Admissions

Joining our Reception Class in September 2026

We warmly welcome families who are considering Sheering CofE Primary School for their child's educational journey. Our small, nurturing Reception class of 15 children provides the perfect environment for your child to flourish.

School tours and visits

We'd love to show you around our school!

Tours for prospective Reception parents are available throughout the autumn term. This is a wonderful opportunity to:

See our school in action during a typical school day
Meet our Headteacher and staff
Explore our learning environments
Ask any questions you may have
Get a feel for our warm, Christian community

To book a tour, please contact our School Office:

Telephone: 01279 734210
Email: admin@sheering.essex.sch.uk

We look forward to meeting you and your child.

Application process for September 2026 entry

Key dates

Application deadline: 15th January 2026

Applications for children starting Reception in September 2026 must be submitted by 15th January 2026.

National Offer Day: 16th April 2026

You will receive your school place offer by email on 16th April 2026 (if you applied online).

Appeal deadline: 20th May 2026

If you wish to appeal your offer, appeals must be submitted by 20th May 2026.

Who can apply?

Children born between 1st September 2021 and 31st August 2022 are eligible to start Reception in September 2026.

How to apply

All applications must be made online through Essex County Council.

You cannot apply directly to the school - all applications are processed centrally by Essex County Council.

Apply online at: www.essex.gov.uk/admissions

Important: Even if Sheering CE Primary School is your first choice, you must apply through Essex County Council's online system.

Late applications

Applications can be made after 15th January 2026, but they will be considered as 'late applications' and will only be processed after all on-time applications have been dealt with.

You are significantly less likely to receive a place at one of your preferred schools if you apply late.

We strongly encourage you to apply before the deadline to give your child the best chance of securing a place.

Our admissions policy

Sheering CE Primary School is a Voluntary Controlled Church of England school. Our admissions are managed by Essex County Council in accordance with our published admissions policy.

Our Published Admission Number (PAN) is 15 children per year group.

When the school is oversubscribed, places are allocated according to the criteria set out in our Admissions Policy.

Download our Admissions Policy (link to policy document)

Deferring your child's school start date

After receiving an offer of a primary school place, you have the right to request that your child's admission is deferred until later in the same academic year, or until your child reaches compulsory school age (the term after their fifth birthday).

Important: You must still apply by the normal deadline (15th January 2026) even if you plan to defer your child's start date.

Summer-born children

If your child is born between 1st April and 31st August, you may wish to request that they start reception a year later (when they reach compulsory school age), rather than in the September after they turn four.

This is known as 'delayed entry' and requires a separate application process.

Full details of the deferral and delayed entry process can be found in:

Essex County Council's Primary Admission Booklet
www.essex.gov.uk/admissions

We're happy to discuss your individual circumstances – please contact the school to arrange a conversation with the Headteacher.

Starting school at Sheering

Transition visits

We understand that starting school is a big step for both children and parents. We make the transition as smooth and happy as possible through:

Summer term visits:

Your child will spend several afternoons with us during the summer term before they start in September.
These visits help children become familiar with their classroom, teacher and new friends.
Children can explore the school environment at their own pace.

Pre-school links:

Children attending Sheering Village Pre-School Group visit us regularly for our weekly Team Collective Worship.
This creates a seamless transition from pre-school to school.

New parents' meeting

During the second half of the summer term, we invite all parents of new Reception children to:

Meet your child's class teacher
See the school in action during a typical day
Discuss arrangements and routines for September
Receive your Home-School Agreement
Ask any questions or raise any concerns

Our Home-School Agreement explains:

The aims and values of our school
The responsibilities of the school
The responsibilities of parents and carers
The responsibilities of children

Admissions to other year groups (in-year admissions)

Sometimes we have vacancies in year groups other than Reception. If you're moving to the area or considering a change of school for your child, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

To enquire about vacancies or arrange a visit:

Telephone: 01279 734210
Email: admin@sheering.essex.sch.uk

You will be made very welcome, and we'll be happy to show you around our school and discuss how we can support your child's learning.

In-year applications are also made through Essex County Council. We can guide you through this process when you contact us.

Free school transport

Important information for families in Lower Sheering

If you live in Lower Sheering, your child may be entitled to free school transport to Sheering CE Primary School.

Essex County Council's eligibility criteria:

Free school transport is provided where there is no "available walking route" to school. An available walking route is defined as:

"A route along which a child, accompanied as necessary, can walk with reasonable safety to school."

Lower Sheering residents:

Essex County Council has previously assessed Back Lane as unsuitable for children to walk safely. Based on this assessment and using ECC's own criteria, we believe that all pupils from Lower Sheering are entitled to free school transport, regardless of family income.

For transport queries, contact:

Essex County Council School Transport: 0345 603 2200
Sheering School Office: 01279 734210 (we can advocate on your behalf)

Useful links and contacts

Essex County Council School Admissions
Website: www.essex.gov.uk/admissions
Telephone: 0345 603 2200

Primary Admission Booklet
Download from Essex County Council website

Sheering CE Primary School
Telephone: 01279 734210
Email: admin@sheering.essex.sch.uk
Website: www.sheeringschool.org.uk

Sheering Village Pre-School Group
(Contact details if available)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply directly to Sheering School?
A: No, all applications must be made through Essex County Council's online system, even if Sheering is your first choice school.

Q: How many places are available each year?
A: We admit 15 children to Reception each year.

Q: What if I miss the application deadline?
A: You can still apply, but your application will be processed after all on-time applications, significantly reducing your chances of securing a place.

Q: Can I visit the school before applying?
A: Absolutely! We actively encourage visits. Please contact the office to arrange a tour.

Q: My child has special educational needs - can they attend Sheering?
A: Yes, we welcome all children. Please contact us to discuss your child's needs so we can ensure we can provide appropriate support.

Q: Do you offer wraparound care?
A: Yes, we offer Breakfast Club from 8:00am. Please contact the office for details about after-school provision.

Q: What happens if my child is summer-born?
A: You may request delayed entry (starting a year later). You must still apply by the normal deadline and then follow the delayed entry process outlined in Essex County Council's admission booklet.

We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our school family at Sheering CE Primary School, where Everyone Matters.

Sheering Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School