Admissions
Highlees School Admissions Criteria
Highlees Community Primary School has adopted the policy of Peterborough Local Authority. Priority is given to Looked After Children followed by children with a verified medical need, then children living in the school’s catchment area and finally children living outside the school’s catchment area. Primary schools usually serve families living in their local catchment area, although parents are encouraged nowadays to visit several schools and choose the one which seems best suited to the needs of their own child.
Each year, we hold an Open Day for all parents including those of pre-school aged children. During this time we present information about Highlees, tours of the school to see children at work and offer the opportunity for parents to ask questions about the school. If your child’s name has been entered on our waiting list, you will automatically receive an invitation.
Children usually start school in the September after their forth birthday. When young children first start school, they attend on a part-time basis initially. They are admitted in small groups in order of age. The first group starts school in the mornings only, a second group attends in the afternoons. Soon all children are attending full time.
There are good links with local playgroups and four-year-olds will be invited to visit the Reception class before the Summer Term ends, so that they know what to expect and don’t spend their summer holidays worrying about it. Home visits are made prior to the children starting school.
There is close liaison with local secondary schools and children always visit the schools they are due to transfer to before they leave Highlees at 11 years of age.