At Mulberry West St Leonards Primary every child is an individual. We strive to value each and every learner. We are a small, nurturing academy where we take true pride in helping every learner meet their potential. Our parents and carers are at the heart of our school community. At Mulberry West St Leonards, we offer excellent teaching and fantastic facilities. Our happy, welcoming environment allows children to rise to challenges without a fear of failure and to become confident lifelong learners. We can’t wait to welcome you to our amazing academy and share our school with you! Mr D O’Regan
Principal, Mulberry West St Leonards Primary
Why Mulberry West St Leonards for Reception 2027?
Choosing your child’s first school is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. At Mulberry West St Leonards Primary, we offer a unique blend of historical tradition, cutting-edge opportunity, and deep, unwavering warmth.
Here are five reasons why our school is the perfect place for your child to take their first steps into education:
1. A Trusted Legacy of Excellence Since 1878
We have been a cornerstone of our local coastal community for nearly 150 years. This rich heritage gives our school an unmatched sense of stability, pride, and institutional expertise. When your child joins us, they become part of a long, proud history of learning, supported by modern, fantastic facilities designed to inspire 21st-century minds.
2. Limitless Horizons with the Mulberry Schools Trust
As part of the prestigious Mulberry Schools Trust, we offer our pupils “Outstanding Achievement for All” from day one. Your child will enjoy the nurturing, close-knit feel of a local primary school, while benefiting from the incredible resources, rich creative partnerships, and grand academic ambitions of a leading educational trust. With us, there is absolutely no ceiling on what your child can achieve.
3. A Culture of “Joyful Inclusivity”
Kindness, empathy, and mutual respect are lived values in our classrooms and playground. We are incredibly proud of our fully integrated, specialist-resourced provision for children with complex physical disabilities. From their very first day in Reception, our pupils learn alongside peers of all abilities, fostering a natural, fierce compassion and a deep understanding of diversity that stays with them for life.
4. A Flying Start in Phonics, Writing, and Maths
We know you want peace of mind that your child will learn to read, write, and count with confidence. Our Early Years team utilises highly effective, proven frameworks including Read Write Inc. phonics and Maths Mastery to ensure our youngest learners make rapid, joyful progress. We turn the foundations of literacy and numeracy into an exciting daily adventure.
5. Embracing Our Coastal Classroom
Learning at Mulberry West St Leonards doesn’t just happen inside the classroom. We use our stunning coastal location and nearby outdoor spaces to bring the curriculum to life. Through hands-on exploration, outdoor play, and regular local discovery, we harness the high energy of four- and five-year-olds to build confident, resilient, and curious lifelong learners. Forest Schools is a daily part of our curriculum as well as outdoor play and learning.
Our results
How to Apply for a Place at Mulberry West St Leonards Primary
Reception Admissions round applications are made direct to East Sussex County Council (ESCC) using their common application form (CAF). Please do not apply through the academy directly.
The deadlines for the 2026-27 academic year admissions round are:
- Admissions applications open: September 2026
- Closing date for applications: 15 January 2027
- Allocation letters and emails sent out: April 2027
- Induction days: Summer term 2027
Please visit our admissions page for full details of admissions criteria and in-year admissions




