Admissions

Full details of the Admissions process can be found on the Shropshire Council website:

and set out in the “Parents’ Guide to Education in Shropshire“.

Details of Shropshire Council’s Fair Access Protocol can also be found here: https://new.shropshire.gov.uk/media/6575/fair-access-protocol.pdf

Starting School in Reception

We have two reception classes here at Coleham, Badgers and Foxes named after the animals that live in and around our conservation area, right next to the reception classrooms. The admissions number for this Reception year and future years is 60 children.

Children can attend primary school from the September following their 4th birthday. If your child’s 4th birthday falls between (1st September 2026 to 31st August 2027) (Date of birth between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023) then they will start school in September 2027.

If your child’s 4th birthday falls between (1st September 2027 to 31st August 2028) (Date of birth between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024) then they will start school in September 2028.

This will tell you how you can apply for a Reception Place and you may list your preference three schools.

Looking around our school

Choosing a school for your child is an extremely important decision for any parent. We recommend that Parents/Carers visit the “Joining” tab to book an Open Day appointment to visit the school. There is nothing better than seeing the school day in action and getting a real flavour of a typical school day and school atmosphere. We host a range of dates running from September 2026 to January 2027 for parents with children starting in September 2027. For our Open Day visits our Headteacher Mr Larkham will show around a small group of parents so the tour feels personal and you are able to ask anything that springs to mind.

The Joining section on our website also introduces you to our Early Years Foundation Stage team (Badgers and Foxes Classes) You can watch a series of videos aimed at giving you and your child a real insight into a day at school for our EYFS children.

How to apply for a school place

The Local Authority, Shropshire Council manages the admissions process for all children starting school in Reception. Shropshire Council will send you a letter if your child is due to start school next September, this will tell you how you can apply. Applications should be made online via the Shropshire Council website from November 2026 to January 2027. You will be able to select your top 3 preferences of Primary School for your child. Click the link below:

https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/school-admissions/apply-to-start-or-transfer-school/starting-infant-or-primary-school/

Shropshire Council will then rank and allocate all children based on a list of criteria called the Admission Arrangements.

It is helpful to read the Admissions Policy below to see the criteria for how the 60 reception places are allocated at Coleham School. This takes into account whether families live in or out of catchment and whether you already have a child at the school.

Allocation of school places

Allocation Day will be in April. Shropshire Council will allocate places and write to all parents notifying them of their allocated school place. We will also write to parents whose children have been allocated a school place at Coleham School. We will include a list of dates for our School Induction process and invite you to our first community event, the Plant & Craft Fair which takes place Saturday 8th May 2027.

Starting School Mid Year for Reception to Year 6 children

Shropshire Council coordinate and allocate all mid-year requests for places at our school.

If your family is relocating or you wish for your child to move schools then please complete the Council online application below.

Synergy – Homepage (shropshire.gov.uk)

Your application will be processed by the School Admissions Team at Shropshire Council in accordance with our school’s oversubscription criteria. You will then be notified via letter of the outcome of your application.

If you are un-successful because the year group is full, you will be notified and asked if you would like to join the waiting list. This list is managed by Shropshire Council Admissions Team and continuously ranked in accordance with the criteria set out in the school’s Admission Policy below.

If you are successful, you will be notified and we will be in touch with you to arrange a visit, start date and induction.

Unfortunately, we don’t offer tours for prospective families moving to the area unless a place has been given but please do look over our website and social media to gain a flavour of school life at Coleham.