Admissions 

Admissions Policy for 2027–2028: Annual Consultation

Our Admissions Policies

You can find our admissions arrangements below - we review the school policy annually and may make changes if we feel this is in the best interests of the school and our community.

Each academic year has its own policy document, with details about how to apply for a place in our

School admissions policy 2026-27

This is our determined policy. If you have any comments regarding the policy, you can contact us at the school.

School admissions policy 2027-28

This is our determined policy.  If you have any comments regarding the policy, you can contact us at the school.

Proposed school admissions policy 2028-29

We are currently consulting on our admissions policy for 2028-2029. If you have any comments regarding the policy we propose, you can contact us at the school or schoolsadmissionpolicy-mailbox@devon.gov.uk. Please note that you must do this before the 16^th January 2027.

After the consultation, we will determine the policy at a meeting of the admissions authority held before the end of February 2027. Once determined, the policy will be updated online by 15 March 2027.

Objections can be made up to 15 May 2027 to the Office of the Schools' Adjudicator, School admission arrangements - GOV.UK

Join Orchard Vale

Admissions Online

Your guide on how to apply and when to apply for school places and The Department for Education website with information, such as school performance tables.

Devon County Council Admissions

Admissions to the School

Most of the children attending Orchard Vale join at the Reception intake. This is what is called the "normal point of entry" to a primary school.

Other children join us "in-year" at other times, once a year group has already started. This may be because they are new to the area and need a school place or simply would like to transfer from another school.

Nursery Application Form

Apply for a reception place

Apply for an in-year school place

Starting Reception

Starting Reception 

Your child's journey to school starts at home

We understand that all children develop at their own pace, and that we’re all learning from birth. When it’s time to start school, some children will need more help than others.

There are key skills* that schools expect children to be learning before their first day. Practising these will make your child’s journey to Reception as positive as possible.

If your child is already at nursery, in pre-school, or with a childminder, those professionals will work with you and your child to help get them ready.

There’s lots you can do at home to build your child’s confidence and independence, helping them feel emotionally and practically prepared to start school.

Scan the QR code below for a free guide offering advice and help with your child starting reception.

Visiting Orchard Vale

We welcome visits from parents and children who are considering applying for a place here.

This is an opportunity for you to see what we have to offer.

Visits are not a compulsory part of the admissions process and will not affect decisions on whether a place can be offered at our school.

If you would like to visit Orchard Vale, please contact the school on the details below to make an appointment.

Address:

Orchard Vale Community School
Westacott Road
Whiddon Valley, Barnstaple
EX32 8QY

Telephone: 01271 375074

Email: orchardvale@thsp.org.uk

If you would like a paper copy of any of the information contained on our website, please contact our School Office team who will be happy to provide this to you, free of charge.

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