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 - we have made the following arrangements for prospective families to visit the school/meet with the Head Teacher, which we hope will enable prospective parents to get to know our school within the current restrictions:
Zoom Meetings with the Head Teacher - an opportunity to virtually meet with our Head Teacher, who will share important information about our school with you and answer any questions you may have.
Monday 16th November at 4.00
Tuesday 24th November 10.00
Wednesday 2nd December 2.00
To book a place, please email admissions@stjamesvaschool.co.uk. A Zoom link and password will be forwarded to you shortly before the meeting. A waiting room will operate, so you must make sure your booking name matches your Zoom name, as we will not admit any unfamiliar names into the meeting (please don't use 'ipad' or 'iphone' as your Zoom name). When booking, if two parents wish to attend, please make sure we have names for both parent. These sessions must not be recorded.
Socially distanced tours of the school - Friday afternoons at 2.00 and 2.30
13th November
20th November
27th November
4th December
11th December
A maximum of 4 adults can be accommodated on each tour. We ask that parents do not bring children with them.
Masks must be worn, 2m distance maintained from school staff/other families and full details provided for Track & Trace purposes. Please remember that you must not come on your tour if you have Coronavirus or are displaying any symptoms.
Each tour will last 25 minutes only. If you have specific needs or questions, you must contact the school to arrange a further telephone conversation.
To book, please either email admissions@stjamesvaschool.co.uk or telephone us on 01234 352721, and let us know the names of each adult attending (maximum of 2 adults per family).
Please note that these tours may need to be cancelled should the Government announce further restrictions which affect schools or announce a local Lockdown.
We are unable to offer alternative dates for tours.
Spaces are available in some year groups; please contact the school office to arrange a telephone conversation.
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
