Who can come?
The school is open to 4 to 11 year olds. Parents must apply for a place in the autumn term prior to the year their child will start school and places will be allocated by the Admissions Department at County Hall. Older children may also join the school if there is an available space. Please see the Isle of Wight Council’s Admissions Policy for the detailed admissions criteria.
Joining Explorers (our Reception class)
Children reaching the age of 5 between 1 September and 31 August can join the school from September, though there is no obligation for children to start school until the term following their fifth birthday.
Children start at St Helens Primary School on a part-time basis, according to their age and individual needs. Four year old children are offered an appropriate Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, not a watered down version of Key Stage 1.
Before starting in Explorers (our Reception class), children will be invited to come to the school for a number of introductory sessions. Our reception teachers, Ms Gorman, Mrs Allman and Mrs Sharp, will also visit local pre-schools to meet the children who are joining the school. This is a great way for children to meet their new teacher in a relaxed and informal way. In addition, parents will be invited to meet the headteacher to discuss their child’s individual needs.