Admissions Consultation
The Epworth Education Trust, in partnership with the school, is proposing to remove faith-based over-subscription criteria from the school’s Admission Policy. This change is being considered to ensure a fairer and more inclusive admissions process that better reflects the needs of the local community and aligns with guidance from the Methodist Church and the national Admissions Code.
Under the proposed new criteria, priority will be given to:
- Looked after and previously looked after children.
- Children with exceptional medical, social, or welfare needs.
- Children with siblings already attending the school.
- All other applicants based on proximity to the school using a straight-line distance measure.
Importantly, the school will retain its Christian ethos and continue to operate as an academy with a Methodist religious character. No current pupils attending school will be affected by these changes.
The consultation period runs from Monday 24th November 2025 to Friday 23rd January 2026, and we welcome feedback from parents, staff, governors, local schools, and the wider community.
You can respond by:
- Email: J.Buckley@epworthtrust.org.uk
- Phone: 01942 77706
- Completing the online form - Wheatley Lane Methodist Primary Admission Arrangements Consultation – Fill out form
- In writing: Consultation, Wheatley Lane Methodist Primary, Wheatley Lane Road, Fence, Burnley, Lancashire, BB12 9ED
Following the consultation, the final policy for the 2027/28 academic year will be published by 15th March 2026.