Admissions

Applying for a place at Woodcot Primary School

Choosing a school can be a daunting process. That's why we encourage you to meet us. We'll put you right at ease and support your decision-making as much as possible.

We know it's important that your child goes to the right school - not just any school. Even if you find we're not for you, we're still happy to help as much as we can.

Woodcot is a small, friendly, one-form entry primary school incorporating both Key Stage 1 ('Infant') and Key Stage 2 ('Junior') year groups, all the way from Year R to Year 6.

Timetable	What parents can expect
September - December	Visit us, and apply for a school place. We hold Open Days and stay and play sessions for families to tour the school and see all we have to offer. Applications open at the start of November. We recommend getting it done before Christmas, so you can enjoy the festive season!
January - March	Applications close in mid-January. Between then and April, we will be reviewing all applications and ranking them based on our admission criteria.
April	In mid-April, you'll receive an email confirming if you have been successful in securing a place at your chosen school. Or you can log into the Hampshire Admissions Portal to view the decision. If you didn't provide them with an email address, a letter will be sent instead (which may take a few days to arrive).
May	We will write to you with lots of information and key dates. We'll also invite you into school to welcome you and the other families. If you're unhappy with the decision you've received, and wish to lodge an appeal, you must do this with Hampshire County Council's Admissions Team. Click here for more information.
June - July	We'll start to invite you and your child into school, so that they can get used to the environment and meet their new friends.
August	Enjoy the summer! This is the perfect time to go get your uniform, have fun putting it on and wear those shoes in, before the first day!
September	The first day of school can be exciting, nerves, tears ... and that's just the parents! Please don't worry, it's going to be OK... we've got LOTS of experience, and we'll guide you the whole way. Starting school can be very tiring for our new Year R’s, so we run a part-time timetable for their first week at Woodcot. For the first few days, they will go home at 12pm (just before lunchtime). Then for a few more days they will stay until 1pm, so they can experience having their lunch in the hall with the rest of the school.

Hampshire County Council administer the school applications process, and you can apply for a place from September to Mid-January, for your child to start school the following September.

https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/admissions

Key dates for main round admissions for September 2026:

https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/admissions/guidance/keydates

Please click on the link below for the School Catchment Area Finder

GIS | Hantsweb

Year R Applications

Applications for Year R closed on 15^th January 2026

To apply for a school place after applications have closed, you can submit a late application: https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/admissions/applicationprocess/changeorlateapplication

All applications we receive will be treated fairly and ranked equally based on the criteria in our Admissions policy.

Woodcot Admissions Policy

Admission Appeals Time table for Year R and Year 3

If a parent is unsuccessful with any of their preferences for admission, they will have the right of appeal to an independent appeal panel and will be provided with the relevant documentation and advice by the LA's Admissions Service. We follow the Hampshire County Council appeals timetable below.

National notification date for on-time applicants	Thursday 16^th April 2026
Notification date for late applicants (whose applications received after 15^th January and before 16^th April 2026)	Wednesday 29^th April 2026
Deadline date for parents wishing to lodge an appeal (submitting completed appeal form to the County Council)	Thursday 21^st May 2026
Appeal hearings to be held	From 1^st June to 22^nd July 2026
Decision letters to be sent	Within five school days of hearing

If you're unhappy with the decision you've received, and wish to lodge an appeal, you must do this with Hampshire County Council's Admissions Team. Click here for more information.

Flexible Start to School: Deferral, Part-Time Attendance and Summer-Born Children

In England, children are not required to start school until they reach compulsory school age, which is the start of the term after their fifth birthday. Parents can choose for their child to start school earlier, but the admission authority cannot require a child to start before they reach compulsory school age.

We recognise that children develop at different rates and are committed to supporting families to make the decision that is right for their child. The options available are outlined below.

Deferring Entry

Parents may defer their child’s start date until they reach compulsory school age.

Your child will keep their allocated Reception place.
They may start later in the school year (e.g. January or April), but must start by the point they reach compulsory school age.

How to request:
After receiving your school place offer, please contact the school office to discuss deferral and confirm your requested start date.

You should make a main round application for your child’s normal age group before the closing date.

At the same time, you can submit your request to make an application for Year R in the following September:

- Email admissions.team@hants.gov.uk for a delayed admission request form

Part-Time Attendance

Until they reach compulsory school age, children may attend school on a part-time basis if parents feel a gradual transition would benefit them.

This may involve mornings only or another reduced timetable agreed with the school.

How to request:
Please contact the school after receiving your offer to discuss suitable part-time arrangements.

Summer-Born Children (1 April – 31 August)

Parents of summer-born children may feel that starting school shortly after turning four is not appropriate. You may request that your child:

Starts school in the September after their fifth birthday, and
Joins Reception rather than Year 1 at that time.

This is a request to admit a child outside their normal age group. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking account of the best interests of the child.

How to request:
Please contact the school as early as possible—ideally during the year before you would normally apply—to discuss your request and the information you may wish to provide.

Applications

You should still submit an application for your child’s normal age group by the published closing date, even if you intend to defer entry, request part-time attendance, or seek admission outside the normal age group.

Additional Needs

If your child has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or significant special educational needs, please contact the school or your local authority early, as processes may differ slightly.

Support and Advice

We encourage all parents considering these options to contact us for advice. We are happy to discuss your child’s needs and help you understand the best route for your family.

Each request will be considered in your child’s best interests, and you should apply by the normal admissions deadline.

At the same time parents can request a delayed admission form, please email admissions.team@hants.gov.uk

Open days and stay and play sessions

Our open days and stay and play sessions are a great way for you and your child to have a look around to see our learning facilities, chat with staff, meet other parents and children and explore our safe environment.

Call or email the Office to book a place for one of our open sessions or stay and play sessions.

Telephone: 01329234381

Email: admin@woodcotschool.co.uk

In-year transfers

The general process for joining us is outlined below and, although it may seem daunting, it is quite simple, and we are here to help you as much as we can throughout.

The process may vary slightly depending on the time of year and which 'round' of applications you fall into. We'll let you know when you speak to us.

If you wish to change your child's school midway through the school year, due to a house move for example, you will need to complete an in-year application form online.

You can apply online at www.hants.gov.uk/admissions.

You will receive a reply in writing or email from the school, normally within 10 school days.

Please click here to view our Admissions Policy.

Please click on the link below to read more about Hampshire County Council's School Admissions Policy

https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/admissions/arrangements