Admissions
It is the policy of the school to accept any pupil living on Mersea Island, whose parents request a place, subject to a place being available. The geographical context of the school, on a tidal island, some miles from any other school, necessitates this policy. The Governing Board will take every step to increase the teaching area at the school to meet the existing and future needs of the community it serves.
Finding the right school for your child is incredibly important. At Mersea Island School we welcome visitors to the school throughout the year as we believe the best way for you to get a feel for the school is to come and meet us and see it in action. The Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher are always happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have. If you would like to book a visit to the school or have any queries regarding admissions, please contact the school office using either the email:
office@merseaschool.org or telephone 01206 382736
General Admissions information
The Local Authority co-ordinates the school's applications for the normal admissions round and further information can be found at Essex Schools Admissions
Applying for a mid-year place at our school (From 1st April 2022)
All in-year applications should be made directly to the school, using the in-year application form. In-year applications are any application for a school place made to a year group, apart from September admissions to Reception. For applications to existing year groups, a place will be offered when the number of pupils in the relevant year groups is below the admission number for that year group. Please note: if a in-year application is received during a school holiday period, we will respond as soon as possible when school reopens.
Details regarding the school applications can be found here.
School Age Pupils (aged 4 to 11 years old)
Pupils are admitted to the school in the autumn term following their 4th birthday, although parents may opt for deferred entry for one or two terms after that until the child reaches the age of 5 years. As a Foundation School, the Governing Body are responsible for establishing the Admissions Policy each year. Parents are advised that the Common Application Form supplied by the local authority must be completed for every child to be admitted to mainstream school. These forms are available from the school together with a booklet explaining the process. Parents already living in the locality will receive these documents by post directly from the local authority. We are however very happy to receive enquiries from parents first-hand and to assist them with the formal procedure.
Pre-School Pupils (aged 2.5 to 4 years old)
If you wish your child to attend our Nursery, please contact the school office for the Nursery Admissions Form, which is entirely separate from the Common Application Form mentioned above. Admissions to the Nursery are managed entirely by this school. May we remind you that even if your child attends our Nursery Class, you must still complete the Common Application Form for transfer in to Early Years at the appropriate time.
Timetable for admissions and appeals for children starting in Reception at
Mersea Island School 2024
15th January 2024 Closing date for applications.
This is the last day for receipt by the Local Authority (Essex County Council) of the Common Application Form, either paper or online.
Applications received after this date will normally be treated as late applications.
Tuesday 16th April 2024 - National Offer Day
Offer letters are sent to all Essex resident applicants by the Local Authority advising parents of the outcome of their application. An email will also be sent to those who applied online who request it, confirming the outcome of their application.
If you do NOT receive an email/letter in acknowledgement of your application you should contact the LA School Admissions Team on 0345 603 2200.
17th May 2024 - Deadline for Lodging an Appeal to be heard before the summer holidays.
Deadline by when appeals against a refusal of a place should be lodged if you want it to be heard before the end of the summer term.
June to July 2024 - Appeal Hearings
Appeals heard for those lodged by the deadline and where possible for late appeal (Appeals for applications made within the normal admissions round will be held within 40 school days of the above deadline. Appeals for late applications will be heard where possible within 40 school days of the above deadline OR within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged).
September 2024 Appeal hearings for any appeals not heard
onwards before the end of the summer term
Waiting List
The waiting list for Mersea Island School is maintained by the Local Authority until 31 August 2024. Following that date the waiting list will be maintained by Mersea Island School.
Click here to access Primary Education in Essex 2023/2024 booklet