Joining us
Whether you're applying for Reception or moving to us mid-year, here's what you need to know — and how to come and see us in person.
“We’re a fun and caring school who only want the best for our children. We want every child to be curious, have big dreams and be prepared for an exciting future.”
— Swiss Gardens Primary School
Welcome videos
A short walkthrough of who we are and what your child can expect — from the school’s New Starters welcome pack.
New Starters welcome
The slides from our welcome meeting for families starting in September 2026: the Reception team, the school day, uniform and PE kit, lunches, wraparound care, phonics, and how the first week works.
New starters welcome presentationThe journey, in four steps
Meet your child’s Reception teacher
Each Reception class is named after a children’s author the children grow up reading. These short introductions sit alongside our New Starters welcome — you’ll meet the team in person at our Stay & Play sessions and home visits in September.
Come and see us · Sept 2027 admissions
Come and look around, see our classrooms and ask anything. Our tours are for families thinking about Swiss Gardens for September 2027.
Book a tour or ask a question: 01273 453176 · office@sgprimary.co.uk
School readiness
A guide, not a test. Most children come close on most of these by September — and we'll help with whatever they're still working on. Bring the printable checklist on the first day so we can pick up where you left off.
Print it or save as PDF from the print dialog · tick off as you go · bring it on the first day in September
What to expect
Reception begins with a phased week so everyone settles in calmly. By Friday, your child will already feel they belong.
Uniform
Maroon and grey day-to-day. House colours for PE. You can buy uniform from any retailer — branded items are available through the office or our supplier.
Any retailer for the basics. Branded items (sweatshirts, cardigans, PE bags, backpacks, book bags with the school logo) are available through the school office or directly from Wear Your Logo Lancing — swissgardensprimary.deco-apparel.com · 01903 766228.
If pre-loved uniform is something you'd find useful, ask the office — Swiss Gardens PTA runs an exchange around school events.
What our parents say
“Swiss Gardens is like a family. We have 3 children, one of which has been through the entire school and 2 that are still on their Swiss journey. We couldn't love the school any more than we already do. The teachers are so approachable and make the learning so fun. What I love most about Swiss is how nurturing it is — I wanted my children to walk out of their home and into another homely feel that provides their learning, and Swiss does just that. It's simply magical.”
— Parent, Swiss Gardens
“My daughter is really thriving here. She loves all of the teachers and enjoys going to school. Lots of great after-school clubs — she's gained confidence in football and netball. She also loves the new library!”
— Parent
“My children are really happy attending Swiss Gardens. The staff are welcoming, caring and approachable, and my children have learnt lots and are enjoying their time at Swiss.”
— Parent
“We have been delighted with our time at Swiss Gardens. We cannot fault the love and attention our children have been given. Both have had the best primary school experience possible. We couldn't ask for more!”
— Parent
Common questions
No — you can live anywhere. If you select Swiss Gardens as your first choice and we have spaces available, you'll be allocated a place with us. Catchment affects priority during oversubscription, not eligibility to apply.
All applications are handled by West Sussex County Council and are made online. Reception 2027 applications are open until 15 January 2027. Start your application →
Yes — visits are warmly welcomed. Tours are led by the Headteacher and can be booked via the office team. Repeat tours are also welcome — bring grandparents, bring your partner, come back twice. Call 01273 453176 or email office@sgprimary.co.uk.
Most children start Reception full-time in the first week of September of the term they turn 5. Some prefer to start straight after the summer half-term holiday in June, which we offer. Some prefer to start later — that's fine too, with the deadline being the end of the term they turn 5. Talk to us about what suits your child.
Yes. We run our own breakfast club from 7.45am, staffed by our team (£5 per session). After-school care is run by Play, from 3.15pm until 6pm. See Before & after care for booking and full details.
We have close links with local pre-schools and work hard to make transition as smooth as possible. In spring and summer terms we welcome pre-school starters to play sessions accompanied by their key worker. Where there's an EHCP, we work with the previous setting to share what you've already built. We do home visits and welcome you in to chat about your child long before September. See our SEN information report.
Apply through West Sussex anyway — they hold the waiting list. Call our office and we can tell you where you sit. Places do come up through the year as families move; in-year applications are welcomed. We're happy to show you round at a time that suits you — just contact the office.
How to apply
All primary-school admissions in West Sussex go through the county's online application system. We don't process applications ourselves — but our office is happy to chat informally about places and answer your questions.
Come and see us
Join a new parent tour on 9 or 19 November, or contact the school office to arrange a visit at a time that suits you.