In line with the School Admissions Code, Cathedral Schools Trust (CST), which is the Admissions Authority, is consulting on the proposed admission arrangements for Hotwells Primary School for the academic year 2027/2028. This consultation will be open from 15 December 2025 to 12 noon on Friday 30th January 2026.

The proposed change is to reduce the Pupil Admission Number (the PAN) from 30 to 15 pupils to be admitted to reception with effect from 1st September 2027. 

Background:

The current PAN for Hotwells Primary School is 30. This means that the number of pupils admitted into the school in reception is limited to 30.  

The factors which have been considered by the Trust Board in deciding to consult on this proposal to reduce the PAN include;  

• the falling birth rate in Bristol which has also caused our reception entry numbers to fall for a number of years;   

• support the city with the aim of reducing places across primary schools;

• maintain curriculum provision on the school site and ensure that there continues to be a school serving the Hotwells/Harbourside community; 

• future resource planning and management; and 

• the ability to manage the capacity of school resources more effectively. 

Cathedral Schools Trust is committed to reviewing the PAN if the local context dictates a need for this in the future.  

No pupil who already has a place in Hotwells Primary School will be affected by the proposed change.

Please click on the links below to view the full draft arrangements:

• Proposed Hotwells Admission Arrangements 2027/28 (Proposed changes are highlighted in yellow)
  
• Staff Criterion Supplementary Information Form
  
• Application Form for Out of Year Group/Delayed Reception Start

If you would like to comment or offer feedback on the proposed Hotwells Primary School admission arrangements please complete the form here. 

Alternatively you can contact us by post at: CST Admissions, â?? The Acorn, St Katherine’s School, Pill, North Somerset, BS20 0HU or email: consultation@cathedralschoolstrust.orgPlease note responses received after 12 noon on Friday 30th January 2026 will not be considered.

It is important to emphasise that this is a consultation process and that all views will be heard as part of this consultation and admission arrangements are not agreed until after the consultation has taken place. 

If you have any queries or requests for hard copies of the admission arrangements please contact Mrs Juliet Turner, Admissions Lead, Cathedral Schools Trust via email: consultation@cathedralschoolstrust.org