Thames Park Secondary School, part of the Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust, follows the core co-operative values of equality, fairness, democracy, and care for others. These values guide how the school treats students, families, and staff. This easy-to-understand guide explains the admission arrangements for the 2025–2026 academic year and what parents or carers need to do when applying for a place.
Admission Overview
The school has a published admission number (PAN) of 180 students for Year 7 in 2025. This means Thames Park will accept up to 180 students each year, provided enough applications are received. In special cases, the school may admit more than 180, but only under exceptional circumstances approved by the Secretary of State.
Application Process & Timeline
Parents must apply following the national admissions timetable:
September: The school publishes its prospectus, which includes details of open evenings and how to apply.
September–October: Parents and students can visit the school.
October 31: This is the national deadline to submit applications for secondary schools.
November–February: Applications are reviewed by the Local Authority.
March 3: Parents receive admission offers – this is National Offer Day.
These steps help all schools across Thurrock work together under a shared timetable.
Who Can Apply and How Places Are Given
Everyone is welcome to apply. If fewer than 180 applications are received, all applicants are offered a place. If there are more than 180, the school uses the following order of priority:
1. Looked-after Children – or those previously in care, including children adopted from state care outside of England.
2. Children of School Staff – if the parent has worked at any Osborne Trust school for two or more years, or was recruited to fill a shortage role.
3. Siblings – children with brothers or sisters already attending the school.
4. Students from Feeder Schools – such as Little Thurrock Primary, Thameside Primary, Warren Primary, and Woodside Academy.
5. Distance – if none of the above apply, places go to those living closest to the school.
If the last place goes to a twin, both siblings will be given places. The same applies to triplets or multiple births.
Mid-Year and Late Admissions
Parents wanting to move their child to Thames Park during the year should apply through the Local Authority. If no place is available, the child can be added to the school’s waiting list, which is updated every term. The list follows the same priority rules as above, not the order in which applications were received.
If a student doesn’t get a place, families have the right to appeal.
Appeals Process
If an application is unsuccessful, parents can appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel. The panel will include people who are not linked to the school, including:
- One lay member (not working in education)
- One member with education knowledge or a parent of a school-aged child
The panel is independent, and its decisions are final. Parents will get at least 14 days’ notice before a hearing and can submit supporting documents up to 7 days before the hearing. They’ll be informed of the outcome in writing within 14 days of the appeal.
How Admissions Are Reviewed and Changed
Every year, the Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust reviews its admission policy. If they want to make changes (like lowering the number of places offered), they must consult with parents, local councils (Thurrock and Essex), and follow national rules.
Even if there are no changes, a consultation must happen at least once every seven years.
What If Other Schools Disagree?
If another school or admission authority disagrees with Thames Park’s admission policy, they can contact the Trust to raise concerns. If no solution is reached locally, they can ask the Secretary of State to review it. The Secretary of State has the power to approve, reject, or modify any changes to admissions policies.
Keeping Records
All application and admission records are kept by the Trust for at least 10 years. These can be reviewed by the Secretary of State if needed.
Thames Park Secondary School’s admission policy ensures fair access for all students while following both national laws and local authority rules. With a clear timeline and well-defined criteria, the process is designed to be transparent, inclusive, and easy to understand. The school’s approach reflects its strong values of equality, openness, and care for the wider community. Whether you’re applying for Year 7 or transferring mid-year, the goal is to give every child the opportunity to thrive.
