Admissions Arrangements
Visits for Prospective Reception Parents for Children Starting September 2026
Open Days
Open Days
In advance of making applications, Ickleford Primary School offers opportunities for prospective parents to visit and see the school in action. These sessions provide a chance to experience our learning environment, meet staff, and gain a sense of our school community to support your decision-making process.
Open Day dates for the September 2027–2028 intake will be confirmed in due course.
Please check this page regularly for updates or contact the school office for further information.
These sessions will include:
- A talk by the Headteacher
- A tour of the school in operation
- A chat with school ambassadors
Sadly, we do not allow any children (including babies in pushchairs etc.) to attend these sessions as we find this can be distracting for all parents looking around our school and for our pupils who are working in their classrooms.
If you wish to attend one of these sessions, please register in advance with our office administrator on 01462 459150, as we restrict numbers attending.
Reception Admissions Sept 2026
Our Published Admissions Number (PAN) means there are 30 places available each year in our Reception class and Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) controls our admission arrangements. HCC sends out information in the academic year before a child is eligible for primary education (i.e. when the child is 3 or 4 years old). Parents give their four preferences for their primary school choices and apply online.
Prospective parents are welcome to visit the school during one of our advertised open days, in the autumn term to help them select their preferences. Applications can only be made via the HCC online portal.
The deadline for applications is 15th January 2026. Places will be allocated on 16th April 2026. If Ickleford Primary School has more applications than there are places available, HCC allocates places according to its published criteria.
Parents who have not been allocated a place for their child have a right of appeal to an independent panel. This is organised by the Clerk of Appeals, County Hall, Hertford SG13 8DF.
Induction Sessions for New Reception Children 2026
Reception Transition
Children joining our Reception class, whose parents and carers have formally accepted a place at Ickleford Primary School, will be invited to attend transition sessions towards the end of the summer term. These sessions are an important part of ensuring a smooth and confident start to school life.
They provide children with the opportunity to meet their classmates, get to know their teachers and become familiar with classroom routines. At the same time, parents and carers can meet one another, receive key information about school expectations and routines, explore school uniform options, and ask any important questions.
It is strongly advised that families avoid booking holidays in early to early-June or mid-July, as alternative induction sessions will not be possible during this busy period.
As part of our transition process, a member of the Reception team will also visit your child in their nursery or preschool setting. This helps us to understand your child’s individual needs and ensure the best possible start in September.
If your child has additional needs, please contact the school as soon as possible after accepting your place. Early communication allows us to plan effectively and put appropriate support in place.
Transition Session Dates
Wednesday 10th June 2026, 9:30am – 11:30am
Children and parents are invited to attend a transition session.
A parent meeting will take place at 10:30am in the school hall, led by the Headteacher, Mrs Sarah Wright.
Please note: this date has been updated from the one previously advertised.
Thursday 9th July 2026, 9:30am – 11:30am
Children are invited to attend a ‘stay and play’ session (children only).
Reception (Sept 2025) Transition Meeting Presentation
Important:
Please avoid booking holidays during these sessions, as it is vitally important that your child attends.
In Year Admissions
If a child is already in primary aged education, parents may apply if they want their child to go to a different school. If families have moved house, they can also apply to change school during the school year. We call this an in year admission.
Parents can make an in year application with HCC for Ickleford Primary School, along with most other schools in Hertfordshire. N.B. Please do not contact school directly as we will only refer you back to HCC admissions. Parents can list up to four school preferences. If places are available, HCC will offer families their highest preference possible. Again, this type of application can only be done online. For information on this process click on the link below.
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/inyearadmissions
If you are told a place is not available at our school, you may wish to add yourself onto the continuing interest list held by HCC. You will be contacted by HCC if a place becomes available for you. Continuing interest lists for all schools close at the end of each academic year. You must submit a new application for the approaching academic year and children will not be considered for any places until the new application is received.
Once you have been offered a place with us, we will make special arrangements for the family to come and look around the school and for your child to experience an induction session in their new class before officially starting.
Secondary School Admissions in Hertfordshire 2026
Secondary School Admissions in Hertfordshire
For detailed information regarding secondary school admissions in Hertfordshire, please refer to the following resources:
-
Hertfordshire County Council Admissions Webpages
All information about applying for secondary school places is available on the Hertfordshire County Council website: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions. -
Online Schools Directory
To find specific details about individual secondary schools, including their admissions criteria and contact information, please visit the online schools directory: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/schoolsdirectory.
