Admissions
Deciding which is the right school to apply to for your child’s education is very important. Our small school serves the Parish of St James, which includes the village of Biddenham and its surrounds. Children in our school come from Biddenham, Great Denham, and Queen's Park. This map shows our catchment area (courtesy of Google maps and www.achurchnearyou.com)
As a Voluntary Aided school, all admissions decisions are made by the governing body against clear admissions criteria, which are available in our policy. For all admissions, we work closely with Bedford Borough Council, who co-ordinate the process of applications on our behalf.
We have places for 30 children in each year group, from Reception to Year 6. Tours with the Head teacher are available most weeks, usually on Tuesday afternoons and places can be booked via the school office - 01234 352721
COVID update - during the current restrictions, we are unable to offer tours of the school when children are present. If you wish to have a tour of the school, please telephone the school and we will do our best to accommodate your request, however, please be aware that our availability is limited. Alternatively, we can arrange for the Head Teacher to have a telephone conversation with you.
Starting School September 2021 - usually, we offer guided tours of the school for prospective parents during October and November. We are unable to do this during the current situation and will be providing other ways in which parents can find out about our school. Please keep an eye on this page where we will post information in due course. We expect to have done this by the start of November.
Thank you for your understanding.
Spaces are available in some year groups; please contact the school office to arrange a visit.
How to apply
We work with Bedford Borough Council (BBC) as part of the Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme. This means that it manages and administers the admissions process.
If you wish to apply for a Reception place in our school, then you need to contact the BBC Admissions Team to request an Admissions Pack and application form (in September/ October) and you should return the completed form to them. For in-year admissions in other year groups, please contact the school to arrange a tour, or contact Bedford Borough Council to obtain the relevant application forms.
The contact details are:
School Admissions Service
Borough Hall
Cauldwell Street
Bedford
MK42 9AP
E-mail: admissions@bedford.gov.uk
Tel: (01234) 718120
Fax: (01234) 228846
Oversubscription criteria
Please read our admissions policy very carefully and ensure you understand the oversubscription criteria. Please also make sure you meet all published closing dates; failure to do so will mean your application will be considered after all other ‘on time’ applications.
Appeals
There is an established appeals process if you are refused a place in the school. If you wish to appeal a decision made by the school, you should contact Bedford Borough Council, who manage the process; please contact the Council as per the details in your refusal letter. Please note that the School is not able to discuss any appeal with you or advise you in any way.
Determined Admissions Policy 2019-2020
Determined Admissions Policy 2020-2021
Determined Admissions Policy 2021-2022
Information about Admissions Allocations for September 2019
