Admissions

General Information on Admissions

You can view our 2027/28 admission arrangements by clicking on the following link:

2027/28 admission arrangements

Each year we have a new intake of 60 children in the Reception year. Each year group is split into two classes and our capacity for the whole school is 420.

The City of Bristol’s admission arrangements apply to voluntary controlled schools such as ours, and this means that all children may start school in the September following their fourth birthday. Alternatively, this may be delayed until the beginning of term 3 or term 5 if parents wish. Children must, however, be in full-time education by the beginning of terms 3 or 5 following their fifth birthday.

Our admissions policy aims to ensure that each child’s introduction to school is a very positive and happy experience. To achieve this, all children are admitted on a part-time basis for the first three weeks of term 1. This allows time for children to build relationships with their class teacher and with other children, and to adjust to their new surroundings and routines. It also gives the class teacher the opportunity to get to know the child well right from the start. Towards the end of the three-week period it is anticipated that class teachers and parents will discuss whether the child is ready for full-time education with a view to all children attending full time by term 2 at the latest.

Admission Arrangements

As a member of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP), our admission arrangements for the 2027/28 academic year are published on the partnership website. You can view them by clicking here.

Our admission arrangements outline the oversubscription criteria and planned admission number for our school.

To view our admission arrangements for 2028/29 and beyond please click here.

‘In-Year’ Admissions for Years 1 to 6

Places for children in these year groups are also allocated by the School Admissions Department at Bristol City Council. If you are new to the area, or you are considering moving your child to a different school, please contact the council by phone on 0117 903 7694 or by email at school.admissions@bristol.gov.uk. If there are no places available School Admissions will add your child to the waiting list or advise you of alternative schools in the area.

Secondary Transfer Arrangements

Transfer to secondary education takes place in the September following the child’s eleventh birthday and details will be sent to you early in your child’s final year at Horfield Primary. Under the present open enrolment policies parents may opt for any secondary school within Bristol and the surrounding area, although admission is governed by the capacity of the chosen school.

You can find further guidance about school admissions by clicking on the following link:

www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/schools-learning-and-early-years/school-admissions

School Meals

Horfield CE Primary School

Admissions