St. John’s Catholic Primary School is an Academy within the Diocese of Southwark.

It is in the trusteeship of the Diocese and part of the Kent Catholic Schools Partnership (KCSP).

The school is conducted by its governing body as part of the Catholic Church in accordance with its Trust Deed and Instrument of Government, and seeks at all times to be a witness to Jesus Christ. The school exists primarily to serve the Catholic community and therefore Catholic children have priority of admission. However, the Governing Body warmly welcomes applications from those of other denominations and faiths who support the religious ethos of the school.

Having consulted with the Local Authority and other admission authorities, the Governors intend to admit into the reception year, from September 2025, up to 120 pupils without reference to ability or aptitude. Where the number of applications exceeds this number, the Governors will offer places using set criteria, which can be found in our Admissions Policy below. 

When applying, please remember to complete the Kent County Council online application form as well as our own Supplementary Information Form. 

For admission into Reception in September 2025 you will need to submit:

- A Supplementary Information Form - available to download from Key Documents below.

- Your child's full birth certificate and evidence of Baptism/Dedication (if applicable).

Please email these as a pdf document to admissions@st-johns-gravesend.kcsp.org.uk 

Key Dates

Friday 7th November 2025 -  KCC online application process opens. Go to www.kent.gov.uk/primaryadmissions to register and apply.  At the same time you will need to make an application to the school of your choice.

Thursday 15th January 2026 - Online application process closes for the main round. Any amendments after this date must be emailed to kentonlineadmissions@kent.gov.uk 

Children born between September 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022, are eligible for September 2026 entry. 

National Offer Day is Thursday 16th April 2026 - Offers of school places sent to parents via email after 4pm.

Thursday 30th April 2026 - Parents should contact the school to accept/refuse the place that has been offered.

Monday 18th May 2026 - Appeals need to be lodged by this date – Further appeals information can be found at www.kent.gov.uk/schoolappeals. You can only appeal for schools that were named on the application form.

Admission Appeals

Parents whose applications for Primary School places were unsuccessful, may appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel set up in accordance with sections 88 and 94 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

If your child is due to start primary school in September 2026, you can appeal if you are refused a place at one of your preferred schools on National Offer Day (Thursday 16 April 2025).

You must submit your appeal before Monday 18th May 2026 for it to be considered by Friday 18 July 2026. Any appeals received after this time will be heard within 40 school days from the deadline, or where reasonably possible in line with updated guidance from the Department for Education

For appeals related to in year applications, appeals will be heard within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged.

How to apply for an 'In-Year' Admission  

If you wish to apply for Year 1 to 6, please email admissions@st-johns-gravesend.kcsp.org.uk. When you apply will need to fill in the Kent County Council In Year Admission Form as well as our own Supplementary Form. Both these forms can be found below. On completion, please submit to the school office in person or to the admissions email address along with a copy of your child's full birth certificate and evidence of their Baptism/Dedication.  

If your child is not of the Catholic faith, the “Reference for Faith Membership” page on the Supplementary form will need to be countersigned by your Priest / Pastor or at your place of worship.

Nursery Admissions

If you would like to apply for a nursery place for admission in September 2026, you will be able to do so after the October half term 2025 through to 30th April 2026.

When registering, you will need to:-

1. Download the reference form for completion by your place of worship (if applicable)

2. Register your interest by clicking on the link below

NOTE: Your child MUST have reached their third birthday by 31/08/2023 to apply. Thank you.

The closing date for all nursery applications is the 30th April each year.