Admissions
Children may start school full‑time in the September following their fourth birthday, at the start of the academic year.
St Peter's admits up to 20 children into Reception each year, in line with our published admission number (PAN) agreed with West Sussex County Council (WSCC). Most children begin school full‑time in September. However, if parents and carers feel their child is not yet ready socially, emotionally or physically, a part‑time or deferred start later in the school year may be agreed in discussion with the school.
We work closely with parents and carers to agree the best starting arrangements for each child, ensuring a smooth transition and a strong home–school partnership. Please note that even if you are considering a deferred or part‑time start, you must still apply for a school place at the usual time, alongside all other applicants.
Moving Schools
An in‑year admission is when a child joins a school outside the normal Reception entry point. This may be due to a house move, a return from overseas or another area of the UK, or a child entering school for the first time.
Parents and carers are welcome to contact the school office at any time to discuss admissions. We hold open mornings during the Autumn term for families of Reception‑aged children, offering the chance to meet staff, see the school in action and ask questions. Similar visits can be arranged at any stage of the year for families applying for in‑year places. Please contact the school office to arrange a visit.
Admissions Procedures
The WSCC website provides the most up‑to‑date information on all school admissions. For both starting school and in‑year applications, please visit: www.westsussex.gov.uk/admissions
All parents and carers are encouraged to apply online using the WSCC application system. If the school is oversubscribed, places are allocated in line with the criteria detailed in the Information for Parents Starting School September 20XX booklet, available on the WSCC website.
Right of Appeal
Parents and carers have the right to express a preference for the school they would like their child to attend. A place will be offered unless there is a legal reason for refusal, most commonly because the school has reached its published admission number and cannot admit further pupils without affecting resources or the quality of education.
If your child is not offered a place at your preferred school, you have the right to appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel. You will receive advance notice of the appeal hearing and may attend with someone for support. Appeal hearings are conducted as informally as possible.
Further information about the appeals process is available at: www.westsussex.gov.uk/education-children-and-families/schools-and-colleges/school-places/apply/make-an-admissions-appeal
