Please click this LINK to view determined admissions arrangements for 2025/2026 

Please follow this LINK to view  Richmond's Coordinated admission schemes for Secondary, Primary and in In Year Transfer.

Closing dates for primary applications is 15th January 2025 and 31st October 2024 for secondary transfer.

In-year applications to Darell school must be made using Richmond’s In Year Application Form. Please follow the LINK for more information and to complete the form.

Please click on this LINK to view how primary places were offered at community primary, junior and infant schools.

You are warmly invited to visit the school and see us at work and the facilities we have to offer. Please telephone the school to make an appointment for a tour with the headteacher, Joe Porter.

We look forward to meeting you.

SEND Admissions

Admissions of pupils with SEND are considered on the same basis as those without SEND. The School Admissions Code of Practice requires children and young people with SEN to be treated fairly. Admissions authorities:

• must consider applications from parents of children who have SEN but do not have an EHC plan on the basis of the school’s published admissions criteria as part of normal admissions procedures
• must not refuse to admit a child who has SEN but does not have an EHC plan because they do not feel able to cater for those needs
• must not refuse to admit a child on the grounds that they do not have an EHC plan’ 

The admission arrangements for pupils without an EHCP must not discriminate against or disadvantage disabled children or those with special educational needs and must follow the local authority school admissions procedures.

https://www.darell.richmond.sch.uk/send

We are delighted that you are considering our school for your child.

We offer 13 places for 15 hours per week, either 5 half days or 2.5 days, for children aged 3 and 4 years old, and 13 places for 30 hours per week, 5 full days, for children of eligible parents.

Hours are from 8.45am to 11.45am or 8.45am to 3.15pm. 

30 Hour Places

We are able to offer up to 13 full day places for 5 days a week (30 hours), dependent on qualification of the DfE’s eligibility criteria. For information, follow the link:  https://www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator

If you are eligible for the 30 hour code the cost of lunch club becomes voluntary. We ask that you make a voluntary weekly payment via the Arbor School Shop.

Additional fees 2025/2026

Lunch Provision

Morning and afternoon session children are able to attend an extra half hour from 11:45 – 12:15. The cost is £5.00 per session with a packed lunch. Lunch club places are dependent on availability.

Full-Time Fee-Paying Places

If you would like your child to have a full-time place but are not eligible for the 30 -hour code, the cost for the next academic year is £25.00 per day.  Full time places are dependent on availability.

Email: parents@darell.richmond.sch.uk

Admission to Darell Nursery

Our provision is for 3 and 4 year olds and children are usually admitted in September or January of each year. However, places may be available at other times as well. 

The school keeps a waiting list of applicants for Nursery places and children’s names can be added from the age of 2 years.  To apply, follow this link  https://www.darell.richmond.sch.uk/form/?pid=323&form=25

Applications must be received at the school office by Monday, 2nd March 2026 for a place in September 2026.  Offers of places will be made on Friday, 1st May 2026.

All successful applicants will then receive the school’s electronic admissions pack which must be completed and submitted to accept or decline the place.  Identification documents, such as a copy of your child’s birth certificate and proof of address, need to be brought into school prior to your child's start date. 

Is my child ready for Nursery?

• Are they used to leaving you?
• Can they use the toilet by themselves?
• Are they learning to put on their jumpers, coats and shoes?
• Are they happy in the company of other children their age?

If you have any concerns about the above, you may:

• Contact your Health Visitor
• Speak to one of the Darell Nursery team

If you have questions about specific educational needs, please contact the school office and ask to speak to the Inclusion Manager.

We strongly advise that your child has frequent visits to parks, playgrounds, the library and playgroups to help prepare them for nursery.

Want to know more?

If you would like to find out more about the Nursery please contact the office and speak to Laura Gavin.

Telephone: 0208 876 6721

Email: parents@darell.richmond.sch.uk

Parents can check whether they could be eligible for 30 hours via Childcare Choices at: 

Or the Childcare Calculator at:

For a more detailed guide to the 30 hours eligibility criteria see:

Parents will be able to apply for both 30 hours and Tax-Free Childcare at the same time by entering their details once. Parents’ eligibility for both schemes will be checked by HMRC at the same time.

To apply for 30 hours provision please follow this link  https://childcare-support.tax.service.gov.uk/par/app/applynow

School admission appeals

If your child has been refused a place at one of your preferred primary or secondary schools, you may appeal the decision of the admissions authority. Your reasons for appealing will then be considered by an independent panel.

Please follow the link for more information:

https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/children_and_family_care/schools_and_colleges/school_admissions/admission_appeals