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Admission - Junior School

Nursery Admission (age 3+)

We welcome children to join our Nursery from the age of 3 years and 3 months, with entry points in September, January and April. In order to assess each individual child’s readiness to attend Nursery, they are invited to a short play session which is conducted without parental attendance. There is a maximum of 32 places in the Nursery.

Options for Parents:

Option 1:

8.00 am to 1.00 pm term time only

Option 2:

8.00 am to 3.30 pm term time only

Option 3:

8.00 am to 6.00 pm term time only

St Benedict’s Nursery offers a Holiday Club during school holiday periods, providing continued care in a familiar setting. Further information and fees can be found here.

St Benedict’s Nursery also accepts childcare vouchers.

Reception Admission (Age 4+)

Reception (PP1) has a 2-form entry with class sizes of approximately 18 pupils. The smaller class sizes allow our teachers to give each pupil individual attention with the opportunity to thrive.

Assessments for September 2026 entry will be in November 2025, but applications are welcome anytime during the school year. Early applications are recommended as assessment places are first come, first served. Prospective pupils are invited to a ‘getting to know you’ session and observed in a classroom setting, carrying out tasks both individually and in small groups for about 1 hour. 

years 1 and 2 admission (ages 5+ & 6+)

Years 1 and 2 have 2 classes per year group of approximately 20 children each. Applications for places are welcome year-round, with assessments focusing on social interaction, literacy, and numeracy.

Junior Department Admission (age 7+)

The Junior Department has up to 3 classes per year group of approximately 20 pupils each. This means that class sizes continue to be small throughout, allowing teachers to monitor each child’s learning style and needs, and to offer appropriate support, as well as academic stretch and challenge.

Assessments for September 2026 entry will be in January and February 2026, but applications are accepted year-round. Assessments focus on literacy and numeracy, and includes a Taster Day. Pupils transfer to the Senior School at 11+.

Pupils are admitted to the Junior School with the expectation that they intend to transfer to St Benedict’s Senior School at 11+. With effect from September 2025, pupils in Form 2 (Year 6) at St Benedict’s Junior School will no longer be required to sit the 11+ examinations for entry to the Senior School.

Parent Interviews

There will be a short meeting with Mr Simmons, the Junior School Headmaster, to learn more about your child and answer any questions you may have.

References and Additional Information

We will request a reference from your child’s current setting and ask that you send us a copy of their latest academic report, as well as any medical or SEND reports which we may need to be aware of (if applicable.)