Our Admissions
We have a well-developed process to make joining us a positive experience for students and their families. Ebbsfleet Academy is non-selective and as such, students will be offered places without reference to aptitude or ability. Applications for places in Year 7 should be made by completing the local authority’s School Common Application Form.
In-Year Admissions
Applications for places ‘in-year’ or to other year groups can be made directly to the academy. Once a place has been offered we begin working with you and your child to ensure their transition to secondary education is seamless. We provide a full induction programme that begins during the summer term to ensure students very quickly feel part of our community.
If you have recently moved into the local area, there may be limited places available in existing year groups. Please complete and return an In Year Admission Form (IYAF) to register your interest and a member of the admissions team will contact you to discuss your application further.
Fair Banding Test
All Year 6 primary students who name Ebbsfleet Academy in their list of preferences are required to sit a fair banding test. This is to ensure that children across the full ability range are admitted. It is not possible to pass or fail the test, but those not sitting the test at all, will only be prioritised after those children who have sat the test.
If your child is also applying to The Leigh Academy or The Leigh UTC, they do not need to sit the test at each site, they only need to sit the test once.
The applicants will be split into 5 equally sized bands based on their assessment results. Within each band our admission criteria will be applied as set out in our determined admission arrangements. Those who wish for their child to sit the test must complete the Fair Banding Test supplementary form. You are able to access the online form within the page documents or in person from the school.
If your child has previously been entitled to access arrangements and received these in primary school, please make sure this is identified on the form.
Year 7 Admissions
Online applications for transfer to secondary school for September 2024 open on 1st September 2023 and close at midnight 31st October 2023.
If you miss the deadline please call 03000 41 21 21 or email kentonlineadmissions@kent.gov.uk for further guidance on what to do next.
Year 6-7 Transition
Once accepted for a place at Ebbsfleet Academy, your child will undertake a comprehensive transition programme, aimed at making the change to secondary school as smooth as possible. This will include the Transition Coordinator visiting the students in their Primary Schools, the students visiting the Academy on ‘Headstart Day’.
Oversubscription Criteria
If we are oversubscribed preference will be given according to the following Kent County Council criteria (for full details see the Admission to Secondary Schools in Kent 2020 booklet):
- Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children
- Where the student has a brother or sister (birth, adopted or step sibling) currently attending Ebbsfleet Academy
- Proximity to the student’s home