Admissions

St Matthew Academy is a Catholic all-through school, offering places to children and young people aged 4 to 16.

We are sponsored by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark. We always welcome visits from prospective parents at one of our open events, or please contact the Academy reception (020 8853 6250) to arrange a tour of the Academy.

The Academy has an agreed admission number of 30 pupils in reception and 180 pupils in year 7. Pupils in year 6 have the automatic right to transfer to year 7. The Academy will then admit additional pupils up to a maximum of 187 places available in year 7.

Applications for Reception, Year 7 and In Year Transfers to the Academy should be made through the local authority of the applicant, using the appropriate coordinated admissions form.

You can find out more about applying to Lewisham schools from the Lewisham Admissions Team:

The Admission Team
Lewisham Council
3rd Floor, Laurence House
Catford
SE6 4RU
schooladmissions@lewisham.gov.uk 
Lewisham Admissions website

Supporting Documents

The deadline (Friday 31 October 2025) for submitting supporting documents has passed. 

Appeal Information

If you have not been offered a place at St Matthew Academy, the law entitles you to appeal the decision to an Independent Appeal Panel. Please ensure you have read the admission policy and considered your reasons carefully before submitting an appeal.

The three panel members who will consider your appeal are completely independent of the school and the Local Authority. All appeals will be conducted online via Zoom conference call.

How to Appeal

Please contact the school’s Admissions Officer via admissions@stmatthewacademy.co.uk if you wish to appeal. You will be sent an appeal application form and further details.

• Evidence: You should include any evidence or supporting material with your appeal form.
• Grounds: You MUST state the grounds for your appeal at the time you submit your form.
• Documentation: Any letters or reports you wish the panel to consider should be included at this stage.

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Secondary/Primary Transfer Appeals: The hearing will take place within 40 school days of the closing date. Full details about the process and hearing will be sent to you in advance.
• Year 7 Admissions (September 2026): The last day for submitting appeal forms for a Year 7 place starting in September 2026 is Monday 30 March 2026.
• Reception Admissions (September 2026): The last day for submitting appeal forms for Reception place starting in September 2026 is Tuesday 19 May 2026.

Reception Appeals

Please be aware that government legislation limits Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 classes to a maximum of 30 children. Because of these strict regulations, there are very few circumstances under which an appeal panel can legally uphold an appeal for these year groups.

Timetable for Mid-Term Appeal Applications