Key Information
Admissions

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All of our admissions are managed by WSCC, on our behalf and with the School Admissions Code (2021) and School Admission Appeals Code (2022).

Please click here for our current, and next academic year admission policies.

For Parents whose children are starting school for the first time, you will be sent a letter in the autumn of the year before your child is due to start school. This letter informs you of the name of your catchment school and how you can make an application online for a school place. Parents have the right to express three preferences and may apply for any school, but should submit their application by 15 January. Further information on admission arrangements to the EYFS classes is available at www.westsussex.gov.uk/admissions.

 

Admissions Arrangements (Current Intake)

2026–2027 Admission Arrangements

[Download Full Admissions Policy (PDF)]

Our admissions arrangements were determined following statutory requirements and were published by 15 March in accordance with national guidance.

We will share the ‘starting school timeline’ with parents and carers, no later than the start of June.

 

EYFS Admissions (Age 4+)

Published Admission Number (PAN)

We admit 60 pupils into Reception each year however, our 2023 cohort has three classes as we accommodated an extra class due to a high birth rate that year.

 

How to Apply

Applications for EYFS places must be made through your home Local Authority:

 

2027 Admission Timeline

  • September/October 2026: Schools publish prospectuses, and WSCC provides detailed application guidance.

  • October 2026: Online applications typically open.

  • 15th January 2027: National closing date for on-time applications.

 

Important Tips

  • Apply on time: Even if your preferred school has an open day or you have an older child there, you must still apply formally via the council.

  • Out of Area: If you are considering schools outside of West Sussex, you may need to apply through the local authority where the school is located.

  • Application deadline: 15th January 2027

  • National offer day: 16th April 2027

Late applications should be made via the Local Authority and will be processed in accordance with their coordinated scheme.

  • Oversubscription Criteria

    If there are more applications than places available, places will be allocated in the following priority order:

    1. Looked-after and previously looked-after children

    2. Children with exceptional medical or social need

    3. Siblings of children attending the school

    4. Children living within the defined catchment area

    5. Children of staff who have worked at the school for 2+ years

    6. Other children by distance

  • Tie-break

    Where two or more applicants have equal priority, places will be allocated based on distance from the school, measured in a straight line from school to the home.

  • Deferring Entry / Part-Time Attendance

    Parents have the right to:

    • Defer entry until later in the academic year (but not beyond the beginning of the term after the child turns five)

    • Request part-time attendance until compulsory school age

    To request this, please contact:

    office@harlandsedtrust.org.uk asking for Mrs Kerse

  • Admission Outside Normal Age Group

    Parents may request that their child is admitted outside their normal age group (e.g. delaying Reception entry by a full year).

    Requests must:

    • Be made in writing

    • Include supporting evidence where appropriate

    All decisions are made in the best interests of the child, in line with the Admissions Code.

  • Waiting List

    • A waiting list will be maintained for Reception places until at least 31 December of the admission year

    • Children are ranked according to the oversubscription criteria (not by date of application)

    • Positions may change as new applicants join the list

  • In-Year Admissions

    An in-year application is for a place in any year group outside the normal Reception intake. For any in-year admissions, it is worth contacting the school first to see if we may have spaces available. We will also usually be able to advise if there is a waiting list for any particular year group.

  • How to Apply

    Apply via: School places - West Sussex County Council

    We will:

    • Notify you of the outcome within 15 school days

    • Add your child to a waiting list if a place is not available

  • Admission Appeals

    If your child is not offered a place, you have the right to appeal to an independent panel.

     

    Appeals timetable

    • Deadline for lodging appeals: [Insert date]

    • Appeal hearings: [Insert timeframe]

    • Appeals are conducted in accordance with the School Admission Appeals Code (2022).

  • Contact Admissions

    For any admissions enquiries, please contact:

    Email: office@harlandsedtrust.org.uk 

    Phone: 01444 450782

  • Paper Copies

    If you would like a paper copy of any admissions information, we will provide this free of charge.

  • Compliance Statement

    Our admissions arrangements:

    • Are reviewed annually

    • Comply with the School Admissions Code (2021)

    • Comply with the School Admission Appeals Code (2022)

    • Are published in accordance with DfE statutory guidance

  • Best Practice

    Catchment Map

    Search for a school - West Sussex County Council

     

    Previous Admission Data

    • Number of applications last year: [X]

    • Furthest distance offered: [X miles]

  • School Tour Information

    We hold EYFS new starter tours during October and November. Dates for these are shared nearer the time.

    If you are looking for a mid-year visit, please contact the office and we will be able to arrange this.

    If you require any accessibility requirements, please let us know in advance.