Admissions Information
National Schools Admission Code, September 21
In line with the changes and additions made to the National Schools Admission Code, September 21, our admissions arrangements for Sept 22/23 and onwards follow and comply with these changes.
The consultation period for the Discovery Trust Admissions arrangements for First Time Entry in 2024/2025 has now closed. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views on the proposal.
Details of the outcome of the consultation will be shared on the Discovery Trust website from 30th January.
Published Admissions Number
The school admits 30 pupils per year group at First Time Admissions (FTA). This is known as the Published Admission Number (PAN).
For FTA, Year 1 and 2, the school PAN is capped to 30 in line with Infant Class Sizes.
Admissions Policies
Please click the links below to view our full admissions policies:
Catchment Area
To view our Catchment Area, please click here
Admissions Events
We hold numerous Open events, some just for families and some with your children,
To arrange a visit to the school, please contact the school office via email at office@dsatcaptainsclose.org
Should your child secure a place at the school, we work closely with the preschools, playgroups and nurseries in the local area to learn more about your child to enable them to get the best start possible to our school. Families will be then invited to attend pre-transition sessions in the Summer Term before your child starts full time education in our Reception Year in the following Autumn Term.
First Time Admissions
All Discovery Schools have a single start for first time admissions at the start of the autumn term for children aged four years of age.
Children are offered a school place from four years of age, the autumn term following their fourth birthday. However, statutory school age is from the first term following their fifth birthday.
This means that:
- A child turning 5yrs in the autumn term must start school no later than the start of the Spring term.
- A child turning 5yrs in the spring term must start school no later than the start of the summer term.
- A child turning 5yrs in the summer term must start school no later than the start of the Autumn term. Please see more information in sections 11 and 12.
Making a First Time Admission Application (FTA)
Arrangements are made in accordance with the Local Authority’s First Time Admissions Coordinated scheme. This means families must apply to the Local Authority where they live using the Common Application Form before the January 15th closing date for submissions.
Families’ who are resident in other areas must apply through their home Local Authority. It is recommended that families also contact the Local Authority which the desired school is located to discuss applications.
Families are encouraged to list three choices of schools on the application form including the catchment school for that area. Contact your Local Authority to find out your catchment school(s). The closing date for first time admission applications is the 15th January (national closing date).
Families will be informed by their Local Authority of the place given to their child on the 16th April (National Offer Day) or the next working day.
The easiest way to apply for a school place at a Discovery Schools is to apply online. To apply online or speak to the Admissions Service at your Local Authority, please use the
contact details below:
Leicestershire County Council
School Admissions Service – 0116 305 6684
admissions@leics.gov.uk
Priority Criteria
At the point of first-time admission, if there are more requests for places than available, places will be allocated up to the PAN in accordance with the priority oversubscription criteria.
1st | A ‘looked after child’ or a child who was previously looked after but immediately after being looked after became subject to an adoption, child arrangements or special guardianship order. |
2nd | Pupils that live in the catchment area of the school. |
3rd | Pupils that have an older sibling attending the school at the same time, regardless of if they live in the catchment area or not. |
4th | Pupils who have a serious medical condition or exceptional social or domestic needs that make it essential they attend the school requested. (Professional documentation confirming the situation must be submitted with the application). |
5th | Children of staff at the school. |
6th | Pupils living nearest to the school measured in a straight-line distance (home to school front gate). |
**Full details of the priority criteria can be found in the full admissions policy above.
Mid-Term (In-Year) Applications
Discovery Trust Schools within Leicestershire County Council participate in full with the Local Authority’s coordinated scheme for Mid-Term (In-Year) applications. Click here to read the full policy outline.
To discuss a visit to our school, please contact the school office.
Should you wish to make an application to the school, parents must make an application via the Local Authority where they live using the Common Application Form. It is recommended that parents also contact the Local Authority which the desired school is located in to discuss applications.
