Welcome
We are delighted that you are considering Unstone Schools Federation for your child’s education.
Our federation consists of Unstone St Mary’s Nursery & Infant School (ages 3–7) and Unstone Junior School (ages 7–11). As Community Schools, all admissions, including in year transfers and appeals, are managed by Derbyshire County Council.
This page provides everything you need to understand how applications work and where to apply.
⭐ 1. Normal Point of Entry Applications
Reception (Infant School) & Junior (Year 3) Places
Applications for your child to start school at the usual entry point must be made through:
👉 Apply for a School Place – Derbyshire County Council
Primary, Infant & Junior Admissions Guidance
For full guidance, deadlines, eligibility dates, and Derbyshire’s coordinated admissions system:
👉 Primary, Infant and Junior School Admissions – Derbyshire County Council
Key Dates
Please always consult the Derbyshire LA website for the most accurate dates because these are updated annually:
• Applications usually open 10 November
• Deadline for on-time applications is usually 15 January
• National Offer Day is 16 April
⭐ 2. In Year Admissions (Changing Schools During the School Year)
If you wish to move your child to one of our schools during the school year (e.g., due to relocation or other circumstances), Derbyshire County Council manages this process.
👉 Changing Schools / In Year Admissions – via Apply for a School Place
Includes in year guidance and how to submit a transfer request.
What to expect
• Derbyshire LA coordinates the in year process for community schools.
• Decisions are usually issued quickly, as LA guidance requires allocating places as soon as they are available.
If you would like to visit our schools before applying, please contact us:
Unstone St Mary’s Nursery & Infant School
📞 01246 412096
📧 info@unstone-st-marys.derbyshire.sch.uk
Unstone Junior School
📞 01246 413109
📧 info@unstone.derbyshire.sch.uk
3. Appeals (If Your Application Is Unsuccessful)
If you are refused a place at either of our schools, you have a legal right to appeal.
All appeals are managed by Derbyshire County Council through their independent appeals service:
👉 School Admission Appeals – Derbyshire County Council
Statutory Appeals Timetable Requirements
As required by the School Admissions Code:
• You receive a minimum of 20 school days to submit your written appeal after being notified.
• You will receive at least 10 school days’ notice of the appeal hearing date.
• Decision letters will be sent within 5 school days of the hearing wherever possible.
Infant Class Size Appeals
Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 appeals are subject to strict class size legislation and may only be upheld in limited circumstances.
⭐ 4. Nursery Admissions (Infant School)
Nursery admissions are handled directly by the school.
For children aged 3–4, please contact:
📞 01246 412096
📧 info@unstone-st-marys.derbyshire.sch.uk
⭐ 5. Oversubscription & Admission Numbers
Derbyshire County Council applies the community school oversubscription criteria if more applications are received than places available.
⭐ 6. Need Help? Contact Us
We warmly welcome visits from prospective families.
If you would like to arrange a tour or ask any questions, please get in touch:
Unstone St Mary’s Nursery & Infant School
Crow Lane, Unstone, Dronfield, S18 4AL
📞 01246 412096
📧 info@unstone-st-marys.derbyshire.sch.uk
Unstone Junior School
Main Road, Unstone, Dronfield, S18 4AB
📞 01246 413109
📧 info@unstone.derbyshire.sch.uk