Admissions
Come and Visit Us
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we would be delighted to show you around St James Infant School.
If you would like to arrange a tour, meet our staff, or ask any questions about joining our school, please contact the friendly school office team who will happily book you a tour at a time that suits you.
Applying for a Reception Place
Step 1: Apply Through West Northamptonshire Council
Applications for Reception places are made through West Northamptonshire Council.
Application portal opens: September*
Application deadline: January*
Step 2: Submit Your Application by the Deadline
Please ensure your application is submitted by January*
If you miss this deadline, you will need to submit a late application using the same West Northamptonshire Council application system.
Step 3: Receive Your School Offer
National Offer Day: April*
You will be notified of your allocated school place on this date.
*Please check the Council website for specific dates and times.
Moving Schools During the School Year (In-Year Admissions)
If you would like your child to join St James Infant School during the school year, applications must be made through West Northamptonshire Council's in-year admissions process.
The link below provides information about the West Northamptonshire Council In-Year Co-ordination Scheme and allows you to submit an application:
Applying for a Pre-School Place
Is Your Child Turning 3?
If your child is approaching their third birthday, or is already 3 years old, you can apply for a place in our Poppy Class Pre-School.
Applying for Junior School
When your child enters Year 2, you can begin making your application for junior school.
Applications typically open in early September and close at the end of October. Late applications can still be made, although this may limit the schools available to you.
Admissions Policy
Published Admission Number
The school has an agreed Published Admission Number (PAN) of 60 for entry in Reception.
Oversubscription Criteria
Places will first be allocated to children who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) that names the school as appropriate provision. When there are more applications for places than there are places available and after the admission of children with an EHCP, priority will be given in the following order:
- 1. Looked after children and all previously looked after children.
- 2. Children of staff at the school, in either or both of the following circumstances: a) Where the member of staff has been employed at the school for two or more years at the time which the application for admission to the school is made, and/or b) the member of staff is recruited to fill a vacant post for which there is a demonstrable skills shortage.
- 3. Children with a brother or sister continuing at the school or Abbey CE (Junior) Academy at the time of admission of the child.
- 4. Children who live in the defined area (civil parishes of Dodford and Norton).
- 5. Children who live closer to the school than any other school.
- 6. Other children. Allocation to PAN If the admission number is exceeded within any criterion, priority will be given to those who live closest to the school.
Tiebreaker
If two or more applications cannot otherwise be separated and there is only one place available, a random allocation process will be used to determine who should be allocated the place.
Need Help or Further Information?
We are always happy to help. If you have any questions about admissions, arranging a visit, Reception applications, in-year transfers, or Pre-School places, please contact the friendly school office team.
