Topic ID 6433
With all the worries about over subscribed schools in Hertford, we have considered looking at St. Josephs. I know it's a Catholic school, but was wondering if anyone knows what the entry criteria is? Do they take children that are not baptised as Catholics? Also does anyone have children there, if so what is it like? Thanks in advance.
Reply ID 86382
They will admit non-Catholics but baptised Catholic children take priority. I think you'd be relatively unlikely to gain a place as non-Catholic tbh. It is a wonderful (popular!) school.
Reply ID 86388
Don't bother reading Eleanor's reply, this is 2012 and diversity is something that Herts County Council take very seriously. Phone them and ask them for a visit to walk around the school. They have a responsibility to 'school' children from all walks of life. I can count on one hand the people I knew in the 80's that attended the school who were from a Catholic background (four from the same family, ahem ) It's a good school. Forget religion, push the Head on their Ofsted rating; that's what gains points after all. Your kids won't be guided by the Pope in classes to be honest. Isn't the school's curriculum and the Head Teacher's reputation more important?
Reply ID 86389
Sue, I find the response from James007 rather rude, unnecesary and particularly ill informed. Please DO bother to read Eleanor's reply as it is relevant. Then go to the admissions page on their web site: http://www.stjosephs255.herts.sch.uk/Admissions-All-the-infromation-you-will-need-for--7901.asp?page=7901# This should give you all the information and guidance you need. Particularly of note, and in rather stark contradiction to the statements by James007, is the admissions policy itself which is somewhat emphatic. I'm sure there are many non-catholics at the school or many non-practicing Catholics but the admissions criteria would appear to be quite clear on the preferences.
Reply ID 86391
quote:The Catholic Church is another matter. As Eleanor said - chances of non Catholic admissions will be slim and are likely to involve regular church attendance and a letter from a priest in order to qualify.
Originally posted by James007
Don't bother reading Eleanor's reply, this is 2012 and diversity is something that Herts County Council take very seriously.
Reply ID 86394
quote:Six of the first seven admission criteria require a baptismal certificate and four of the first seven admission criteria require a Diocesan Priest's reference Form (http://www.stjosephs255.herts.sch.uk/images/PriestsReferenceDoW2010withParentalNotes8102010521824.pdf).
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:The Catholic Church is another matter. As Eleanor said - chances of non Catholic admissions will be slim and are likely to involve regular church attendance and a letter from a priest in order to qualify.
Originally posted by James007
Don't bother reading Eleanor's reply, this is 2012 and diversity is something that Herts County Council take very seriously.
Reply ID 86396
quote:... which is wrong. A child's education comes first. Not the Pope.
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:Six of the first seven admission criteria require a baptismal certificate and four of the first seven admission criteria require a Diocesan Priest's reference Form (http://www.stjosephs255.herts.sch.uk/images/PriestsReferenceDoW2010withParentalNotes8102010521824.pdf).
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:The Catholic Church is another matter. As Eleanor said - chances of non Catholic admissions will be slim and are likely to involve regular church attendance and a letter from a priest in order to qualify.
Originally posted by James007
Don't bother reading Eleanor's reply, this is 2012 and diversity is something that Herts County Council take very seriously.
Reply ID 86398
quote:Ewoowar? Care to comment? Dare I use reverse psychology Leo and all the political correctness red tape? Are you saying that St Joseph's would not accept a local Hindu girl, born and bred in Hertford, superb mathematical skills, a good netball player and top of her class in English?
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:The Catholic Church is another matter. As Eleanor said - chances of non Catholic admissions will be slim and are likely to involve regular church attendance and a letter from a priest in order to qualify.
Originally posted by James007
Don't bother reading Eleanor's reply, this is 2012 and diversity is something that Herts County Council take very seriously.
Reply ID 86399
quote:You would have to ask the school for the definitive answer but my impression would be that if her parents were happy for her to be educated in the Catholic faith (and I dont think thats optional)and the demand for places from the Catholic community was low then she would have a chance.
Originally posted by James007 Dare I use reverse psychology Leo and all the political correctness red tape? Are you saying that St Joseph's would not accept a local Hindu girl, born and bred in Hertford, superb mathematical skills, a good netball player and top of her class in English?
Reply ID 86401
quote:What does 'educated in the Catholic faith' mean to a 6 year old? It's where the whole system has failed. Another example: Why should a talented English boy, exemplary with A in every subject at his school in Bethnal Green, East London be excluded from joining a school 200 yards from his new home because he is not catholic? Both parents are successful working business people, his Father from Gambia, his Mother from Finchley, North London, no religious beliefs. It does not make sense to send the boy further afield to school because he is not catholic by birth! Edit: St Joe's statement: A Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School within the Diocese of Westminster" ... so, it is a voluntary aided primary school. This must therefore be a charity, not a HCC tax payer funded school which is why you have to have a catholic faith to gain education regardless of whether you live opposite the school and have no religion. Bonkers. http://www.stjosephs255.herts.sch.uk/ St Joseph's is a Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School within the Diocese of Westminster situated in the pleasant county town of Hertford. Our thriving community includes Junior, Infant and Nursery classes and a pre-school Play Group with premises in the grounds of the school.
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:You would have to ask the school for the definitive answer but my impression would be that if her parents were happy for her to be educated in the Catholic faith (and I dont think thats optional)and the demand for places from the Catholic community was low then she would have a chance.
Originally posted by James007 Dare I use reverse psychology Leo and all the political correctness red tape? Are you saying that St Joseph's would not accept a local Hindu girl, born and bred in Hertford, superb mathematical skills, a good netball player and top of her class in English?
Reply ID 86404
It isn't bonkers if you are devout practising Catholic with kids though James (and I speak as a long time lapsed one). I went to school with plenty of non-Catholics (mainly C of E or no particular persuasion at all) but they had to attend the masses and the RE lessons - no exceptions. Those teachings and beliefs will clearly be at odds with people from Islamic upbringings etc. I'm not saying you are wrong in your thinking James - I just don't really care enough as I doubt it will ever change. Anyways, thats probably enough as this has drifted into a dicussion on Catholic admissions policies in general rather than St. Josephs specifically and I have no wish to receive an Admin rebuke. [:)]
Reply ID 86406
James007, SueMay asked what the admission criteria is for the school and whether non-Catholics attend. Eleanor tried to answer. You, on the other hand, provide inaccurate information and turn the thread into a discussion/argument about whether or not their admission policy, in fact all Catholic school admission policies, are correct. Try re-reading your posts in your head using the voice of the Reverend Ian Paisely in one of his purple faced rants. Somewhat fitting.
Reply ID 86409
I think I will get the deck chair and popcorn to watch this thread . . . could be good. My experience is that some oversubscribed or well performing Catholic schools will use the admissions criteria to make it difficult for children they dont think will add to their scores to get in.
Reply ID 86418
quote:Ewoowar, I have two words for you. Post Code. [:p] Oh... and have good read of this as St. Joseph's Hertford might be discriminating against non-catholic children wishing to join the school who might live opposite it. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmselect/cmeduski/94/9406.htm
Originally posted by Ewoowar
James007, SueMay asked what the admission criteria is for the school and whether non-Catholics attend. Eleanor tried to answer. You, on the other hand, provide inaccurate information and turn the thread into a discussion/argument about whether or not their admission policy, in fact all Catholic school admission policies, are correct. Try re-reading your posts in your head using the voice of the Reverend Ian Paisely in one of his purple faced rants. Somewhat fitting.
Reply ID 86424
Oh my goodness, I didn't intend to open a religious/political debate! Just wondered if my son stood a chance of getting a place.I'll take a look and see what they say. Hopefully he'll get into Millmead (our nearest school)and pigs might fly!!!!!!!!!!
Reply ID 86426
quote:Sue............don't worry. Just read the admissions criteria the school post on their web site and speak to the school and school admissions team if you need more information. Let James007 continue with his campaign against the admission policy. He's certainly done his research. I expect to see him in the Mercury taking his campaign to the people next or marching up and down outside the school with a placard. Good luck, James. The rest of us can get on with life.
Originally posted by suemay
Oh my goodness, I didn't intend to open a religious/political debate! Just wondered if my son stood a chance of getting a place.I'll take a look and see what they say. Hopefully he'll get into Millmead (our nearest school)and pigs might fly!!!!!!!!!!
Reply ID 86427
I think all round that if anyone has any questions about a relevant school, contacting the school or,if applicable, the local authority to discuss the entrance requirements etc is a must.. not listening to us on the Forum!! Get it from the horses mouth so to speak!
Reply ID 86442
quote:Grow up Ewoowar. This is 2012. Under St Joseph's current admissions policy my little Gambian friend who lives opposite the school falls under category 14 of St Joey's admissions policy. Good, polite hard working boy, top grades in every thing he does including religious studies, loves sport and is a good footballer and growing athlete, head-boy at his school in London with many friends from all diverse backgrounds. And yet he falls under category 14 of their admissions status. Their loss but bonkers.
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:Sue............don't worry. Just read the admissions criteria the school post on their web site and speak to the school and school admissions team if you need more information. Let James007 continue with his campaign against the admission policy. He's certainly done his research. I expect to see him in the Mercury taking his campaign to the people next or marching up and down outside the school with a placard. Good luck, James. The rest of us can get on with life.
Originally posted by suemay
Oh my goodness, I didn't intend to open a religious/political debate! Just wondered if my son stood a chance of getting a place.I'll take a look and see what they say. Hopefully he'll get into Millmead (our nearest school)and pigs might fly!!!!!!!!!!
Reply ID 86443
he lives in hertford but commutes into zone 2 of london to go to school??!
Reply ID 86444
quote:His parents have just secured exchange of contract on a house, and yes, for the foreseeable future, commuting via cab, will be the only option.
Originally posted by exiled_in_Reading
he lives in hertford but commutes into zone 2 of london to go to school??!
Reply ID 86446
quote:that sounds like a bonkers arrangement. rather him than me.
Originally posted by James007quote:His parents have just secured exchange of contract on a house, and yes, for the foreseeable future, commuting via cab, will be the only option.
Originally posted by exiled_in_Reading
he lives in hertford but commutes into zone 2 of london to go to school??!
Reply ID 86447
quote:It is. Options aren't available at the moment as per clause 14 of St Joe's admission policy criteria.
Originally posted by exiled_in_Readingquote:that sounds like a bonkers arrangement. rather him than me.
Originally posted by James007quote:His parents have just secured exchange of contract on a house, and yes, for the foreseeable future, commuting via cab, will be the only option.
Originally posted by exiled_in_Reading
he lives in hertford but commutes into zone 2 of london to go to school??!
Reply ID 86451
quote:Grow up? One of us is answering the original question. One of us appears to be ranting against perceived unfairness in Catholic school admission policies. I hope your placards are nice.
Originally posted by James007quote:Grow up Ewoowar. This is 2012. Under St Joseph's current admissions policy my little Gambian friend who lives opposite the school falls under category 14 of St Joey's admissions policy. Good, polite hard working boy, top grades in every thing he does including religious studies, loves sport and is a good footballer and growing athlete, head-boy at his school in London with many friends from all diverse backgrounds. And yet he falls under category 14 of their admissions status. Their loss but bonkers.
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:Sue............don't worry. Just read the admissions criteria the school post on their web site and speak to the school and school admissions team if you need more information. Let James007 continue with his campaign against the admission policy. He's certainly done his research. I expect to see him in the Mercury taking his campaign to the people next or marching up and down outside the school with a placard. Good luck, James. The rest of us can get on with life.
Originally posted by suemay
Oh my goodness, I didn't intend to open a religious/political debate! Just wondered if my son stood a chance of getting a place.I'll take a look and see what they say. Hopefully he'll get into Millmead (our nearest school)and pigs might fly!!!!!!!!!!
Reply ID 86452
This thread is titled 'St. Josephs North Road'. The current discussion has morphed to one about admission policies for Catholic schools in general and then admission rules in general. I think such discussions require a new thread. The original post with questions specific to St. Josephs has been answered.
Reply ID 86453
Strange, as I recently let a house in North Road to a family from Australia who have 3 boys. All three were offered places the day they moved in and have already started at the school. So far as I am aware, they are not practising Catholics
Reply ID 86454
quote:That could have happened as they would be joining mid way through the school year; I have heard that schools often have places once they year is underway as people leave, move house, move school etc. Mind you, to get 3 places when there are only 30 in the first place is good going! The Head at St Josephs is a friend of mine - I'll ask him
Originally posted by Kitty Kat
Strange, as I recently let a house in North Road to a family from Australia who have 3 boys. All three were offered places the day they moved in and have already started at the school. So far as I am aware, they are not practising Catholics
Reply ID 86455
quote:I would doubt that the three places were all in the same school year. That would mean twins and another quick conception or triplets! However it does sound exceptional. I agree with a post a few posts back.........places become available during the school year as children leave and a waiting list is often operated for those with an interest in moving their child to a school.
Originally posted by Razorquote:That could have happened as they would be joining mid way through the school year; I have heard that schools often have places once they year is underway as people leave, move house, move school etc. Mind you, to get 3 places when there are only 30 in the first place is good going! The Head at St Josephs is a friend of mine - I'll ask him
Originally posted by Kitty Kat
Strange, as I recently let a house in North Road to a family from Australia who have 3 boys. All three were offered places the day they moved in and have already started at the school. So far as I am aware, they are not practising Catholics
Reply ID 86456
quote:Good point! [:D]
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:I would doubt that the three places were all in the same school year. That would mean twins and another quick conception or triplets!However it does sound exceptional. I agree with a post a few posts back.........places become available during the school year as children leave and a waiting list is often operated for those with an interest in moving their child to a school.
Originally posted by Razorquote:That could have happened as they would be joining mid way through the school year; I have heard that schools often have places once they year is underway as people leave, move house, move school etc. Mind you, to get 3 places when there are only 30 in the first place is good going! The Head at St Josephs is a friend of mine - I'll ask him
Originally posted by Kitty Kat
Strange, as I recently let a house in North Road to a family from Australia who have 3 boys. All three were offered places the day they moved in and have already started at the school. So far as I am aware, they are not practising Catholics
Reply ID 86457
I agree with a post a few posts back.........places become available during the school year as children leave and a waiting list is often operated for those with an interest in moving their child to a school. [/quote] That was my post that you are responding to wasn't it?!
Reply ID 86458
quote:That was my post that you are responding to wasn't it?! [/quote] Yep.
Originally posted by Razor
I agree with a post a few posts back.........places become available during the school year as children leave and a waiting list is often operated for those with an interest in moving their child to a school.
Reply ID 86459
The boys are in different years - didn't seem to be an issue to take them at all
Reply ID 86460
Ive heard back from Ian and can report as follows: There were 2 boys admitted, not 3. There were spaces available as a family whose children were at the school had recently moved out of the area The reason they got the places was because at the time of applying they were at the top of the list in terms of the admission criteria, catholic or otherwise (Ian did not disclose whether or not they were catholic as this is private information) He confirmed that children moving in and out of schools happens a fair bit and that many schools maintain a "continued interest" list. Finally, for those that are interested (James007?) he passed on a link regarding the Department of Education's national admissions policy. http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/schooladmissions/a00195/current-codes-and-regulations
Reply ID 86466
quote:Interesting. Thanks for the info, will pass it on.
Originally posted by Razor
Ive heard back from Ian and can report as follows: There were 2 boys admitted, not 3. There were spaces available as a family whose children were at the school had recently moved out of the area The reason they got the places was because at the time of applying they were at the top of the list in terms of the admission criteria, catholic or otherwise (Ian did not disclose whether or not they were catholic as this is private information) He confirmed that children moving in and out of schools happens a fair bit and that many schools maintain a "continued interest" list. Finally, for those that are interested (James007?) he passed on a link regarding the Department of Education's national admissions policy. http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/schooladmissions/a00195/current-codes-and-regulations
Reply ID 86471
quote:His parents have just secured exchange of contract on a house, and yes, for the foreseeable future, commuting via cab, will be the only option. [/quote I don't think it's the only option. Apparently there are vacancies in every year group at St Andrew's, just up the hill from St Joseph's. Also vacancies in most year groups at nearby Hollybush. For all vacancies as at 20 Feb 2012 see http://www.hertsdirect.org/docs/pdf/v/inyrvac200212pri
Originally posted by James007
[quote]Originally posted by exiled_in_Reading
he lives in hertford but commutes into zone 2 of london to go to school??!
Reply ID 86472
who is paying for this cab, which would cost about a ton a day return?
Reply ID 86474
So what it appears to boil down to is the fact that with the boy mentioned by James, that he is moving into the area, not at the start of the school year, St Joseph's is full, but there are vacancies at other local schools. Therefore I cannot see St Joseph's admission policy is a problem, but it is in fact the parents personal choice to continuing his schooling in London rather than in an available local school?
Reply ID 86497
Back to my original post, I rang he school today, and was informed that they do take non catholics at the school, but obviously catholic children take priority. I am visiting the school next week, and it all depends on how many apply as to whether my son would get a place. Will keep you posted........
Reply ID 86499
quote:So we have gone a long way round the houses to confirm the accuracy of the very first response to your original post [:)]
Originally posted by suemay
Back to my original post, I rang he school today, and was informed that they do take non catholics at the school, but obviously catholic children take priority. I am visiting the school next week, and it all depends on how many apply as to whether my son would get a place. Will keep you posted........