With Christ, we live, love, learn and grow.
A warm welcome to Chorley St Mary’s
Starting school is a big moment for your child and for you. If you’re choosing a Reception place, we’d love you to get a feel for life at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery.
We’re proud of the way our children work hard and look out for one another. From their first days in Reception, we help children find their feet, make friends and grow in confidence. Our Catholic faith shapes how we care for each other, and we work closely with families and the parish of St Mary’s throughout your child’s time with us.
Reception in September 2027
This intake is usually for children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023.
- Application deadline
- National offer day
How to apply for a Reception place
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Read the admissions policy
Start with our Determined Admissions Policy for 2027/28. It explains how places are allocated if there are more applications than places. You’ll find the policy and the Supplementary Information Form in our admissions documents.
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Apply through your home council
If you live in the Lancashire County Council area, register or sign in to the Lancashire school admissions portal. You can list up to three schools in the order you prefer them. If St Mary’s is your first choice, put us first. If you live in another council area, apply through your own council and include St Mary’s among your preferences.
Submit your application by Friday 15 January 2027. You still need to apply if your child already attends our Nursery or has a brother or sister at the school.
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Check whether you need the school’s supplementary form
If you want your application considered under criteria 2 to 6 of our admissions policy, complete the 2027/28 Supplementary Information Form. Return it in person to Mrs Wilson, our School Business Manager, with the supporting evidence required for the criterion you are applying under, by Friday 15 January 2027.
The supplementary form is an additional step. You must also submit your council application.
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Look out for your school place offer
Your home council will let you know the outcome on Friday 16 April 2027. If you applied online through Lancashire, you can check your offer in the admissions portal.
What Ofsted said about St Mary’s
“Pupils feel safe and appreciated in this warm and welcoming school.”
Help to settle in
Inspectors found that staff help pupils feel at ease in the classroom from the moment they join the school.
Songs, rhymes and stories
In Nursery and Reception, staff use songs, rhymes and stories to build children’s language. Children develop phonics knowledge early and are well prepared for Year 1.
Practical support for families
Inspectors highlighted the school’s work with parents and carers, including guidance on phonics and recognising numbers to support learning at home.
Come and see St Mary’s for yourself
We’d love to meet you and your child. If you’d like to ask about visiting, or have a question about applying, please get in touch with Mrs Wilson, our School Business Manager.
01257 262811
office@chorleystmarys.lancs.sch.uk
Take a virtual tour
Have a look around St Mary’s before you visit. We filmed this tour during the pandemic, and you’ll see some improvements to our school entrance when you come in person.
Looking for a place during the school year?
If your child needs a place in Reception during the current school year, or a place in another year group, see our in-year admissions information. You can also contact the Lancashire South Area Education Office for admissions advice.
Admissions policies and forms
For Reception entry in September 2027, choose the documents marked 2027/28.