Admissions
Amherst School (Academy) Trust Admission Arrangement Consultation for Admission Year 2027/2028
As our own admission authority, we are required under the School Admissions Code 2021 to review our admissions policies annually and to consult on our arrangements at least once every 7 years'. It has been at least 7 years since Amherst School (Academy) Trust arrangements were last consulted upon.
It should be noted that there are no changes to the admissions arrangements.
In line with our duties to consult please find our policy and admissions arrangements below.
The consultation will open on Wednesday 1 October 2025 and any comments relating to the policy will need to be received by Wednesday 12 November 2025.
If you wish to comment on the policy please email the Clerk of the Admissions Committee clerk@amherst.kent.sch.uk.
Admission Arrangements
Our current facilities allow for a maximum of 384 pupils and there are no plans to expand the school’s capacity. The class size at Amherst is 32 pupils. However, applications for admissions into classes of already 32 pupils or more are subject to an appeal process serviced by Kent County Council.
In recent years Amherst has been over-subscribed with prospective applicants, particularly at Year 3. In these circumstances priority is given to applicants on the basis of the following criteria:
- Looked After Children and previously Looked after Children
- Year 2 children attending Riverhead Infants’ School.
- Current family association.
- Distance from home to school.
Please click this link to access the KCC Admissions website for details of entry at Year 3 and In Year Casual Admissions.