Admissions
This is a joyful and harmonious place. A strong culture of wellbeing and care for each other permeates school life. (SIAMS, 2025)
Nestled in the heart of Christchurch, The Priory School has been nurturing generations of children for over 150 years. Its warm, family atmosphere ensures every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish. Combining a rich heritage with a caring community, it offers an inspiring foundation for every child's future.
We understand that choosing the right primary school for your child is of the upmost importance, so thank you for considering the Priory School for your child. Please do take the time to explore our school website to find out more about the school, and to get in contact should you wish to know more. We look forward to the opportunity to meet you.
Please see below for further information on how to find out more about the school and how to join our school community.
Open Events
Our open events include a short presentation by the Headteacher, followed by a tour of the school with our pupil leaders and members of school staff.
We currently have open mornings scheduled for the following dates and times:
-
Tuesday 20th October 2026 9:15 am - 10:30 am
-
Tuesday 10th November 2026 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm
-
Wednesday 18th November 2026 9:15 am - 10:30 am
-
Wednesday 6th January 2027 9:15 am - 10:30 am
We may be able to accommodate visits and tours at other times - please don't hesitate to get in touch.
To book a place, please call (01202 484105) or email (office@prioryceprimary.co.uk) our school office and one of our team will be happy to assist you.
We look forward to meeting you.
How to Apply
The school currently has limited spaces in some year groups - please do get in touch to find out more.
We hope to be able to offer a place for your child in the Autumn term after their fourth birthday. Space permitting, we would also welcome applications for in-year transfers (moving from another school). We are happy to consider applications from out of our catchment area. Our class size is 30 and, in the event of oversubscription, we offer places according to the criteria set out in our Admissions Policy.
Admissions are managed by BCP Council, and all the information required for an application is available on their Parent Portal, which also includes a detailed guide on how the application process works.
For admissions to reception in 2026, the application window opens on Saturday 1st November 2025 and closes on Thursday 15th January 2026.
You may also contact the BCP Admissions Team on 01202 127963 for assistance with applications or to obtain a paper application form. Further information on admissions is published by BCP on their website.
Further Information
Applications for a Delayed Entry
Parents may request that their child is admitted outside their normal age group, for example, if the child is gifted and talented or has experienced problems such as ill health. To do so, parents should include a request with their application, specifying why admission outside the normal age group is being requested and which year group they wish their child to be admitted. Decisions will be made based on the circumstances of the case and in the best interests of the child.
In addition, the parents of a summer born child may choose not to send that child to school until the September following their fifth birthday and may request that they are admitted out of their normal age group – to reception rather than year 1.
Appeals
If your application for a school is refused, you have the right of appeal against this decision to an independent appeal panel.
Please contact us at the following email address; office@prioryceprimary.co.uk to begin this process, or for more information.