A TOTTENHAM school is reminding parents of primary-aged children that they only have a ‘matter of days’ to apply for Reception places for September 2025.

Lea Valley Primary School, in Somerford Grove, is holding an Open Day on Monday ahead of the Autumn admissions cut-off date on January 15.

Headteacher Maria Kototsis says the school decided to be as accommodating as possible for working parents to give them the chance to visit the campus at several different times and days following the busy festive break. The Open Day is January 13 (11.30am and 4.30pm).

Lea Valley is a well-established primary school from nursery through to Year Six and is approaching its 50-year anniversary after first opening in 1976. Ms Kototsis says the school aims to create a ‘stimulating and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to discover and embrace their unique talents contributing to the school’s strong community feeling’.

Lea Valley was judged as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted – the Government department responsible for inspecting educational institutions – for ‘personal development’ and overall ‘Good’ in May 2023.

The school is located next to the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club stadium and has close ties with the Premier League club. Early this year, the Spurs Women’s Super League team visited the school and played football with the pupils.

Maria Kokotsis, who has been at the school for more than two decades, previously as deputy head, and also as a teacher, said: “The Christmas and New Year period can be a hectic time for families and, while most parents may already have their children enrolled in schools ready for the next school academic year, some may be unaware of the urgency of securing a place for their child in Reception next September.

“At Lea Valley Primary School, we have, therefore, decided to try and make life easier for parents in the area, especially those returning to work after the festive period, to come and visit the school on three separate days at different times before the January 15 deadline.

“We offer an extensive curriculum with a variety of enrichment programmes and activities, encouraging students to be active and engaged citizens. Our dedicated staff focus on delivering high-quality teaching and support to students and families, ensuring that each child reaches their fullest potential in their academic and personal development.”

The school also runs an extensive list of school trips throughout the year including to The Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Zoo, the National History Museum, Hampton Court Palace, Kew Gardens and more.