Admissions
At Francis Baily Primary School, we aim to reach the highest standards so that every child is ready for the opportunities and challenges their future will hold. We are proud of our confident, caring and self-disciplined pupils who make the most of every opportunity offered and rise to challenges.
Why Choose Francis Baily Primary School?
We provide a caring, inclusive environment where children are encouraged to:
- dream big
- discover with curiosity
- achieve with confidence.
If you would like to see our values and vibrant classrooms in action, please get in touch. We would be delighted to show you around.
School Admissions Overview
Francis Baily Primary School is a three-form entry school, admitting up to 90 children per year group and accommodating around 600 pupils in total.
- Admissions are managed by West Berkshire Council
- Parents and carers should apply via the Council’s website using the standard process
- Children are usually admitted in the September following their fourth birthday, joining our purpose-built Foundation Stage Unit where learning is active, creative and nurturing.
Admissions Criteria & Oversubscription
When applications exceed the number of available places, the Equinox Learning Trust or West Berkshire Council’s oversubscription criteria are applied in accordance with the School Admissions Code (2021).
Priority is given to:
- Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children
- Pupils living in the school’s designated catchment area
- Siblings of children already attending Francis Baily Primary School
- Applications on strong social or medical grounds
- All other applicants.
Please refer to the full West Berkshire Admissions Policy for details on tiebreakers, waiting lists, and appeals.
Admissions Timetable
Parents and carers must apply for a primary school place one year before your child is due to start school. Children start school in the September after their fourth birthday, so most children will be three or just turned four at the time of application. Even if you plan to request a later start (deferred or part-time entry), you must still apply at the normal time.
| Key Dates | Activity |
|---|---|
| September | Applications open |
| October – December | Francis Baily holds open mornings and school tours for Foundation families |
| 15 January | Closing date for Foundation applications |
| April | Allocation letters sent to parents by West Berkshire Council |
| June – July | New parent information sessions and transition visits for pupils |
| September | New pupils start school (with a short settling-in period for our youngest learners) |
Deferred Entry and In-Year Admissions
Parents may choose to defer entry until their child reaches statutory school age (the term after their fifth birthday). In-year admissions for other year groups are also coordinated by West Berkshire Council.
Once Your Place is Confirmed
Once West Berkshire Council has confirmed your child’s place at Francis Baily Primary School, please visit our Preparing to Start School page, which is full of helpful guidance, tips and resources to support you and your child as you get ready for this exciting next step.