FAQs

Below we have provided information about some of the more commonly asked questions about our new school. As more information becomes available, we will update these.

Where will the School be?

We and the Council are committed to opening our new school in the town centre so that it is accessible to young people from across the borough.

When will it open?

We are committed to opening our new school in 2022. The final date is dependent upon gaining the approval from the Department for Education for opening, nearer the time.

How can we secure a place for our son/daughter?

Please register your interest in our new school here. This will mean we can keep in touch with you and keep you up to date with the admissions process and important dates and events.

Do I need to go to Church or a place of Worship to gain a place for my child?

Not necessarily. Please read our information about admissions which can be found here.

In brief, half of the places (120 in each year) will not require any church or place of worship attendance. These will be allocated fairly across geographical zones. Faith based places for Christians (up to 60) will be linked to attendance at worship (beyond school assembly) over a period of time. All church denominations that are in Churches Together and the Evangelical Alliance will be treated equally. The 60 places allocated to students of other faiths will be linked to membership of faiths present in Oldham that are members of the UK Inter-Faith Network, Oldham Interfaith Forum or Oldham Mosques’ Council. If the faith-based places are not taken up, they will be added to the places available through geographical zones.

Will students wear a uniform?

Yes. More information about the uniform can be found here.

We want our students to look smart and wear their uniform with pride. There will be a blazer, a tie, a skirt/trousers option, a plain white shirt, black shoes (not trainers or boots). Jewellery will not be allowed except for a wristwatch. Hair will need to be of a conventional cut and of a natural colour. Long hair will need to be tied back. A hijab (if worn) will be the same colour as the blazer. PE kit will be kept simple and tracksuit bottoms are optional.

If I don’t gain a place at the Blue Coat School, am I eligible for a place at the new School?

Not necessarily. Please read our information about admissions which can be found here.

Our new school will be an entirely separate school, so it must be a preference on your school application. If you want to apply to both Blue Coat and our new school, they would both need to be in your list of preferences, preferably both in the first 3 of the 6 allowed. You will be allocated your highest preference of those schools where you meet the admissions criteria.

So if, for example, you are not a church-goer or of any faith, you can apply to The Blue Coat School, but your chances of getting a place are low, because the school is very over-subscribed by families who are worshippers and active members of faith communities.

However, half the places at our new school are not linked to faith, so you would have as equal a chance as other families in your geographical zone. The zones reach across Oldham, so someone in, for example, South Chadderton or St James’s has as much chance as someone living much closer to the school.

My child has special educational needs – what provision will be made?

Children who have an Education and Health Care Plan which names our new school will automatically get a place. Please read our information about admissions which can be found here.

You can also read all about how we support learning for students who have additional needs by clicking here

Will the terms and holidays be the same as other Schools?

Yes. The Cranmer Education Trust schools all adopt their Local Authority terms and holidays to support family arrangements. Students attend for the full 190 days per year. There are local adjustments – we extend the autumn half term by a day for students so that we can build in training time for teachers. Similarly, the start date of the autumn term and the finish date of the summer term might vary by a day from the local pattern. All our schools publish a calendar a year in advance so that parents can plan. Absence during term time for family holidays is not authorised.

What Extra-curricular activities will the School provide?

This will grow as the school population increases, but essentially it will include:

A range of sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities. Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award will be part of the curriculum – Silver will be extra-curricular. Chess, debating, computing, creative writing, film & media. Cookery, textiles and engineering, over and above the curriculum. Subject-related clubs, e.g. Young Scientists, Young Mathematicians, Philosophy. Ideas that students come up with, e.g. the Blue Coat bake-off came entirely from the students but is also much enjoyed by staff!

Will the School provide Halal food?

Yes. There will be both Halal and non-Halal food, plus vegetarian and vegan options. Find out more about school catering provision here.

Where will students go after they have finished GCSEs?

The new school will make a big investment in careers and progression. This starts in Year 7 and is built into the curriculum. We want all our students to be able to build their future, be independent and make a positive contribution. For some this might mean Level 3 qualifications – A Levels and the new T Levels – and then Higher Education. For others, it may be an apprenticeship route with degree-level training beyond that. We will build close relationships with local and regional employers/firms and involve them in the students’ learning. At 16, students will be able to progress to any of the local area providers, including the Sixth Form at The Blue Coat School.

What will the behaviour policy be?

Full details of the Behaviour Policy are yet to be finalised, but the principles are clear.

Everyone is equal. We are kind and respectful to one another. No forms of bullying are tolerated. Relationships are at the heart of great education. Staff invest in their students and we expect students to listen to and respect the staff. All students must be able to learn, and teachers must be able to teach. Behaviour which disrupts lessons is not allowed. We are proud of our school and our community and we work together to make them the best that they can be.

Will students be allowed to have a mobile phone?

Yes, but they will not be allowed to use it during the school day. We want students to be able to focus on learning and talking to each other to build our school community.

If you have any further queries please do contact us using the form on this page.