Admissions

Admissions

If you would like to apply or have any questions about applying late or switching destinations, contact your local authority. If you’d like to book a tour, please contact the school directly on 01384 987 973 or info@tca.shirelandcat.net.

If you missed our open events and would like to look around our Academy, please contact the school and we will be happy to arrange this – 01384 987 973 or  info@tca.shirelandcat.net.

Apply for a Year 7 place at Thorns

Is your child due to start secondary school in September 2027? Below is all the key information to help you navigate the application process for secondary school places.

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: Saturday 31 October 2026
  • Offer Day: Monday 1 March 2027 – you will receive the outcome of your application and be informed of your child’s allocated school place.


How to Apply

  1. Online Application: All applications for secondary school places must be submitted via your local council’s online admissions portal.
  2. Required Information: When applying, you’ll need the following details:
    • Your child’s full name, date of birth, and home address
    • Your own contact details
    • Your top preferences for schools – you can list several schools, make sure you put your preferred school as your first preference.


Tips for Parents

  • Submit your application on time – Late applications are less likely to be allocated your preferred school.
  • Visit schools – if you’d like to arrange to visit us, please get in touch with our school office – 01384 987 973 or  info@tca.shirelandcat.net.


Applying from Out of Area

If you live outside Dudley but wish to apply for our school, you must still apply through your own local council, listing our school in your preference list.


Contact Us

If you need further guidance or support with the application process, please contact your local council’s school admissions team or reach out to the schools you’re interested in directly.

We look forward to supporting your family as you prepare for this exciting transition to secondary school in 2027!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01384 987 973 or  info@tca.shirelandcat.net.

We are happy to organise a personalised phone call.

Consultation on Proposed Change to Published Admission Number (PAN)

The Trust is proposing a change to the Published Admission Number (PAN) for Thorns Collegiate Academy. The PAN determines the number of students admitted into each year. Currently, the PAN is 180, we are proposing to reduce the PAN to 150 from September 2028.

We value your feedback on this proposal. The consultation period will run from Monday 9 November 2026 to Monday 21 December 2026.

You can respond by:

  • Emailing: info@shirelandcat.net
  • Writing to: Mrs J Cook, Shireland Collegiate Academy, Waterloo Road, Smethwick, B66 4ND.

All responses must be received by Monday 21 December 2026. After the consultation closes, the Trust Board will consider all feedback before making a final decision.

Visit our Academy Policies page to view our Admissions Policies.