Admissions

In-year admissions and waiting lists for Years 7 to 11 are managed by the Richmond School Admissions.

If families would like to apply for an in-year place at Orleans Park, please click here, where you will find full details of how to apply and the application process.

For information about Sixth Form entry please click here to see the Sixth Form area of the website.

Please contact our Sixth Form Administrator sixthform@orleanspark.school for general advice.

School tours for families of students starting Year 7 in September 2026 will only be available during the week of our Open Mornings, and we are unable to offer any additional tours throughout the school year.

For in-year admissions, tours will only be available once families have received an offer.

For those families that are seeking further information surrounding SEND, please click here.

Stevensons, 1-15 Heath Rd, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham TW1 4DB

Orleans Park School Uniform Guide 

In the event of oversubscription for either Year 7 September intake or In-Year Admissions the criteria to be applied can be found by following the links to the Determined Admission Arrangements document at the foot of this page.

Exceptional Family, Social or Medical Need

Applications under this criterion will only be considered where there are exceptional family, social or medical circumstances that mean a child must attend Orleans Park School and no other school can reasonably meet the evidenced need.

The threshold for acceptance under this criterion is exceptionally high. Circumstances must be so exceptional as to be very uncommon in the general population.

Supporting evidence must clearly demonstrate:

• The nature of the exceptional circumstance;
• Why the child’s needs cannot reasonably be met at another state-maintained school; and
• Why Orleans Park School specifically is the only suitable placement.

Providing evidence does not guarantee that priority will be granted. Each application will be considered on its individual merits, based on the evidence provided.

Educational Needs

Governors will normally assume that all mainstream secondary schools are able to support children with a wide range of educational needs.

Applications based solely on special educational needs without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will not normally qualify for higher priority under this criterion. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Autism Spectrum Condition
• Dyslexia
• Dyscalculia
• Dyspraxia
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) / attention deficit disorder (ADD)
• Speech and language difficulties

This list is not exhaustive.

Children with additional educational needs can ordinarily be supported through effective induction, reasonable adjustments, targeted support and differentiated provision at any mainstream school.

Medical Needs

Borough schools are expected to manage a wide range of medical needs.

Applications supported by medical evidence may only be considered where there is an exceptional illness or disability and where Orleans Park is the only reasonable school option.

The following conditions or circumstances will not normally qualify as exceptional medical need, unless accompanied by compelling evidence demonstrating why no other school can meet the need:

• Asthma
• Eczema
• Food allergies
• Diabetes
• Circumstances requiring routine medication administration or staff training

This list is not exhaustive.

Emotional and Social Needs

Schools are expected to provide appropriate pastoral, emotional and social support.

Applications based on the following will not normally qualify under this criterion:

• Anxiety or stress
• Friendship groups
• Bullying concerns (all schools are required to have anti-bullying procedures)
• Parental or student preference
• Preference for a particular curriculum or high academic standards
• Religious preference or preference for the ethos of a school

Family and Practical Circumstances

The following reasons are not normally considered strong enough to meet this criterion:

• Place of work or workplace location
• Childcare arrangements
• Transport or travel difficulties
• Recent arrival in the UK
• Joint custody arrangements
• Siblings attending a nearby primary or nursery school 
• Previous family connections to the school

These factors will only be considered where substantiated by significant medical or social evidence.

Equality and Reasonable Adjustments

Governors will consider whether reasonable adjustments or alternative support could enable the child to attend another school.

Schools are legally required under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for pupils and must not discriminate against current or prospective students on the basis of protected characteristics.

How to Apply

If you believe your child has exceptional family, social or medical circumstances such that they must attend Orleans Park and no other school can meet their needs, please tick the relevant box when applying through Richmond Admissions or your home local authority.

You must also complete the school’s exceptional circumstances form and submit it with all written supporting evidence to:

exceptionalcircumstances@orleanspark.school

Applying for Exceptional Circumstances

The Richmond Independent Appeals Service is responsible for the appeals for the Richmond schools, which includes Orleans Park.

If your child has been refused a place, you have the right to appeal the decision of the Admissions Authority. Your reasons for appealing will then be considered by an independent panel.

For information on how to appeal for a place for your child you may contact Richmond Independent Appeals Service

Admissions Appeals

Secondary School Admission Appeals Timetable 2026You can email the Richmond Independent Appeals Service education.appeals@richmond.gov.uk for further information.

It is advisable to seek advice from AfC School Admissions richmond.admissions@achievingforchildren.org.uk

If you have any questions about applications for Years 7 to 11, or to register your child on our waiting lists, please contact Richmond School Admissions.

Please contact our Admissions Department for general advice only admissions@orleanspark.school

Click here for further information and details for residents in the London Borough of Hounslow

How places were offered on National Offer Day for September entry:

Admission Arrangements 2027-28

Admission Arrangements 2026-27

Admission Arrangements 2025-26