At The Mallard Academy we follow the Admissions policy for Doncaster Local Authority.
Admission Arrangements
These are the admission arrangements for the 2025/26 school year.
Unless delegated to the Local Authority, only the Governing Body is able to decide who is eligible for a place at the school. Neither the Principal nor their representatives are able to offer a school place.
Please click on this link: Exceed Learning Partnership Policies to view Exceed Learning Partnership's Admissions Policy ELP Admissions Policy
General Statement
In Doncaster, each school serves a local community, usually referred to as the ‘catchment area’. These arrangements reflect the philosophy that ‘efficient education’ is particularly fostered by closely associating a secondary school and a group of linked primary schools, in a pyramid. In this way, the school becomes part of the provision for a community and the education of the community’s children benefits greatly from the association of its schools.
Admission Number
The admission number for the school is 60. A school must have an admission number for each ‘relevant age group’, defined in law as ‘an age group in which pupils are or will normally be admitted to the school in question’. The admission number for each year group is set with regard to the capacity assessment for the school taking into account the nature and type of the school buildings and provides for an acceptable amount of space for each pupil. Therefore, the admission number is set to benefit the children who are taught in the school and those who teach and support them. Where necessary, the Governing Body consults with the LA.
Before making a final decision, the Governing Body considers the number, and size, of classes or registration groups planned. These are determined within resources available. Where this results in places in excess of the admission number being available, places are offered strictly in criteria order.
In the case of the year of entry, a child may not normally be refused admission on the grounds of prejudice to efficient education or the efficient use of resources unless the number of applications for admission exceeds the admission number or a child is offered a school which is ranked higher on a Common Application Formi (CAF) under a Coordinated Admission Schemeii (CAS).
Lower Foundation (Nursery)
If places are available children are eligible to be admitted the term after their third birthday and are admitted in criteria and date of birth order.
between:
1 September and 31 December - is eligible from the start of the Spring Term in January
1 January and 31 March - is eligible from the start of the Summer Term in April
1 April and 31 August - is eligible from the start of the Autumn Term in September
Offer of a nursery place:
Any letters/offers will be sent by Doncaster Admissions in relation to a September start only.
Once you have secured your September place, the school will contact you direct to offer any January or April starts.
If an early place is not available the Families Information Service can also provide you with details of other registered providers
Session times:
The Principal decides which session a child will attend. Whilst every effort is made to take parents preferred session into account, parents must understand this is not always possible
How do I apply?
For all schools you will need to complete an online form using the link below.
Admissions for September 2026- July 2027 (Child's date of birth 01/09/2022 to 31/08/2023)
You should also use this application if your child would be of the correct age to start early in January or April 2026)
(For example a child who is 3 during the autumn term may be able to start in January if there is a place available)
The admissions process for places for September 2026 is open now
APPLY NOW FOR A NURSERY PLACE FOR SEPT 2026 - JULY 2027 (Child's date of birth 01/09/2022 to 31/08/2023)
Closing date for Nursery applicants is 6 October 2025 and decisions sent to families on 6th November 2025.
Apply for September Reception - 2026
YOU MUST APPLY AGAIN FOR A RECEPTION PLACE even if you have already attended a Nursery Place with The Mallard Academy
How do I apply?
For all schools you will need to complete an online form using the link below.
Children due to attend full time in a reception class or transferring to a Junior school will shortly be able to apply online.
Attendance at a school nursery does not normally give you a place (please see the admission policy for individual schools). There is no automatic right of admission into a reception class and all parents must apply for the school they wish to attend. For information on the closing dates for Reception please see the primary admissions page.
https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/schools/primary-admissions
Starting full time in a Reception Class (Sept 2026), applications open in October 2025 and you will be notified direcly from the Local Authority.
Reception Year at infant and primary schools - Closing date 15th January 2026 once applications open.
Late applications can still be made and will be considered after the announcement date
National offer date is TBC - Parents will be emailed their decision, using the email account used to apply.
The link to enable parent/carers to apply online is https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/schools/primary-admissions
Further information is available from School Admissions team, please ring: 01302 735988.
Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 (Years 1-6) In Year Transfer
On occassions, places come available within our academy for in year transfers. You must however, have registered with the Local Authorty that you wish to be placed on our waiting list. If you have recently changed addresses or moved to the area, you must notify Doncaster Council of this change.
A link to the DMBC schools admission contact form is can be found by clicking this link.
Applying for a place in Secondary School.
After Year 6, pupils will transfer to Year 7 of secondary school where they remain until Year 11.
Parents/carers should apply online. You will receive an automatic receipt and your decision will be sent to you by email on national offer day.
Year 7 at secondary school - closes on the 31st October 2025
However, you may still apply and this will be considered after the national offer date
Parents will be emailed their decision, using the email account used to apply.
https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/schools/secondary-admissions
Admissions Appeals
For information about how the school manages admission appeals, please visit the Appeals page here: Doncaster Schools Appeals
Further information:
Doncaster Council – School Admissions
admissions@doncaster.gov.uk
01302 736000