Timetable for the 2020 admission rounds
Transfer to upper school
(Date of birth range 01/09/06 - 31/08/07)
Round: Open from 12 September 2019
Closing Date: 31 October 2019
Decisions Published: 2 March 2020
Transfer to secondary school
(Date of birth range 01/09/08 - 31/08/09)
Round: Open from 12 September 2019
Closing Date: 31 October 2019
Decisions Published: 2 March 2020
Transfer to middle school
(Date of birth range 01/09/10 - 31/08/11)
Round: Open from 26 September 2019
Closing Date: 15 January 2020
Decisions Published: 16 April 2020
Starting school
(Date of birth range 01/09/15 - 31/08/16)
Round: Open from 26 September 2019
Closing Date: 15 January 2020
Decisions Published: 16 April 2020
Transfer to upper school
Parents of children attending middle schools who need to transfer to an upper school will receive a Transfer to Upper School Information Sheet 2020 at the start of Year 8, which explains how to apply for a school place.
We strongly recommend that you apply for a place using the online facility which will be available to you at the beginning of the admissions process.
Before making an application, please read the information booklet. The School transfer booklet (PDF), is available for you to view.
If you need a paper application form you will be able to download a transfer to upper school application form (PDF) from this website.
Parents of children living outside of the local authority area must complete the home Local Authority application form or can apply online to their home local authority.
Transfer to secondary school
Most parents will need their children to transfer to secondary school at 11+ (the end of year 6).
Parents of children attending primary schools and those in Year 6 at Westfield School will receive a Transfer to Secondary School Information Sheet 2020 at the start of Year 6, which explains how to apply for a school place
We strongly recommend that you apply for a place using the online facility which will be available to you at the beginning of the admissions process.
Before making an application, please read the information booklet. The School transfer booklet (PDF), is available for you to view.
If you need a paper application form you will be able to download a transfer to secondary school application form (PDF) from this website.
Parents of children living outside of the local authority area must complete the home Local Authority application form or can apply online to their home local authority.
Transfer to middle school
In 2019 there will only be two lower schools remaining in Bedford Borough as most lower schools will have converted to primary schools. Parents of children attending the two remaining lower schools will receive a Transfer to Middle School Information Sheet 2020 at the start of Year 4, which explains how to apply for a school place.
We strongly recommend that you apply for a place using the online facility which will be available to you at the start of the admissions process.
Before making an application please read the information booklet. The School transfer booklet (PDF), is available for you to view.
If you need a paper application form you will be able to download a transfer to middle school application form (PDF) from this website.
Parents of children living outside of the local authority area must complete the home Local Authority application form or can apply online to their home local authority.
Admissions to lower/primary schools
Children are normally admitted to school at the start of or during the reception year, that is the school year in which they become 5. Parents of children due to be admitted to school at this time will be required to make an application to the Local Authority where they live. A Starting School Information Sheet 2020, which explains how to apply for a school place, will be available from the date at which the round opens (see above).
You can view the Starting School Booklet (PDF) and download a copy of the Starting School application form (PDF), but we strongly recommend that you apply for a place using the online facility. This facility will be available to you at the start of the admissions process. If you do not have access to the internet you can collect an application form from your local school or contact Schools Admissions Service for the information.
Admissions to nursery schools, nursery units or nursery classes
A list of local authority maintained nursery schools is available. If you would like your child to attend a local authority maintained nursery school you should contact the headteacher of the school, who will explain the arrangements for applying for a place.
Many lower and primary schools also have nursery units or nursery classes. If you would like your child to attend the nursery provision in a local school, you should contact the headteacher who will explain the arrangements for applying for a school place.
In-year applications
In-year applications no longer have to be co-ordinated by the local authority in which the child lives. You must apply to the school or the local authority where the school is. This came into effect in September 2013. For Bedford Borough schools applications should be made to school admissions.
If you move into the area during the school year or you wish to change your child's school, you will need to complete an In-year Application Form (Word, 3.354MB).
Before completing the application form please read the In-Year Admissions Guidance Notes (PDF) which explains the arrangements for applying for a school place.
If you are applying on Religious Grounds, please remember to complete the appropriate Confirmation of Religious Affiliation Form, which is part of the In-Year application form.
The In-Year Application Form is also available from schools or from the School Admissions Service.
If you need any further advice or help in completing any of the application forms, please contact the School Admissions Service.
Contact School Admissions
Email: admissions@bedford.gov.uk
Tel: 01234 718120
Borough Hall
Cauldwell Street
Bedford
MK42 9AP
