How are places at Chulmleigh College allocated?

We are delighted that so many families are interested in Chulmleigh College. If you are considering applying for a place for your child, we strongly encourage you to include Chulmleigh College as the first preference on your application.

For September 2027, our Published Admission Number (PAN) is 155 places for Year 7.

What happens if more families apply than there are places?

If we receive more than 155 applications, places are allocated fairly and consistently using the oversubscription criteria set out in our Admissions Policy.

In simple terms, priority is given in the following order:

1. Children who are looked after or were previously looked after.
2. Children of eligible members of staff.
3. Children living in our catchment area who have a sibling at Chulmleigh College.
4. Children who attend one of the three primary schools in Chulmleigh Academy Trust: Chulmleigh Primary, East Worlington Primary or St Thomas of Canterbury CE Primary, Lapford; regardless of where they live.
5. Other children living in our catchment area who attend a named linked school*.
6. Other children living within our catchment area.
7. Children living outside the catchment area who have a sibling at Chulmleigh College.
8. Other children living outside the catchment area who attend a named linked school*.
9. All other applicants.

* Named Linked Schools

• High Bickington CofE Primary School
• King’s Nympton Primary School
• Morchard Bishop CofE Primary School
• Winkleigh Primary School
• Witheridge CofE Primary School

Where applications fall within the same priority category, places are allocated according to straight-line distance from the child's home to the College. If distances are equal within 2 metres, an electronic randomiser is used.

Living outside the catchment area?

Being outside our catchment area does not prevent your child from being offered a place. In fact, approximately 40% of our 2026 intake come from outside the catchment area, demonstrating that families from across the wider area successfully join our College community.

Applications from outside the catchment area are considered using the same published admissions criteria.

Our advice to parents

If Chulmleigh College is the school you would like your child to attend, please include it as first preference on your application.

The number of applications we receive should not put you off applying. Every application is considered against our published admissions criteria.

For full details, including definitions of catchment area, sibling and linked schools, please see our Admission Arrangements 2027–28 which can be found here: Chulmleigh College - Admissions.

Can I apply for a place at Chulmleigh College during the school year?

Yes. If you would like your child to join Chulmleigh College after the start of Year 7, you can make an in-year application.

Applications for in-year admissions are made through Devon County Council. You can apply at any time, although applications will normally only be processed up to eight school weeks before the place is required.

We will consider your application in line with our admissions policy and the availability of places in your child’s year group. Devon County Council will then let you know the outcome of your application.

If you are considering a move to Chulmleigh College, we are very happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact the College on 01769 580215 or email admin@chulmleigh.devon.sch.uk.