The Local Authority issues a booklet “Primary Education in County Durham” each year in which the size and admission limits of all Durham Primary Schools are listed, in addition to all the necessary information concerning admission criteria and the appeals procedure.
Our current admission limit is 60 in compliance with government guidelines on Infant class sizes.
In the Autumn Term prior to the school year when they are due to be admitted, parents must complete an application form available on the Durham County Council Website. Parents should return the completed Forms to County Hall. If you have a pre-school child, and you would like to come and look around the school please contact the school to make an appointment. It will be lovely to meet you.
Parents will be notified as to the offer of a school place, which will be made by the Local Authority in accordance with their published Admissions Criteria. Parents have the right of appeal against any refusal of admission.
Children are admitted to Cestria in one intake in September of each year. The intake is phased over a short period, full details of which are given to parents in May, when we hold meetings for parents and arrange visits for the children.
At 11 years of age, children transfer from Cestria to secondary education.
The majority of our children transfer to Park View Academy or The Hermitage Academy. Parents with children due to make this transfer will receive full information from the Local Authority on making their choices. Cestria maintains close links with both of Chester-le-Street’s secondary schools and in the summer term, we arrange visits for the year 6 children to the secondary school of their choice.
We are committed to meeting the needs of all children including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We would ask parents to discuss the identified needs with the school prior to starting so that appropriate intervention and support can be planned and implemented. Advice from the LA or other agencies may be requested to ensure any the school can meet any needs appropriately.
Visit the Durham County Council website for information regarding the school admission process and primary school admissions. To appeal against an admission decision visit: School admissions-appeals.
Full details of the admission arrangements can be found in the Primary and Secondary Admissions brochure produced by Durham County Council and further information can be found in the school Admissions Policy that can be found in the School Policies section of our website.
Applying for a school place if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan or a Statement of SEN
Children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (or Statement of Special Education Needs) follow a different admission and transfer process for a new school. Please continue to complete Durham County Council’s parental preference form, as part of the admission process to a new school. You continue to have a right to request a particular school and this will be considered alongside the information that we have about your child’s special educational needs. The information would have been provided as part of the Education, Health and Care assessment or following the review meeting.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
