Admissions
We are delighted that you are considering Carleton House Preparatory School. We look forward to welcoming your family into our caring and respectful community. Our next open morning will be held on Saturday 7th November 2026 from 10am to 12noon. We also welcome visits throughout the year, which can be arranged via Mrs Rogers in our school office. All visiting parents are given a tour of the school by our children and will have the opportunity to meet with our Headteacher, Mrs Coleman.
Below you will find the Admission Criteria that guide how places are allocated at our school. These criteria ensure that every child who joins us is able to thrive in an environment shaped by strong values, high-quality teaching, and a commitment to individual wellbeing.
When allocating places, the Headteacher— supported and ratified by the Governing Body— takes the following into account:
- Support for the ethos and aims of the school, including a willingness to uphold the school’s Catholic values, moral teaching, and commitment to a caring and respectful community.
- The suitability of the school to meet the child’s needs, ensuring we can provide an environment in which the child can thrive.
- The date the application was submitted
- Whether a sibling already attends the school
- Children attending our Nursery are given priority consideration for a place in Reception (though this does not guarantee automatic admission)
- Positive engagement with the school, such as attendance at Open Mornings or PTA events.
- Any SEND or medical information provided, enabling the school to consider and plan for reasonable adjustments.
Reception places are allocated during the autumn term for entry the following academic year. Nursery places are allocated in the spring term for entry the following year.
Applications to our Nursery and Reception classes are handled separately. Families are welcome to join our Nursery without making any commitment to a future Reception place.
Children already attending our Nursery, as well as siblings of current pupils, receive priority consideration for Reception entry, provided all application requirements and deadlines are met.
Nursery Admissions
Our Nursery offers a warm and nurturing start to your child’s education, supported by high-quality Early Years provision and a caring school community. We accept government Early Years funding for both 15 and 30 hours, and families are welcome to join our Nursery without any commitment to a future Reception place.
Children join us in the September after their third birthday, with places allocated during the Spring term for entry the following academic year. Our Nursery class accommodates up to 24 pupils, and once we receive a completed application form and registration fee, your child will be added to our register of interest.
Parents are contacted ahead of allocation to confirm their continued interest, and families are invited to meet the Headteacher, Mrs Coleman. Children may also be invited for a stay-and-play session to help us get to know them in a relaxed and friendly setting. Offers are made subject to acceptance of our Terms and Conditions. While Nursery attendance provides priority consideration, it does not guarantee a Reception place, and a separate application is required.
We are currently accepting applications for our Nursery class for September 2026. Please complete the form below to register your interest—our school office will then be in touch. For a clear overview of what to expect, please refer to the Nursery Application Timeline below.
Reception Admissions
Our Reception year provides an inspiring and nurturing start to your child’s formal schooling, combining strong academic foundations with a focus on confidence, creativity, and personal growth. Children join our Reception class in the September after their fourth birthday, with places allocated in the Autumn term for entry the following academic year.
Class sizes from Reception to Year 6 are limited to a maximum of 24 pupils, ensuring every child receives individual attention and support. Once we receive a fully completed application form and registration fee, your child will be added to our register of interest.
Parents are contacted ahead of the allocation of places to reconfirm their continued interest. Families are invited to meet the Headteacher, Mrs Coleman, and children may also be invited for a stay-and-play session to help us get to know them in a relaxed and friendly setting.
Children already attending our Nursery, as well as siblings of current pupils, receive priority consideration for Reception entry, provided all application requirements and deadlines are met. Offers are made subject to payment of a deposit and acceptance of the school’s Terms and Conditions.
Applications for Reception entry in September 2026 are now closed; however, you may still submit an application to be added to our register of interest. Should a place become available, the school office will contact you directly.
For a clear overview of what to expect, please refer to the Reception Application Timeline below.
In-Year Admissions
We welcome applications for places in classes other than Reception. We currently have places available in some year groups for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Applications can be submitted at any point and will be retained on our register of interest. Should a suitable vacancy become available you and your child will be invited for an informal interview with our Headteacher, Mrs Coleman. Before the offer of a place we will invite your child to spend the day with us in Carleton House.
Please contact Mrs Rogers in our school office for further information on 0151 722 0756 or schooloffice@carletonhouse.co.uk
For a clear overview of what to expect, please refer to the In-Year Application Timeline below.
Enquiry Form
