Admissions Criteria

​Ormiston Rivers Academy is an 11-18 co-educational, sponsored Academy with one admission age group in Year 7 and one admission age group in Year 12.

There is no guarantee of a place for children living in the priority admission area. In the event of oversubscription, any remaining places will be allocated using the following criteria in the order given (see Paragraph 3.4 of the academy Admissions Policy):

  1. Looked After Children and previously looked after children.
  2. Children living in the priority admission area with a sibling attending the academy.
  3. Other children living in the priority admission area
  4. Children of staff where the member of staff has been employed at the school for two or more years at the time at which the application for admission to the school is made; and/or the member of staff is recruited to fill a vacant post at the school for which there is a demonstrable skill shortage.
  5. Children living outside the priority admission area with a sibling attending the academy
  6. Remaining applicants

In the event of oversubscription within any of the above criteria, priority will be determined by straight line distance from home to academy, those living closest being given highest priority. Exceptional medical circumstances (supported by medical evidence) may override the above criteria (other than Looked After Children and previously looked after children).

The deadline for applications to join for September 2026 is 31st October 2025, applications are made online via Essex County Councils website. 

Information on how to appeal a decision, including the appeals timetable can be found online via Essex County Council: After your school offer

Special Educational Needs

Children with statements of special educational needs that name the Academy are required to be admitted.