The 4 different stages of education available in Herefordshire

1. Early years/Nursery for 3 and 4 year old children. This is provided from the term after the child's 3rd birthday.  Contact the Childcare Information Service on 01432 261681. See Childcare.

2. Primary School for 5 to 11 year olds. Children must attend Primary School by the term after their 5th birthday. But it is possible to start earlier in the school year (September to August) in which the child becomes 5 years old.

   Applications for places in the Reception Class (the school year in which pupils become 5 years old) are made by the middle of January of each year for the school year starting the following September. For example, families need to apply by the middle of January 2012 for a place in a Reception Class that starts in September 2012.

   Form PA1 is to be completed by families and sent to the Admissions Team.

   There is a limit on the number of children that can be admitted into each school, and therefore each year group within the school. This is determined by the physical size of the school and the types of teaching facilities it contains. The limit is called the Published Admission Number (PAN). This limit ensures that individual schools do not become overcrowded.

   If you are new to Herefordshire and have children in the age range 5 to 11 years old and you want a place for them at a Primary School then you need to complete an In-Year Transfer Form send it to the Admissions Team.

   Each Primary School has a catchment area. This is a geographical area served by a school. A child who lives within the catchment area is normally able to get a place at the school, but a place cannot be guaranteed.

   If you are interested in your child(ren) attending a Church School then there are three Roman Catholic and thirty seven Church of England Primary Schools in Herefordshire. You are free to apply for a place at these schools using form PA1 for entry into the Reception Class and an In-Year Transfer Form for all other applications.

3. High School for children aged 12 to 16 years old. Applications for places in the Year 7 Class (the school year in which pupils become 12 years old) are made by the end of October of each year for the school year starting the following September. For example, families need to apply by the end of October 2011 for a place in a Year 7 Class that starts in September 2012.

   Families should complete a Phase Transfer Application Form and send it to the Admissions Team.

   There is a limit to the number of children that can be admitted into each school, and therefore each year group within the school. This is determined by the physical size of the school and the types of teaching facilities it contains. The limit is called the Published Admission Number (PAN). This limit ensures that individual schools do not become overcrowded.

   If you are new to Herefordshire and have children in the age range 12 to 16 years old and you want a place for them at a High School then you need to complete an In-Year Transfer Form, and send it to the Admissions Team.

   Each High School has a catchment area. This is a geographical area served by a school. A child who lives within the catchment area is normally able to get a place at the school, but a place cannot be guaranteed.

   If you are interested in your child(ren) attending a Church School then there is one Roman Catholic and one Church of England High School in Herefordshire. You are free to apply for a place at these schools using a Phase Transfer Application Form for entry into the Reception Class and an In-Year Transfer Form for all other applications.

4. Post 16 Education for children aged over 16 years.  See Education for ages 16-19.

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The school year

The school year is split into three Terms: 

• Autumn Term - September to December
• Spring Term - January to April
• Summer Term - May to July

In total these cover 190 school days (38 weeks) each Academic Year.

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School holidays

These are normally are taken as follows: 

• 1 week in October (Autumn Half Term)
• 2 weeks in December (Christmas Holidays)
• 1 week in February (Spring Half Term)
• 2 weeks in April (Easter Holidays)
• 1 week in June (Summer Half Term)
• 7 weeks in July & August (Summer Holidays)

Dates can be found by visiting www.herefordshire.gov.uk/education/schools/37912.asp or calling 01432 260900.

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Children whose first language is not English

Every school has an “EAL Co-ordinator” who will help your child to settle in to school.  “EAL” stands for “English as an Additional Language”. 

The Co-ordinator may ask someone from the EAL Team (based outside the school) to visit your child at school to assess their level of English.  The EAL Team will then write a detailed report and advise the school on how they can help your child to develop their English skills.  The school may be allocated some money to buy resources for your child such as a dual language dictionary.

The EAL Team may visit the school to give your child tuition for a short period, usually about an hour a week.  The EAL Team will liaise closely with the EAL Co-ordinator to ensure that your child is making good progress at school. 

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The Admissions Team

Dawn Skyrme, 01432 260925, dskyrme@herefordshire.gov.uk
Emma Turner, 01432 260926, eturner@herefordshire.gov.uk
Andy McInnes, 01432 383168, amcinnes@herefordshire.gov.uk

Herefordshire Council Children's Services Directorate
PO Box 185
Blackfriars Street
Hereford
HR4 9ZR

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