Admissions
Admissions to Whiston Willis Primary Academy are managed through Knowsley Local Authority. Please contact Knowsley Admission Department for further information 0151-443-5143. Parents and carers are very welcome to visit our school and see what we have to offer. You can gain information and guidance on this by telephoning Knowsley Admissions Team on 0151-443-5143.
The application period for 2021 entry to reception class of primary school and year 7 of secondary education will open for Knowsley residents on Friday 11 September.
- If your child’s birthday falls on or between 1 September 2016 to 31 August 2017 you can apply for a reception class place – the national closing date for applications is 15 January 2021.
OR
- If your child is currently in Year 6 at primary school, and typically has a date of birth that falls on or between 1 September 2009 to 31 August 2010, now is the time to apply for your secondary place – the national closing date for applications is 31 October 2020.
The Authority will apply any requirements of the agreed Knowsley co-ordinated admission scheme. Where more applications are received than places available, the oversubscription criteria below will be used. As this is an equal preference scheme, all preferences will be considered against the following criteria:
- Children who are cared for by the Local Authority or who were, in certain circumstances previously looked after by the Local Authority.
- Children for whom the Local Authority accepts there are exceptionally strong medical or welfare reasons for admission.
- Children with a brother or sister already attending the preferred school and who will still be attending at the time of admission.
- Distance from the child's home to be measured in a straight line. Those living nearest to the school have priority.
Please note: In line with the Knowsley co-ordinated admissions scheme for primary school, proof of date of birth and home address may be requested following the initial allocation of places. If false information has been given, a place may be withdrawn. Parents/carers are reminded that they have a duty to inform The Inclusion Service of any change during the allocation process.
School Admissions Policy
The admission policy for 2020/21 is printed in the local authority’s admission booklet which is available by clicking https://www.knowsley.gov.uk/residents/education-and-schools/apply-for-a-school-place
Reception class
NEWS: PRIMARY ADMISSIONS - SEPTEMBER 2021
Closing date for applications is 15th January 2021
Allocation results will be issued to applicants on 16th April 2021
We urge parents not to call the Admissions Team until they have received their allocation and/or have been to the website below to see if their query can be answered there.
A lot of information and FAQs, for example regarding the appeals process, can be found on the webpage https://www.knowsley.gov.uk/residents/education-and-schools/apply-for-a-school-place/annual-school-admission-procedures-september-2020, which has now been fully updated and expanded in light of the current situation.
Additional information regarding transition arrangements cannot be finalised at this moment.
Finally, please also note that due to social distancing measures, there are less staff available to take phone calls and respond to emails, therefore we are trying to alleviate the number of calls/emails the school receives by posting information via the school website and main Twitter account @whistonwillis1 and recommend checking these first for further updates.
Please note that there is no automatic transfer from our Nursery to reception class. Attending or nursery class does not give your child priority for a place in our reception class. If you want a place in our reception class, you must complete the formal Local Authority application form during the relevant application period. Application booklets are also available from school at the beginning of the school year on request.
(If you live in another borough, contact your home authority for details of where to apply.)
Applications at other times
If you are moving to this area and are interested in a place for your child, please get in touch with the school. There is an In-Year application form to complete which gives you notes and contact details. This is also available from Knowsley School admissions Team by telephoning 0151-443-3372.
Nursery Admissions
We take pupils into the nursery on a termly basis – usually the term following the child’s third birthday. There is information which includes the application form available from the school or on the Knowsley Council websitehttps://www.knowsley.gov.uk/residents/education-and-schools/apply-for-a-school-place/nursery-class-admissions (You can use this form wherever you live.)
Please note: Obtaining a place in the nursery does not give your child any priority for admission to reception class – you still need to apply for a reception place at the right time.
Admission Arrangements
When your child is allocated a place at our school, there is a full induction process. All new Nursery and Reception parents are invited to attend induction events. These will give you an opportunity to meet teaching staff and to find out all about our school. Every new parent will receive a comprehensive pack containing all the necessary information. All new Nursery children will receive a visit at their home setting by members of the Nursery staff. Reception children are invited to sessions during the summer term prior to them starting, where they will work and play in small groups with their new teacher so they feel more secure and happy when they start school.
For children who are new to Whiston Willis during an academic year, who may have transferred from another school, there is a full induction programme involving both parents and children. New parents will meet with the Head Teacher and Learning Mentor to discuss concerns, expectations and gain an insight into any needs that your child may have.
PRIMARY ADMISSION BOOKLET SEPTEMBER 2021
SECONDARY ADMISSION BOOKLET SEPTEMBER 2021
