Admissions

Children Starting School for the First Time in September 2027

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 2022 and 31 August 2023.

The deadline for applications is 15 January 2027

National Offer Day is 16 April 2027 (if applied on time).

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

In Year Applications for Reception to Year 4 – starting in September 2026

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

To apply, please complete: Willow Grove Primary School In Year Application 2026-27

The application form is an editable PDF. Save the form to the device you are using, then complete the form and press save. The completed form should then be emailed with supporting documentation.

If the current year group is full, a turn down letter will initially be sent out. You will then have the opportunity to place your child(ren) on the waiting list for the 2026/2027 academic year. The waiting list closes at the end of July 2027. This builds the waiting lists for each year group from September.

Willow Grove Primary School maintains a waiting list throughout the academic year. The waiting list will be ranked in accordance with the over-subscription criteria and length of time on the list will not be a factor in offering a place. This means that children will move up and down the list as other children are added or removed.

Being on the waiting list does not guarantee a place at the school.

Waiting lists close at the end of July 2027.

Admission Arrangements

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The 2026 admission arrangements for Willow Grove Primary School were adopted by the Local Governing Body on 10 February 2025.

Subsequently, the Local Governing Body have agreed to admit over the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 30 to 60 for Reception year September 2026. The planned increase will be supported by additional resource and staffing.

Willow Grove Primary School Admission Arrangements 2026

Willow Grove School Designated Catchment Area

The 2027 admission arrangements for Willow Grove Primary School were adopted by the Local Governing Body on 6 October 2025.

Willow Grove Primary School Admission Arrangements 2027

Willow Grove School Designated Catchment Area

The 2028 admission arrangements for Willow Grove Primary School were adopted by the Local Governing Body on 5 October 2026.

Willow Grove Primary School Admission Arrangements 2028

Willow Grove School Designated Catchment Area