Admissions
Since opening in 1995, Palm Bay School has built a strong reputation that families trust and value. Today, we're proud to be a first-choice school with high demand for places across all year groups
Consistent with the school’s Equality of Opportunity Policy, the school will not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexuality, class, race, colour, creed or religion.
If no vacancy exists, the name of the applicant can be placed on a waiting list in a position according to the following EKC Trust prioritised criteria:
| Children with a statement where the statement names a specific school |
| Looked after children/Previously Looked after children |
| Brothers/sisters already in the school |
| Children of staff employed at the school |
| Distance |
In Year Admissions
If your child is at primary and you want to move them to a different school in Kent you will need to submit an In Year Admissions Form.
Kent do not coordinate In Year Admissions as there is no requirement for them to do so (2.23 School Admissions Code – September 2011). You will need to fill out an In Year Application Form which can be found at: https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/move-to-a-different-school or by clicking In year admissions form
The In Year Application should be sent to the school you are interested in. You need to fill in a separate form for each child and for each school you want to apply to.
Every applicant will be given either an offer or refusal letter to explain the outcome of their application. Each application will be processed based on the over-subscription criteria above. This is also the case for offers made from the waiting list.
If a Place is Available
1 |
Parents send IYAF |
2 |
School produces offer letter and sends to parents within 5 school days |
3 |
Parents accept or refuse the place within 10 school days. Refusal should be given in writing |
4 |
If a place is accepted the child should start as soon as possible |
5 |
If a child does not arrive, CME processes are initiated by the school |
Please note, if the parent does not reply, a chaser letter is sent by the school after 10 school days. If the school receives no reply after a further five school days the school can withdraw the offer.
If a Place is Not Available
1 |
Parents send IYAF |
2 |
School produces a refusal letter and sends to parents within 5 school days |
3 |
School waits for 5 school days to see if parents request to join the waiting list and sends completed IYAF to LA |
Primary Applications - September 2026
At this time of year, we are working hard to advise parents on how to apply to schools for September 2026 entry.
Applications are open between Friday 7 November 2025 and close on Thursday 15 January 2026. and can be made at www.kent.gov.uk/ola. If parents are unable to access the online site, an alternative format can be requested by emailing kentonlineadmissions@kent.gov.uk.
Primary Appeals - You must submit your appeal before Monday 18 May 2026 for it to be considered by Monday 20 July 2026
Secondary Appeals - You must submit your appeal before Monday 18 May 2026 for it to be considered by Monday 20 July 2026
Any appeals received after this time will be heard within 40 school days from the deadline, or where reasonably possible in line with updated guidance from the Department for Education. For late applications, appeals should be heard within 40 school days from the deadline for lodging appeals where possible, or within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged where reasonably possible in line with updated guidance from the Department for Education.
For late applications, appeals should be heard within 40 school days from the deadline for lodging appeals where possible, or within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged where reasonably possible in line with updated guidance from the Department for Education
For further information on the EKC Admission Policy please click here
If you would like to make an appointment or require any further information please contact us on 01843 290050 or email us: office@palmbay.uk