Reception 2026

Welcome to Ellacombe C of E Academy! We are delighted that you are thinking of joining our school family in September and we would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome you to our school.

We understand that choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you will have to make as a parent/carer, therefore we have set up this webpage to provide you with as much information as possible and answer any questions that you may have.

During their first year of school, every child will experience a rich and inspiring provision that encourages independence, curiosity and wonder. As established EYFS practitioners, we understand and embrace the importance of young children learning through play. This child-led approach allows pupils to develop as learners in a way in which they find enjoyable and is tailored to their own interests and personalities.

In Reception, your child will have their own individual learning journal, accessible through Tapestry. This in an incredibly useful platform that will provide you with photographs and observations of your child. Throughout the year, this will give you an insight into your child’s progress and is a wonderful tool to encourage discussions and conversations of their adventures, as they journey through life in their first year of school.

Reception Applications

When and how to apply for your child to start in the reception year at a primary school.

• Your child must be in full-time education at the beginning of the term following his or her fifth birthday. If your child was born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 they are due to start primary school in September 2026.
• Applications for starting primary school in September 2026 opens on 15 November 2025 and closes on 15 January 2026.

The date that all allocations of school places are announced in England is known as ‘offer day’. For September 2025 primary school starters this will be on 16 April 2026

 Apply for a School Place – Torbay Council

We invite you to explore the Reception Class section on our website to gain insight into how you can support your child in preparing for their transition to school.