Admissions and Enrolment Policy

Admissions and Enrolment

Cara Junior School Admissions and Enrolment Policy

This Admission Policy complies with the requirements of the Education Act 1998, the Education (Admissions to Schools) Act 2018 and the Equal Status Act 2000. In drafting the policy, the Board of Management consulted with school staff, the school patron and parents of children attending the school.

The policy should be read together with the annual admission notice for the school year concerned. The application form for admission is published on the school website and can also be made available in hardcopy on request.

School Patron

The school patron is the Congregation of the Brothers of Charity.

Characteristic Spirit and General Objectives

Cara Junior School aims to create a safe, supportive learning environment where each pupil is supported and nurtured in order to reach their full potential. Positive relationships between all stakeholders are fostered in order to maximise the holistic development of pupils.

Non-Discrimination

Cara Junior School will not discriminate in its admission of a pupil to the school. The policy lists grounds including gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, disability, race and Traveller community ground.

• Gender ground.
• Civil status ground.
• Family status ground.
• Sexual orientation ground.
• Religion ground.
• Disability ground.
• Race ground.
• Traveller community ground.

Cooperation with the NCSE

Cara Junior School will cooperate with the NCSE in the performance of its functions in relation to the provision of education to children with special educational needs. This includes, in particular, the provision and operation of a special class or classes when requested by the Council.

Eligibility and Required Information

The policy refers to professional reports and the need for evidence of the child’s overall level of need. It also refers to a clear professional recommendation regarding the most appropriate educational placement type to meet the child’s needs.

Admission of Students

The Board of Management of Cara Junior School takes ultimate responsibility for the admission of students to the school.

Priority will be given to applicants who have a sibling attending Cara Junior School.

The school shall admit each student seeking admission except where the school is oversubscribed, or where a parent fails to confirm in writing that the Code of Behaviour of the school is acceptable and that all reasonable efforts will be made to ensure compliance with that code by the student.

Oversubscription

Where the number of students seeking admission is greater than the number of places available, the school may be considered oversubscribed. Where there are two or more students tied for remaining places in any criteria category, drawing of lots will apply.

What Will Not Be Considered

In accordance with the policy, the school will not consider or take into account certain matters when deciding on applications or placing a student on a waiting list.

• The payment of fees or contributions to the school.
• The occupation, financial status, academic ability, skills or aptitude of a student’s parents.
• A requirement to attend an interview, open day or meeting as a condition of admission.
• The date and time an application was received, once received within the specified admissions period.

Notifying Applicants of Decisions

Applicants will be informed in writing as to the decision of the school within the timeline outlined in the annual admissions notice.

If a student is not offered a place, the reasons why they were not offered a place will be communicated in writing to the applicant. Applicants will also be informed of the right to seek a review or appeal of the school’s decision.

Acceptance of an Offer

In accepting an offer of admission from Cara Junior School, the applicant must indicate whether they have accepted an offer of admission for another school or schools, and whether they have applied for and are awaiting confirmation of an offer from another school or schools.

Offers Not Made or Withdrawn

The policy sets out circumstances where an offer of admission may not be made or may be withdrawn by the school. These include circumstances connected with oversubscription, failure to confirm acceptance of the Code of Behaviour, or other matters set out in the policy.

Sharing Data with Other Schools

Applicants should be aware that the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 allows for the sharing of certain information between schools in order to facilitate the efficient admission of students to Cara Junior School.

Waiting List in the Event of Oversubscription

Where there are more applicants than places available, a waiting list of unsuccessful applicants will be compiled and will remain valid for the school year in which admission is being sought.

Placement on the waiting list is in the order of priority assigned to applications after the school has applied selection criteria in accordance with the Admission Policy.

Late Applications

Applications received after the closing date outlined in the annual admission notice will be considered and decided upon in accordance with the school’s admissions policy, the Education Admissions to School Act 2018 and any regulations made under that Act.

Non-Charging of Fees

The Board of Cara Junior School or any persons acting on its behalf will not charge fees or seek payment or contributions as a condition of an application for admission or the admission or continued enrolment of a student in the school.

Religious Instruction

The policy explains arrangements for students where parents or guardians request that the student attends school without attending religious instruction. Catholic students are prepared for First Holy Communion and attend instruction for those sacraments. Pupils of other faiths or non-faith remain in the classroom during this time on other activities under staff supervision.

Review and Appeals

A parent may request the Board to review a decision to refuse admission. Where an applicant has been refused for a reason other than oversubscription, the applicant may request a review of that decision by the Board of Management before making an appeal.

Under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, a parent may appeal a decision to refuse admission, subject to the policy requirements.

Review Dates and Updates

• Approved by the Patron on 5 April 2022.
• Ratified by the Board of Management on 19 September 2022.
• Addition to section three ratified on 19 January 2023.
• Additional section 4 update added in September 2025 under Circular 0039/2025.
• Admissions and enrolment period open from 1 October until 15 January.
• Reviewed on 26 September 2025 by Patron and Board of Management.