Admissions

Children Starting School for the First Time in September 2025

The Local Authority co-ordinates the application process for children starting school for the first time. (Applications will not be accepted at the school).

Further information can be found on the local authority websites:

Bedford Borough: School Admissions

Central Bedfordshire: School Admissions

This is for Children born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021.

The deadline for applications is 15th January 2025

Notification date is 16th April 2025

For information on open days, please see Willow Grove's Prospective Parents Information

Timeline for Admission Appeals for Year R – September 2025

Following national offer day on Wednesday, 16^th April 2025, if you named Willow Grove Primary School as one of your preferences and were unsuccessful, you have a right to appeal against the decision to an independent appeal panel.

The appeals timetable* for Willow Grove Primary School for students starting in Year R in September 2025 is shown below. Stage 1 hearing and Stage 2 individual hearings will be held virtually, with meeting invites issued by the Clerk to the Independent Appeal Panel nearer the time.

Tuesday 20^th May 2025 at noon

Deadline to request an appeal form

Thursday, 21^st May 2025 at noon

Deadline to lodge an appeal**

Wednesday, 9^th July to Friday 11^th July 2025

Appeal hearings will be held during this week.

Appellants will be advised as to precise day and time by the clerk.

Should you wish to appeal against the decision not to offer your child a place at Willow Grove Primary School, please email [email protected] providing the name of the child, their date of birth, and an email address where the appeal paperwork can be sent. Requests for appeal forms must be made by noon on Tuesday 20^th May 2025.

*Please note it may not be possible to include within this timetable any appeals that are lodged after the deadline.

**This is the deadline by which the completed appeal form must be received by the Clerk to the Independent Appeal Panel.

In Year Applications for Reception to Year 2

In year admissions refer to applications made at any other time after the initial September entry into Reception.

To apply, please complete the editable PDF below. This can be done on a phone/tablet/computer. Once the form has been completed, please 'save as' on to the device you are using. The completed form should then be emailed with supporting documentation.

In Year Application Form