Apply for a PlaceHow to Apply
We are delighted that you are considering Orchard House School for your child. Below you will find all the key information about how to register, our entry points, and what to expect from the admissions process. To register your child, please complete the form for the relevant year group and submit the registration fee. Once both are received, we will acknowledge your registration and add your child’s name to the waiting list for your chosen entry year.
For Nursery (3+) entry, we recommend registering as early as possible, ideally shortly after birth.
Main Point of Entry
Apply for Nursery Entry
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Children join us in the September following their third birthday.
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Places are offered 18 months before entry, with priority given to siblings of current pupils and those from Dukes Education nurseries and schools. Remaining offers are made in order of registration.
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Pupils in Nursery automatically move into Reception the following year.
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Registration fee: £100 (non-refundable).
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If a Nursery place is not available at first offer, your child’s name will remain on the waiting list.
Reception and Above
Apply for an Occasional Place
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The first step is to complete the registration form and pay the £120 registration fee (non-refundable).
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If a place is available, children may be invited for a taster day. This is to ensure we are the right fit for the child.
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We may request your child’s most recent school report.
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All offers are dependent on availability and at the discretion of the Head.
- Limited bursaries are available through Orchard House School Educational Trust.
Deferring Nursery Entry to Reception
Families who are offered a Nursery place may request to defer their child’s start until Reception. These requests are considered in the order they are received. Once Reception places are full, families may either accept the original Nursery offer (with guaranteed progression into Reception) or remain on the Reception waiting list if a place becomes available.
International Applicants
We welcome applications from families based overseas. International applicants complete the same registration form as UK applicants.
Before confirming a place, we are required to check the child’s right to reside in the UK.
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For UK passport holders: a copy of the passport is sufficient.
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For non-UK passport holders: please provide a copy of the passport and either settled/pre-settled status (for EU nationals) or a valid visa/BRP (for all other nationalities).
Please note that both parent and child documentation may be required.
What Happens after Registration
Once you have submitted the form and registration fee, you will receive a confirmation email and a member of our team will contact you to discuss your application. Your child’s name will be added to the waiting list, and you will be invited to visit Orchard House School.
For Nursery entry, offers are made 18 months before the start date. For Occasional Places, offers are made as and when spaces become available.
To secure your child’s place, you will need to complete the parent contract and acceptance form, and pay the deposit of £3,000.
Contact our Admissions Team
Anne Serandour – Head of Admissions & Marketing
Audrey Zeitoun – Admissions Manager
Our admissions team will be happy to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
