New Reception Parents

An exceptional education begins with the right choice.

Our school is recognised by Compare School and College Performance as the top performing primary school in Royton and joint third in Oldham. 

 

Children are admitted to our Reception class in the September after their 4th birthday.

RECEPTION 2026 

We know that choosing your child’s first school is a big decision. At Thornham St James, we want you to feel confident and excited about the journey ahead. We provide every opportunity for you to experience our welcoming environment, meet our dedicated staff and see first-hand how our vision, values and curriculum ensure that every child is supported to shine.

Open Evenings

An opportunity to hear about our vision and curriculum, meet the team and tour the school.
Thursday 25th September, Thursday 27th November, Thursday 8th January 

Headteacher's Welcome 6:15pm

Applying for a Reception Class Place

From 1 September 2025 you can apply online for a primary school place.

You must complete your application by 5pm on 15 January 2026.

Please click on this link Oldham Council Admission Information

 

You will be notified of the school that your child has been offered by email, between on 16 April 2026. 

Starting School

Should your child be offered a place in our Reception class, we provide a range of opportunities to support a smooth and happy transition into school life. These include:

  • Parent Welcome Evening – 6:15pm Tuesday 12th May 2006 

  • Stay and Play Sessions – two sessions for children and their families to explore the classroom and meet staff

  • Teddy Bears’ Picnic – a chance to meet other children and families in your new class

  • Come Dine With Us – join your child as they enjoy their first lunch at school

In addition, our Reception team meet with staff from your child’s nursery to ensure a robust handover of information, so that every child’s needs and strengths are well understood before they begin their journey at Thornham St James.

Once September arrives, children have a short, staggered start to school life to acclimatise themselves to school life. We promote a positive home-school relationship we have regular opportunities for families to meet and communicate with school.

 

The Admissions Appeals Timetable 2025

The deadline for submitting appeals allows appellants at least 20 school days to prepare and submit a written appeal. The appeal must then be heard within 40 school days for the normal round and within 30 school days for in-year admissions. 

  • Allocation date for the normal round Reception: 16 April 2026
  • Deadline for appeal forms to be submitted: 8th May 2026
  • Appeals will be heard within 40 school days, by: 13th July 2026 

Where possible, appeals that are submitted after 31 May will be heard by 25 July. If that is not possible, they will be heard within 30 school days of the appeal form being submitted. 

In-year appeals can be submitted after a refusal. They will be heard within 30 school days of an appeal being submitted