Admissions

September 2027 Reception admission deadline: 4:30pm on Friday 15 January

Join us at St. Matthew’s, where every child will flourish.

Experience the difference of a school that truly cares about every child’s success.

Welcome to St. Matthew’s

St. Matthew’s is a one-form-entry Roman Catholic Primary School for children aged 4–11 in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear.

Our school is a happy place where the needs of every child are central to our philosophy. St. Matthew’s is a family in which 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, please contact the school and we will be delighted to welcome you.

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.

Our Nursery Provision

Our nursery supports children from the age of two and offers flexible provision for local families.

Two-Year-Old Provision A caring and nurturing environment for our youngest children.
30-Hour Provision Extended nursery provision for eligible three and four-year-olds.
Wraparound Care Childcare is available from 8:00am until 6:00pm.

September Admissions

You will find our Admissions Policy below, with full information about our admissions process and criteria.

View the Admissions Policy
Read our admissions arrangements, criteria and supporting information.

Please contact the school office if you have any questions about the admission of your child into St. Matthew’s. We know the admissions process can feel daunting, and we 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 another opportunity for you to visit.

How to Apply

Please find the application form and information from South Tyneside Council below.

Step 1: Visit the South Tyneside Council primary school admissions page .
Step 2: Scroll down until you find the application button shown below. Select it and follow the instructions.
South Tyneside Council school admissions application button
Step 3: Continue reading the information until you reach the admissions portal. Log in or register for an account to access the application form.
South Tyneside Council admissions portal login and registration screen

Need a Hand?

We are here to support you. Contact the school to arrange an appointment, ask questions about admissions or receive help completing the relevant forms.

Call the school office on 0191 536 4311.

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 on 16 April.

What if I miss the deadline?

Don’t panic. Late applications can still be submitted, and we will help you understand the next steps.

What if my application is not successful?

Sometimes there are more applications than available places. In these circumstances, the published oversubscription criteria set out in the Admissions Policy will be applied.

If there are no places available, you can request for your child to be added to the waiting list.

You have the right to appeal to an independent appeal panel if your child is refused a place.
  • The admission authority must allow you at least 20 school days to appeal from the date the decision letter is sent.
  • The admission authority will set a deadline for submitting information and evidence in support of your appeal.
  • Information submitted after the deadline might not be considered and could delay your hearing.
  • The admission authority must give you at least 10 school days’ notice of the hearing.
  • Appeals must usually be heard within 40 school days of the deadline for making an appeal.
  • Decision letters are normally sent within five school days of the hearing, wherever possible.

We will talk you through the appeal process and clearly explain your options.

You can find further information on the South Tyneside Council school admission appeals page .

What happens after my child is offered a place?

We will contact you to arrange induction days and share information about uniforms, routines and helping your child make a smooth start to school.

Getting Your Child Ready for School

Every chat, story and “I can do it myself” moment at home helps your child grow in confidence, curiosity and independence as they prepare to begin the Early Years Foundation Stage.

These small everyday achievements add up and help give your child a positive, school-ready start.

View the Starting School Guide