Blackthorn Primary School is part of Northampton Primary Academy Trust (NPAT). NPAT welcomes children to join schools in our Trust both at the start of their school life (the academic year during which they turn five years old) and as a transfer from another school either at the beginning of an academic year or at any point during an academic year, called In-Year applications.
Pupils with an EHC Plan will be allocated a place where the school is named as being the appropriate provision via the local authority’s allocation process.
All of the key dates and deadlines for applying for a school place can be found by visiting this page.
The West Northamptonshire Council admission team can also be contacted by telephone on 0330 126 7000 and by email at admissions@westnorthants.gov.uk .
Below are some vital dates:
Applications for new Reception class places for September 2026 open on 10th September 2025 and close at midnight on 15th January 2026 for children who will turn five years old between 1st September 2026 and 31st August 2027.
National offer day for these children will be 16th April 2026.
Applications received after 15th January 2026 will be treated as a late application (see below).
Admission Arrangements
Full information about the admission arrangements for Blackthorn Primary School can be found in the admission arrangements on our policy page.
New Reception Class Applications
Applications for Reception places at Blackthorn Primary School should be made through your home local authority, regardless of where your chosen school is situated.
In-Year Applications
Applications for In-Year places at Blackthorn Primary School should be made via the local authority:
Oversubscription
Where applications for admission exceed the number of places available, places will be allocated according to the following criteria, which are listed in order of priority:
- Looked after children and all previously looked after children
- Siblings
- Children of school staff
- Children who live nearer to the school than any other publicly funded state school with an equivalent year group
- Other children
Late applications
Applications received after 15th January 2026 by the local authority are dealt with in rounds. More information can be found on the local authority’s website, here.
Appeals
Appeals for places at Blackthorn Primary School should be lodged no later than 5pm on 20th May 2026. Appeals should be made via the local authority.
For information regarding admission to other Northampton Primary Academy Trust schools, please visit the trust website.
Orchard Nursery Applications
For more information about applying for a place at Blackthorn Primary School’s Orchard Nursery, please see the Orchard Nursery page. Children can start at Orchard Nursery in the term after they turn 3 years old.
Reception Admissions September 2025
If your child has been offered a place in Reception for September 2025, we look forward to welcoming them at Blackthorn Primary School. If you have any concerns or queries, please contact the school office on 01604 407254 and we will be happy to assist you.
Arranging to Visit Blackthorn Primary School - September 2026 Admissions
One of our leaders would be happy to show you around the school. Please contact the school office on 01604 407254 to enquire about tour dates. You can also email us at info@blackthornprimary.net .