self-esteem.

5. Community feel - A mixed-age environment mirrors real-world social settings, fostering collaboration and friendships across ages.

6. Flexible learning - Staff can group children by developmental stage rather than strict age, personalising learning more effectively.

Come and Visit Us

We have scheduled open evenings in school; however, if you are unable to attend, please call the school office on 0191 483 2672 and we will be happy to arrange an alternative opportunity for you to visit.

How to Apply

Please find the 2025 Admissions Timetable, link to the application form and information from South Tyneside Local Authority below.

Step 1 — click here: South Tyneside Council Admissions

Step 2: Scroll down until you find the button shown below, click it and follow the instructions.

 

 

Step 3: Scroll down until you see the information below. Now simply Log in or Register for an account to gain access to the form.

Need a hand?

We offer support — get in touch to book an appointment to pop into school. We can help with all forms. Call the school office on 0191 483 2672 or email info@stjameshebburn.co.uk.

Next Steps

How will I know if my child has been offered a place?
You will receive an acknowledgement email from South Tyneside Council by the end of February. You will then receive your child’s school offer by 16 April.

What if I miss the deadline?
Don’t panic — late applications can still be submitted, and we’ll help you with next steps.

What if my application isn’t successful?
We’ll talk you through the appeal process and explain your options clearly.

What happens after my child is offered a place?
How wonderful! We’ll contact you to arrange induction days and share details about uniforms, routines and starting school smoothly.

Getting your little one ready for school? 
Every chat, story, and “I can do it myself” moment at home helps your child grow confident, curious, and ready to take on EYFS.
The small everyday wins add up to a big school-ready boost!

Below you can find tips on how to get your child school ready which have been developed by our EYFS Team.

Help to get your child ready for school