Children can start, full-time, at Whitchurch Primary School in the September after their 4th birthday although parents have the right to defer their child’s entry to school until any term within that academic year but legally must start their child in school the term after their 5th birthday.
Children in Willow Class ( the foundation class) follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum just as they would if they continued in a Pre-School or Nursery. This curriculum enables children to learn in practical ways through: structured play; activities which are pupil-initiated; activities which are teacher-initiated; and others which are teacher-led. Pupils have a daily numeracy and phonics input. During the summer term before the children start, we have ‘step up’ sessions where children get a feel for what it is like in Willow Class so that they are happy and comfortable when they actually start. We also have a transition meeting for parents. This means that it is quite unusual for children to feel unhappy or distressed when starting school.
Visits
Parents who are considering children for admission at school are invited to contact the school office who will be pleased to arrange a tour with the headteacher. Visits can also be arranged for children entering the school after the age of five.
They liaise closely with schools so they know about their current class sizes and structures. Their website explains clearly how the admission procedure works. Admission forms must be returned by January for admission in the following September. Where the number of requests for admission to a school goes over the number they can take (the standard number), published criteria are applied to decide which children are offered places. Some children may be offered a place at a school which was given as the second or third choice. Whitchurch’s standard number is currently 20. When an application is unsuccessful, there is a right of appeal. This process is explained in the section ‘Appealing for a school place’ on the OCC Admissions page.
The catchment area of the school covers Whitchurch on Thames and Whitchurch Hill , although children outside the catchment area may be admitted if places are available. For further clarification please contact Oxfordshire County Council Admission Department.
When children leave Whitchurch Primary School at the end of Year 6, they generally transfer to Langtree in Woodcote. Past pupils have also moved onto Reading Boys, Kendrick, The Downs, Abingdon, Queen Anns, St Andrews and Pangbourne College. Parents who are interested in entrance exams can visit the individual schools websites for more information.