The standard clause in the Integration Agreement of Catholic Schools states: 

"Preference of enrolment at the school under Section 442 of the Education Act 1989, Part 33 shall be given to only to those children whose parents have established a particular or general religious connection with the Special Character of the School" 

St Paul's College is a Catholic Champagnat Marist School for Boys. Therefore, preference is given to families that are Catholic, have a connection to the Catholic faith, or are ready to support their child to participate fully in the Catholic life of the College. 

The Preference Form Explained

The parts of the Preference Form are explained below.

PART 1 (on front of form): This is to certify that.....

Part 1 needs to be filled out by Parents of the student applying for Enrolment. This is for the parents to commit to “undertaking to support” the student in the “formation of their faith and practices” 

PART 2 (on front of form): Under which Criterion is the child eligible for preference?

Check below or flip side of the Preference form to see what category you fall under. When making an appointment to see the priest – please have the relevant Baptismal Certificate ready for the Priest to view. 

PREFERENCE OF ENROLMENT CATEGORIES

5.1: The child has been baptised or is being prepared for baptism in the Catholic Church. (Note: Please provide your child's Baptism Certificate for the Priest to sign)

5.2: The child’s parents/guardians have already allowed one or more of its siblings to be baptised in the Catholic faith. (Note: Sibling’s Baptismal Certificate is required for the priest to sign)

5.3: At least one parent/guardian is a Catholic, and although their child has not yet been baptised, the child’s participation in the life of the school could lead to the parents having the child baptised. (Note: Parent’s Baptismal certificate is required for the Priest to sign) 

5.4: With the agreement of the child’s parent/guardian, a grandparent or other significant adult in the child’s life, such as an aunt, uncle or godparent, undertakes to support the child’s formation in the faith and practices of the Catholic Church. See Sacramental Programme for more information on this category. (Note: Family that is enrolling needs to meet with the Priest along with the “other significant adult” with their Baptismal certificate

5.5: One or both of a child’s non-Catholic parents/guardians is preparing to become a Catholic. (Note: Parents should talk to the priest undertaking the RCIA or preparation programme) 

PART 3 (on front of form): Priest certification

For this form to be valid, you will be required to meet with a Catholic Priest to be able to certify this section, please take your Catholic Baptismal Certificate to this meeting. 

PART 4 (on back of form): ONLY fill out if you are applying using the 5.4 criteria, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.5 DO NOT FILL OUT

Only use this section when enrolling under the 5.4 category. The “significant adult” needs to fill and sign this section along with the parents of the child enrolling. 

The Preference Form can be found on the Enrolment Pack webpage.