New Intake Reception 2027

Please note that the closing date for applications to Dorset Council for a primary school place is 15th January 2027.

If you have a child who is due to start school in September 2027, we would be delighted to give you a tour of the school so that you can see what life is like here at Radipole. Please do get in touch, and we will happily discuss days and times for tours.

You can ring Mrs Bowden or Mrs Miller in the school office on 01305 783353, or email us at office@radipole.dorset.sch.uk.

If you would like to find out more about life at Radipole, please do follow our Facebook page, which is frequently updated with events and classroom learning experiences.

Forms to complete and return

School Admission Form

Once you have received your offer of a place at Radipole from Dorset Admissions, please complete and return the School Admission Form below. Return it by emailing it to Mrs Bowden (lbowden@radipole.dorset.sch.uk), or in person at the office, by Friday 14 May 2027. Paper copies are available in the school office. Do call the school if you need help or advice.

Reception Record Sheet 

A form for 2027 will be added here later, once Dorset Admissions have offered places. When you have been offered a place, please complete the form below. All information goes directly to the Reception teachers.

Talk to Parents and Carers (re New Intake Children Arriving in September 2027)

Information will be added here in the Summer Term 2027.

Pupil Premium and Free School Meals

From September 2026, the government has expanded Free School Meals (FSM), so that children in households that claim Universal Credit (UC) will all be eligible (as well as people still in receipt of some other benefits).

Previously, your annual household income (excluding benefits) had to be under £7,400 for you to be eligible for FSM. This is a major change that will help a lot of families.

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will automatically receive free school meals; however, please still apply for Free School Meals if you receive Universal Credit, as you may be able to access further related benefits.

If you do not want free school meals for your child but receive one of the qualifying benefits, you can still apply for free school meals.  You do not have to order the meals if you don't want to. This will ensure that your child's school will get the funding to support your child.

Free School Meals eligibility changes:

• From 1 September 2026, all children with a parent/carer who gets any level of Universal Credit can have free school meals.

There will be two levels of eligibility:

• Targeted - FSM for families who get Universal Credit and earn less than £7,400 per year. Families who get other qualifying benefits may also be entitled. Families in the Targeted group may be able to access further related benefits, e.g. Pupil Premium, Holiday Activities & Food Programme.
• Expanded -  FSM for families who get Universal Credit with earnings over £7,400 per year. Expanded FSM covers free school meals only. 

Please apply using the link below.

Meet the Teacher Appointments

There will be an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher before your child starts school.

Dates and times will be available here in the Summer Term 2027.

This will be for parents/carers and their child to talk to their new teacher. You will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns or worries, and you can share all the brilliant, unique qualities your child has.

Classroom Visits for Your Child

More information about visits will be available later in the Summer Term 2027.

Your Child's Start in September 2027

Information about your child's starting date will be added here sometime in the Summer Term 2027.