Starting Reception in September 2027

If your child was born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023, they are due to start Reception in September 2027. We admit up to 30 children into Reception each year.

• Applications open: 1 November 2026
• Closing date: 15 January 2027
• Offers day: 16 April 2027

Northumberland residents should apply through the council's online admissions portal. Newcastle residents should apply through Newcastle City Council. Applications received after 15 January 2027 are treated as late. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, late applicants will not receive an offer on 16 April, even if they live in our catchment area.

Come and visit us
Our open mornings for families of children joining Nursery and Reception are on 10th November 2026 and 19th November 2026 at 9:30am. If you can't make either date, please contact the school office to arrange a visit.

Nursery and Reception
Children in our Nursery class still need to apply for a Reception place. Attending our Nursery does not give priority for, or guarantee, a place in Reception.

If there are more applications than places
Children whose Education, Health and Care Plan names our school are admitted first. Remaining places are then offered in this order of priority:

1. Looked after and previously looked after children
2. Children living in our catchment area
3. Children with an exceptional medical or social need that only our school can meet, supported by professional evidence
4. Children with an older brother or sister already at the school
5. Children of staff who have worked at the school for two years or more, or who were recruited to fill a skills shortage
6. Children whose parents are committed members of the Church of England or another Christian church and attend at least once a month over the past year (a letter from your minister or vicar is required)
7. All other children

If two children have equal priority within any of these groups, places go to those living closest to the school, measured in a straight line. Full details, including our catchment area map, are in the Pele Trust Admissions Policy 2027-28.

Summer-born children and deferred entry
Children can start Reception in the September after their fourth birthday, but they don't have to start school until the term after their fifth birthday. Parents can choose to defer their child's start until later in the Reception year, or for their child to attend part-time until they reach compulsory school age.

If your child is summer born (born between 1 April and 31 August) and you would like them to start Reception a full year later, please apply at the usual time and include a written request with your reasons. Please speak to Mr Watson as early as possible so the decision is clear before offers day.

Starting school outside the normal year group
If you feel your child should start school a year earlier or later than usual for another reason, please write to the Headteacher with any supporting evidence from professionals. The decision is made by Pele Trust's Board of Directors.

Waiting lists and appeals
If your application is unsuccessful, you can ask for your child to be placed on our waiting list. Places are offered strictly in line with the oversubscription criteria, and the list is re-ranked each time a child is added, so time spent on the list does not count. Reception waiting lists are kept until 31 December, after which a fresh in-year application is needed. Being on the waiting list does not affect your right to appeal.

Information on appeals is available from Northumberland County Council.

Admissions Policy
Pele Trust Admissions Policy (Ponteland Hub Schools) 2027-28

Richard Coates CE Primary School- Starting Reception Brochure