School Admissions
Please find at the bottom of the page a copy of our admissions arrangements, explaining how we consider applications.
This includes information on:
- The arrangements we have in place for selecting the pupils who apply.
- Our over-subscription criteria, for when there are more applicants than places.
- The guidelines parents need to follow when applying for their child to attend our school.
If you wish your child to attend a Lancashire school, you must follow Lancashire County Council’s application process even if you live near a neighbouring local authority and have chosen one or more schools outside Lancashire. You can find out information on their website by clicking here.
Important dates
The arrangements for the admission of pupils to primary schools in September 2021 will, as far as possible, conform to the following timetable.
Wednesday 1 September 2021 – Apply from this date
Saturday 15 January 2022 – National closing date for primary applications (statutory).
During this period all applications are processed and all preferences are considered against the published admissions policy. Where there are more applications than places available, decisions are made as to which children should be offered the available places. We will liaise and exchange information with all other admission authorities including neighbouring local authorities. The allocation and offer of a primary school place is finalised.
Tuesday 19 April 2022 – Offers issued to parents*
(The national offer date is 16 April 2022, if this date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, offers are sent the next working day.)
Friday 29 April 2021 – Deadline for requesting:
Week commencing 2 May 2021 – Distribute appeal forms to parents
Friday 13 May 2022 – Appeal deadline for community and voluntary controlled schools**
1st round of hearings.
For voluntary aided, foundation, free and academy schools, please check with the school directly for their deadline date.
By Friday 8 July 2022
Appeals for community and voluntary controlled schools submitted by the deadline heard by an independent appeal panel
* If you are not happy with an initial offer, the appeals period starts from your receipt of the offer. Appeal information will be issued later as this allows some time for reserve lists to operate.
**Appeals which we receive after the deadline will be slotted into the schedule where possible. We cannot guarantee this however, and late appeals may have to be heard after the agreed date at a second round of hearings. The schedule is subject to change depending upon the availability of appeal panel members, clerks, venue, etc.
School Admissions: Primary and Secondary applications can be made online and you should clearly state 3 preferences for your child.
If you are applying to a church school there is a supplementary form which needs to be completed.
SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS – The closing date for Secondary School Admissions is 31st October 2021.
Starting secondary school – Lancashire County Council
Secondary school places – Bolton Council
PRIMARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS – The closing date for Primary School Admissions is 15th January 2022.
Starting primary school – Lancashire County Council
Rivington Foundation Primary School Admissions Policy 2023-24