A well-rounded education from 3–11
Selecting the right school for your child is undeniably one of the most significant decisions a parent will have to make. We understand that the admissions process can feel tricky, so here’s a clear and helpful guide to applying to Orchard House School.
Entry points
Nursery Place: Our main entry point is Nursery, with children joining in the September after they turn three. From there, pupils automatically progress into Reception the following year.
Occasional Place (Reception or above): We also welcome pupils for occasional places. Please get in touch with our Admissions team, who will be happy to let you know if a place is available. All offers are subject to availability and at the Head’s discretion.
Meet Anne, your contact at Orchard House School
Position: Head of Marketing and Admissions
“With years of experience in a variety of educational settings, I provide personalised guidance to help meet each child’s unique needs and aspirations. I am committed to supporting families throughout every step of the admissions process, ensuring they have the information and support they need to make the best decisions for their child’s education. My aim is to make the admissions journey as straightforward as possible, so that families feel confident in their choice, knowing they have selected the right school for their child.”
Admissions Journey
Step 1Get In Touch
We encourage families to reach out for an initial conversation before booking a visit. This allows us to answer any questions you may have about the school, discuss availability, and guide you through the admissions journey.
Step 2Book A Visit
Once you’re ready, we’d be delighted to welcome you to the school and introduce you to our Head of Admissions, so you can learn more about life at Orchard House.
During term time, we offer small-group tours for a limited number of families every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 10am (booking required), as well as private visits at a time that suits you. We also open our doors twice a year for Open Mornings. We highly recommend visiting during term time so you can experience the school in full action.
Step 3Register
To apply for a place in any year group, you’ll first need to register your child with us via one of our registration forms. We will then add your child to the waiting list for the relevant year group and email you to confirm. We encourage parents to register their child as soon as possible after birth, to give them the best chance of receiving an offer.
For applications to Reception and above, we will also request the child’s latest school report from their current school.
Step 4Attend a Taster Morning
For applications to Reception and above, your child will be invited to a taster morning, where they can meet their peers and teachers, and experience life at Orchard House. They may also take part in a short Maths and English assessment to help us better understand their learning journey. Our Admissions team will be in touch to arrange all the details with you directly.
Step 5Receive your Offer
All offers are sent out 18 months before your child is due to start at Orchard House, typically during the Spring Term of the year before they join us. Priority is given to siblings of current students and students who join us from Dukes Education nurseries or schools, and are then made in order of registration.
We will email you directly to confirm if your child has been offered a place, with a parent contract and acceptance form for you to sign and return. If an offer isn’t received in the first instance, we will always keep your child’s name on the waiting list to be offered a place if one becomes available in future.
Offers may also be made on an ad hoc basis throughout the year, subject to availability.
Step 6Accept your Offer
To accept your child’s place, you will need to sign and return the acceptance form, provide a copy of your child’s passport, and pay a deposit of £3,000 via our secure Stripe payment link or directly into the school’s account by bank transfer. This deposit will be refunded when your child leaves the school.
Parents who receive Nursery offers are given the opportunity to defer their place to Reception entry. We have an extremely limited number of places available to join in Reception each year. Deferral requests are granted in the order in which they are received. Once the places are filled, parents have the option to accept their Nursery offer to guarantee direct entry into Reception, or to join the waiting list for Reception entry only. Offers made after all Reception places have been filled will not include the option to defer.
The Dukes Village
Orchard House School is part of the Dukes Education family of schools and educators, united by a common purpose: to give children the foundations for an extraordinary life. We create clusters of nurseries and schools in village locations to offer families an all-through education journey within their local area.
Dukes Education is committed to a smooth transition from nursery to prep school. With a focus on nurturing each child’s potential, we ensure that early years learning seamlessly flows into their prep school journey. Families from Little Dukes nurseries benefit from a guaranteed entry policy, meaning that when children are ready for Reception, their place in a Dukes prep school is assured—subject to availability and the child’s ability to thrive within the school’s ethos and curriculum.
Starting with a Little Dukes nursery provides a strong foundation and continuity as children grow. This guaranteed progression allows families to plan confidently, knowing their child can flourish in a familiar, supportive environment that celebrates their individuality.
