Starting School

Starting primary school is a significant milestone for your child’s learning and development. Children usually start the reception year at primary school at the start of September following their fourth birthday.

Children born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 will start primary school from September 2024. Parents need to apply for a reception place by 15 January 2024.

If a child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) the application closing date is 31 October 2023.

You are strongly advised to apply to four local schools including your nearest or catchment area school. You can use our Catchment Area School Finder Tool to check which school are your nearest or catchment area schools.

Please read the Guide to Primary School Admissions booklet for more information on the process of applying for a primary school place and to understand how places are offered.

Guide to Primary School Admissions booklet

Most parents want their children to start school in September, but if you are considering delaying or deferring your child’s entry to school, please download the Policy for Delayed or Deferred Entry to Reception for more information. Requests to delay a child’s entry to school must be made by returning the request form to admissions@telford.gov.uk by 31 December 2023.

Getting to school

Before you apply you should consider how your child will get to and from school. Most children attend a local primary school, however, if you prefer a school further away you will need to make arrangements to get them to and from school. Telford and Wrekin no longer provide transport for children attending a faith school.

Your child may be eligible for travel assistance if, for example, they attend their nearest primary school and it is more than two miles from their home. Visit the school travel assistance website.

How to apply

To apply for a primary school place you will need to complete and submit an online application form using the link below.

If you are applying to any faith schools you may also need to complete a ‘supplementary information form’. These will be available on the school’s website and should be returned to the school(s) directly as well as listing the school(s) on your online application form.

Visit our School Admissions Portal to apply for a school place

Application outcomes

Parents who apply before the closing date will receive an email with the outcome of their application on Primary National Offer Day – 16 April 2024.

Late applications will be considered after National Offer Day and after all on-time applications have been considered.

Parents of children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will receive their final plan with a named primary school by 15 February 2024.

Waiting lists and appeals

If your child is not offered a place at your most preferred school, you can request for your child to be added to the waiting list. Parents also have the right to appeal the decision not to offer a place at any of the schools they apply to. Further information on waiting list and appeals will be provided in your application outcome.

Last updated: 12/09/2023 14:08