Welcome to Mereside CE Primary Academy

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your family.

We understand that starting school, though exciting, can feel daunting for children and parents/carers alike! We aim to do all we can to make the transition into school as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

School Applications

Children can start school in reception at the beginning of the academic year following their fourth birthday. Therefore, children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 can start primary school from September 2026.

Shropshire residents should make their applications for English state schools using the Shropshire online portal. Local authorities co-ordinate applications. Use our guidance notes to help you make your application. If you have any queries or encounter any difficulties completing your application, please contact the School Admissions Team by email: school-admissions@shropshire.gov.uk

Please note that the online facility is open from 3 November 2025. You must apply by 15 January 2026. If there’s a reason why your application is late, eg due to a house move, please email school-admissions@shropshire.gov.uk to advise – there may be exceptional reasons to be considered.

Applications received after 15 January, without exceptional reasons, are considered late. Late applications won’t be processed until all the applications received on time have been allocated. This may result in your child not being offered a school place at you preferred school.

The National Offer Day for infant and primary school is 16 April 2026. You’ll be able to log back into your account to view the outcome of your application. You’ll also receive an email.

Open Day Dates for September 2026

If your child was born between 1st September 2021 and 31st August 2022, your child will start school in September 2026. We would like to invite you to come and look around our school at one of our Open Days listed below. We are offering two time slots on each of the days; 1.30 and 5pm.

If your child has any additional needs and you would like to meet with our school SENCO, Beth Bryant then please call 01743 356283 or email bryant.b@mereside.shropshire.sch.uk   

For any other queries regarding starting school, contact Rachel Harper, our EYFS Phase leader on the phone number above or by email at  harper.r@mereside.shropshire.sch.uk.

Transition timetable

School Readiness

Please use the link below to access guidance on helping yourself and your child feel ready for stating school in September. The document provides advice on Growing Independence, Building Relationships and Communicating, Physical Development and Healthy routines.

Starting-Reception

 

Do you have a child starting reception in September 2027, or know someone who does?

We have tours available for prospective parents on the following dates:

-Monday 28th September 2026 @ 1.30/5.00pm
-Thursday 15th October 2026 @ 1.30/5.00pm
-Tuesday 24th November 2026 @ 1.30/5.00pm
-Wednesday 6th January 2027 @ 1.30/5.00pm

If your child has any additional needs and you would like to meet with our school SENCO, Beth Bryant then please call 01743 356283 or email bryant.b@mereside.shropshire.sch.uk   

For any other queries regarding starting school, contact Rachel Harper, our EYFS Phase leader on the phone number above or by email at  harper.r@mereside.shropshire.sch.uk.