Admissions
Choosing a school can be one of the hardest decisions a parent has to make. The River School offers a distinctive education based on Christian values where children are taught in small classes. Our vision is that each child will leave equipped with the best character qualities, skills, disciplines and knowledge to realise their potential and gifts.
We welcome prospective parents to come and see us in our beautiful surroundings and to meet the children and staff. Pupils who join the school during Nursery or Reception can enjoy consistent access to Christian-based education throughout their school years. Starting at The River School as early as possible maximises pupils’ opportunities to develop. We also expect year groups will grow as other children join at different stages. Applications are therefore considered at any stage up to, and including, Year 9.
Applications to join the GCSE years [10 and 11] will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Places Available for September 2026
Choosing the right school is about more than academics - it’s about finding a place where your child can flourish in every way.
At The River School, small class sizes mean every child is truly known, supported and stretched, allowing confidence and character to grow naturally alongside academic progress. Time outdoors is woven into school life, giving children space to think, explore and discover, while our focus remains firmly on developing the whole child.
We currently have limited places available in Reception and Year 7 for September 2026, as well as occasional spaces across other year groups.
If you are looking for a school where your child will be nurtured, inspired, and given room to grow, we would love to invite you to consider The River School and to give your child the opportunity to experience education in all its fullness.
Admissions Policy
Please be aware that applications received after 30th June may not be processed until the new year commences in September.
Initial Enquiry Form
If you would like to begin a conversation with us about the possibility of your child joining The River School, please complete our Initial Enquiry Form and return it to the School Office.
The Brook Nursery
Our Open Mornings are available to parents of both Nursery and school-aged children, so you are welcome to join us and speak with one of our team then. Alternatively, you can arrange a visit at a time that suits you, by calling the Nursery.
If you are ready to apply for a place in The Brook Nursery for your child, please complete the application form below and return it to earlyyears@riverschool.co.uk
Applications for children with SEND
*Although we do have children with special educational needs on roll, the River School is not an SEN specialist centre; we are not to be confused with Riversides, a local SEN school which opened in 2014.*
Applications for children with Educational Health Care Plans
We do have a small number of pupils with Education and Health Care Plans (EHCPs), where The River School is the named school. If a potential new pupil already has an EHCP then they must have had their case for applying to an independent school discussed at the most recent Annual Review and agreed with the Local Authority that issued the EHCP. The Local Authority may then consider making The River School the named school, if they are satisfied that the pupil’s needs can be met and that it is good value for money. All EHCP applications must come through the Local Authority, the Admissions Committee will then review the application. Any offer of a place at The River School will be conditional on our ability to meet need within the context of the cohort, school and in line with our Admissions Policy.
It is by no means certain that a pupil who is already placed in an independent school would be given an EHCP so Parents/Carers who think that their child requires one would be advised to seek this while their child is still placed in a state school.
Admissions FAQ’s
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Yes.
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Yes. Please be aware that applications received after 30th June may not be processed until the new year commences in September. NB – As an independent school we break for the summer earlier than state schools. Please see our Term Dates.
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No.
We do not select or exclude pupils on the basis of their academic ability, their church affiliation or the socio-economic background of their families. Further details about our Admissions Procedure can be found on our Admissions Policy.
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Pupils at the River School do not take SATs. If you would like to find out more about how we monitor progress, please contact us.