Admissions

Pupils are admitted to school in accordance with our school’s admissions policy – see below. 

Parents can apply online at www.kent.gov.uk/ola from Friday 6th November 2026 until the closing date on Friday 15th January 2027. Parents who do not have access to the internet can request an application form from the school. The Form RCAF (Reception Common Admissions Form) should be completed and returned to the school or to the LEA Admissions Team by the closing date in January.

Only one application must be submitted per child, either online or paper but not both. For older children moving to the school, applications will need to be made through the child’s home local authority. The Kent Form, IYCAF, for children living in Kent is available from the school office or from kent.admissions@kent.gov.uk and should be returned to the school.

Places will be allocated according to the published criteria:

• Parental wishes
• Current family association (an elder brother or sister in the school at the time of entry)
• Health reasons (for which a medical certificate may be needed), parental health is not a criterion
• Geographical proximity of children’s homes to the school.

It is advised that prospective parents wishing a place for their child at Mersham Primary to put the school as their first choice preference.

It is our policy to admit all of the children in the Autumn term of the academic year in which they reach the age of five years. Children will benefit from settle sessions, transition days and a staggered start, but will be in full time within the first week. 

Parents wishing to defer entry to the Spring Term 3 should apply in writing to the Headteacher.

If your Child is due to start school in September 2027, you can appeal if you are refused a place at one of your preferred schools on National Offer Day (Friday 16th April 2027). You must submit your appeal before Monday 17th May 2027 for it to be considered. Any appeals recieved after this tie 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 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. 

Link to KCC Appeals Website : https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/appeal-a-school-offer