As you may be aware, the primary school (Reception) admission round opens on 4 November 2024, for parents of children to apply for a Reception school place for the academic year that starts in September 2025. The statutory national closing date for applications is 15 January 2025. From 4 November 2024, applications can be made online via www.essex.gov.uk/admissions.
The website www.essex.gov.uk/admissions also has a copy of the Primary Education in Essex 2024/25 booklet and the Schools Admissions Policies Directories contain details of all admission policies.
Please use the link below to refer to the Local Authority to find out the admissions and appeals arrangements for Riverside Primary School.
Admissions Procedure
In the event of oversubscription, places will be allocated using the following criteria in the order given:
1. Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children;
2. Children with a sibling attending the school;
3. Children living in the priority admission area;
4. Remaining applications.
Each school has a published “Pupil Admission Number” (PAN). Riverside’s number intended to admit is 60. In the event of oversubscription within any of the above criteria, priority will be determined by straight line distance from home to school; those living closest are given highest priority. Exceptional medical circumstances (supported by medical evidence) may override the above.
Application for Places
All admissions require an application form to be completed and returned to the Planning and Admissions team. Application forms can be completed online https://www.essex.gov.uk/apply-for-a-primary-school-place or obtained from Planning and Admissions (Planning & Admissions, Learning Services, P.O. Box 4261 Chelmsford CM1 1GS Tel: 01245 436736).
Appeal Mechanism
Where parents are unsuccessful in securing a place at their preferred school, the following arrangements for an appeal within the terms of the 1980 Education Act and 1993 Education Act apply: Parents must notify the Area pupil services team in writing of their wish to appeal against their child’s non-admission, within 14 days of being informed, in writing, that a place is not available. Arrangements will then be made for the appeal to be considered and parents informed accordingly.
If you require paper copies of any of the information on this website, please contact us. Copies can be provided free of charge.