Admissions policy

Principles

• Admissions are open to all on a non-discriminatory basis (see our Equal Opportunities policy).
• We do not select on academic ability at Nursery or Reception entry. From Year 1 onwards, an age-appropriate assessment in English and mathematics is part of the application process.
• Families are expected to be in sympathy with the school's Christian ethos. Children of all faiths and none are warmly welcomed; we ask only that families support, rather than oppose, the tradition that shapes the school.
• Decisions are taken by the Head Teacher, with reference to trustees in disputed or exceptional cases.

Year groups and age criteria

Children are placed in the year group corresponding to their age on 31st August of the relevant academic year. Children whose birthday falls in September or shortly after may, on parental request and at the school's discretion, repeat or skip a year, but only after assessment and consultation with the family.

• Nursery: age 3 turning 4
• Reception: age 4 turning 5
• Year 1: age 5 turning 6
• Year 2: age 6 turning 7
• Year 3: age 7 turning 8
• Year 4: age 8 turning 9
• Year 5: age 9 turning 10
• Year 6: age 10 turning 11

Application process

• 1. Initial enquiry, by email, phone, or via the school office.
• 2. School visit. Families are invited to visit before committing to apply. Children are welcome.
• 3. Application form, submitted with copies of the child's birth certificate, recent school reports (if applicable), and any educational, medical, or safeguarding information relevant to the placement.
• 4. Assessment and meeting. For Year 1 entry and above, an age-appropriate assessment with the class teacher and a meeting with the Head. For Nursery and Reception, an informal observation session only.
• 5. Decision, offered in writing within two weeks of the assessment.
• 6. Acceptance. A place is held on payment of the registration fee, in line with the published fees schedule.

Priority criteria when oversubscribed

When more applications are received for a year group than there are places, we apply the following priorities in order:

• 1. Children with siblings already at King's.
• 2. Children of staff and trustees.
• 3. Children whose families have demonstrated commitment to the school over time (e.g. attended open events, applied previously).
• 4. Order of application.

Waiting list

When a year group is full, families may join the waiting list at no charge. The waiting list is reviewed each term, and operates on the same priority criteria above. Joining the waiting list does not guarantee a place.

Bursaries

A limited number of means-tested bursaries are offered each year to academically capable children whose families could not otherwise afford the school. Bursaries may cover up to 100% of tuition and are awarded by a confidential panel of trustees. Applications are made through the school office and are independent of the regular admissions process.

Appeals

Families whose application is unsuccessful and who believe the decision was made unfairly may appeal in writing to the Chair of Trustees within fourteen days. The appeal will be heard by trustees not involved in the original decision and a written response provided within twenty-eight days.