St Werburgh's & St Columba's Starting School 2027
Starting School in September 2027
Welcome to St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s
Starting school is a significant and exciting step for children and their families. At St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s, we work closely with parents, carers and pre-school settings to make each child’s transition into Reception as happy and comfortable as possible.
We are a warm, welcoming and ambitious Catholic primary school in the heart of Hoole. Our children benefit from small classes, extensive outdoor spaces, a broad range of learning opportunities and an experienced and caring staff team.
Children and families of all faiths and none are warmly welcomed.
Come and visit our school
Choosing a primary school is an important decision. The best way to discover what makes our school special is to come and experience it for yourself.
During your visit, you will have the opportunity to:
Meet our Headteacher, Mrs Jevons
Visit our Reception classrooms
Explore our outdoor learning areas, extensive grounds and Forest School
Learn about our curriculum, Catholic values and wider opportunities
Ask questions about admissions and starting school
School tour dates
Wednesday 30 September 2026 — 9:30am
Wednesday 7 October 2026 — 9:30am
Tuesday 20 October 2026 — 9:30am
Wednesday 4 November 2026 — 1:30pm
Wednesday 11 November 2026 — 9:30am
Wednesday 2 December 2026 — 9:30am
Book a school tour HERE
Alternatively, please contact our school office:
Telephone: 01244 478968
Email: office@lovelearnlaugh.org.uk
We would be delighted to welcome you and your family.
Why choose our school?
Small and welcoming Reception classes
We welcome a maximum of 50 children into Reception each September. Children are taught across two Reception classes, with no more than 25 children in each class.
This helps our experienced team to get to know every child and build strong relationships with families from the beginning of their school journey.
A caring and experienced team
Each Reception class is supported by a teacher and teaching assistant throughout the school day.
Our staff carefully support children as they develop their confidence, independence, friendships and early learning skills.
Inspiring indoor and outdoor learning
Our two connected Reception classrooms provide carefully planned areas for:
Purposeful play
Independent exploration
Adult-led teaching
Creative activities
Reading, writing and early mathematics
Developing communication and language
Children also enjoy their own outdoor learning area, our extensive school grounds, large playing field and Forest School.
More than an academic curriculum
We want children to become confident, curious and enthusiastic learners.
Alongside a strong academic curriculum, children benefit from creative projects, sport, music, visitors, clubs, educational visits and opportunities to learn within Chester and the surrounding area.
Our location allows us to make use of Chester’s historical buildings, city walls, natural spaces, Storyhouse, river and transport links.
Learning through nature and play
Outdoor learning is an important part of school life. Our Forest School and extensive grounds provide opportunities for children to explore, investigate, solve problems and develop their confidence.
Children are encouraged to take safe risks, work together and experience the natural world throughout the seasons.
Wraparound care
Our Werbies Out of School Club provides care before and after school. Holiday provision is also available at selected times.
Please visit the Werbies Out of School Club page for current opening times, availability and booking information.
Wellbeing and pastoral support
Children’s happiness and wellbeing are at the heart of our school.
We provide a safe, caring environment where children feel known, valued and listened to. Our staff work closely with families and provide additional pastoral support when children need it.
Frequently asked questions
What will my child’s first days at school be like?
We work closely with families and pre-school settings before children begin Reception. This helps us understand each child’s interests, strengths and individual needs.
Families receive clear information about starting school, and children are given opportunities to become familiar with their teachers and learning environment.
What does learning look like in Reception?
Children learn through a carefully planned balance of whole-class teaching, small-group work, adult-led activities and purposeful play.
Our provision builds on children’s previous experiences and supports their development across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Will my child receive support at lunchtime?
Reception children have a designated area within the infant playground. Our staff help children learn lunchtime routines, build friendships and become increasingly confident and independent.
Older pupils may also support younger children through our play-buddy programme.
Does my family need to be Catholic?
No. You do not need to be Catholic to apply for a place at our school.
We are a welcoming and inclusive Catholic school with children from a range of cultures, religions and backgrounds. Families of all faiths and none are equally welcome within our community.
How is Religious Education taught?
Our Catholic faith and the teachings of Jesus are at the heart of school life. Religious Education includes learning about the Catholic faith, the Bible, prayer and Catholic social teaching.
Children also learn about other religions and worldviews. We help every child develop respect for others and become kind, compassionate and responsible members of their community.
What if I have another question?
Please contact us. We understand that choosing a school can bring many questions, and no question is too small.
Telephone: 01244 478968
Email: office@lovelearnlaugh.org.uk
Applying for a Reception place
Booking a tour does not constitute an application for a school place.
You must submit your Reception application through your home local authority. Families living in Cheshire West and Chester can apply through the council’s Reception admissions page:
If you live in another English local-authority area, you should apply through your home local authority, even if you are applying for a place at our school.
Please apply by the published closing date. Applications received after the deadline may be considered only after applications submitted on time have been processed.
Supplementary Information Form
Please also complete our:
Supplementary Information Form
Return the completed form to:
Please include:
A copy of your child’s birth certificate
A copy of your child’s baptism certificate, if your child is Roman Catholic
The Supplementary Information Form does not replace the application made through your home local authority.
We hope this page has helped you learn more about St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s.
Please watch our school film and visit our Reception page to discover more about life in our school.