Admissions
Places at Barden Primary School are allocated by Lancashire County Council Admissions Team, not the school. The information below explains how you can apply for a place at Barden Primary School.
If you need further information, please do not hesitate to come to our school office.
Reception Class Children
Children can start reception year at primary school from the September after their fourth birthday. However, by law children don't have to start school until the beginning of the term after their fifth birthday. Applications for Reception places for nursery-aged children can be made online at:
IMPORTANT DATES FOR RECEPTION CLASS APPLICATIONS:
Monday 1 September 2025 - Apply from this date
School places are not allocated on a first come, first served basis. All applications received up to the closing date are given equal priority, but if you miss the deadline, a late application may reduce your chance of getting your preference of school.
Thursday 15 January 2026 - 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.
Thursday 16 April 2026 - Offers issued to parents (The national offer date is 16 April, if this date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, offers are sent the next working day.)
In Year Admissions for all pupils.
An In-Year admission is when you apply for a place at Barden anytime other than for a place in Reception when they start school. To apply for a school place during the year, please visit this website link and complete the online admission form Community and voluntary controlled school in-year applications - Lancashire County Council
Appeals
If you are unsuccessful in being allocated a place when you apply through the In-Year Admission process (above), you are able to appeal this decision. Here is the link to submit and appeal for a school place at Barden. https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/schools/appeal-against-an-admission-decision/
