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 Friday afternoons and places can be booked via the school office - 01234 352721
Spaces are available in some year groups; please contact the school office to arrange a telephone conversation.
Starting School in September 2022
Tours of the school are available on the dates below. To book onto a tour, please either telephone the school on 01234 352721 or email admissions@stjamesvaschool.co.uk. Please let us know whether one or two parents will be attending the tour, so that we can keep tour groups to a manageable size, and provide a phone number in case we need to contact you. Please also be aware that you will be asked to wear face coverings, and that changes may need to be made due to the on-going challenges of COVID, which may include cancellation. If we can not operate tours of the school, we will offer virtual meetings with the Head Teacher via Zoom. Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer tours at times other than those listed below.
Tuesday, 28th September 11.00am
Tuesday, 5th October 2.00pm
Thursday, 14th October 11.00am
Monday, 18th October 2.00pm
Friday, 5th November 10.00am
Friday, 12th November 1.30pm
Tuesday, 16th November 2.00pm
Thursday, 25th November 11.00am
Monday, 29th November 2.00pm
Wednesday, 8th December 10.00am
Wednesday, 12th January 1.30pm
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 2020-2021
Determined Admissions Policy 2021-2022
