South Gloucestershire Local Authority (LA) determines the school’s admission policy.  The LA operates a ‘rising fives’ policy which means that children who are 4 by 31^st August generally start school in September of that year. The age for compulsory education is the term after a child’s 5^th birthday. Parents are asked to register their interest at our school as early as possible to inform the school of future numbers. In September before your child starts school, the LA application form can be accessed online or from the local pre-schools and libraries. This application should be completed and returned to South Gloucestershire promptly. Parents are notified whether a place is available later in March the following year. A New Parents’ Meeting is held during the summer term when admission arrangements are discussed.

If you move into the area during the school year, please apply directly to the LA admissions department (01454 863314) for an application form. The local authority manages all applications and will advise you on the availability of spaces. If you wish to enrol your child here, please contact us to arrange a visit so that we can show you around and arrange a suitable time for your child to visit. Once they have started at Watermore, staff will support them so that they settle quickly as possible. Your child will also be assigned a class mate (buddy) to look after them until they establish their own friendship group.

Standard Number

The standard number for Watermore is 60. If more than the Standard Number of pupils apply for places in any one year group, then we are ‘oversubscribed’ and the Local Authority deals with the offers of places. For more information go to http://www.southglos.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools-and-education/school-admissions/primary-school-admissions/

Starting school can be a big step for a child and we try to ensure that each child is helped to settle in happily and quickly.  During the Summer Term, prior to entry, an evening meeting is held for parents. At this meeting, arrangements are made for the children to make visits to school to meet the teacher and other children in their class.  

These induction arrangements give children an opportunity to become familiar with the teacher and the school surroundings. It is also an opportunity for parents to discuss any particular concerns or queries. During the first four weeks in September, children attend on a part-time basis, so that the teacher can get to know them in a smaller group before the whole class attends together. More information about these arrangements is given during the summer term.

Transfer to Secondary School

In September following their eleventh birthday, children move to secondary school. Information related to school transfer at eleven years old is detailed by the Local Authority on a dedicated website, live from September each year. Most of our children go on to Winterbourne International Academy. Applications to secondary school are made online. We can make a computer available to parents to do this, if required.

For more information on school admissions you can contact South Gloucestershire Council

 http://www.southglos.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools-and-colleges/school-admissions/

Admission Policy 

Watermore Prospectus