The Genesis Federation, which is made up of Playden, Beckley and Peasmarsh Primary Schools, is encouraging parents to visit the schools ahead of the deadline for applications in January.
It doesn’t seem long since this year’s new starters joined our classrooms, and they’ve now settled in and are off to a flying start! But for parents of children starting school in September 2026, it’s already time to start thinking ahead to next year. The deadline for Primary School applications is 15 January 2026, and visiting schools this autumn is the best way to make an informed choice.
Choosing a school is a deeply personal decision. We’re very fortunate locally to have
a range of fantastic schools, and the admissions process allows parents to list up to
three preferences. All our local schools have something special to offer, from their
approach to learning and the feel of the school community to extra-curricular activities, support for individual learning needs, and even wraparound care and travel
convenience.
Our best advice for parents is simple: visit in person as part of your decision-making process. What’s right for one child or family might not be the same for another. Even if your friends or fellow parents and carers are looking at schools at the same time or already have children in local schools every child’s needs, personality and circumstances are unique, so it’s important to make up your own mind about what feels right for your family.
Like most of our local schools all three of our Genesis Federation schools (Beckley Church of England Primary School, Peasmarsh Church of England Primary School, and St Michael’s Church of England Primary School in Playden) are holding open days over the coming months to welcome parents and carers who are exploring their options.
Open days and tours give you the chance to experience the atmosphere first-hand, see children learning and playing, meet the staff who will support your child’s early education and explore the facilities beyond photographs. You’ll be able to ask questions about what matters most to you and get a genuine sense of whether the school feels like the right fit.
Meeting the Early Years teachers and the leadership team can be especially helpful. It’s a great opportunity to understand how the school supports children as they make the big transition and begin to settle, learn and grow. These conversations can give you real insight into the school’s ethos, how your child might be nurtured, and the kind of relationship you’ll have with staff throughout your child’s school journey.
Even if you have your heart set on one school, it’s important to visit and compare
others too, especially for your second and third preferences. Some local schools are often oversubscribed, so using all three preference slots gives you flexibility and the best chance of securing a place you’ll be happy with.
We want to make sure parents and carers feel fully informed to help them make confident choices for their children. Before visiting, take a moment to think about your aspirations for your child’s school experience and jot down any questions you’d like to ask. Consider what’s most important to your family – whether it’s the learning environment, community feel, specific opportunities, or practical factors like location and after-school care. And if you have follow-up questions later, don’t hesitate to contact the schools directly to make sure you’ve got all the information you need.
If you’re applying for the first time or have any questions about the process, the East
Sussex County Council website has helpful step-by-step guidance, or you can contact the schools directly for advice. Admissions are managed by East Sussex County Council, not the individual schools, and allocations depend on each school’s admission criteria. Applications can be made online and must be submitted by 15 January 2026.
Remember, requests are a preference, not a guarantee of a place, and the ability to meet your wishes depends on demand for each individual school. It’s not essential to use all three preferences, but it is strongly recommended – if your first choice is full, you’ll have a better chance of being allocated one of your other preferred schools rather than one chosen for you that may not suit.
You can find more detailed guidance here.
Upcoming Genesis Federation Open Days
Beckley Church of England Primary School
Open days running throughout November or by individual appointment.
office@beckley.e-sussex.sch.uk | 01797 260324
Peasmarsh Church of England Primary School
office@peasmarsh.e-sussex.sch.uk | 01797 230325
Wednesday 12 November, 9.30–11.30am
Monday 1 December, 1.15–2.45pm
Wednesday 7 January, 9.30–11.30am
Or by individual appointment if preferred or not convenient.
St Michael’s Church of England Primary School, Playden
office@playdenschool.com | 01797 280277
Wednesday 12 November, 9.30am Tuesday 9 December, 9.30 am
Thursday 8 January, 9.30am
Or by individual appointment if preferred or not convenient.
Other local school open days or contact details are available via their official
school websites.
Image Credits: Genesis Federation .