March 2025 – Applies to September 2026 entry

Kew Woods Primary School follows the Sefton Council Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Primary Schools in the Southport area.

Starting School in September 2026
Children start Reception in the September following their 4th birthday. Applications must be submitted via the Sefton Council portal by 15 January 2026.

• Published Admission Number (PAN): 60

• Relevant Age Group: Reception (age 4–5)

• Apply online: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/startingschool

Oversubscription Criteria
If more applications are received than there are places available, the following criteria will be applied in order:

1. Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school

2. Looked After and Previously Looked After Children (including those adopted from state care outside England)

3. Siblings of children already attending the school and living at the same address

4. Children of staff employed by Southport Learning Trust (for 2+ years or recruited for a skill shortage)

5. Distance from home to school (measured by the shortest walking route)

Deferred or Delayed Entry to Reception
Parents of summer-born children (1 April–31 August) may request:

• Deferred entry: Start later in the same academic year

• Delayed entry: Start Reception a year later

Requests must be made in writing with supporting evidence. The decision will be made in the child’s best interests.

In-Year Admissions
For applications outside the normal admissions round (e.g. moving into the area), please apply via Sefton Council:

• In-Year Admissions: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/schools-learning/school-admissions/in-year-admissions/

Sefton Council coordinates all in-year admissions. If a place is available, it will be offered. If not, you may request to join the waiting list or appeal.

Admission Appeals
If your child is refused a place, you have the right to appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel.

Appeals Timetable

• Deadline to lodge an appeal: 20 school days from the date of refusal

• Submit additional evidence: 10 school days before the hearing

• Admission authority submits evidence: 10 school days before the hearing

• Clerk sends appeal papers: At least 7 school days before the hearing

• Notice of hearing: At least 10 school days in advance

• Decision letters: Sent within 5 school days of the hearing, wherever possible

More information: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/childrens-services/schools-and-learning/school-admissions/school-admission-appeals/

Further Information
For full details on Sefton’s coordinated admissions process, visit:
https://www.sefton.gov.uk/startingschool