We will consider entry into Willow Lodge at any point in a pupil’s infant school life subject to availability of places, although the main year of entry to Willow Lodge is Reception (age 4+).
Admission to Willow Lodge in Reception is by means of a play-based assessment held each year in January. Children should be over four and under five on the following September 1, although exceptions may be made in special cases.
The 4+ entrance assessment is an informal play-based session of approximately one hour’s duration. This will assess their gross and fine motor skills, social skills, imagination and verbal communication.
The assessment for entry to into Reception in Willow Lodge in September 2025 will be held on Friday, 17 January 2025. Assessments may take place at other times by arrangement, according to the availability of places.
As part of the assessment process, a reference will be requested from your child’s current school/nursery or health professional.
On acceptance of a place, a £500 deposit is payable. The deposit and the first term’s fees are not refundable if a parent cancels acceptance of a place.
Assessments for entry into Infant 1 and Infant 2 take place throughout the academic year, subject to availability of spaces in each group.
We do consider entry at Infant 1 and Infant 2, subject to availability of places. Assessment is in English and Maths plus observations in lessons and during play.
We expect all our Infant children to move smoothly through to our Junior School provided that progress and behaviour are in line with expectations.
To enter a child for Willow Lodge, parents should complete the online registration form and pay the application fee at least one week before the date of the assessment in January. Printed registration forms can be obtained from the Admissions Manager on: 01244 689553.
2024/25
3 Direct Debits Per Term
Direct Debit Termly
Yearly
Willow Lodge
£1,244
£3,731
£11,193
From January 2025, VAT of 15% will be added to all fees. The school has committed to passing on only 15% of the government's VAT charge in 2025.
Lunches are charged at £297 per term and are collected by direct debit alongside the fees. VAT is not charged on lunches.
Fees are reviewed in the summer term for the following year.
We would like to invite you to experience the unique learning environment and outstanding facilities here at Willow Lodge. A tour can be arranged for you and your child to take a look at our purpose-built, eco-friendly school surrounded by fields, woodland and creative play areas.
A number of events are also scheduled throughout the year. You are welcome to visit with your children on these occasions. You are also welcome to make an appointment to meet the Head of Willow Lodge or other members of staff by contacting the Admissions Manager on 01244 689553 or by email: admissions@kingschester.co.uk.
There will be a two classes in each year of maximum 22 per class.
Morning sessions provide literacy, language and numeracy learning opportunities when young minds are fresh. Sport, drama, understanding the world and creative development, such as art and music, usually take place in the afternoon. The day finishes with story time. All children at Willow Lodge take weekly swimming lessons. French and Spanish are taught. Children enhance their learning with the use of iPads in the classroom.
Our infants will read daily. As the children progress into Year 1 and Year 2, more formalised learning takes place, with separate science, humanities, religious studies and computing lessons.
If you require any further information or advice please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Manager on: 01244 689553 or email: admissions@kingschester.co.uk. Alternatively you can visit our website: www.kingschester.co.uk
