What do I need to do if I would like my child to start at SHPA?

Please go to our admissions pages for Nursery application forms or contact Oxfordshire County Council for a space in our open year groups or contact us at admin@omnialearningtrust.org if you have any questions.

Can I book a tour of Sires Hill?

Yes, please contact us to book a tour - we will be delighted to show you round our fantastic facilities. From late September to early December there are a lot of tours on offer for those looking for places in reception for the following year.  If you are looking for an in year transfer, please contact the school directly to book a tour. 

Will my child need a uniform?

Yes, all children right from nursery will need a uniform.  Please go to our uniform page for more details. We try to limit this to a few key items with a logo in order to keep the costs down.

Will your term dates be different from that of other schools?

The dates will generally be in line with other local Didcot schools.

When will the school be inspected?

Sires Hill Primary Academy  successfully passed the pre-opening Ofsted inspection.  We will then expect a full Ofsted inspection in our third year after opening 2025-2026.  This is standard for all new schools. 

How is an academy different?

The school receives funding direct from the DfE and this is the same budget as other schools.  Academies can choose to have different term dates, different curriculum and length of school day.  Our school day is slightly longer than other primary schools - we start at 8:40am and finish at 3:30pm. All primary schools in Didcot  are now academies.  Our Trust supports the quality of the school through visits from the Deputy CEO.

How will we be kept informed about my child's progress?

 There are two formal parent meetings a year, called learning reviews, with a third that can be arranged following the formal annual report at the end of the year.  Schools are only obliged to prepare one annual report a year, however, we provide parents with  2 academic snapshot  reports) and an  end of year report. These will be emailed to you. 

How are clubs organised?  Are they for all year groups?

We will run a range of age-appropriate clubs each term that are organised through outside providers.  Most after school or before school clubs incur a small cost.  After school clubs tend to be for children for Year 1 upwards (dependent on each club) subject to the content of the club.  Due to our longer school day, we are also able to hold some clubs within the school day so that all children can develop interests and explore their talents. This means that all children will be able to participate. 

How am I kept informed of dates and events?

The newsletter will be sent out fortnightly.  We will have a well maintained website that will keep you informed of dates and school events. 

How many children are in the Reception class?  

There will be one class in our Reception cohorts with 30 places.  This is the legal maximum class size for children aged 4-7 (Reception to Year 2).  We generally have a full time Learning support assistant in each class within the reception classes.  After Reception, teaching assistants are placed according to the additional needs within the classroom.  

Sires Hill Primary Academy will open initially with 30 children in Reception. Eventually the school will be two form entry.

My child is not yet completely toilet trained, is this a problem? 

Staff will help your child to become more independent in this area when you have indicated that his has been successful at home.  Please make sure that you are actively working with your child to secure this important life skill.  

Do you have a catchment area?

 No, there is no set area.  However, children are allocated places strictly following our admission policy. The first children to be allocated are those that are 'cared for by the Local Authority' and children with an EHCP where the school has already been named.  The second group to be allocated are children of staff who have worked at the school for more than 2 years, then siblings and then by distance.  

When will we find out if we have been allocated a place? 

16th April 2026.  We will be in touch with you shortly after this to start the transition work.  

When do I need to decide? 

You need to make sure that you have made your choice by the first deadline of 15th January 2026 using the county council website page. 

Tours for children starting in September 2027 will start at the end of September 2026.