Starting School
Will your child turn 5 between 1st September 2023 and 31st August 2024?
If so, you need to complete an application online for a school place so that your child can start school in September 2023.
Applications open 5th September 2024 and close midnight Sunday 15th January 2024.
Visit www.durham.gov.uk/schooladmissions where you can access a useful guide to help with your application.
If you are unable to apply online, paper application forms are available on request to School Places and Admissions Team, using the details below.
The School Places and Admissions Team – Telephone 03000 265 896.
Please note that applications will close on midnight 15th January 2024.
All admissions to St. John’s Primary School are co-ordinated by Durham County Council, please visit the Durham County Council website for information regarding the School Admissions. To appeal against an admission decision visit: School admissions-appeals.
A copy of our School Admissions Policy can also be found in the School Policy section of this website.
Timetable of Important Admission Dates
Parents Guide to School Admissions and Application Form are made available to parents – Monday 5th September 2022.
Closing date for return of forms to the LA – Midnight 15th January 2024.
Offer of place sent to parents: 19th April 2024. Acceptance of place to be returned to County Hall. If you applied online your child’s offer of a school place will be emailed to you. If you applied using a written application form a letter informing you of a school place offered will be sent to your home address. In the event of your child not being offered a place, please contact the school for further information about the appeals process. Notice of Appeal
School Admissions – Special Educational Needs (SEND)
We are committed to meeting the needs of all children including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We would ask parents to discuss the identified needs with the school prior to starting so that appropriate intervention and support can be planned and implemented. Advice from the LA or other agencies may be requested to ensure any school can meet any needs appropriately.
Full details of the admission arrangements can be found in the Primary and Secondary Admissions brochure produced by Durham County Council. http://www.durham.gov.uk/schooladmissions
Applying for a school place if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan or a Statement of SEN
Children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (or Statement of Special Education Needs) follow a different admission and transfer process for a new school. Please continue to complete Durham County Council’s parental preference form, as part of the admission process to a new school. You continue to have a right to request a particular school and this will be considered alongside the information that we have about your child’s special educational needs. The information would have been provided as part of the Education, Health and Care assessment or following the review meeting.
Key Policies
All of our school policies can be found on the website but the most important ones for parents of children with SEND are listed below:
Admissions and Appeals Policy and Guidelines 2023-24
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