The London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) has changed elementary school admission rules, bringing the board in line with other Catholic boards in the province.

Trustees approved the revised policy at a board meeting on Monday night and it takes effect immediately.

The board says the policy is intended to "reduce the barriers for Catholic Families to enrol their students in the Board and to maintain the fundamentals of Catholic Education."

Under the new policy, students can be admitted if they are baptized Roman Catholic or if one of their parents/guardians is Roman Catholic.

Conditional admission may also be granted if a parent is taking part in the Rite of Christian Initiation, the student is baptized but their parent/guardian is unable to direct tax support to the board or if the student attended a Catholic elementary school in another board and transfers.

Conditional admissions are reviewed after one year.

All students are still required to participate in the religion and family life program and school-based religious activities and celebrations.

Previously, a Roman Catholic baptismal certificate was required for registration at LDCSB elementary schools.