Latest News
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£750,000 spent on school improvements over the summer
Wed 31 Aug 2022We have been busy over the summer investing in our schools, to make sure children learn in the most welcoming and secure environments.
Improvements include:- installed new energy efficient boilers
- replaced fencing
- fitted new carpets
- trimmed trees
- painted classrooms
- fitted new roofs
- installed new kitchens
- updated signage
- refurbished classroom furniture
- fitted new classroom screens
The trust has invested over £750,000 on the improvement works undertaken over the summer. These school improvement projects do not include the general maintenance by site managers to ensure school facilities and grounds are conducive to a safe and secure learning environment.
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When to apply for a place at primary school
Mon 01 Aug 2022Is your child due to start school in September 2023?
Children start primary school the September after their 4th birthday.
If your child turns 4 between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023, then they will start school in September 2023.
When to apply for a school place for your child?
Applications to apply for a Reception place at a primary or first school opens on Thursday 1st September 2022.
The closing date for applying for a Reception place at a primary or first school is Sunday 15th January 2023.
How to apply for a Reception school place for your child?
Visit your local authority website to apply online or request a paper application form.
Worcestershire School Admissions
What happens if I apply late?
It is important that you apply by the closing date as applications received after the deadline will be classed as late and you are unlikely to be offered your first-choice school, even if you have a child there already or live very close to the school.
When are school place offers made?
Online offers will be emailed on the 17th April 2023
We encourage and welcome you to visit our schools prior to applying to experience first-hand what makes learning at our schools so exciting.
Helpful guides to applying for a school place
- What should I consider when choosing a school for my child?
- How do I find the best school for my child?
- Is it better to put more than one choice on a school application?
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Is it better to put more than one choice on a school application?
Mon 01 Aug 2022Is it better to put more than one school choice?
Yes, it is best to put down three ‘choices’ on your school application form.
If you only put down one school (or put the same school three times), the local authority will not give you priority when allocating places.
If you have not expressed a second/third preference and there is no availability at your first-choice school, the Local Authority will offer you an alternative school with places available.
This may not be another local school to you, it could be the nearest school within the county, with available places.
My preferred school is usually over subscribed , should I still put it as my first choice school?
Always put your preferred school as your first choice.
There may be spaces available and if you meet the criteria you should get your first choice school.
If your first-choice option is oversubscribed and you do not meet the criteria you will then default to your 2nd choice.
It is worth knowing…By law, parents have the chance to state their preference for the school they wish their child to attend. Parents do not, however, get to "choose" the school for their child. The Local Authority will allocate places based on admissions criteria.
Tip - Check to see if you match the school’s admissions criteria. Criteria is usually based on distance, whether siblings attend or specific criteria such as Christian denomination.
Considering your preferences
To ensure that you are in the best position to make an informed decision on which schools to put on your child’s school application, we recommend doing your research.
Do not decide based on what you think you know or what other people say about it. Look at how the school has performed recently and what they offer in terms of curriculum, learning support, extra-curricular and wraparound care.
Look at school websites and social media. Most importantly visit all your local schools to meet the staff, see the facilities and get an idea about what school life is like.
Find out what it’s like to Learn with us or follow The Rivers CofE Academy Trust on Facebook and Twitter.
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How do I find the best school for my child?
Mon 01 Aug 2022Choosing a school for your child is an important decision.
You would not decide on a house without going to see it first, therefore you should invest the same care and attention to finding the right school for your child.
The only way to know if it is the best school for your child is to do your research, look and compare school website, social media and most importantly…visit a few schools in the local area!
By visiting a school, you can get an idea of the teaching style, you can find out what your child will be learning, you can see the facilities and meet the staff. This helps to create a feeling of whether you think your child would be happy at the school.
The right school can make all the difference to their education and personal development.
If all the schools near you are good and have similar progress and attainment outcomes, how do you decide which school to apply for?
All schools should have children at the heart of all they do, offer a safe nurturing environment and deliver a high-quality education.
So, what makes each school different and how do you know if it’s the right school for your child?
Visit our list of what to consider when choosing a school for my child.
Useful to know…You may not be offered your preferred school, so it is essential that you visit a few schools in your local area.
Is it better to put more than one choice on a school application?