Admissions
First Federation Trust is the admissions authority for its member schools, responsible for the admissions policies and decisions on applications for admission.
We have an admissions policy for each academic year and they will be published on our policies page when they are proposed for consultation and after they have been determined annually. They are written to comply with the School Admissions Code 2021 and School Admissions Appeals Code 2022.
Attending Marshwood CE Primary Academy
We welcome prospective parents to come and have a look around our school and meet up with the Head of School and the staff. Appointments can be easily arranged by calling the School Office on 01297 678224 or emailing marshwoodoffice@acornacademy.org
You can view our Admissions Policies on this website or contact Dorset Local Authority through the links below for more information about the admissions process.
Starting School for the First Time
Once you decide you would like a place in Reception or at any other time after this, you must make a formal application. You can do this by applying to the Local Authority and not direct to the school.
Apply for school place for the first time
For the Normal Round intake into school, children are offered places to start in Reception at the beginning of the September term after their fourth birthday. Children who are admitted to a vacancy at any time after this point are called 'In-Year' Admissions (see below).
We have a programme of induction for pupils new to our Reception class in the summer term before they start school. Children are welcomed for a series of taster sessions, enabling them to familiarise themselves with the classroom and the school, meet their teachers and the teaching assistants and have a chance to play with their new classmates.
In-Year Admissions
If you are planning to move your child during the year then all applications must be made in line with Dorset LA’s admission scheme. Further information and application forms are available from the Local Authority admissions team on 01305 221060 or on their website:
View Dorset Council's in year application
The admission limit for each year group is 10. Where the number of applicants exceeds places available, the allocation of those places is made according to the criteria set out in our Admissions Policy.
Transferring to Secondary School
Most of our children transfer to Woodroffe School, but some choose to transfer to Axe Valley Academy, Beaminster School, or Colyton Grammar School. We have close links with Woodroffe School and a full transition programme exists to enable children to make the move with ease and confidence. Parents will need to complete their secondary school application here:
Dorset transferring to secondary school
Useful Links
Apply for a school placeThe Woodroffe SchoolColyton Grammar SchoolAxe Valley AcademyBeaminster School
Admission appeals timetable for entry in September
Link to Dorset County Council Admissions Appeals Timetable
School Admission Appeals will be processed in line with the requirements set out in the School Admissions Appeals Code. Below is a timetable that sets out key dates for the appeals process, focussing on September 2024 entry. Key information has also been provided that sets out how in-year appeals will be dealt with.
Primary Phase Timetable and Deadlines
|
Offer letters posted to parents and carers on National Offer Day by Local Authority |
16th April 2024 |
|
Deadline for acceptance of the offer by parents and carers |
1st May 2024 |
|
Deadline for lodging an on-time admission appeal |
16th May 2024 |
|
Appealing hearing dates |
Between 10th June and 18th July |
Admissions Policies
School admissions policy 2024-25
See our determined policy below.
2024-25 Admissions Policy
School admissions policy 2025-26
See our determined policy below.
School admissions policy 2026-27
We will consult on an admissions policy between November 2024 and 10 January 2025. If you have any comments regarding the policy we propose (see below), you can contact us at the school or schoolsadmissionpolicy-mailbox@devon.gov.uk.
We are proposing to make the following changes: introduce staff priority; change the qualification period for faith priority.
After the consultation, we will determine the policy at a meeting of the admissions authority held before the end of February 2025. Once determined, the policy will be updated online by 15 March 2025.
Objections can be made up to 15 May 2025 to the Office of the Schools' Adjudicator.