We provide up to 30 places in reception each year and operate an open access and fully inclusive admissions policy with pupils from all backgrounds and abilities being welcome.

All applications and admission decisions are made by County Hall. 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.

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 the school can meet any needs appropriately.

Applying for a school place if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan

Children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan 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.

School Admission Dates 

Applications for 2026 admissions are open from September 2025.

How to Apply for a Place  

As a parent/carer, you will need to complete the Common Application Form (CAF) online or as a hard copy, and submit to the Local Authority.

If you are considering St Francis Horndale CE Primary as an option for your child in reception, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require more details/tour. Apply using the Durham County Council Parent Portal page.

Please click to view:

• Timelines and Important Dates for Primary School Applications
• Admissions Policy
• Durham Local Authority Admissions Page

Starting Reception

New Reception children are admitted annually into school in September. Transition arrangements begin in June each year with children having the opportunity to spend time in their new classroom with peers and staff. Staff will focus transition work on settling children into their new environment and giving them the opportunity to get to know their class group in advance of the start of the academic year.

In-Year Admissions 

For any new admissions during the school year you must contact Durham County Council who handle the in-year admissions.

Details of in-year admissions are also available within the admission policy.

Appeals Process

For details of what happens after primary school offer day 16^th April, please follow this link.

Durham County Council School Admissions handles the appeal process for a school place. Please follow this link for more information.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) 

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 the school can meet any needs appropriately. 

Nursery Admission

Requests for future Nursery places should be made directly to the school office. We offer nursery provision for three and four-year-olds. 

Paper copies of application forms can be collected from the school office and you will be contacted by the EYFS lead or office staff before your child is due to start with us.