R A Butler is a popular and wonderful school in the heart of Saffron Walden.  We are currently oversubscribed in all year groups, which you may want to take into consideration if moving to the area.  If you have any questions about admissions, please do call the school on 01799 523651 and ask for Wendy or email admin@rab.academy.  You can also get a flavour of our fantastic, busy school on the Virtual Tour below.  

You can also visit our Social Media Feeds:
X  @RAButlerAcademy
Facebook    RA Butler Academy Infant & Junior Schools

Our catchment area also includes the villages of:

• Audley End
• Little Walden
• Sewards End
• Wendens Ambo

You can find full details of our catchment area on the map below.  You should check with the Local Authority whether children are eligible for School Bus transportation, as R A Butler Academy may not be the closest school.

reception 2025 open mornings

Parents and carers of children due to start Reception in September 2025 are warmly invited to visit our vibrant school in action.   These visits are aimed at parents/carers and start with a 30-minute presentation from Mrs Vincent, our Headteacher, followed by a tour and then an informal opportunity to ask questions.  We run child-focussed transition visits for the children that will be joining us during the Summer Term.

Wednesday 27th November 9.30-11am
Thursday 28th November 9.30-11am
Tuesday 3rd December 9.30-11am
To book a place please email admin@rab.academy or call 01799 523651.

The national deadline for applications is 15th January 2025.

Normal Admissions round for children due to join Reception (Infant School) or Year 3 (Junior School) in September 2025

All admissions for children to join Reception (Infant School) or Year 3 (Junior School) in September are co-ordinated through the Local Authority.  You can apply for one of these places between 4^th November 2024 and 15^th January 2025 via the button below.  You will also find information via the button link on how to submit a late application after the 15^th January 2025 deadline. 

Mid-year Applications

All mid-year applications should be made directly to R A Butler Academy, using the mid-year application form available on our website below.  Applications should be emailed to 

admin@rab.academy

If you do not have online access, a paper copy is available from the school office. Mid-year applications (sometimes called in-year applications) are any application for a school place made to any year group, apart from September admissions to Reception (Infant School) and Year 3 (Junior School).   

For applications into existing year groups, a place will be offered when the number of pupils in the relevant year group is below the admission number for that year group.  The Published Admission Number (PAN) for our school is 90 children in a year group.

Please note: if a mid-year application is received during a school holiday period, we will respond as soon as possible when the school reopens.

Applications should be submitted no sooner than half a term before the planned start date.  We will endeavour to reply to your application within no more than three school days.  Where a place is not available to your child, they will automatically be added to a waiting list which is held in accordance with the school’s admissions criteria which can be found in the Admissions Policies below. 

Appeals are co-ordinated via Essex County Council and further information can be found at Essex Appeals