APPLYING FOR RECEPTION PLACES FOR SEPTEMBER

A county-wide admission scheme is in operation in Kent and applications should be made via the Kent County Council School Admissions webpage: KCC Primary School Places

Although children do not reach statutory school age until the term following their fifth birthday, it is the policy of the school to admit children into the Reception classes at the beginning of the school year.  The headteacher will be happy to discuss these arrangements with you.

The school can admit 56 children into each year group.  Places will be offered to children in the following order:

• Children in Local Authority Care
• Children with a sibling already attending Sandwich Infant or Junior Schools
• Children of Staff
• Health and Special Access reasons
• Distance of child’s home from the school

We welcome prospective parents/carers and pupils to visit us, please ring the school office to make a date and time to be shown around the school.

Parents/carers are informed by the Local Authority of the decision regarding a place for their child in April 2026.  After you have been informed that your child has been offered a place, you will receive information regarding our induction programme for children joining our Foundation Stage so that you and your child can become familiar with school and can start in September with confidence!

If your child is due to start primary school in September 2026, you can appeal if you are refused a place at one of your preferred schools on National Offer Day (Thursday 16 April 2026). You must submit your appeal before Monday 18 May 2026 for it to be considered by Monday 20 July 2026. Any appeals received after this time will be heard within 40 school days from the deadline, or where reasonably possible in line with updated guidance from the Department for Education.

For late applications, appeals should be heard within 40 school days from the deadline for lodging appeals where possible, or within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged where reasonably possible in line with updated guidance from the Department for Education.

IN YEAR ADMISSIONS

For any in year admissions please contact our school office who will be able to advise you on this.  Parents/carers and pupils are still encouraged to visit the school and meet with the Headteacher/Assistant Head.  Please use this link to complete the link for any in year admissions:

https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/move-to-a-different-school

 

TRANSITION TO YEAR 3

At the end of Year 2 most children transfer to Sandwich Junior School.  The Headteacher of the Junior School is happy for parents to visit the school before a decision is made to apply for a place at the Infant School.

For additional information please phone their school office on 01304 612227 or visit their school website. 

PREPARING TO START SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME

Entering school for the first time is a big step in a child’s life and our aim is to make this step as smooth as possible both for you and your child. During the Summer Term, prior to the children starting school, a meeting is held for all parents.  At this meeting we provide more information about the organisation of the school, details regarding the curriculum and suggestions for how you can help your child at home.  This meeting also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and meet other new parents.  

In July the children are invited to spend one session in school, they attend in small groups to make the visits less daunting. The Reception teachers also visit the children at their pre-school setting in the summer before they start school.

At the beginning of September we will arrange a meeting with you and your child.  This is an opportunity for the teacher to meet you on an individual basis and for you to share information about your child with the teacher.  Children start school on a part time basis in the second and third week of term. Details of this will be given at our meeting in the summer.

Admissions

Although we try to give you a flavour of our school here on the website, we warmly encourage you to visit us to appreciate all we do and the exciting learning that takes place here.

If you are thinking of applying for a place at Sandwich Infant School for your child, you are very welcome to come and have a look around first. See our grounds, our friendly staff and children and education in action.

We are committed in ensuring that your child feels settled in our school and that they quickly start to flourish in a nurturing and academically challenging learning environment.

 

Our Published Admission Number (PAN)

The Published Admission Number (PAN) for Sandwich Infant School is: 56

This means the school can admit 56 pupils into Reception in September 2026.

 

Reception Intake & Key Information for 2027–28

Welcome to our latest admissions update. Whether you’re preparing to apply for a Reception place or simply planning ahead, we hope the information below helps you feel confident and informed.

 

Applying for a Reception Place

Applications for Reception places are made online through Kent County Council at: www.kent.gov.uk

The website includes step‑by‑step guidance, videos, and FAQs to support you. If you need extra help, you can also contact the Kent Primary Admissions Team at primaryadmissions@kent.gov.uk

And of course, our school team is always happy to answer your questions.

 

Come and Visit Us

We love welcoming families into school.

Our Open Days usually take place between October and December, but you’re very welcome to arrange a visit at any time of year. Just get in touch with the school office and we’ll be delighted to show you around.

 

Delayed or Part‑Time Entry to Reception

Children are entitled to start full‑time in the September after their fourth birthday. However, the School Admissions Code gives parents flexibility:

Parents may choose to:

• Defer the start date until later in the school year (but not beyond compulsory school age or the start of the final term).
• Request part‑time attendance until their child reaches compulsory school age.

Important to note:

• A Reception place cannot be deferred to the following academic year unless you are formally requesting admission outside the normal age group.
• If you would like to discuss a later start or part‑time attendance, please contact the Headteacher in writing.

We’re here to support you in making the right decision for your child.

 

Oversubscription Criteria (Aquila Schools – 2027/28)

If more children apply than we have places available, applications are ranked using Aquila’s Trust‑wide criteria:

• Looked After and Previously Looked After Children
• Children with a sibling already attending the school
• Children of staff (meeting the Trust’s eligibility criteria)
• Children with a recognised Christian church affiliation
• Distance from the school (measured in a straight line)

If two applications are tied, the place is offered to the child living closest to the school.

 

If You Are Not Offered a Place: Your Right to Appeal

If your child is not offered a place, you can appeal to an independent panel through Kent County Council.

1. You’ll receive full instructions with your offer letter.
2. You can submit written evidence and attend the hearing.
3. The panel is completely independent of the school and the Trust.
4. Decisions are made in line with the School Admission Appeals Code.

We know this can feel stressful, and we’re here to help you understand the process.

 

We’re Here to Help

If you have any questions about admissions, delayed entry, oversubscription, or appeals, please reach out. We want every family to feel supported and informed throughout the process.