ADMISSIONS (September 2026 Reception starters)

Prospective Parents Open Mornings

We encourage all parents to visit us on one of our open mornings, before their child starts school. Our open mornings are an opportunity for you to hear from the Head Teacher, view our setting and meet some of our children. The following dates are planned for those parents who are considering Ivy Chimneys for their child:

Wednesday 22nd October 2025 (9.30-11am)

Tuesday 11th November 2025 (9.30-11am)

Wednesday 19th November 2025 (9.30-11am)

Thursday 27th November 2025 (9.30-11am)

Wednesday 7th January 2026 (9.30-11am)

If you would like to attend one of these mornings, please book your place by completing the form below, opens September 1st, 2025

(old form - do not use) CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Local Authority Policy

As required by Law, Ivy Chimneys Primary School provides for the full-time admission of children offered a place in the Foundation year group from the September following their fourth birthday.  Full information and the application procedure can be found online at www.essex.gov.uk/admissions

For children starting school in September 2026, all parents must complete an Essex application form for the school of their choice before the closing date on 15th January 2026. Admissions open on 4th November 2025.

Offers of places for September 2026 will be sent by email from Essex on 16 April 2026.

Admissions Procedure

Each school has a published “number to admit” (NTA) in the ‘Primary Education Booklet’.  Copies of this booklet are available from the Planning and Admissions Office (0845 6032200) or information can be found on www.essex.gov.uk/admissions

Determined Admission Arrangements - 2026/2027

Published Admission Number: 45

There is no guarantee of a place for children living in the priority admission area. In the event of oversubscription places will be allocated using the following criteria in the order given:

1. Looked After Children and previously looked after children (as defined in the Primary Education in Essex booklet)

2. Children with a sibling attending the school

3. Children of all staff at the school a) where the member of staff has been employed at the school for two or more years at the time at which the application for admission to the school is made, and / or b) the member of staff is recruited to fill a vacant post for which there is a demonstrable skill-shortage

4. Children living in the priority admission area of Ivy Chimneys Primary School

5. Children living in the priority admission area of Coopersale and Theydon Garnon CE, Epping Primary, Epping Upland and Theydon Bois Primary schools 6. Remaining applications In the event of oversubscription within any of the above criteria, priority will be determined by straight line distance from home to school, those living closest being given the highest priority.