Apply for a place

Looking around

If you would like to visit us in-person, please get in touch — we would love to show you around and answer your questions.

We are delighted that you are considering applying for a place at Hilltop. Here is all the information you’ll need to find out more and apply.

Ready to apply for a school place?

If you are ready to apply for a place in reception during September, that’s great — please do so through Derbyshire County Council’s website. You then need to apply for the place through Derbyshire local authority by ringing 01629 537479, or by going to the Derbyshire County Council "changing schools during the school year" webpage. 

In year applications

If you have a child that wants to join our school at any other time other than the start of reception, for example you may have moved into Belper, you are advised to ring us first to see if we have any spaces in the year group you child will attend. Our telephone number is 01773 823383.

Appealing an admissions decision

If your child isn’t given a place at our school, you have the legal right to an independent appeal panel in line with the Department for Education’s School Admissions Appeal Code.

We understand how important decisions about your child’s education and schooling are to you, and we appreciate that making an appeal can be a worrying time for any parent.

Whilst you have a right to appeal against admission decisions, we should make it clear that engaging this process does not automatically give your child the right to a place at Pottery and unfortunately, there is no guarantee that your appeal will be successful. That’s why you should also secure a place at an alternative school in case your appeal is unsuccessful. Accepting a place at another school does not affect your right to pursue your appeal concerning Pottery.

If you would like to lodge an appeal, you can do so through Derbyshire County Council’s appeals website.

If you would like your child to attend our school, please see full details of our admission arrangements below.