Admissions

We have worked exceedingly hard to build and maintain a much-valued reputation at Palm Bay School since we opened in September 1995 and as a result, demand for places is high in each year group.

Consistent with the school’s Equality of Opportunity Policy, the school will not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexuality, class, race, colour, creed or religion.

If no vacancy exists, the name of the applicant can be placed on a waiting list in a position according to the following EKC Trust prioritised criteria:

1. Looked after children and all previously looked after children, including those who appear to have been in state care outside of England and or ceased to be in state care as a result of being adopted (or subject to child arrangements orders or special guardianship orders).

2. Having brothers or sisters (siblings) who are already at the academy when your child is due to start.

3. Child of staff employed at the Academy where a) the member of staff has been employed at the school for two or more years at the time at which the application for admission to the school is made, and/or b) the member of staff is recruited to fill a vacant post for which there is a demonstrable skill shortage.

4. Distance. The Academy will give priority to those living nearest to the Academy as per the definition on page 3 of the Admissions Policy.

At this time of year, we are working hard to advise parents on how to apply to schools for September 2025 entry.

Applications are open between Tuesday 5 November 2024 - Wednesday 15 January 2025 and can be made at www.kent.gov.uk/ola. If parents are unable to access the online site, an alternative format can be requested by emailing kentonlineadmissions@kent.gov.uk.

If your child is due to start Primary school in September 2025, you can appeal if you are refused a place at one of your preferred schools on National Offer Day (Wednesday 16 April 2025).
 
You need to submit your appeal before Tuesday 20 May 2025 for it to be considered for a date in July 2025 to be confirmed. Any appeals received after this time will be heard within 40 school days from the deadline, or where reasonably possible in line with updated guidance from the Department for Education.
 
For late applications, appeals should be heard within 40 school days from the deadline for lodging appeals where possible, or within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged where reasonably possible in line with updated guidance from the Department for Education

For further information on the EKC Admission Policy please click here

If you would like to make an appointment or require any further information please contact us on 01843 290050 or email us: office@palmbay.uk