Admissions
Published Admission Number – 20 per year Group
There is no guarantee of a place. 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*;
2. Children with a sibling** attending the school;
3. Pupils who live with parents, guardians or carers, who are employees of Bridge Academy Trust, provided that the employee has been employed by the School for a minimum of two years at the date of application for admissions;
4. Straight line distance.
* Looked After Children: The definition for a Looked After Child will be the same as the Local Authority: A ‘looked after child’ or a child who was previously looked after but immediately after being looked after became subject to an adoption, child arrangements or special guardianship order will be given first priority in oversubscription criteria ahead of all other applicants in accordance with the School Admissions Code 2014. A looked after child is a child who is (a) in the care of a local authority, or (b) being provided with accommodation by a local authority in the exercise of their social services functions (as defined in Section 22(1) of the Children Act 1989).
**Siblings: For applications made in the normal admission round a relevant sibling is a child who has a brother, sister, adopted brother or sister or stepbrother or stepsister living in the same family unit in the same family household and address who attends the preferred school or partner school in any year group excluding year 6. Biological and adopted siblings who attend the preferred school in any year group excluding the final year will also be treated as siblings irrespective of place of residence. Children residing in the same household as part of an extended family, such as cousins, will not be treated as siblings.
Exceptional medical circumstances, supported by medical evidence, may override the above.
Reception Admissions September 2026
The closing date for Essex primary school admissions (for Reception in September 2026) is January 15, 2026, with applications opening on November 10, 2025. Applying on time is crucial, as late applications are considered after all on-time applications, reducing your chances of getting a preferred school. You apply online via the Essex County Council website, and offers are made on April 16, 2026.
Applications for School Places Outside the Normal Admissions Round (Mid-year Admissions)
All mid-year applications should be made directly to the school, using the mid-year application form available below, or via the school office.
Mid-Year applications (sometimes called in-year applications) are any application for a school place made to a year group, apart from September admissions to Reception (primary and infant schools)/Year 3 (Junior Schools).
For applications into existing year groups, a place will be offered when the number of pupils in the relevant year group is below the admission number for that year group.
Please note: If a mid-year application is received during a school holiday period, we will respond as soon as possible when the school reopens.
BAT Primary Mid-Year Application Form
Admissions Policy
High Ongar Primary School Admission Policy 2025-26
High Ongar Primary School Admissions Policy 2026-27
High Ongar Primary School Admission Policy 2027-28
The Headteacher is always happy to show prospective parents around. Please call the office to arrange.
Mid Year Admissions
Completing the online form via the following web link is the quickest and easiest way to apply for a Mid Year Primary school place:http://www.essex.gov.uk/Education-Schools/Schools/Admissions/Pages/Applying-mid-year-for-a-school-place.aspx
Further information on the Mid Year process and how to complete the online form can also be found on our website: www.essex.gov.uk/admissions
For information regarding our waiting list, please call the school on 01277 363 761.
Reception Applications
Applications for primary school can be sent online or through the post. It is worth checking on the Essex County Council website to see when the closing date is, as it has changed each year for the last few years. They can be found at:
Essex County Council Admissions
Essex County Council - Appeals Timetable
