Reception Class Admission Dates & Timetable

At St. Francis we use the co-ordinated scheme managed by Essex Local Authority to determine the

30 places allocated to Reception children and this process opens on the 10th November 2025

Children whose date of birth is between 01.09.2021 and 31.08.2022 can apply for a place to start in September 2026

More information about the Essex Admissions procedures can be found on the Essex County Council Website. 

The Admissions Criteria for St. Francis Catholic Primary School 2026-27 can be found here. 

For other future years please go to the end of the In Year Admission page on this site. 

 We would like to welcome all prospective parents and their pre-school child to book a place to attend an Open Morning.

Open Mornings 2025

Tuesday 11th November 2025 at 9.15am

Wednesday 19th November 2025 at 9.15am 

If you would like to book a place please call the school office - 01376 320440

This will include a talk from the Headteacher at 9.15am and a tour of the school with children.
There will be opportunities to speak with the Headteacher and other staff if you have any questions relating to the application process. 

Alternatively, you may wish to book a tour and opportunity to discuss the application process on
another day in which case please call the school office to arrange a mutually convenient time.

Reception 2026 Applicants - The process for applications will open on 11th November 2025 with the Local Authority. From that date, we are happy to accept the Supplementary Information Forms (SIFs) and copies of birth certificates at our office. We do need to see the original but are happy to make the colour copy for you. 

Fr. David will be available to sign the ‘Certificates of Catholic Practice’ on selected evening.  Please see the OLQP Parish newsletter for more details or contact the Parish office.

In addition to the Local Authority application we also request a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) 2026-27 to be completed. This is available at the school office in a pack for prospective parents.

A Baptisimal certificate (if available) and a Priests Reference form / Certificate of Catholic Practice are also documents that will support the application to our Catholic Primary School. These should be handed into the school office before the above closing date of 15th January 2026.

 Please watch our video of school life below

The key dates are as follows: