Nursery and School Admissions Process
Nursery Admissions
Nursery Admissions Policy 2026-27
Parish Map for Ongar / Brentwood
All applications for a Nursery place at St. Helen's Catholic Infant school must be made via the school.
Nursery Cohort 2026-27: Please submit the application form and SIF to the school by 4pm: Friday 20th March 2026
School Admissions
All applications for a Reception place at St. Helen's Catholic Infant school must be made via Essex County Council (ECC). - Tel. 0845 6032200, email: admissions@essex.gov.uk. or website www.essex.gov.uk/schools.
Reception Cohort 2026-27: All SIFS and supporting documents must be provided to the school by 4pm: Thursday 15th January 2026
School Mid-Year Applications
An application can be made for a place for a child at any time outside the admission round and the child will be admitted where there are available places. An application should be made to the school by completing the in-year admissions application form and returning it to the school.
Where there are places available but more applications than places, the published oversubscription criteria, as set out in the admission arrangements. Parents are advised to read the admission arrangements carefully before making their application.
You will be advised of the outcome of your application in writing as soon as possible. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application within 15 school days of receipt, but the aim is to notify applicants of the outcome of their application within 10 school days of receipt.
You have the right to appeal to an independent appeal panel if your application is unsuccessful. If you have any questions in relation to mid-year admissions please contact Mrs Onslow (Office Manager). You may also wish to discuss in-year applications with Essex County Council.
When should I apply?
Applications for transfer at the start of the next academic year or the next term will be dealt with in the half term prior to the requested admission date. Applications received too early will be returned and you will need to re-apply at a later date.
• We cannot accept an application for Spring term (January) until the preceding Autumn half term holiday i.e. October.
• We cannot accept an application for Summer term (Easter) until the Spring half term holiday i.e. February.
• We cannot accept an application for Autumn term (September) until the Summer half term holiday i.e. end of May.
If you have just moved into the area and your child is without a school place, please note that your application will be dealt with within 15 school days. Evidence of your new address will be required in the form of either a signed tenancy agreement / exchange of contracts / council tax or driving licence. If you apply shortly before or during a school holiday, a decision may not be given until the school has re-opened.