Admissions

The academy is a very popular, highly regarded school with very good results at both GCSE and A level. Consequently, we are oversubscribed in most year groups.

This page will give you information on how to apply for a place at the school.

We trust that you will find all the information you require regarding admissions below.

Visiting

Parents of prospective Year 7 students (Year 6 in September) are  invited to visit the school for a ‘School in Action Evening’ in September, where they will be able to meet staff and students, visit all curriculum areas including the Student Support Centre and ask questions about the school prior to the application process.

The date for this event will be on the school website from July and all parents and Year 6 pupils are welcome to attend. You do not need to book a place as a ‘rotation’ arrangement for tours and presentations will be in place to accommodate all guests.

Visits for in-year admissions (Years 7-11) can be arranged by contacting the school.

How to apply and appeal

Entry to the school in September (Year 7)

You will receive detailed information about applying for secondary schools from Nottinghamshire County Council via your child’s primary school in the September when they are in Year 6. We strongly advise that parents wishing to apply to The Joseph Whitaker School, where there child does not already attend a feeder school, also submit a Supplementary Form with details about why you would like your child to attend the school, including any information about your child which you feel may support their application.

Please see the Admissions Arrangements in the Prospectus for details.

The deadline for applications to a Nottinghamshire school is 31 October. Parents/carers will be informed by Nottinghamshire County Council Admissions via e-mail or post of their child’s allocation on 1 March.

Parents/carers must reply to Nottinghamshire County Admissions to confirm or reject a place – information you receive will contain instructions on how to do this. It is helpful if parents let us know of their intentions for administration purposes, but please be aware that we cannot inform Nottinghamshire Admissions of your decision – this must come from the applicant.

Pupils who choose The Joseph Whitaker School as a first preference but who are not allocated a place on 1 March will automatically be placed on a waiting list, according to our admissions criteria.

If you do not receive a place at The Joseph Whitaker School for September and wish to appeal the decision, please download an Appeal Form.

Mid-Term Admissions

Applications received in mid- term are now made directly to the school (application forms are available above) and will be dealt with in accordance with the above criteria. In the event of a place being available in the appropriate year group then that will be offered.

Appeals

If you are not satisfied with a decision regarding admission to the school, please  view/download the Admission Appeal Form from the downloads section at the top of this page. appeals will be heard within thirty school days of the appeal being lodged. Appeals are managed by an independent appeals clerk and heard by and independent panel.

Appeals Timeline for September 2025 Admission

If you are unsuccessful in being offered a place at The Joseph Whitaker School on the national offer day (1 March 2025), you have the right to appeal against this decision to an independent appeals panel.

In order to lodge an appeal please obtain a Notice of Appeal form please refer to the following link School admission appeals – The Joseph Whitaker Schoo(opens in new tab)l or contact the Admissions Officer on 01623 792327 or via email office@josephwhitaker.org. Please return this by 30 March 2025.

You will be notified of the time and date of your appeal by 4/5 June 2025. The appeals will be held on 25 June 2025.

You will be notified in writing of the outcome of your appeal by 30 June 2025 at the latest.

Appeals received after this deadline will be heard within 40 days of the deadline where possible or within 30 school days from the date of receipt.