Admissions
Open Mornings
Attending an Open Event is a great way to find out more about our school.
About these events
We are delighted that you are considering St John’s CE Primary School for your child.
Choosing your child’s primary school is one of the most important decisions you face as parents and we want to make sure you have all the information you need.
You will have the opportunity to look around the School with your son or daughter and to meet staff and other prospective parents on an informal basis.
Our open mornings will be held on the following dates, commencing at 09.15.
Wednesday 23rd September
Tuesday 6th October
Monday 9th November
Wednesday 13th January
How to book
Please book your place in advance on Eventbrite.
Further information
The Local Authority (LA) is responsible for the control of admissions to the school and this will be coordinated by them using a common application form and timetable.
By law, children have to start school by the beginning of the school term after their fifth birthday (this is when they reach compulsory school age). The local authority’s policy is to encourage schools to admit four year olds so that as many children as possible will have at least eight terms in Key Stage 1. The decision on whether or not to admit four year olds is made and reviewed annually by the Head of School and in consultation with the Governors.
The number of places available is determined by the physical capacity of the school and is called the ‘Agreed Admissions number’. Our published admissions number is 30. The LEA, in consultation with the Executive Head and Head of School, may set a higher figure for a particular year group. The law gives parents the right to state a preference for any school, but not automatic choice. If your preference is St John’s School, a place will be offered if there are vacancies. If the school is over-subscribed, the following criteria will be taken into account in the order listed below:
- Children in the care of Kent County Council.
- Current Family Association (sibling link)
- Health and Special Access Reasons
- Nearness of children’s homes and ease of access to schools ‘using the distance between the child’s permanent address and the school, measured in a straight line using ordnance survey address point data.
STARTING SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER 2027
Applications for 2027
Applications for transfer to primary school for both reception year and year 3 (junior school) in September 2027 will open on Friday 6 November 2026 and close on Friday 15 January 2027.
If you provide an email address on your application KCC will email you on Friday 16 April 2027 after 4pm to tell you which school you have been offered.
Or view your offer online from 5pm on Friday 16 April 2027.
Offer emails will be sent to the email address you provided on your application.
You must apply for a primary school place if your child is:
- due to start primary or infant school (reception year)
- at infant school (year 2) and is due to start junior school (year 3)
- at primary school (year 2) and you want them to move to a junior school at the start of year 3.
If you are applying after 15 January and are a Kent resident please email kentonlineadmissions@kent.gov.uk with your child’s:
- name
- date of birth
- full address.
Kent County Council will advise you of the next steps.
If you have applied but your circumstances have changed and you need to amend your application email kentonlineadmissions@kent.gov.uk so they can help you.
Email kentonlineadmissions@kent.gov.uk if you have any questions.
Find out what to do after you get your offer.
When making an offer, KCC will ensure that:-
- A place will be offered at the highest available ranked preference your child is eligible for, or
- If a place cannot be offered at any school name on your application, a place will be offered at an alternative school
- If your child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs the KCC website has further information on how to apply.
SUMMER BORN CHILDREN
If your child was born between 1 April and 31 August and you want them to defer starting school until the next academic year, contact the team for more information at primaryadmissions@kent.gov.uk.
Further Information will be made available to parents on how applications should be made at kent.gov.uk/primaryadmissions.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES CHILDREN
Most children with special educational needs and disabilities can attend mainstream schools, whether or not they have an EHCP. Find out more about applying for a school place for your SEND child.
APPLYING FOR AN IN-YEAR ADMISSION
If your child is already at school and you wish to apply for a school place outside the year of entry (for example, a year 1 or year 2 place) please refer to KCC’s In Year Application page for information.
To apply please complete our In Year Application form (IYAF) which can be found here , and is also available on the KCC website: www.kent.gov.uk/inyearadmission
If you would like to come and have a look around our school before applying please contact the school office and we would be happy to arrange a tour with our headteacher, Mrs Miles.