Welcome to our 'Open Day Page' for prospective Primary 1 pupils starting in September 2026. Thank you for taking the time to visit our page to find out more about our award winning, warm and welcoming school. Here you will find all of the information you need to learn why Ballymena Primary is the perfect choice of school for your child to flourish and develop. We hope that the information below will help to give a flavour of life at Ballymena Primary.

Here are just some things that a few parents have to say about the school:

I was worried at first when my child went into P.1, but now I wonder why I worried at all, she is so happy, she is thriving in her learning and loves school!" (P3 Parent)

A brilliant school with very dedicated, friendly and helpful staff. My children love their learning environment and have always received excellent support and encouragement at  every stage in their development. (P1, P3 and P7 Parent)

"This was the perfect choice of school for my daughter." (P4 Parent)

I can't believe how well my son is catered for in the school. They (the school) never let anything go unattended, they give help and support when it is needed and challenge the pupils to be their best. I couldn't speak highly enough of the school, I love it and my kids love it! (P4 Parent)

Open Day 2025 - Tuesday 2 December 2025

Our Open Day this year will take place on Tuesday 2 December 2025. There are options to attend duirng the afternoon and in the evening as we understand that many parents are working during the day. Please click on the link below or scan the QR code on the poster to book your place.

Booking Link https://forms.gle/AwB7BWcRpJars5ZB9 

 

What is Special About Ballymena Primary School?

As well as a warm and welcoming environment, high quality teaching and learning and innovative learning opportunities Ballymena Primary School is the perfect choice for your child as we offer the following:

• Wrap-around care from 7:45am - 5pm
• A recognised Nurture School and nurturing ethos
• Award winning school including Autism NI Impact Award, TOPS playground award, Take 5 Level 3 award, Social Impact Award 2025 and Sustrans Silver Award
• Finalist in Best Primary School and Principal in Co. Antrim at the 2025 Families First Education Awards 2025
• Best Teacher and Best Classroom Assistant winner at the 2025 Families First Education Awards 2025
• Forest School and Nature Rangers club for pupils
• Excellent SEN and Pastoral support including a specialised 'Nest' room
• ICT Suite
• Decicated Music and Creativity room
• Dedicated Play Room
• Specialised outdoor play with trained staff
• After-School Clubs including Football, Literary Lions, Nature Rangers, Art, Coding, Robotics and STEAM, Choir, Scripture Union, Dance and Drama and many more

Enjoy a tour of our bright and welcoming buildings in this 'virtual tour' which allows you to view our classrooms and facilities. These include bright and spacious classrooms, a large PE hall, a dedicated play room for Play Based Learning, a large library, a dedicated ICT Suite and other unique spaces for music and talking and listening.

Ballymena Primary School - Walk Through Our School

For your convenience, outlined below are the openings and deadlines for P.1 application forms. These are sent to the Education Authority each year and  parents can outline  their first and second choice school (you can make up to five choices).

The documents listed will give you guidance on how to apply, as well as a time line of the entire process. You can at any time change your order of choices, but it is advisable to put Ballymena Primary School as your first choice as that will usually guarantee a place in our warm, friendly and highly progressive school. It is an important choice so it is possible to email or phone Mrs Ritchie at school to chat through any concerns or queries you may have.

Applying for a P.1 Place for September 2026. 

The application procedure opens on 7 January 2026 at 12noon (GMT) and closes on Wednesday 21 January 2026 at 12noon and then by 4pm on Monday 26 January (GMT) for supporting documents, i.e. your child's birth certificate. These applications will be treated as punctual applications by the Education Authority (EA).  

Applications received after 12noon (GMT) on 21 January 2026 and any supporting documents received after 4 pm on 26 January 2026 will be treated as late applications, this is also the last date and time for processing a change of preference in exceptional circumstances. 

After 4 pm on 26 January 2026 no applications will be processed by the Education Authority until after the close of procedure on 23 March 2026.

Information on how to apply to P1 for admission in September 2026 will be available from the Education Authority from December 2025.

You should apply online using the portal on the Education Authority website here below from 12noon January 7, 2026.

User guides are also available on this site by clicking on this link:

https://www.eani.org.uk/digitaladmissions

School Age

Children who are 4 years old on or before the 1st of July must begin their primary education from the beginning of the school year following their 4th birthday.

Children born between 2 July 2021 and 1 July 2022 will be due to start Primary One in September 2026 as they will be of compulsory school age and Parents/Guardians must apply for a place in a primary school. 

If you are unable to apply online, paper applications will be available on request from schools or the Education Authority if you need one.

If you wish to apply for a P1 place during the current school year 2025-26, please contact the school on, 028 25656082

Any Further queries about applications please:

Contact Primary Admissions

For further information and guidance you can contact the Primary Admissions team on;

primaryadmissions@eani.org.uk

Admissions Helpdesk 028 9598 5595

Learning and Play in Primary 1

Literacy in Ballymena Primary

Numeracy at Ballymena Primary