Primary school applications for Reception class (Early Years Foundation Stage)

If you are considering applying to Great Bowden Academy, we would be delighted to meet you and show you around the school. Please contact the office on 01858 463216 to make an appointment. 

The Local Authority has a duty to provide school places to all pupils resident in its area. Leicestershire achieves this by giving high priority to catchment area children and by allowing parental preference wherever possible. Further information about the application process and access to the online application form can be found on the Leicestershire website  

Parents must apply to their home Local Authority for a school place. Great Bowden Academy’s planned admission number for first time admissions (FTA) starting in Reception is 20 pupils per year group.  

The admissions process takes place during your child's preschool year. The application window for children seeking to start school for the first time from autumn 2025 is open form 1st September until 15 January 2025. The national offer date for FTA entry 2025 is 16 April (or the next working day), where you will be notified of your school place before your child starts Reception in September. For further detail please visit Leicestershire County Council website (or your local authority website if you live outside Leicestershire).

Midterm Admissions and transfers 

For midterm transfers, please apply via the Learn Academies Trust admissions portal at apply.learnat.uk. The school no longer processes midterm admissions through the Local Authority. If you have any questions or require assistance with your application, please contact the school office.

We fully participate in the Local Authority's coordinated admissions scheme. As per the School Admissions Code, all admitting authorities must aim to inform parents of their decision within 10 school days, and it is mandatory that a decision is communicated within 15 school days.

Appeals

The Leicester Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) provides an independent, professional Schools Appeals Service dedicated to ensuring that all admission appeal hearings are heard fairly, equally and within the law. More details can be found on their website and on the attached 'Appeal Service Details 2024 - 2025'. If you have any questions, please speak to our office by calling 01858 463216 or email office@gba.learnat.uk

To see our Admissions Policies from the Trust and for the School, please see below.