Deciding upon a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. There are so many factors to consider. To make an informed choice, I warmly welcome you to come and look around. A member of staff will be happy to show you all that Great Marsden has to offer.
We also organise Open Mornings in the Autumn term for parents choosing a reception place for their child/ren. The dates for these will be displayed on our website but also on our Twitter @GMStJohns and on posters and fliers which we drop off at our local nursery partners.
The Admission policies below clearly explain the criteria which are used to admit children to GMSJ at normal admission times. Please read them with care - this will further help your decision making.
Joining a new school does not just happen in reception class, there are many reasons why you may be looking to move your child from one school to another. At Great Marsden St.John's, we deal with with all in year admissions ourselves. The form for completion can be found below or you can call into the office to collect a paper copy. Once the form has been completed, and returned to the school office, you will be informed of the outcome of your request for a place within 14 days.
Where a place cannot be secured, parents will be offered a legal right of an appeal panel. Lancashire County Council administers the appeals process on behalf of the school. Parents can complete the school's appeal form on Lancashire County Council's website.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us on 01282 615055 and someone will be able to help.
Admissions Policy Consultation for 2026
Great Marsden St John's has now finished the consultation period for our Proposed Admissions Arrangements for 2026. Below you will find out Determined Admissions Arrangements for 2026 which have been sent to Lancashire County Council and the Diocese of Blackburn for Determination.
We have made one change to our Admission Policy. This change would remove the 4th preference criterion "Children from farms and hamlets in the outlying rural areas due east of the school falling within the Southfield and Marsden Wards of Nelson, where St John's School is the nearest or most accessible school from their home by road". As a result of this our 5th criterion "All other children" would then move to become the 4th preference.
You can find our Determined 2026 Admissions Policy below.