Starting School

Information for our new Reception Class

Thank you for considering the Priory School for your child. We understand that choosing the right primary school for your son or daughter is of the upmost importance and we want to get that transition right for you and your child.


If you want details of how to apply for a place at the Priory School (or to appeal a refused place), please go to our Admission page .


This page contains information and useful links relating to your child starting school for the first time.


We usually hold a new parents meeting in the Summer term, when we share a wealth of information with you about starting school.  There is also a special transition day in June or July, when the children get to spend a whole morning and afternoon in school, before September.  In the first few weeks of September, we also arrange for our Reception team to visit you at home so that we can find out about your child.

An unmissable event for parents is the September welcome service in the Priory Church for all new starters. Each child in Reception Class is presented with their own school prayer book and the service helps them to feel that they now also belong to our school family.


One of the special distinctives of the Priory School is that we also ‘buddy up’ one of our Year 6 pupils to look after our Reception children in the first few weeks.  This really helps the children to feel part of the Priory School family.



Useful Resources linked to Starting School in Reception Class (also called Early Years or Foundation Stage)

Early Years Developmental Guidance


Other useful websites: