Year 7 Admissions
Our open events took place on Wednesday 18 September and Saturday 21 September 2024.
If you weren’t able to make it to these events and would like to visit to look around our school, please contact us directly on info@scbso.shirelandcat.net or 0121 818 4620.
Our inclusive admissions process is, at all times, open, transparent and fair, and meets the requirements of the national Schools Admissions Code, the Appeals Code and Admissions Legislation.
Shireland CBSO Academy processes applications inside of the normal Local Authority process for coordinating school offers.
We will have 150 year 7 places for the academic year beginning September 2025.
read our prospectus
Applying for Secondary School Places - September 2025
Is your child due to start secondary school in September 2025? Below is all the key information to help you navigate the application process for secondary school places.
How to Apply
- Online Application: All applications for secondary school places must be submitted via your local council’s online admissions portal.
- Required Information: When applying, you’ll need the following details:
- Your child’s full name, date of birth, and home address
- Your own contact details
- Your top preferences for schools – you can list several schools, make sure you put your preferred school as your first preference.
Tips for Parents
- Submit your application on time – Late applications are less likely to be allocated your preferred school.
- Visit schools – if you’d like to arrange to visit us, please get in touch with our school office – 0121 818 4620 or info@scbso.shirelandcat.net
Applying from Out of Area
If you live outside Sandwell but wish to apply for our school, you must still apply through your own local council, listing our school in your preference list.
Contact Us
If you need further guidance or support with the application process, please contact your local council’s school admissions team or reach out to the schools you’re interested in directly.
We look forward to supporting your family as you prepare for this exciting transition to secondary school in 2025!
Important dates for Year 7 applications - Sept 2025 entry:
- July 2024: Applications open in Sandwell – apply via your local authority.
- Wednesday 18 September 2024, 5pm-7.30pm: Open evening
- Saturday 21 September 2024, 9am-11am: Open morning
- Monday 30 September 2024: Music aptitude applications close – apply via our website.
- W/c Monday 14 October 2024: Music aptitude auditions take place.
- Thursday 31 October 2024: Deadline for year 7 applications.
- Monday 3 March 2025 (to be confirmed): National Offer Day for year 7.
- Monday 17 March 2025 (to be confirmed): Deadline for accepting offers.
Music Aptitude Programme
All students attending Shireland CBSO Academy are expected to have a commitment to music, recognising that they will be immersed in a musical experience throughout their time with us.
Each year, we are able to offer a limited number of year 7 places (15) on our music aptitude programme for students who are already exceptionally talented in music. Obtaining a place at the Academy via this music aptitude route means that these students will be expected to be leaders amongst their peers and an example of key characteristics of a successful musician through, for example, their outstanding performance skills. They will be expected to act as ambassadors for the Academy and support our work with our local primary schools and community groups to help shape the Shireland CBSO students of the future.
Nodal points
Where the number of applications for admission is greater than the number of places available in a year group, applications will be considered against the oversubscription criteria as described in our Admissions Policy.
We have six nodal points for admission located in the six towns of Sandwell – Wednesbury, Oldbury, Smethwick, Tipton, West Bromwich and Rowley Regis.
In a nodal point structure, we look at how close students live to their closest nodal point rather than how far they live from the Academy, which will ensure that every child in Sandwell will have the opportunity to gain a place at the Academy.
For admissions enquiries email info@scbso.shirelandcat.net or call 0121 818 4620.
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