Admissions

If applying for a place in either Acorn Nursery or Acorn Primary 1 in 2026, you will need to complete the online Education Authority application form available at: https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/admissions
In order to complete your application for Acorn, it is also necessary to complete an individual application form for Acorn. These can be downloaded and printed for completion, then left into the school office. Alternatively, you can email your completed form to Acorn using the following email address: info@acornintegratedps.carrickfergus.ni.sch.uk

Acorn Information form for P1 applications – required alongside your online application to the EA.

Acorn Information form for Nursery applications – required alongside your online application to the EA

Please note admissions open at 12 noon on Wednesday 7 January 2025, with a closing date of 12 noon on Wednesday 21 January 2025.

Admissions Criteria for Acorn IPS and Acorn Nursery Unit can be viewed by clicking on each of these links. Please note these will open in a new tab.

KEY DATES – ADMISSION TO PRIMARY SCHOOL

Primary Age Ranges

  • Children born on or between 2 July 2021 and 1 July 2022 are compulsory school age in September 2026 and must apply for a Primary 1 Place.
  • If you deferred your child from starting Primary School in September 2025 you must apply for Primary 1 for September 2026.
Key DatesActivity  
10 December 2025Admissions Criteria published on the EA website under Search Admissions Criteria.
7 January 2026EA Connect opens at 12 noon for applications.
21 January 2026 EA Connect closes at 12 noon for applications.
26 January 2026 EA Connect closes at 4pm for uploading of birth certificates and supporting documents. Deadline for late applications is 4pm.
23 March 2026Issue of outcome of application via email or letter.

KEY DATES – ADMISSION TO NURSERY UNIT

Pre-school Age Ranges

For target age children born on or between 2 July 2022 and 1 July 2023.

If you are deferring your child from starting Primary School, you can apply for a Pre-School place. 

Date and Time Activity 
10 December 2025 Admissions Criteria published.
7 January 2026 at 12noon EA Connect opens at 12noon for applications. 
21 January 2026 at 12noonEA Connect closes at 12noon for Punctual applications. 
26 January 2026 at 4pm EA Connect closes for birth certificates and supporting documents. 
23 March 2026Outcome of Stage 1 Target Age only applications. 
23 March 2026 Stage 2 Process EA Connect opens for applications.
1 April 2026 Stage 2 closes for applications.
19 May 2026 Outcome of Stage 2 Target Age and Underage Applications.