Applying for a Place in Reception

Children in Sandwell can start school (Reception) in the September after their fourth birthday.  Sandwell Council's School Admissions Service publishes information on their website, informing parent/carers on how to start their child at school. However, the responsibility for applying online for a child to start reception class, remains solely with parent/carers.

When to apply

Parents can apply for a place in the Autumn of the year before their child turns 4 years of age. It is important that you apply for a place as soon as possible.  Attendance at our nursery class does not give a child automatic priority for a place

Changing schools in the middle of the year

Mid-year applications are when you apply to change from one primary school to another primary school or from one secondary school to another secondary school during the school year. for further information please click on the following link.  Applying to transfer your child in-year Sandwell Council

Please visit Sandwell School Admissions for further information on making an application.

In accordance with the Department for Education's School Admissions Code, admission authorities are required to consult on admission arrangements where changes are proposed.

As a result of updates to the Diocesan Model Admissions Policy, all Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Birmingham are required to undertake a full consultation on their proposed admissions policies for the 2028/29 academic year.

The proposed changes are:

• The introduction of new priority categories for Catechumens and children of Eastern Christian Churches.
• The introduction of new priority categories for children of other Christian denominations and children of other faiths.
• The introduction of new priority categories for children of members of staff at the time of admission.
• Changes intended to ensure that admission arrangements continue to reflect and serve the needs of our school communities.
• A number of minor amendments to wording, definitions and policy content, with the most significant revisions relating to the oversubscription criteria.

The consultation will remain open for a period of six weeks in accordance with statutory requirements. We welcome views from all interested parties and encourage stakeholders to participate in the consultation. Responses should be submitted in writing no later than 5:00pm on 21st Decembe 2026 via the MS Form linked here: Emmaus Consultation on Admissions Arrangements for 2028/29 (Worcestershire) - Fill in form

Following the close of the consultation period, all responses received will be carefully considered by the Local Governing Body before the final admissions arrangements are determined and published.

A copy of the full consultation letter and proposed policy for 2028-29 can be seen here:

Emmaus Consultation on Admissions Arrangements for 2028/29 (Sandwell) – Fill in form