Admissions
Reception Admissions
Looking for your child's first school place? Whether this is your first time or you're familiar with the process, we're here to help.
Choosing a school can be a daunting process, that's why we encourage you to meet us. We'll put you right at ease and support your decision making as much as possible.
We know it's important that your child goes to the right school, not just any school ... even if we're not for you we're still happy to help as much as we can.
SEPTEMBER 2024 Starters
For new families who are not yet enrolled, please use this email address for correspondence: admissions@oakfield.academy
We have been oversubscribed year-on-year since September 2020 so we're predicting 2024 to be even more popular with places being well sought-after.
All applications received by January 2024 will be treated and ranked equally based on the criteria in the policy.
Although we are an academy, we still work with Hampshire County Council to coordinate school admissions. We work to their Key Dates which can be found here.
Timetable
September - December
Visit us and apply for a school place.
We recommend doing this before Christmas, it seems like a long time away but it's important you get your paperwork in on time so you can enjoy the festive season knowing you're done!
January - March
The wait begins ...
There is nothing to do if you got your application in on time.
We will be reviewing all applications and ranking them based on our admission criteria.
April
Offer day ...
For Late Applications ...
You will find out if you have been successful in securing a place at your chosen school.
This is usually done online.
May
We'll be in touch ...
We will write to you with lots of information and invite you into school to welcome you and the other families.
If you wish to lodge an appeal you must do this with HCC.
June
Stay & Play Begins
We will start to invite you and your child into school on a regular basis so that they can get used to the environment and meet their new friends.
July
Be part of the community
We will welcome you to our sports days and other family events that are taking place. It's always optional but families have told us they really enjoy the experience.
We'll give you a little summer goodie bag and some exciting homework.
August
Enjoy the summer
Get your uniform, have fun putting it on and wear those shoes in before the first day!
Explore the goodie bag we gave you, let your child play with the resources ... it will help them to know the things they will use at school.
September
The first day of school ...
Nervousness, excitement, tears ... and that's just the parents ... don't worry, it's going to be ok, we've got LOTS of experience and we'll guide you the whole way.
You've done a great job so far ... now it's time to let them fly.
In Year Admissions
What is the process?
We receive and decide on in-year applications. We have outlined the general process for joining us below and, although it may look daunting, it is quite simple and we are here to help you as much as we can. The process may vary slightly depending on the time of year and which 'round' of applications you fall into. We'll let you know in Step 1.
Step 1 - Call Us
Let us know you're interested, we can check spaces we have available and confirm a time for a tour. Depending on the time of year and category of admission (see above) we may have information and events upcoming that you can join.
Step 2 - Meet Us
We'll show happily show you around our school and answer any questions you might have, you can come with your child or family members, but don't worry we're not scary.
We'll give you a pack to take away with lots of useful information in.
Step 3 - Apply For A Place
Step 4 - Accept The Place
Login to the Hampshire Portal and Accept A Place - it is important that you do this as soon as possible, where places are limited it is based on the first to accept the place.
Now Relax ...
We'll do the rest! In most cases you'll know straight away if your child has a place. We'll agree a start date and can offer a 'taster day' for peace of mind should you wish.
Step 5 - Complete The School Registration Form
Step 6 - Bring Your Documents
Paperwork time ... click the link to apply for a place through the Hampshire admissions portal - we still work with Hampshire Admissions despite being an academy, you may already have a username and password - we're happy to walk you through anything should you need help.
Step 7 - Apply For Free School Meals
Depending on your response in the registration form, we may be able to find out if your child qualifies for Free Meals and Financial Support ...
It could be worth £100 for you if you qualify which will help pay for clubs, visits and uniform.
Step 8 - Uniform & Equipment
Check out our uniform information available.
A Fresh Start
If your child is already attending a local school and things aren't working out, we strongly encourage you to talk and work with the school and staff to make it right.
Sometimes, however, it's time for a fresh start. We'll manage as much of the transfer as possible but please ensure you let your current school know.
We'll put you in touch with our Family Support Worker too. Her role will be to listen to any worries or concerns you might have about starting here and she'll do her best to make it right!
Junior School
If your child is at an infant school, they can join us when they become a 'junior' rather than going to a junior school.
As the only primary school in the local area, children remain with us once they have started until they are ready for secondary school.
Moving Home
We know just how stressful moving home can be (our Executive Headteacher relocated from another country to be here!)
If you can't make a tour, we'll schedule time over the phone to answer all the questions you have and talk a little more about us.
We'll do our best to introduce you to the local area and our friendly PTA will soon make you feel right at home!
Important:
We will request copies of information from your child's previous school, please ensure they are expecting us to contact them or there may be a delay in your child starting with us.
The information we request will include any academic information as well as safeguarding and pastoral notes/files which will be passed onto the appropriate people in school.
If you're concerned or need support along the way, we'll do our best to help you.
Admissions Policy
We are consulting on changes to our Admissions Policy. In summary the changes we are proposing are:
Oversubscription criteria (priority given to children of staff and to those in any nursery provision)
Clarification on tie-breakers
Changes to "sibling" definition to include "step" children living at the same address.