No, you do not strictly have to be Catholic to attend St. John Fisher. While it is a Catholic school with a strong religious ethos, its admission policy allows for applications from families of all backgrounds.
Understanding St. John Fisher's Admissions Policy
St. John Fisher's admission criteria are designed to welcome a diverse student body while upholding its foundational Catholic identity.
- Priority for Baptized Catholic Children: The school's admission policy explicitly gives priority to children who are baptized Catholic. This means that in situations where there are more applicants than available places, baptized Catholic children will generally be given precedence.
- Welcome to Other Families: The governors of St. John Fisher actively welcome applications from families who are not Catholic. For these families, a key requirement is their willingness to fully support and uphold the Catholic ethos and values that are integral to the school's environment and curriculum.
What It Means to "Support and Uphold the Catholic Ethos and Values"
For non-Catholic families considering enrollment, understanding what it means to support the school's Catholic ethos is crucial. This generally implies:
- Respect for Religious Practices: Respecting and, where appropriate, participating in school prayers, assemblies, and other religious observances that are part of daily school life.
- Alignment with Moral Framework: Supporting the school's moral and spiritual framework, which is rooted in Catholic teachings and values.
- Acceptance of Curriculum: Recognizing that the curriculum and overall school environment will reflect Catholic principles and traditions.
In essence, while being Catholic provides a specific advantage in the admissions process due to priority, St. John Fisher is open to all families who are committed to respecting and supporting its core values and educational philosophy.
