We warmly welcome new families to Graven Hill Primary and Preschool. Whether you are moving into the area, exploring school options, or looking for an in‑year place, we are delighted to support you through the admissions process and help you understand what makes our school a special place to learn and grow.

Admissions to Graven Hill Primary and Preschool follow the Warriner Multi Academy Trust admissions arrangements, which comply with the School Admissions Code and Oxfordshire’s coordinated admissions process. All details of our current admissions policy can be found on our Policies page.

Our Admissions Principles

Across the Trust, admissions are inclusive and fair. Schools admit pupils according to the published criteria, which prioritise children with looked-after status and those with special educational needs before allocating places based on the designated catchment area.

Graven Hill works closely with Oxfordshire County Council to ensure admissions are managed consistently, transparently and in the best interest of families. The MAT acts as its own admissions authority but uses the Local Authority’s coordinated systems.

How to Apply for a Place

1. Applying for a Reception Place

Applications for Reception places are made through your home Local Authority (for most families, this will be Oxfordshire County Council). This ensures your application is processed as part of the coordinated admissions system.
Visit the County Council school admissions page for application guidance, catchment maps and support.

Families applying from a different Local Authority should apply directly through their own council.

Although the council publishes annual deadlines, our guidance remains the same each year:

• Apply through your home Local Authority
• List your school preferences in order
• Submit your application before the published closing date
• National Offer Day takes place in April (exact dates vary each year)

If you would like to visit the school before applying, we would be delighted to show you around—please get in touch.

2. In‑Year Admissions

If your child is already at school and you wish to move them to Graven Hill during the school year, this is called an in‑year admission.
These applications are also managed through the Oxfordshire County Council in‑year admissions process.

This process runs throughout the year and follows three key steps:

1. Check availability through the Local Authority
2. Submit an in‑year application form online
3. The Local Authority will notify you of the outcome and next steps

Families are welcome to contact us directly for an informal conversation before applying.

3. Appeals

If your child is not allocated a place, you have the right to appeal.
Appeals are administered independently in line with the appropriate statutory guidance. Annual appeal timetables are published by the Local Authority and may change slightly each year.

Important Information

Admissions Policy

Our full admissions policy, including oversubscription criteria and procedural details, is available on the Policies page of our website.

Need Help?

If you would like to speak to someone about the process, explore your options, or arrange a visit, please contact the school office. We are here to support you every step of the way.