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Admissions

Welcome to Thornleigh Salesian College

As a Voluntary Aided school, the Governors of Thornleigh Salesian College have responsibility for decisions regarding admission of students to our school. The co-ordination of all admission arrangements for both Year 6 to Year 7 and in-year admissions is undertaken by Bolton Local Authority. 

NOTE: Admission to the Sixth Form is done directly with the school.

Our school is heavily oversubscribed.

Admissions 2027

Our Pupil Admissions number for 2027 is 270.

Please note the 2027-28 admissions policy is different from previous years. 

Click here for 2027 - 2028 Admission Policy

Thornleigh Salesian College is heavily over subscribed. Each year we allocate 270 places in year 7. The following oversubscription criteria is applied [notes are found in the full version of the policy, linked above]: 

  1. Roman Catholic looked after or previously looked after [See note 1]   
  2. Roman Catholic children who live in a nominated parish, and attend an associated Roman Catholic primary school  [See note 2]   
  3. Roman Catholic children who live in a nominated parish [See note 3]   
  4. Roman Catholic children who attend an associated primary school but do not live in a nominated parish
  5. Roman Catholic children who have a sibling in the school at the time of admission [See note 4]  
  6. Other Roman Catholic children   
  7. Other looked after children or a child who was previously looked after [See note 1] 
  8. Children of permanent members of staff who have either been in post for two years when the application for admission to the school is made and/or the member of staff is recruited to fill a vacant post for which there is a demonstrable skill shortage.   
  9. Children of other Christian denominations whose membership is evidenced by a minister of Christian Leader, having a brother or sister already at the school in the September of the year of admission. [See notes 4 & 6]
  10. Children of other Christian denominations whose membership is evidenced by a minister of Christian Leader [See notes 6] 
  11. Other children with a sibling in the school at the time of admission [See note 2]  
  12. Any other children who attend feeder primary schools
  13. Other children  

Thornleigh Salesian College’s associated Roman Catholic Primary Schools are as follows:   

  • Holy Infant and St Anthony (Astley Bridge)   
  • St Brendan (Harwood)   
  • St Columba (Tonge Moor)   
  • St John the Evangelist (Bromley Cross)   
  • St Joseph (Halliwell)   
  • St Osmund and St Andrew (Breightmet)   
  • St Thomas of Canterbury (Heaton)   

Thornleigh Salesian College’s nominated parishes are as follows:   

  • Holy Infant and St Anthony (Astley Bridge)   
  • Parish of Corpus Christi which consists of the churches of St John the Evangelist (Bromley Cross) and St Brendan (Harwood) 
  • The former parish of St Osmund, now part of Blessed Dominic Barberi parish (Breightmet)*   
  • Parish of St Cuthbert consisting of St Joseph (Halliwell) and St Thomas of Canterbury (Heaton)  

*The parish boundary map outlines the area of this parish which forms the catchment area for admission to Thornleigh Salesian College.  The map is available from the school on request.   

Making an Application

To make an application to our school please go to: https://www.bolton.gov.uk/admissions/apply-online-school-place 

School admission Appeals

Parents and carers have the statutory right to submit an appeal for a place at Thornleigh Salesian College. This can happen when an application has been unsuccessful, is late or if an in-year admission/transfer is desired. Details about your right to appeal can be found HERE. Applications are made through Bolton Council School Admissions. The deadline for secondary school appeals for the September 2025 intake is Monday 31 March 2025. Appeals submitted by 31 March will be held in May and June and by 13 June 2025 (40 school days). Appeals for late applications will be heard within 40 school days of the appeal deadline where possible or within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged.

Full details about appeals timescales can be found HERE. Appeals are heard at an independent panel and details about what happens at an appeal hearing can be found HERE. Parents and carers will receive the outcome of any appeal in writing within 5 working days of the appeal panel decision. 

In Year Appeals

Appeals for in year admissions/transfers will be heard within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged.

Full details about appeals timescales can be found HERE. Appeals are heard at an independent panel and details about what happens at an appeal hearing can be found HERE. Parents and carers will receive the outcome of any appeal in writing within 5 working days of the appeal panel decision. 

2027 - 28 Admission policy Changes

In accordance with the DfE’s ‘Statutory Admissions Code’ guidance, admission authorities must consult on admission arrangements at least once every seven years, even if no changes are proposed. 

A consultation on our admissions policy ended in November 2025 and ratified by the Governing Body. The consultation included working with Bolton LA, neighbouring LAs, local feeder schools, other local schools, the diocese, The Salesians, current parents, future parents, staff with children in school. We notified all stakeholders again who had the right to object to the determined admission arrangements by contacting the School Adjudicator. No objections were made.

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