Admissions
At Valley Gardens Middle School we are proud of the academic and social opportunities we provide our local community, and this page contains information for parent/carers who may wish to apply to join our school. You can find information on admissions, including the latest documentation available, on the North Tyneside website:
North Tyneside Admissions Website
The essential guide covers all key information about admissions: Please follow the link below to download your copy:
Click here to view the essential admissions guide for schools
Determined Admissions
Information on North Tyneside’s determined admission arrangements can be found below
Admissions Policy Middle and High Trust Schools 2025 v2
Notice for Schools website Determined School Admission Arrangements for September 2025
Notice to LA of Determination School Admission Arrangements 2025 Secondary
1 – Appendix 2 – Secondary co-ordinated Admissions Scheme 2025
Full list of Determined admissions arrangements
Admissions Overview
The official PAN (Published Admissions Number) for the school is 180 but since 2017 the school has gone over PAN to 192 pupils per year group each year to provide increased opportunity to our local community. These numbers allow us to keep class sizes to no larger than 32 whilst maintaining a six form-class entry per year group and ensuring continued safety for staff and pupils. The school cannot exceed these numbers without prejudicing the provision of education we can offer – but we still wish to offer as many children as possible an opportunity to attend our school.
The school is extremely popular and remains yearly over-subscribed. We receive in excess of 200 applications per academic year for entry into Year 5 and numerous requests for a place in other year groups as people move into the area.
The school does not operate a waiting list, (except in Year 5 from September to December) but if pupils leave the school during the academic year and a place becomes available, parent/carers are free to apply using an in-year transfer form and a place will be allocated if available.
How we consider applications for every age group and select pupils for places
Valley Gardens Middle School is its own admissions authority. However, the school’s admissions procedures are still handled by North Tyneside Local Authority for application into Year 5 each year. We use the co-ordinated admission arrangements determined by North Tyneside Council in accordance with the School Admission Code 2021.
Once applications are completed, the local authority applies its criteria for ranking pupils and allocates pupils to our school. The local authority then retains the job of allocating any further places if any vacancies arise from September to December, after which this role is fulfilled by the school.
In subsequent year groups (years 6-8), where vacancies occur, the school is responsible for offering places. If a place is available and an in-year transfer form has been completed, the school will offer a place. If there are more requests than available places, the school will apply the Published Admissions Criteria to determine the order in which places should be allocated.
What should parents do if they would like to apply for a place for their child from September?
If you would like your child to attend Valley Gardens Middle School in Y5 from September, you will need to fill in an application form which are available from the Local Authority’s website – please see the link below.
Online Applications Form (For September Admission)
Click here for the Online Applications Form
What parents should do if they wish to move schools and apply for a place for their child in another year group?
In Year Applications are used for your child to change schools if you are moving into North Tyneside and need a school place for your child, or if your child is already attending a North Tyneside School and you want to apply for another school. This can be because of a house move or another reason. You cannot apply for an In Year Transfer to another school using the Online Citizens Portal. You must apply using the paper forms. Please follow the link to find all the necessary information and copies of the latest forms.
Admission Appeals
In accordance with the School Admission Appeals Code, the governing body as the admission authority for Learning Trust Schools and Academies must set a timetable for organising and hearing education appeals.
For more information on how to appeal and to put an appeal in either electronically or via a downloadable paper copy, please follow the link below.
