Admissions

St. Matthew’s is a one-form-entry Roman Catholic Primary School (4–11 years) in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear. Our school is a happy place, where the needs of the children are central to our philosophy. We also have a nursery school that offers a two-year-old provision, a 30-hour provision for 3 and 4 year olds and wraparound care from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.

St. Matthew’s is a ‘family’ where children are nurtured, encouraged, supported and challenged to reach their full potential in a safe and caring environment. We are proud to be part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust. If you would like to arrange a visit, do get in touch.

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.

Admissions Policy

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

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 536 4311 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.

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?

Sometimes there there are places available but more applications than places, In these instances the published oversubscription criteria, as set out in the admissions policy, will then  be applied. If there are no places available, a request can be made that the child is added to the waiting list.

You have the right of appeal to an independent appeal panel if refused a place, the key points are listed below:

• The admission authority for the school must allow you at least 20 school days to appeal from when they send the decision letter.
• The admission authority will set a deadline for submitting information and evidence to support your appeal. If you submit anything after the deadline, it might not be considered and may result in delays to your hearing.
• The admission authority must give you at least 10 school days’ notice of the hearing.
• Appeals must be heard within 40 school days of the deadline for making an appeal.
• decision letters are sent within 5 school days of the hearing, wherever possible.

We’ll talk you through the appeal process and explain your options clearly. You can find out about South Tyneside's appeals process here School admission appeals - South Tyneside Council 

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