Hollingworth Academy is an 11-16 secondary school under the trusteeship of the Hollingworth Learning Trust. As an academy, the Trust is the Admissions Authority and is responsible for taking decisions on applications for admissions. The co-ordination of admissions arrangements is undertaken by the Local Authority as in any Admission Appeal.
Visit the Council website to apply for a place at Hollingworth Academy. This is only for Rochdale residents, and those who live outside of Rochdale need to apply through their own local authority.
For information on appealing your secondary school place, please follow this link to be referred to the Secondary school admission appeals page. Copies of our Admissions Policies can be found below.
Admissions Authority
Hollingworth Academy is an 11-16 secondary school under the trusteeship of the Hollingworth Learning Trust.
The Admissions Policy is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees of the Hollingworth Learning Trust, though in practice the operation of the policy is delegated to the Academy Committee (Local Governing Body) of the Academy.
Published Admissions Number (PAN)
The Governing Body has set its admissions number at 270 for 2024-2025.
The Admissions Policy for 2024/25 is as follows:
CHILDREN WITH AN EDUCATIONAL HEALTH AND CARE PLAN (EHCP):
Where students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and Hollingworth Academy is named in the EHCP children will be allocated a place before any other places are allocated.
The Local Governing Body will consider all applications for admission on an equal basis, with the following set of Admissions/Oversubscription Criteria forming a priority order where there are more applications for admissions than the school has places available:
1. CHILDREN IN CARE TO A LOCAL AUTHORITY (Looked-After Children):
Children who are in public care (“Looked After” children as defined by Section 22 (1) of the Children Act 1989), or children who were Previously Looked After but ceased to be so because they became adopted or became subject to a residence or special guardianship order.
2. CHILDREN WITH EXCEPTIONAL MEDICAL NEEDS OR EXCEPTIONAL WELFARE CONSIDERATIONS WHICH ARE DIRECTLY RELEVANT TO HOLLINGWORTH ACADEMY:
Exceptional medical needs must be supported at the same time of application by a letter from a GP, hospital consultant or other medical professional indicating how a student’s medical condition relates to the preference for Hollingworth Academy.
Exceptional Welfare consideration (such as children at risk) must be supported at the same time of the application by a letter from a supporting agency (e.g. Social Worker, Family Support Worker) indicating how the circumstances relate to Hollingworth Academy.
3. CHILDREN WITH AN OLDER SIBLING ATTENDING HOLLINGWORTH ACADEMY AT THE TIME OF ADMISSION:
A sibling is defined as a brother or sister, or step-brother or step-sister living at the same address as the child for whom the application is being made and who are in attendance at the school at the start of the academic year for which admission is being sought. Sibling priority will not be given where the brother/sister or step-brother or step-sister lives at a different address to the child for whom the application is being made. No sibling priority is given to cousins, regardless of their address.
You may only claim this priority if your child has an older sibling who will be in attendance at the school in September 2024.
4. CHILDREN ELIGIBLE FOR THE SERVICE PREMIUM:
Children eligible for admission under this priority are those where:
- one of their parents is serving in the regular armed forces;
- one of their parents served in the regular armed forces in the last 3 years;
- one of their parents died while serving in the armed forces and the student is in receipt of a pension under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) and the War Pensions Scheme (WPS).
5. CHILDREN OF STAFF AT THE SCHOOL:
It is anticipated that this will account for a very small number of places offered and will be reviewed annually by the Governing Body.
- Where the member of staff must have been employed at the school for two or more years at the time at which the application for admission is made, and/or;
- The member of staff is required to fill a vacant post for which there is a demonstrable skill shortage.
6. OTHER CHILDREN:
If applications for the academy are in excess of the number of places available the Governors will apply the above criteria, to decide which children should be admitted/offered places. In the event of oversubscription in any of the above categories, applicants living nearest to the academy will be given priority. Distance will be measured using the shortest walking route from the front door of the child’s home address (including flats) to the front gates of the Academy, using GPS coordinates of the property from the Ordnance Survey AddressBase database.
Shortest walking distances are calculated using the address supplied on your Local Authority admission form which must be the child’s permanent place of residence. No other address will be used in this calculation. From the provided address we obtain the GPS coordinates of the property from the Ordnance Survey AddressBase database. Using these coordinates we obtain the distance of the shortest walking route to the front gates of the Academy to 3 decimal places using Google Maps APL. If for any reason there is a significant difference in the distance between your properties GPS coordinates and the Google Maps start point, then the Academy will check the reason for this discrepancy and deal with it accordingly and fairly. The Academy does not recognise any cut through or shortcut not mapped by Google Maps.
It is the responsibility of all applicants to state clearly any specific details which relate to any of the above admission criteria. The information should be included on the application form which should be fully completed before submission.
Children living in other authorities must apply to their own Council and name Hollingworth Academy, Rochdale.
UNDER THE SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS CODE ALL ADMISSIONS AUTHORITIES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AN ‘EQUAL RANKING’ PREFERENCE SYSTEM.
TIE-BREAK
If in any category there are more applications than places available, priority will be given on the basis of distance from home to school with those living nearer to the school having priority.
Distance will be measured using the Local Authority’s computerised measuring system.
If the distance is the same for two or more applicants for the last place/s to be allocated, a random lottery will be carried out in a public place.
YEAR 7 ADMISSIONS WAITING LIST
If there are more applications than places available, a waiting list will be maintained. Waiting lists will be ranked according to the relevant admissions/oversubscription criteria. Parents/carers will be notified if a vacancy arises. The Year 7 admissions waiting list will not be maintained beyond the end of the Autumn term (31 December) of the admission year.
THE RIGHT OF APPEAL
If an application for admission or an In-year transfer request has been turned down by the Governing Body, parents/carers can appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel. This appeal must be made in writing to Rochdale Local Authority Legal Services Team within 20 school days of notification of refusal. The date of notification of the appeal date will be shared with you and a decision following the appeal should be advised within two working days after posting by first class post.
The decision of the appeals panel is binding on all parties.
ADMISSIONS AND APPEALS INFORMATION
The following forms and documents are available from the School Admissions Team at Rochdale Local Authority:
- Secondary School Application Form
- In-Year Transfer Form
- Secondary School Appeal Form
- Secondary Allocation and Appeal Procedure
- School Admission Appeal Timetable
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT DETAILS
RMBC School Admissions Team RMBC Legal Services Team
Number One Riverside School Admissions Appeals
Smith Street Number One Riverside
Rochdale Floor 2
OL16 1XU Smith Street
Rochdale
Tel: 0300 3030340 OL16 1 XU
Email: online.admissions@rochdale.gov.uk
Website: www.rochdale.gov.uk Tel: (01706) 924811
NOTES
· Shared Parenting
Where a child lives with parents with shared responsibility, each for part of a week, the child’s “permanent place of residence” will be determined as the address of the parent who normally has responsibility for the majority of school days in a week.
ADMISSION INTO A DIFFERENT YEAR GROUP
There may be exceptional circumstances where admission into a different year group may be advised or considered (gifted and talented children, for example, or those who have experienced problems or missed part of a year, for example due to ill health). The Governors’ Admissions Committee will make a decision based on the circumstances of each case. Parents/carers of children refused a place at the school have a statutory right of appeal, but this does not apply if parents are offered a place other than in the year group for which they applied.
The Governing Body reserves the right to:
- Increase the number of places they are able to offer parents/carers.
- Accept direct applications from parents/carers for In-year admissions.
- Withdraw the offer of a school place where false evidence is received in relation to sibling connections or place of residence.
POLICY REVIEW AND CONSULTATION
The academy’s Governing Body will review and approve the Admissions Policy annually.
Consultation on admission arrangements will take place whenever there are significant changes to the policy or every seven years if there is no significant change.
Consultation will be for a minimum of 6 weeks and will take place between 1st October and 31st January in the academic year before the arrangements are to apply.
Admission arrangements will be submitted to the Local Authority as soon as possible by 15th March and publicised on the academy’s website for the full offer year.
Consultation will take place in the following way:
- General notification on the school’s website: www.hollingworthacademy.co.uk
- Notification for parents/carers through student mail.
- Notification in writing to Associated Primary School, all own admission authority schools in the borough.
- The Local Authority and neighbouring Authorities.
Any objections to admission arrangements should be made in writing to the Chair of Governors at the academy.
Admissions Authority
The Admission Authority for Hollingworth Academy is the Hollingworth Learning Trust.
The Admissions Policy is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees of the Hollingworth Learning Trust, though in practice the operation of the policy is delegated to the Academy Committee (Local Governing Body) of the Academy.
Published Admissions Number (PAN)
The Governing Body has set its admissions number at 270 for 2023-2024.
The Admissions Policy for 2023/24 is as follows:
CHILDREN WITH AN EDUCATIONAL HEALTH AND CARE PLAN (EHCP):
Where students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and Hollingworth Academy is named in the EHCP children will be allocated a place before any other places are allocated.
The Local Governing Body will consider all applications for admission on an equal basis, with the following set of Admissions/Oversubscription Criteria forming a priority order where there are more applications for admissions than the school has places available:
1. CHILDREN IN CARE TO A LOCAL AUTHORITY (Looked-After Children):
Children who are in public care (“Looked After” children as defined by Section 22 (1) of the Children Act 1989), or children who were Previously Looked After but ceased to be so because they became adopted or became subject to a residence or special guardianship order.
2. CHILDREN WITH EXCEPTIONAL MEDICAL NEEDS OR EXCEPTIONAL WELFARE CONSIDERATIONS WHICH ARE DIRECTLY RELEVANT TO HOLLINGWORTH ACADEMY:
Exceptional medical needs must be supported at the same time of application by a letter from a GP, hospital consultant or other medical professional indicating how a student’s medical condition relates to the preference for Hollingworth Academy.
Exceptional Welfare consideration (such as children at risk) must be supported at the same time of the application by a letter from a supporting agency (e.g. Social Worker, Family Support Worker) indicating how the circumstances relate to Hollingworth Academy.
3. CHILDREN WITH AN OLDER SIBLING ATTENDING HOLLINGWORTH ACADEMY AT THE TIME OF ADMISSION:
A sibling is defined as a brother or sister, or step-brother or step-sister living at the same address as the child for whom the application is being made and who are in attendance at the academy at the start of the academic year for which admission is being sought. Sibling priority will not be given where the brother/sister or step-brother or step-sister lives at a different address to the child for whom the application is being made. No sibling priority is given to cousins, regardless of their address.
You may only claim this priority if your child has an older sibling who will be in attendance at the academy in September 2023.
4. CHILDREN ELIGIBLE FOR THE SERVICE PREMIUM:
Children eligible for admission under this priority are those where:
one of their parents is serving in the regular armed forces;
one of their parents served in the regular armed forces in the last 3 years;
one of their parents died while serving in the armed forces and the student is in receipt of a pension under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) and the War Pensions Scheme (WPS).
5. CHILDREN OF STAFF AT THE ACADEMY:
It is anticipated that this will account for a very small number of places offered and will be reviewed annually by the Governing Body.
Where the member of staff must have been employed at the academy for two or more years at the time at which the application for admission is made, and/or
The member of staff is required to fill a vacant post for which there is a demonstrable skill shortage.
6. OTHER CHILDREN:
If applications for the school are in excess of the number of places available the Governors will apply the above criteria, to decide which children should be admitted/offered places. In the event of oversubscription in any of the above categories, applicants living nearest to the school will be given priority. Distance will be measured using the shortest walking route from the front door of the child’s home address (including flats) to the front gates of the Academy, using GPS coordinates of the property from the Ordnance Survey Address Base database.
Shortest walking distances are calculated using the address supplied on your Local Authority admission form which must be the child’s permanent place of residence. No other address will be used in this calculation. From the provided address we obtain the GPS coordinates of the property from the Ordnance Survey Address Base database. Using these coordinates we obtain the distance of the shortest walking route to the front gates of the Academy to 3 decimal places using Google Maps APL. If for any reason there is a significant difference in the distance between your properties GPS coordinates and the Google Maps start point, then the Academy will check the reason for this discrepancy and deal with it accordingly and fairly. The Academy does not recognise any cut through or shortcut not mapped by Google Maps.
It is the responsibility of all applicants to state clearly any specific details which relate to any of the above admission criteria. The information should be included on the application form which should be fully completed before submission.
Children living in other authorities must apply to their own Council and name Hollingworth Academy, Rochdale.
UNDER THE SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS CODE ALL ADMISSIONS AUTHORITIES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AN ‘EQUAL RANKING’ PREFERENCE SYSTEM.
Tie-Break
If in any category there are more applications than places available, priority will be given on the basis of distance from home to school with those living nearer to the academy having priority.
Distance will be measured using the Local Authority’s computerised measuring system.
If the distance is the same for two or more applicants for the last place/s to be allocated, a random lottery will be carried out in a public place.
Year 7 Admissions Waiting List
If there are more applications than places available, a waiting list will be maintained. Waiting lists will be ranked according to the relevant admissions/oversubscription criteria. Parents/carers will be notified if a vacancy arises. The Year 7 admissions waiting list will not be maintained beyond the end of the Autumn term (31 December) of the admission year.
The Right of Appeal
If an application for admission or an In-year transfer request has been turned down by the Governing Body, parents/carers can appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel. This appeal must be made in writing to Rochdale Local Authority Legal Services Team within 20 school days of notification of refusal. The date of notification of the appeal date will be shared with you and a decision following the appeal should be advised within two working days after posting by first class post.
The decision of the appeals panel is binding on all parties.
Admissions and Appeals Information
The following forms and documents are available from the School Admissions Team at Rochdale Local Authority:
Secondary School Application Form
In-Year Transfer Form
Secondary School Appeal Form
Secondary Allocation and Appeal Procedure
School Admission Appeal Timetable
Further Information Contact Details:
RMBC School Admissions Team
Number One Riverside
Smith Street
Rochdale
OL16 1XU
Tel: 0300 3030340
Email: online.admissions@rochdale.gov.uk
Website: www.rochdale.gov.uk
RMBC Legal Services Team
School Admissions Appeals
Number One Riverside
Floor 2
Smith Street
Rochdale
OL16 1 XU
Tel: (01706) 924811
NOTES
Shared Parenting
Where a child lives with parents with shared responsibility, each for part of a week, the child’s “permanent place of residence” will be determined as the address of the parent who normally has responsibility for the majority of school days in a week.
Admission into a Different Year Group
There may be exceptional circumstances where admission into a different year group may be advised or considered (gifted and talented children, for example, or those who have experienced problems or missed part of a year, for example due to ill health). The Governors’ Admissions Committee will make a decision based on the circumstances of each case. Parents/carers of children refused a place at the academy have a statutory right of appeal, but this does not apply if parents are offered a place other than in the year group for which they applied.
The Governing Body reserves the right to:
Increase the number of places they are able to offer parents/carers.
Accept direct applications from parents/carers for In-year admissions.
Withdraw the offer of a school place where false evidence is received in relation to sibling connections or place of residence.
Policy Review and Consultation
The academy’s Local Governing Body will review and approve the Admissions Policy annually.
Consultation on admission arrangements will take place whenever there are significant changes to the policy or every seven years if there is no significant change.
Consultation will be for a minimum of 6 weeks and will take place between 1st October and 31st January in the academic year before the arrangements are to apply.
Admission arrangements will be submitted to the Local Authority as soon as possible by 15th March and publicised on the academy’s website for the full offer year.
Consultation will take place in the following way:
General notification on the school’s website: www.hollingworthacademy.co.uk
Notification for parents/carers through student mail.
Notification in writing to Associated Primary School, all own admission authority schools in the borough, The Local Authority and neighbouring Authorities.
Any objections to admission arrangements should be made in writing to the Chair of Governors at the academy.
Within Year Appeals
Appeals resulting from in year school admission applications will be heard within the timescales set out in the School Admission Appeals Code
Appeals for September 2024 Entry
Appeals resulting from year of entry (Reception) or transfer applications (Year 7 entry) for admission in September 2024 will be heard according to the following timetable:
|
Offer Date |
Appeals to be lodged by |
Where possible, all on time Appeals to heard by? |
|
|
Secondary |
1st March 2024 |
26th April 2024 |
24th July 2024 |
|
Primary |
16th April 2024 |
20th May 2024 |
24th July 2024 |
Appeals lodged after these dates will be heard within the timescales set out in the School Admission Appeals Code.
Appellants will be sent notification of their appeal hearing along with a copy of the school’s case at least 14 days in advance of the hearing.
Further Information about School Admission Appeals can be found here:
