Admissions

As an academy, the trust board determines the admission arrangements for the school. Our current policy is available below and also on the policy page of the website. 

Applications for places in our Reception class can be made online through the Essex County Council website: https://www.essex.gov.uk/topic/admissions

Applications for mid-year places, can be made directly with Elmstead Primary School by completing the application form.  Please click HERE for application form and parent guidance.

Elmstead Primary School Admissions Policy 2025-26

Elmstead Primary School Admissions Policy 2026-27

Elmstead Primary School Admissions Policy 2027-28

If your child is not offered a place at your preferred school, you can appeal against the decision.

You will receive an email with the appeal hearing date within 30 school days for mid-year appeals and 40 school days for normal admission round appeals.

If you’re thinking of appealing a Reception place for September 2024, watch Essex County Council's video:

This applies to reception, year 1 and year 2 classes where classes are limited to 30 children. If you’re appealing an infant size class limit, your chance of a successful appeal is limited.

An appeal can only succeed if:

• admitting an extra child would not breach the class size limit
• your child would have been offered a place if the admission arrangements had complied with admissions law or were correctly and impartially applied
• the admission authority’s decision to refuse a place was not one which a reasonable admission authority would have made in the circumstances of the case

If your school is not listed or is outside Essex, you will need to contact the school.

You will be invited to present your case to the Statutory Appeal Panel which is made up of 3 people.

The appeal hearing lets:

• the admission authority explain why they refused your application
• you explain to the panel why you think your child should be given a place at the school

You will receive an email with the panel's decision within 5 school days, however, this may take longer during the summer term. The decision is final and binding on all parties.

If your appeal is successful, your child will be offered a place.

Contact to cancel your appeal, amend any contact details already given or submit any supplementary paperwork by post.