Admissions
All applications, except for nursery places, are processed centrally by the London Borough of Lewisham Admissions Team, following Lewisham’s Determined Admissions Criteria.
Click here to view Lewisham’s Determined Admissions Criteria 2026/2027
Nursery Intake
Children may start Nursery the term after their third birthday. To apply for a place in our Nursery, please collect an application form from the school reception desk and return the completed form directly to the school.
We offer:
- 25 morning session places
- 25 afternoon session places
- Full-time nursery places (availability may vary)
Please note that admission to our Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. A separate Reception application is required.
2, 3 & 4 YEAR OLD FUNDING
View Childcare Schemes & Apply
This guide is to help parents/carers understand how to apply for each early entitlement and how that entitlement can be used at their chosen childcare provider
If you have any questions regarding the information in this guide please contact: free.entitlement@lewisham.gov.uk
For more details on applying for Nursery, including fees, please Click Here.
Reception Intake
Children start in Reception the September following their fourth birthday. To apply for a Reception place at Rathfern, please complete an online application via the Lewisham Council website.
Applications are open from September through January for entry the following September. The deadline for applying for a primary school place to start in September 2025 is 15 January 2025.
From 1 September 2025 you can apply for a school place for September 2026:
Other applications
For all other admissions, please contact the Lewisham Admissions Team at:
- Phone: 020 8314 8282
- Fax: 020 8314 3039
- Email: schooladmissions@lewisham.gov.uk
If transferring from another Lewisham school, you must first meet with your current school's head teacher to discuss your reasons for the transfer.
Email Lewisham school admissions
Appeal Process for Primary School Placement
If your child is not offered a place at your preferred primary school, you have the right to appeal. For more information, please visit the Lewisham Appeal Information page.
