School Admissions

New Applications

In Year Admissions

The Holmesdale School is a mixed 11-19 school.

To join our school community;

1. Call the School Office on 01634 240416
     Or Email: ths_office@swale.at
2. Come in and see the school
3. Complete the admissions form available from the school
    * See download link at the bottom of this page
4. Agree the start date of your child

Also see the DFE School Admissions Code

We look forward to meeting you.


Application for a September Intake

Pupils are admitted to the school at age 11 without reference to aptitude or ability. The number of possible admissions, commencing from September 2019 is 180, which is the standard number for the school.

Where applications for admissions exceeds the number of places available, the following criteria will be applied, in the order set out below, to decide which children to admit:

a) Children in Local Authority Care
b) Where the child has a brother or sister attending the school at time of entry
c) Health and special access reasons
d) Proximity of the child’s home to the school, as measured in a straight line,
     with those living nearer having the priority

Application for a place at The Holmesdale School should be made by indicating your preference on the Kent County Council Common application Form. If you require any further information or help please contact the School Office.

See also Transition


Admissions Policy Consultation Letter 2025/26

Please see below a letter regarding the consultation for The Holmesdale School's admission procedure from 2025/26. Please note, The Holmesdale School is not proposing any changes.

    * See download link at the bottom of this page


Sixth Form Admission Arrangements

Students should apply for sixth form places via www.ucasprogress.com All applications are made online.

Entrance requirements are as follows:

  • 5 GCSE grades - Grade 4 or above in English or Maths.
  • Individual Subject prior attainment entry requirements.

If the school is oversubscribed, in addition to the above criteria, the following will also be applied in priority order:

a) Children in Local Authority Care
b) Where the child has a brother or sister attending the school at time of entry
c) Health and special access reasons
d) Proximity of the child’s home to the school, as measured in a straight line, with those living nearer having the priority.

See also Sixth Form