Admissions
Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make and we are delighted that you are considering our school. Please see below for further details of the admissions process for both our Nursery and Reception classes.
If you have any questions regarding the Admissions process and would like to speak to someone, please contact the school office on 0191 9171910.
You may also contact Sunderland City Council’s Admissions Team on 0191 5205553 or email enquiries@sunderland.gov.uk and who are on hand to provide advice to parents on all aspects of the admission process.
If your child is previously cared for please let us know as there is additional support we can signpost you to.
Nursery Admissions
At Ryhope Infant School Academy, children can join our fantastic Teacher led Nursery provision from the term after their second birthday.
Nursery 2’s
Children joining us in our Nursery 2’s provision may qualify for a free place subject to eligibility, alternatively we can offer places on a paid basis. We can accommodate up to 32 children on a part time basis of either a morning or an afternoon session for 3 hours daily. Occasionally we can offer whole days but these sessions are usually chargeable.
If you think you will be entitled to a free place, please visit the Sunderland Information Point website for further information or contact the school office on (0191) 9171910.
Nursery 3’s
We offer all children in our Nursery 3’s provision, which can be joined the term after their third birthday, 15 hours of FREE nursery education. We can also offer up to an additional 15 hours subject to eligibility through the 30 hours offer. If you are not eligible for the 30 hours offer, we can occasionally offer additional paid sessions depending on places being available.
Full details of the eligibility criteria can be found on the Sunderland Information point website.
For more information about Nursery admissions and sessions available, please contact the school directly on 0191 9171910. Nursery registrations can be made once your child has had their second birthday
Reception Admissions
Children are admitted to Ryhope Infant School Academy in the September of the academic year in which they turn 5. Admissions applications for our Reception classes are dealt with by the Schools Admissions Department at Sunderland City Council.
All applications MUST be completed online through Sunderland City Council’s website by the closing date and an offer will be made by the Local Authority on behalf of the school, on the National Offer day.
The application process for September 2025 is due to open on 30th September 2024 and runs until 15th January 2025. The National Offer Day for Reception places is 16th April 2025. Please remember to accept your offer by the deadline of Wednesday 7th May 2025, if you do not respond the offer may be withdrawn.
If you are interested in applying for a Reception place, please contact the school office to arrange a tour and meet our Headteacher on 0191 9171910 or email info@ryhopeinfantschool.org.uk
Ryhope Infant School Academy’s published admissions policy, including over-subscription criteria, can be found below.
Admissions Policy 2026/27
In-Year Admission Applications
From time to time, parents may wish to transfer their child to the academy from another school. The Trust have agreed to operate in accordance with Sunderland City Council’s In-Year Fair Access Protocol.
To apply for a place in Ryhope Infant School Academy during the academic year and outside of the normal application round, please download a copy of the School Transfer Application Form below:
The process for in-year admissions is contained within the Admissions Policy, the link for which is in the previous section.
