Whether your child is starting school in Reception or you are looking for an in-year primary school place, English Martyrs Catholic Voluntary Academy offers a warm welcome.

We welcome children:

• Starting Reception for the first time
• Joining during the school year
• Transferring from another primary school
• Moving to Oakham with their family
• Joining at any stage from Reception to Year 6

Whether your child is taking their very first steps into school or joining us later in their primary education, we ensure every child feels happy, supported and part of our school community from day one.

We welcome enquiries for both Reception and in-year places throughout the school year and encourage families to come and visit us to experience our school in action.

Starting Reception at English Martyrs

Starting school is an exciting milestone for every child and family. At English Martyrs, we work closely with parents to ensure children have a happy, confident and positive start to school life.

Our Reception class provides a caring, nurturing environment where children develop friendships, grow in confidence and build the foundations for a lifelong love of learning.

We support every child to:

• settle happily into school routines
• make new friends
• develop independence and confidence
• learn through engaging, play-based experiences
• achieve their full potential from the very beginning of their school journey

We encourage prospective families to visit the school, meet our Reception team and see our learning environment before applying for a Reception place.

Supporting Families Relocating to Oakham

Whether you are moving to Oakham with a child ready to start Reception or looking for a school place later in primary school, we regularly welcome families throughout the year.

Whether you are:

• moving because of a new job
• relocating with the Armed Forces
• joining the staff team at Oakham School
• or moving closer to family,

our experienced staff understand that finding the right primary school is an important part of making your move a success.

We work closely with parents to make the admissions process as straightforward as possible and help children settle quickly into school life.

Our focus is on helping every child:

• settle quickly and confidently
• build friendships and a sense of belonging
• feel secure and ready to learn

Supporting Military Families

English Martyrs has experience supporting children from Armed Forces families and understands the unique challenges that military life can bring.

Whether you are relocating because of a new posting or moving into the local area, we aim to make the transition into school as smooth as possible.

Our caring staff help children:

• settle quickly into their new class
• make new friendships
• feel part of the school community
• continue their learning with confidence

We know that every move is different and work closely with parents to ensure children feel supported from their very first day.

Welcoming Families Joining Oakham School

Many families choose English Martyrs when relocating to Oakham after accepting a position at Oakham School.

If you are joining the teaching, support or boarding staff at Oakham School, we understand that arranging school places is often one of the first priorities when moving to the area.

Our welcoming community, convenient Oakham location and supportive transition process help children settle quickly while parents begin their new role.

Why Families Choose English Martyrs

Families choose English Martyrs not just for a school place, but for the care and support we offer, especially for children joining mid-year or during their primary journey.

We are proud to provide:

• an excellent start to school life in Reception
• a nurturing Early Years environment where children flourish
• a welcoming, inclusive Catholic ethos
• excellent pastoral care for new starters at any stage
• experience supporting families relocating to Oakham for work, including military families and staff joining local schools
• strong relationships between staff, pupils and families
• a calm and supportive environment where children thrive
• experience in helping children transition smoothly into a new school

Supporting Your Child to Settle In

Whether your child is starting Reception or joining us later in primary school, we understand that every transition is unique.

That’s why we provide:

• opportunities to visit before starting
• a carefully planned Reception transition programme
• a structured induction for children joining in-year
• opportunities to meet staff and classmates
• a buddy system where appropriate
• close communication with parents throughout the first few weeks

Our aim is to ensure every child, from Reception through to Year 6, feels happy, secure and confident as quickly as possible.

Book a Visit to English Martyrs

If you are looking for a primary school place in Oakham at any stage of your child’s education, we would love to meet you.

We are particularly happy to support families who:

• need a place mid-year
• are moving into the area
• are considering a change of school during primary years
• are relocating because of military service
• are joining Oakham School or another local employer
• have recently moved to Oakham
• need a school place at short notice

Contact the school office today to arrange a visit
We can often arrange visits at short notice for families needing a place quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child join outside of September?
Yes – we welcome children joining at any point during the school year, not just in September.

Can my child transfer schools during primary school?
Yes – we support children joining at any stage, subject to places being available.

How quickly can my child start?
We aim to support families as quickly as possible and will guide you through the process.

Are school places available if we are moving to Oakham?

If places are available, we welcome applications from families relocating to Oakham throughout the school year. Our team can guide you through the in-year admissions process and help your child settle into school quickly.

Do you accept children from military families?

Yes. We regularly welcome children from Armed Forces families who are relocating to the area and understand the importance of providing a supportive transition into school.

Myself/my partner is starting work at Oakham School. Can my child attend English Martyrs?

Many families relocating to Oakham for employment choose English Martyrs for their primary-aged children. If places are available, we would be delighted to discuss your application and arrange a visit.

How should I contact you?
Give us a call on 01572 722 400