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The Newbury Academy Trust seeks consultation to amend the order in which admissions are given priority in the event of oversubscription at Trinity School.
In the event that Trinity School receives more year 7 applicants than the number of places it has available (210), places are currently awarded in order of children who meet the criteria below until all places are filled.
The Newbury Academy Trust proposes to change the order to the following admission criteria for Trinity School (changes highlighted in bold):
There would be no other changes to the admissions policies: student admission numbers would remain at 210 students for entry in year 7 and tie break criteria as outlined in the current policy would still apply.
Trinity School is a secondary school in Newbury. It is part of the Newbury Academy Trust, which is committed to providing excellent education for all and dramatically improving the lives of the children and young people it serves by providing access to high quality education and experiences. In line with the Department for Education’s School Admissions Code, and as part of our statutory responsibility as the admission authority, Newbury Academy Trust are proposing a change to the order in which applications are considered in the event of oversubscription.
The following consultation information outlines the proposal and seeks the views of parents, carers, local schools, the local authority, governors and other stakeholders.
Supporting families who are already part of the Newbury Academy Trust: These changes would prevent families who already have older siblings attending Trinity School from having to make separate travel arrangements for younger siblings.
Consistency across the Newbury Academy Trust: Moving the Newbury Academy Trust primary schools higher up the oversubscription criteria would also support all Headteachers in developing a strong all-through curriculum for the benefit of the local community.
Supporting Newbury Academy Trust staff: This change recognises the vital contributions of our dedicated staff and reflects the Trust’s commitment to supporting their well-being and long-term retention.
These changes will apply to students applying for a place at Trinity School from September 2027.
Newbury Academy Trust are seeking views from parents and carers of current and prospective students; local primary and secondary schools; Newbury Academy Trust staff and governors; local community groups and West Berkshire Local Authority.
Consultation period timelines and where to send responses
The consultation period will run for six weeks from 1st December 2025 to 12th January 2026.
Feedback can be submitted by:
Completing the online form below
Email: clerk@newburyacademytrust.org
Post: Admissions Consultation, Trinity School, Love Lane, RG14 2DU
Next Steps and Further Information
Following the consultation, all responses will be considered by the Board of Trustees and a decision will then be made. If approved, the altered order of priority will be reflected in Trinity School’s admissions policy for the relevant year and published on the school’s website.
Why is the school consulting on its admissions arrangements?
There is a legal requirement, outlined in the Department for Education’s School Admissions Code (2021), to consult when any proposed changes to admissions arrangements are considered.
What is a consultation?
A consultation is a formal process that allows for stakeholders (which include parents, local residents, staff and governors) to give their opinions before any important changes are agreed.
Are any other parts of the admissions policy changing?
No. The only proposed change is the order of the oversubscription criteria. All other aspects, including the Published Admissions Number (PAN) and catchment area remain the same.
Who is being consulted?
Trinity School is asking for the opinions of parents of current and prospective students, local primary and secondary schools, the local authority, governors, staff and any other interested parties as required by the School Admissions Code.
How long will the consultation last?
It will run for six weeks from the 1st December 2025 to the 12th January 2026. All responses must be received by the closing date.
Has this change already been agreed?
No. This is a consultation, which means that Trinity School is gathering the opinions of all interested parties before making a decision. The final decision will be agreed by the Board of Trustees following a review of all responses.
What is oversubscription criteria?
When a school receives more applications than the places they have available in the PAN, the oversubscription criteria is used to decide which children will be offered a place.
Will this change affect my child’s chance of getting a place?
It may affect some applicants depending on which criteria apply to them. For example, families who live further away but have children who attend one of the Trust’s primary schools or already have an older sibling at Trinity School may benefit from this change.
My child has an EHCP. How will this affect them?
As part of the Department for Education’s School Admissions Code (2021), children with EHCPs are automatically admitted, and the proposed changes will not affect this.
Will this change affect children looked after by the local authority or previously looked after children?
No. These children will continue to have the highest priority, in line with the School Admissions Code.
How are siblings defined in the policy?
Siblings include step siblings, foster siblings, adopted siblings and other children living permanently at the same address.
Does this change affect catchment area boundaries?
No. These will remain the same.
Does the change affect in-year admissions?
The oversubscription criteria apply to all admissions, including in-year, from the date they take effect.
When would these proposed changes take effect?
This would affect parents of children applying to start Year 7 in September 2027 and does not affect the current admissions process for September 2026.
Why have Trust schools been prioritised?
Trust primary schools have their curriculums carefully sequenced to support a successful transition to Trinity School. Raising the priority of these primaries supports all students within the Trust.
Will there be enough places for children living within the Trinity catchment area?
Trinity School does not anticipate this change having a huge impact on those living within the catchment area who place Trinity as their first choice when applying for a secondary school place.
What happens if people disagree with the changes?
All responses will be given serious consideration. They will be collated and then the Board of Trustees will review them and make a final decision.
What happens after the consultation closes?
All responses will be reviewed by the school’s governing body, which will decide whether to approve the proposed changes or not. A summary of the responses and the final decision will be published by the end of February 2026
Can Trinity School change the proposal after the consultation?
Yes. Feedback received during the consultation may lead to adjustments being made before the final arrangements are agreed.
How will parents be informed of the final decision?
The final agreed admission arrangements will be published on the Trinity School website by the 28th February 2026.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Please contact George Ruddle, Head of Transition at Trinity School (GRuddle@trinity.newburyacademytrust.org) if you have further questions about the consultation or admissions process.
