Admissions
Joining Cathedral School
Choosing the right school is an important decision, and we’re here to make that journey as smooth and welcoming as possible. we provide a nurturing environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. Please note, there is information for prospective Reception, Nursery and In-Year transfer families. We invite you to visit us, meet our dedicated staff, and experience firsthand the warmth and care that make Cathedral School a place where children flourish. We look forward to welcoming you into our school family!
Reception
Applying for Reception
(September 2026 Start)
You can apply for a place in Reception (Starting in September 2026) if your child’s date of date of birth falls between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022.
You can start applying from 1 September 2025 and submit your application before the closing date in January 2026.
Applications for Reception Class will need to be made online; no paper forms will be available. Applications should be made through the Southwark Admissions website. If you are not a Southwark resident, please apply through your own borough. Please see Southwark Council’s How to Apply Online page.
The Admissions Policy explains how places are allocated. The supplementary application form (only required for families applying for a foundation (church) place) is at the bottom of this page.
The deadline for applications to Southwark is to be confirmed. For reference, last year it was 11.59pm on 15 January 2025. The date for any appeal hearing will be in July and the date is to be confirmed.
Please note that children attending the Nursery Class at Cathedral School cannot be guaranteed places in the Reception Class and parents will need to apply separately for such a place.
The ADMISSIONS TIMELINE
Apply For Reception
Understanding the admissions process is key to a smooth application experience. The timeline begins in the autumn term, when applications open through your home borough’s online admissions platform.
September to January Tours
We offer a range of morning and afternoon tours for prospective parents, giving you the opportunity to explore our school, meet our staff, and experience our welcoming community firsthand. You can easily book your tour slot on this page.
Please remember to register early with your borough’s online application platform, as all applications are submitted through your home borough, not directly to the school.
Foundation (Church) Place or Open Place?
Half of our Reception places are allocated to families who attend church regularly, while the other half are open to families from the wider community, regardless of faith or belief. All applications should be submitted through your local borough’s standard admissions process. If you are applying for a church place, you will also need to complete a foundation place supplementary form, which can be downloaded from this page and submitted to the school office before the January deadline.
Apply by deadline
To secure a place at our school, it’s important to submit your application by the official deadline in January. All applications must be made through your home borough’s online admissions platform. If you are applying for a church place, don’t forget to complete and submit the supplementary form to our school office by the same deadline. Late applications may be considered after all on-time applications have been processed, but spaces are limited, so we encourage families to apply early to avoid disappointment.
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When You’ll Find Out
Parents will be notified of their child’s school placement on National Offer Day, which usually falls in mid-April. If you applied online through your borough’s admissions platform, you will receive an email with your offer, and you can also check your application status through the online portal. We will also write to you. Once offers are made, you’ll need to accept your place by the deadline provided, or it may be offered to another family. We will also need proof of address and other documentation such as your child’s birth certificate before your place is confirmed.
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Visiting the school
Before starting, we invite all new children to attend a special Visit Day. This is an opportunity for your child to explore their new classroom and meet school staff. It helps ease any first-day nerves and allows children to feel more comfortable and excited about joining our school community. Parents will also have the chance to meet staff and ask any final questions.
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Start school
The final step is preparing for their exciting first day. Ahead of the new term, we’ll provide you with all the information you need, including start dates, uniform requirements, and key contacts. There is also a home visit the first week in September before children begin in school. We’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and happy start to your child’s school journey.
Nursery
Appeals For Reception
(September 2025 Start)
Appeals Timeline and Process
If you wish to appeal a decision regarding your child’s admission to The Cathedral School, please be aware of the following timeline and process. Appeals must be lodged by Monday 19th May 2025. The appeals will be heard during the month of June.
To initiate the process, contact the school office to obtain an appeal form. Once you have completed the form, please submit it by the specified deadline. Each appellant will receive at least 10 days’ notice of their appeal hearing, which will be conducted by an independent appeal panel. The clerk will contact parents closer to the hearing date to provide details regarding the necessary paperwork, timings, and arrangements.
Nursery
Applying for Nursery
(September 2026 Start)
You can apply for a place in Nursery if your child’s date of date of birth falls between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023.
You can start applying from 1 September 2026 and submit your application before the closing date (12 noon 14th February 2026.)
The form can be downloaded at the bottom of the page and be returned to school via the office.
If you are applying for an open place, you do not have to answer questions regarding faith on the application form. You only need to answer the faith questions and supply a clergy reference if you wish to be considered for a foundation (church) place.
IN YEAR TRANSFER
Other Year Groups
We are a very popular school and we manage our own in-year applications when occasional spaces become available.
Parents can apply for an in-year school place by completing the application form below. Upon receipt of an In-Year application, we aim to notify families of the outcome of their application in writing within 10 school days. Where an application is refused, reason for refusal will be given and information about the right to appeal.
Download admissions forms
Forms
RECEPTION: If you would like to apply for a Foundation Place (Church place) for Reception, please download and complete a supplementary form below, alternatively visit the school office for a paper copy. Please ensure you meet the admissions criteria before you complete this form. This supplementary form and your online application need to be completed if you wish to apply for a Foundation Place.
NURSERY: If you are applying for an open place, you do not have to answer questions regarding faith on the application form. You only need to answer the faith questions and supply a clergy reference if you wish to be considered for a foundation (church) place.
IN YEAR: Parents can apply for an in-year school place by completing the application form below.
