Admissions
Children Starting School for the First Time in September 2026
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 2021 and 31 August 2022.
The deadline for applications was 15 January 2026
National Offer Day is 16 April 2026 (if applied on time).
For information on open days, please see Willow Grove's Prospective Parents Information
Timeline for Admission Appeals for Year R - September 2026
Following national offer day on Thursday, 16 April 2026, 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 2026 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.
| Friday, 15 May 2026 at noon | Deadline to request an appeal form |
| Wednesday, 20 May 2026 at noon | Deadline to lodge an appeal** |
| Wednesday, 8 July to
Friday 10 July 2026
|
Appeal hearings will be held during these days.
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]
Please provide 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 Friday, 15 May 2026.
*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 3
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.
Willow Grove Primary School In Year Application 2025-26
Admission Arrangements
The 2025 admissions arrangements for Willow Grove Primary School were adopted by the Directors of Kingsbridge Educational Trust on 30 November 2023.
Willow Grove Primary School Admissions Policy 2025
Willow Grove Primary School Designated Catchment Area
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
Contact
For more information, contact the Admissions Team by email or by telephone on 01908 533724/5.
