St Margaret’s does not have a catchment area in the generally accepted sense of the phrase and are pleased to welcome children from the wider area. The school has a capacity to admit 60 children into Reception, each year, and whilst the school encourages children from Christian homes to apply, admission to the school is open to all, and children of all faiths are welcome. However, in the event of there being an over subscription, St Margaret's have an 'Admissions Policy' which prioritises applications. Our admissions policy can be found at the bottom of this page.

Admissions for Reception Class 2024

To apply for a place at St Margaret's you must apply on-line for a school place with your local authority, for most this will be West Sussex County Council. 

For further information from West Sussex County Council click here.

Only if you are applying under the Church of England category on our Admissions Policy, do you need to complete the supplementary form. 

All applications must be received by the closing date January 15th 2024.  

You will be informed by West Sussex County Council in April 2024 of the outcome of your application.

Upon entry into Reception, it is the school's policy to allow all children to start school full time from the start of the academic year in which their fifth birthday falls. The option to start part-time initially is of course, still available. However, parents are strongly urged to take advantage of the school place offered to them in September, as this gives every child an equal opportunity to benefit from the full year's curriculum. Parents who do not wish their child to take up full time education in September are very welcome to bring in the child for regular visits.

All parents are welcome to visit the school before they register their child, to talk with the Headteacher and visit the classes, and to ensure that both parents and school have a shared view of what education should be. The school’s application forms request information that gives us basic family background and equips us to deal with the child in context. Our programme of induction begins when a child registers with the school: a meeting is held at which teachers share with parents how children can best be prepared for school and the classroom and administrative procedures are explained. In the term prior to entry, the children are invited to spend an initial session in the classroom with their future teacher.

In Year Applications

To apply for a school place in our current year groups, you will need to complete a school application form. If a place becomes available, the place will be offered to those on the waiting list using the criteria listed in our admissions policy. You will also need to make an application to West Sussex County Council.

If your child has not been offered a place, you have the right to appeal, please see the West Sussex County Council website for more information. Please click here to be taken to the West Sussex Appeals Application form. 

Virtual Tour

We hope that by watching the video you will realise what a special and inclusive school St Margaret's really is.