At St Bernard’s, our school values are at the heart of everything we do. Grounded in the teachings of the Gospel and the Catholic faith, they guide our relationships, our learning, and our commitment to serving the wider community.

Rooted in Gospel Values

We strive to live out the values of compassion, respect, forgiveness, and love, reflecting the teachings of Christ in our everyday actions. Every member of our school community is encouraged to show kindness and integrity, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Commitment to Social Justice and Caritas in Action

We actively promote social justice, inspired by Catholic Social Teaching and the principles of Caritas in Action. Our pupils engage with initiatives that support those in need, both locally and globally, fostering empathy, responsibility, and a sense of moral purpose.

Growth Mindset and Lifelong Learning

We encourage a growth mindset, helping children understand that challenges are opportunities for learning and that effort and perseverance lead to success. Pupils are supported to take risks, reflect on their learning, and celebrate progress as well as achievement.

Oracy and Communication

We are committed to promoting oracy across the curriculum, ensuring that every child has the confidence and skill to express their ideas clearly, listen respectfully, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Strong communication skills are central to learning, relationships, and personal development.

Nurture and Wellbeing

We embrace the Nurture UK principles to create a safe and supportive environment where all children feel valued, understood, and able to thrive. Our commitment to physical and mental wellbeing ensures that pupils and staff alike are supported to lead healthy, balanced lives.

Cultural Capital and Enrichment

We provide rich opportunities to broaden pupils’ cultural horizons, including access to the arts, heritage, local community experiences, and global perspectives. These experiences equip our children with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage meaningfully with the wider world.

Relationships and Community

Strong, positive relationships between adults and children are central to our ethos. Our staff model respect, care, and support, creating an environment in which every child can flourish spiritually, academically, and socially.

At St Bernard’s, these values are not simply words on a page; they are lived daily, shaping a school culture that nurtures faith, fosters learning, and empowers each child to grow in wisdom, courage, and compassion.

Admissions Statement

We are a Roman Catholic primary school within the Diocese of Salford and a voluntary‑aided school maintained by Manchester City Council. As a Catholic school, we aim to provide a welcoming, inclusive community rooted in the values of the Gospel, and we invite applications from families who respect our distinctive Catholic ethos.

Our Mission and Faith Ethos

Our school exists to serve the Catholic community by providing a curriculum that includes Catholic religious education and collective worship, helping children to grow in their understanding of the Good News and in the practice of their faith. At the same time, we welcome children of other faiths, or none, who are willing to support the Catholic character of the school and contribute positively to our community.

How to Apply

• Applications for Reception (or other year groups) should be made via Manchester City Council’s admissions service: parents can complete the Local Authority Preference Form online or obtain a paper form. (www.manchester.gov.uk/schooladmissions)
• In addition, if you wish your application to be considered under our faith‑based criteria, you must also complete the school’s Supplementary Information Form (SIF) and provide the appropriate supporting documentation (for example, baptism certificate). (www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk)
• For in‑year admissions (i.e., outside the normal entry year) applications should be submitted to Manchester City Council; the Governing Body will consider all eligible applications fairly.

Published Admission Number (PAN)

For the year commencing September 2025, the Governing Body has determined that the number of places available in each year group will be 30.

Oversubscription Criteria

If the number of applications exceeds the number of places available, the Governing Body will apply the published oversubscription criteria, in accordance with the Diocese of Salford guidance, the School Admissions Code and the coordinated admissions arrangements of Manchester City Council and the Diocese. These criteria give priority, in order, to:
1. Baptised Catholic Looked After Children and Baptised Catholic previously Looked After Children.

2. Baptised Catholic children resident in the parish of St Bernard’s Burnage

3. Other Baptised Catholic Children who have a sibling in the school at the time

of admission

4. Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children.

5. Other children who have a sibling in the school at the time of admission.

6. All remaining applicants.  Admission of Non‑Catholic Children.

While the school’s first responsibility is to serve the Catholic community of its parish, we fully recognise our role within the wider community. Accordingly, children of other faiths or no faith background are eligible to apply. Their applications will be considered appropriately, after those who are eligible under the Catholic criteria, and subject to the places being available.

Appeals

If the Governing Body is unable to offer your child a place at our school you will receive written notification of the decision and of your right to appeal. Details of how to appeal to an independent panel are provided with the refusal letter, and appeals are processed via Manchester City Council’s appeals service. (www.manchester.gov.uk/schooladmissions)

In‑Year Admissions and Waiting Lists

Applications for places outside the normal admissions round may be made at any time via Manchester City Council. If no place is immediately available, your child’s name will be placed on the school’s waiting list. The waiting list is maintained in accordance with the oversubscription criteria and ranking order. The Governing Body reserves the right to revisit applications if circumstances change.

Policy Review

The Governing Body regularly reviews its admissions arrangements, in consultation with the Diocese of Salford and Manchester City Council, to ensure compliance with the School Admissions Code and to reflect any changes in local circumstances.