Please click on the type of place you are applying for:
A Year 7 Place
(Starting school at the beginning of September in Year 7)
We appreciate that the transition from primary to secondary school can be a cause of anxiety for both parents and pupils; however, we aim to help you make an informed decision about the next stage in your child’s education.
Open Events
We encourage everyone to visit Deer Park at one of our Open Events, which are open to all prospective students and their parents or carers.
We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to our school:
Open Mornings – 9:15 – 11 am
- Wednesday 16th September 2026
- Thursday 24th September 2026
- Thursday 1st October 2026
Open Evening – 5 – 7.30 pm
- Wednesday 30th September
Important Dates
For current Year 5 pupils
The deadline for secondary school applications for current Year 5 pupils is 31st October 2026.
For current Year 6 pupils
Secondary school places were confirmed on 2 March 2026. If your child
was successfully allocated a place at Deer Park, we are delighted to
Welcome you and invite you to visit our ‘Welcome to Year 7’ page here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a place at Cirencester Deer Park School on transition from Primary School to Secondary School?
To be considered for a place at Deer Park, you must include the school amongst the five school preferences you are entitled to make through completion of your Common Application Form – further information can be found at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions. Preferences should be ranked in priority order. If you are successful in gaining a place at your first preference school, none of your other choices will be considered.
How are places at Cirencester Deer Park School allocated?
Up to 209 places will be allocated at the School based on our Admissions Criteria which can be accessed on our Admissions Policy.
What if I live outside of your catchment area?
We know that there are insufficient pupils living within our catchment area to fill the secondary school places we have available. Places will be filled, up to the published admission number of 209, based on geographic proximity to the school, measured as a straight line distance from your home address to Reception at the School.
Will my son/daughter get a place?
If you submit your preference form by the deadline, live within our catchment area, and put Deer Park as your first choice, you will be allocated a place at the school.
If you live outside the catchment area, we cannot give any guarantees of a Year 7 place on Allocation Day. We were oversubscribed for Year 7 admissions in 2021-2024 and did hold appeals. However, by the start of September we were able to able to offer a place in Year 7 to everyone who wanted one, regardless of where they lived. Pupils often come to Deer Park from up to 15 miles away from the school.
What happens if I do not put Deer Park as my first preference?
The Local Authority will always allocate the highest ranked school that they can within your list of preferences. If Deer Park is your preferred school, it should always be listed as your first preference. If you list Deer Park lower in your preferences, and the Local Authority can allocate one of your higher preferences, you will not be offered a place at Deer Park. However, lower ranked schools are always considered as your ‘effective first preference’ if the Local Authority cannot allocate your higher preferences, so you are not prejudiced against in any way for placing a school lower down your preference form.
When will I hear if I have a place at Deer Park?
You will be advised by the Local Authority which School has been allocated for your son/daughter on National Allocation Day which is 2 March 2026.
What happens if my son/daughter does not get offered a place at Deer Park?
If you are unsuccessful in getting a place at Deer Park on National Allocation Day, you will have the opportunity to ask for ‘reconsideration’ through the Local Authority, which may result in a place being allocated by 6 April 2026. However, if this is unsuccessful, you will be placed on our waiting list, which is ranked based on geographic proximity to the School. You will also have the opportunity to go through the appeals process. Further information about this would follow. You are welcome to contact Danielle Clark, Head’s PA, on 01285 646558 to discuss this further.
What if I want to apply for a school place during the school year (in-year applications)?
Enquiries regarding ‘In Year Admissions’ should be made direct to Danielle Clark, Head’s PA at the School by email or by phone on 01285 646558. You can find further information on www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions.
When are your next Open Mornings?
In June/July we hold Open Mornings specifically for pupils in Year 5.
In September/October we hold two Open Mornings and one Open Evening which are open to all potential pupils and parents. Find out more…
In addition, Danielle Clark, Head’s PA, is happy to arrange mutually convenient tours of the school throughout the year and can be contacted by phone on 01285 646558 or by emailing enquiries@deerparkschool.net.
An In-Year Place
(Starting once the school year has already begun – any year group)
Starting a new school outside of the usual intake can also be daunting, but we have measures in place to help your child settle in quickly and comfortably.
Arrange a Tour
To arrange a personalised tour of the school, please contact Danielle Clark, Head’s PA by emailing enquiries@deerparkschool.net or by phone on 01285 646558.
How to Apply
(1) Complete an In-Year application form, which can be found here: In-year application form – AUG 2021 V3 or here In-year application form – AUG 2021, alternatively a paper copy can be collected from the school, or we can post one to you.
(2) Return your completed form to the school either via e-mail, by delivering it to Reception or by posting it to us.
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confirmation of the place offered,
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the date by which you must accept or decline the offer,
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any next steps required (such as completing admission forms or arranging a start date).
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informing you of your right to appeal,
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providing details of how to submit an appeal,
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ensuring the appeal is arranged in line with the School Admissions Appeals Code. Appeals are completely independent of the school and the Governing Body. The panel will
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consider your case and the school’s case before making a final decision.
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Admissions Lead: Mrs Danielle Clark
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E-mail: enquiries@deerparkschool.net
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Telephone: 01285 646558
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Address: