Admissions

Admissions to Penwortham Primary School

Thinking about choosing the right primary school for your child?

Choosing a primary school is an important decision, and we understand how much it matters to find a place where your child will feel happy, safe, and supported to thrive. At Penwortham Primary School, we are proud to be a welcoming, inclusive community school at the heart of Penwortham, where children are known as individuals and families are valued as partners.

We warmly welcome applications from all members of our local community and strongly encourage families to visit us to see our school in action and experience the caring, nurturing environment we provide every day.

Visiting Our School

Visits to our school are warmly welcomed. We believe that seeing our school in action is the best way to understand what makes Penwortham Primary School such a special place.

To arrange a visit, please contact the school office:

📞 01772 743321
📧 [email protected]

We look forward to meeting you and your family.

Admissions at a Glance

• School: Penwortham Primary School

• Type: Community Primary School

• Admission Authority: Lancashire County Council

• Admission Number: 30 pupils per year group

• Who can apply? Families from our local community and surrounding areas

When Can Children Start Primary School?

Children normally start Reception in the September following their fourth birthday. By law, children are not required to start school until the beginning of the term after their fifth birthday.

Requests for early entry will only be considered in very exceptional circumstances, and parents must provide evidence of a substantial and exceptional need.

Which Year Should My Child Start School?

Use the guide below to help you identify when your child would usually start Reception.

Reception Start Dates

If you are unsure which year group your child should start in, or would like to discuss deferred or flexible entry options, please contact the school office — we are always happy to help.

How to Apply

All applications for places at Penwortham Primary School are made through Lancashire County Council.

Applications are completed online using the Lancashire County Council admissions system for primary school places.

Please note: school places are not allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. All applications received by the closing date are given equal priority. Late applications may reduce the chance of being offered a preferred school.

Important Admissions Dates

(For children starting Reception in September 2026)

• 1 September 2025 – Applications open

• 15 January 2026 – National closing date (statutory)

• 16 April 2026 – National offer day*

• Late April 2026 – Deadline to request:

  • an appeal

  • a place on the waiting list

• May – July 2026 – Appeals heard by an independent appeal panel

*If the national offer date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, offers will be issued on the next working day.

Admissions Criteria

Parents may express up to three school preferences, all of which are given equal consideration under the equal preference scheme.

If Penwortham Primary School is oversubscribed, places are allocated in the following priority order:

1. Looked after children and previously looked after children, including those adopted from care (including overseas adoption)

2. Children with exceptional medical, social or welfare needs directly relevant to the school

3. Children with older brothers or sisters attending the school at the time of admission

4. Children living closest to the school, measured by straight-line (radial) distance

Additional Admissions Information

• Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming Penwortham Primary School will be admitted before the oversubscription criteria are applied.

• Waiting lists are maintained in line with the School Admissions Code and ranked according to the published admissions criteria.

• Proof of address may be requested at any stage of the admissions process.

• Late applications may be considered only where there are exceptional circumstances.

• Children usually start school at the beginning of a term, unless they are new to the area or there are exceptional reasons.

Appeals

Parents have the right to appeal against an admissions decision. Appeals are heard by an independent appeal panel in accordance with statutory guidance. Full information on how to appeal will be provided with offer letters.

Need Help or Advice?

If you have any questions about admissions, starting school, or arranging a visit, please contact the school office. We are always happy to support families through the admissions process.

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