December 17th 2025
How to choose the right primary school for your child
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Joining Reception
Her future starts now
The foundations for a bright future are built in early years education – Nursery and Reception. At Blackheath High Junior School girls can dream big, discover their passions, find their voice and learn without limits.
Free Stay and Play Taster Morning For Reception Year Group (4+ Yrs)
Join us on 10 Feb for a very special taster morning for girls looking to start Reception in September 2026. With lessons in Coding and Music, and a chance to meet our inspirational staff and welcoming pupils, you will see for yourself what makes our Reception the perfect place for your daughter. Places are free and extremely limited so book now:
Jump to: HOW TO APPLY | VISIT US | IMPORTANT DATES | SUPPORTING BUSY FAMILIES | APPLY NOW
Empowered by the expertise and enthusiasm of dedicated, subject-specialist teachers, and inspired by a rich curriculum with exciting co-curricular opportunities, our Reception pupils develop a genuine love of learning from day one. They gain the knowledge, confidence and skills needed for an education that is truly fit for the future.
Award-winning curriculum
From Reception onwards, our curriculum opens up an extraordinary range of subjects – from Coding to French, Music and Ballet to Design Technology - giving every girl the freedom to explore, create and grow. Our expansive outdoor learning environment – including a dedicated Forest School - helps girls develop curiosity, confidence, independence and a genuine joy in learning.
A girls-only education offers something unique: this may be the only time in your daughter’s life she will be in an environment designed with her in mind, with people that put her at the centre of all they do and with all choices open to her.
How to apply
Step 1: Research primary schools
Choosing the right school for your daughter may feel daunting – there are many factors involved in finding the perfect setting for her. We recommend making a shortlist of schools based on location, guidance from friends and neighbours and research, and then visiting each one to get a feel for it. Read our guide to choosing the right school for more ideas and tips:
Step 2: Visit
There are several chances for you to visit Blackheath High Reception and Junior School, meet our teachers and pupils and see for yourself what makes it the perfect environment for your daughter. You can also book a personal tour at any time – simply email admissions@bla.gdst.net to discuss.
- 29 January: School in Action Morning – join us to see the school on a normal teaching day, taking a tour with one of our friendly pupils to get a real sense of what makes it the perfect place for your daughter as she begins her educational journey. Book your place
- 10 Feb: Reception Stay & Learn Taster Morning – girls looking to start school in September 2026 will enjoy short, fun taster sessions in some of our specialist subjects, explore our learning spaces and begin making new friends, while parents stay to watch, chat and see learning come to life. Spaces are limited so book your place now!
- 12 March: School in Action Morning – Spend a morning at Blackheath High Junior School and discover the inspiring, nurturing environment where your daughter can truly flourish. Book your place
- 14 March: Step Into Musicals! An exciting immersive theatre experience at our Senior School Theatre, follow the adventures of Chicken Licken in an Easter race against time! Booking will open shortly - follow us on Eventbrite and be the first to know.
Step 3: Apply & Assessment
- Apply by 5 March to secure your place at our spring Reception Assessment Day
- Thursday 12 March: Reception Assessment Day
- Assessments are designed to be fun and stimulating for girls, and stress-free for you. They are play-based and focus on early maths, language and literacy through fun, interactive activities. We look for potential and readiness to learn, rather than prior knowledge.
Step 4: Offers and starting school
- Offer letters are sent out shortly after the assessment day
- Early July – we invite girls to join us for Move Up Morning, a settling-in session where they will meet their new friends and teachers, go into their classrooms and get to know their new environment
- 7 September – girls join us for a full day over a phased start period, tailored for each child to ensure they are happy and ready to start learning
Important dates
- Application deadline: 5 March
- Assessment day: 12 March
- National state school offers day: 16 April
- Blackheath High School Autumn Term starts: 7 September
Supporting busy families
We know parents lead busy lives and we have thought about all the little things we can do to make a big difference to your lives, from flexible wraparound care to concise communications.
- Minibus service: Our flexible transport service is open to pupils from Reception upwards to travel to and from school. We offer both coach and minibus options, with chaperones and for the exclusive use of our pupils. The network is extensive and includes direct services from the City of London, Tower Gateway, Victoria Park, Hackney, Canary Wharf, Isle of Dogs, North Greenwich, Deptford, Brockley, Lewisham, Greenwich, Woolwich, Eltham and Chislehurst. Find out more
- Wraparound care: Breakfast Club starts at 7.30am, and our After School Club continues until 6pm. Both clubs are run by qualified teaching staff and carers, providing familiar faces and a seamless high standard of care. We offer full flexibility which enables you to choose the dates and times that work best for you. Find out more
- Food for thought: Nutrition plays a vital role in great learning and healthy living, so we give you complete peace of mind by ensuring that every meal and snack your daughter has with us is freshly prepared, using high-quality ingredients. Find out more
- Partners in your daughter’s education. We use Tapestry Learning Journal and Firefly to share daily learning, progress and development, alongside regular updates, events and frequent opportunities to visit school. Our open-door approach means parents are always welcome to talk with us about their daughter’s progress, wellbeing and next steps
