Please refer to the appropriate section below. Information on making an application will differ depending on whether you are interested in applying for Reception admission next September, in-year admission (during the current academic year), or for a place in the Bluecoat Bentinck Primary Academy Nursery provision. Please ensure you read and follow the guidance in the section relevant for your individual circumstances.
Applying for a Reception place in September 2026
Admissions to Bluecoat Bentinck Primary Academy are carried out as part of the home authority co-ordinated admission arrangements. Parents or Guardian’s wishing to apply for a Reception place starting September 2026 should complete a local authority common application form by the 15th January 2026, naming Bluecoat Bentinck Primary Academy as a preference.
Key Dates
| Key Dates | Reception Sept 2026 Intake |
| 3rd November 2025 | Applications Open |
| 15th January 2026 | Applications Close |
| 16th April 2026 | Primary National Offer Day |
For answers to some frequently asked questions see the FAQ section below.
Applying for a place during the Academic Year
In-year admissions to Bluecoat Bentinck Primary Academy are handled directly by the Archway Learning Trust. Parents or guardians wishing to apply for an in-year place should complete the Bluecoat Bentinck In-Year Application Form. The online form can be found via the link below. Alternatively, if an online submission is not possible, a paper application can be collected from the academy office.
For answers to some frequently asked questions see the FAQ section below.
Useful Website Links
For all nursery admissions enquiries, please refer to the Nursery Admissions page.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
The application process for primary school places opens the winter before your child is due to start school the following September. Your child should be between the ages of 3-4 at application stage and between the ages of 4-5 when they begin school. The deadline for applications for those children applying for a reception place starting September 2026 is 15th of January 2026 applications are to be made to your home local authority. If you do not apply between the correct dates set out by your Local Authority, unless for an exceptional circumstance, then your application will be considered late, and this will affect your chances of getting a place at your preferred school. You can list up to 6 school preferences. Please see the Local Authorities publication ‘Going to School in Nottingham 2026-2027’ for help when applying for a school place.
To apply for a Reception place at Bluecoat Bentinck Primary Academy, you must complete the School Common Application Form through your home Local Authority.
- If you live in Nottingham City, you can apply online through the Nottingham City Council website. If you are unable to access the online form, you can request a paper copy from the council.
- If you live outside Nottingham City, you will need to complete your home Local Authority’s School Common Application Form (e.g. Nottinghamshire County Council or Derbyshire County Council).
Important: The School Common Application Form must be completed for your application to be considered. Without this, there will be no formal application to the academy.
Bluecoat Bentinck Primary Academy has a planned admission number of 30 places available in Reception.
Yes, you are encouraged to express up to a total of 6 preferences on your school’s common application form. If you wish to apply for both Bluecoat Bentinck and Bluecoat Primary, you will need to list each academy separately, which would be 2 of your 6 preferences.
Yes, you can still make a late application by contacting your Home Local Authority. Please be aware that if this is the case and you do not have an exceptional reason, then your application won’t be considered until after all other offers have been made.
Admission into the Nursery Provision does not guarantee a place in Reception the following year. You will need to apply for a Reception place through the coordinated admissions scheme during the application period, which opens in the Autumn term the academic year before your child is due to start.
For all admissions enquiries, please email admissions@archwaytrust.co.uk, making sure to include your child’s name and date of birth to assist us in responding to your enquiry.