The offer day for Starting School 2013 is Tuesday 30 April 2013.

Parent(s)/carer(s) who applied on time will be sent the decision letter out on this day (these are posted out via 2nd class post so will arrive in the first few days in May). Those who applied online and requested email notification will be sent an email on 30 April 2013 with the outcome of their application. You can log into your account here.

Any applications which have been received from 16 January 2013 will be classed as late and processed from June 2013.  

Following the initial allocation (when all on time applications were processed) the level of subscription as of 30 April 2013 for Central Bedfordshire lower/primary schools/academies (PDF 71KB) is now available. This information is correct as on 30 April 2013 and will subsequently change as late applications and changes of preference are processed.

Late Applications

Any application received after 15 January 2013 will be considered as late. Late applications will need to be made using the paper Starting School 2013 application form (PDF 70KB) as the online facility closed on 15 January 2013.

Submitting a late application significantly reduces your child’s chance of an offer of a place at one of your preferred schools.

Children normally start school at the start of the reception year, that is the school year in which they become 5. If your child was born between 1 September 2008 - 31 August 2009 you need to apply for a school place by 15 January 2013.

Starting school 2013 timetable

17 September 2012  - Online facility opens for starting school 2013 applications (Central Bedfordshire residents only)

15 January 2013- Deadline for transfer to starting school 2013 applications to be received (online facility closes). Any applications received after this date will be processed as late - see below.

30 April 2013 - We will post a letter to parent(s)/carer(s) with the outcome of on time starting school applications. Those who applied online and requested the decision via email will also receive an email from 12pm on this day.

Following the initial allocation (when all on time applications were processed) the Level of oversubscription for Starting School (PDF 71KB) is now available. This information is correct as on 30 April 2013 and will subsequently change as late applications and changes of preference are processed.

June 2013 - Late starting school applications will be processed from June onwards

We strongly recommend you read through ‘Your child’s admission for September 2013’ (PDF 1.2MB) booklet before making your application.

Legislation requires parents to make applications to the local authority in which they live, even if the preferred schools are outside of the authority. Parents/carers of children living outside the local authority area must complete their home local authority school admissions application form.

How to apply

The online facility is now closed so applications need to be made using the paper application form:

Complete a starting school 2013 paper application form (PDF 70KB) (PDF 70KB)

You must only use one method to apply for a school place. If you have already submitted your paper school admissions application form you must not apply online, similarly if you apply online you must not make a paper application. In the event that two applications are made, the latest application made before 15 January 2013 will be processed.

Supplementary information - applying on religious grounds

If you applying for a place on religious / faith grounds (using either the online facility or a paper application) it is important to complete a supplementary form and return it to School Admissions Service, Watling House, High Street North, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1LF by 15 January 2013. These must be signed by your faith/religious leader otherwise will not be processed with your application. The forms are available to download below:

Confirmation of religious affiliation form for starting school 2013 (Catholic) (PDF 174KB)

Confirmation of religious affiliation form for starting school 2013 (Church Of England) (PDF 139KB)

Changing your mind (or change of address)

If you would like to change the school preferences on your application, or if your address/circumstances change, please email admissions@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or write to us at School Admissions Service, Watling House, High Street North, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1LF.

• Changes received by 15 January 2013 will be processed with your application and treated as on time.
• Changes received after 15 January 2013 will be considered as late, and processed from June 2013 onwards. Your original application will be processed as normal. 

If you move house after submitting your application it is your responsibility to inform us in writing of your new address and the exact date you moved address. If we receive this before the application deadline your application will be processed with your new address. If we receive it after the application deadline we will process your application with your old address and amend the application after the allocations at the date given above.

If you need help in understanding the transfer process please contact us on the School Admissions parent helpline 0300 300 8037 or email admissions@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

Please note that we are not able to offer technical support.

The offer day for Transfer to Middle 2013 is Thursday 28 March 2013. Parent(s)/carer(s) who applied on time will be sent the decision letter out on this day (these are posted out via 2nd class post so will arrive by the first few days in April). Those who applied online and requested email notification will be sent an email on 28 March 2013 (by the end of the working day) with the outcome of their application. You can log into your account here.

Any applications which have been received from 16 January 2013 will be classed as late and processed from May 2013.  

Following the initial allocation (when all on time applications were processed) the level of subscription as of 28 March 2013 for Central Bedfordshire middle schools/academies (PDF 143KB) is now available. This information is correct as on 28 March 2013 and will subsequently change as late applications and changes of preference are processed.

Late Applications

Any application received after 15 January 2013 will be considered as late. Late applications will need to be made using the paper middle application form (PDF 850KB) as the online facility closed on 15 January 2013. Late applications will be processed from May 2013 onwards.

Submitting a late application significantly reduces your child’s chance of an offer of a place at one of your preferred schools.

Transfer to middle school 2013 timetable

17 September 2012 - Online facility opens for transfer to middle school 2013 applications (Central Bedfordshire residents only)

November 2012 - Middle schools will hold their open days/evenings (PDF 475KB)

15 January 2013- Deadline for transfer to middle school 2013 applications to be received (online facility closes). Any applications received after this date will be processed as late - see below.

28 March 2013 - We will post a letter to parent(s)/carer(s) with the outcome of on time transfer to middle school applications. Those who applied online and requested the decision via email will also receive an email by the end of the working day.

May 2013 - Late transfer to middle school applications will be processed from May onwards

We strongly recommend you read through ‘Your child’s admission for September 2013’ (PDF 1.2MB)  booklet before making your application.

Legislation requires parents to make applications to the local authority in which they live, even if the preferred schools are outside of the authority. Parents/carers of children living outside the local authority area must complete their home local authority school admissions application form.

How to apply

Complete a transfer to middle school 2013 paper application form (PDF 850KB)

Supplementary information - applying on religious grounds

If you applying for a place on religious / faith grounds (using either the online facility or a paper application) it is important to complete a supplementary form and return it to School Admissions Service, Watling House, High Street North, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1LF. These must be signed by your faith/religious leader or will not be processed with your application. The form is available to download below:

Confirmation of religious affiliation form for middle transfer 2013 (Church Of England) (PDF 125KB)

Changing your mind (or change of address)

If you would like to change the school preferences on your application, or if your address/circumstances change, please email us at admissions@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or write to us as School Admissions Service, Central Bedfordshire Council, Watling House, High Street North, Dunstable LU6 1LF.

• Changes received by 15 January 2013 will be processed with your application and treated as on time.
• Changes received after 15 January 2013 will be processed as late, and processed from May 2013 onwards. Your original application will be processed as normal. 

If you move house after submitting your application it is your responsibility to inform us in writing of your new address and the exact date you moved address. If we receive this before the application deadline your application will be processed with your new address. If we receive it after the application deadline we will process your application with your old address and amend the application after the allocations at the date given above.

If you need help in understanding the transfer process please contact us on the School Admissions parent helpline 0300 300 8037 or email admissions@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk. 

Please note that we are not able to offer technical support.

The national offer day for Transfer to Secondary 2013 is Friday 1 March 2013. Parent(s)/carer(s) who applied on time will be sent the decision letter out on this day (these are posted out via 2nd class post so will arrive in the first few days in March). Those who applied online and requested email notification will be sent an email on 1 March 2013 with the outcome of their application. You can log into your account here.

Any applications which have been received from 1 November 2012 will be classed as late and processed from April 2013.  

Following the initial allocation (when all on time applications were processed) the level of subscription as of 1 March 2013 for the only (at present) Central Bedfordshire secondary academy (PDF 353KB) is now available. This information is correct as on 1 March 2013 and will subsequently change as late applications and changes of preference are processed.

 Late Applications

Any application received after 31 October 2012 will be considered as late. Late applications will need to be made using the paper Transfer to Secondary 2013 application form (PDF 51KB) as the online facility closed on 31 October 2012. Late applications will be processed from April 2013 onwards.

Submitting a late application significantly reduces your child’s chance of an offer of a place at one of your preferred schools.

Transfer to secondary school 2013

10 September 2012 - Transfer to secondary school 2013 application forms available and online facility opens

September/ October 2012 - Schools will hold their open evenings/days

31 October 2012 - Deadline for transfer to secondary school 2013 applications to be received

March 2013 -We will post a letter to parent(s)/carer(s) with the outcome of on time transfer to secondary school applications. Those who applied online and requested the decision via email will also receive an email from 12pm on this day.

We strongly recommend you read through ‘Your child’s admission for September 2013’ (PDF 1.2MB) booklet before making your application.

How to apply

The online facility is now closed so applications need to be made using a paper application form

• Complete a transfer to secondary school 2013 paper application form (PDF 51KB)

If you are applying for a school in another Local Authority please contact them for an information booklet which will give details on their schools and admissions processes. You will still need to apply directly to us (either online or by paper application above) and we will liaise with them on your behalf to process your application.

• You will also need to check with the relevant Local Authority if you are required to complete any supplementary forms or if your child is required to register for an entrance test if the school is a Selective (Grammar) School.
• If the school requires you to complete a supplementary form you will need to check with the school where this needs to be sent to.

>strong>Changing your mind (or change of address)

If you would like to change the school preferences on your application, or if your address/circumstances change, please email admissions@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or write to us at School Admissions Service, Watling House, High Street North, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1LF.

• Changes received by 31 October 2012 will be processed with your application and treated as on time.
• Changes received after 31 October 2012 will be considered as late, and processed from April 2013 onwards. Your original application will be processed as normal. 

If you move house after submitting your application it is your responsibility to inform us in writing of your new address and the exact date you moved address. If we receive this before the application deadline your application will be processed with your new address. If we receive it after the application deadline we will process your application with your old address and amend the application after the allocations at the date given above.

If you need help in understanding the transfer process please contact us on the School Admissions parent helpline 0300 300 8037 or email admissions@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

Please note that we are not able to offer technical support.

The national offer day for Transfer to Upper 2013 is Friday 1 March 2013. Parent(s)/carer(s) who applied on time will be sent the decision letter out on this day (these are posted out via 2nd class post so will arrive in the first few days in March). Those who applied online and requested email notification will be sent an email on 1 March 2013 with the outcome of their application. You can log into your account here.

Any applications which have been received from 1 November 2012 will be classed as late and processed from April 2013.  

Following the initial allocation (when all on time applications were processed) the level of subscription as of 1 March 2013 for Central Bedfordshire upper schools/academies (PDF 964KB) is now available. This information is correct as on 1 March 2013 and will subsequently change as late applications and changes of preference are processed. 

Late Applications

Any application received after 31 October 2012 will be considered as late. Late applications will need to be made using the paper Transfer to Upper 2013 application form (PDF 629KB) as the online facility closed on 31 October 2012. Late applications will be processed from April 2013 onwards.

Submitting a late application significantly reduces your child’s chance of an offer of a place at one of your preferred schools.

Transfer to upper school 2013 timetable

10 September 2012 - Online facility opens for transfer to upper school 2013 applications (Central Bedfordshire residents only)

September/October 2012 - Upper schools will hold their open days/evenings (PDF 257KB)

31 October 2012 - Deadline for transfer to upper school 2013 applications to be received (online facility closes). Any applications received after this date will be processed as late - see below

1 March 2013 - We will post a letter to parent(s)/carer(s) with the outcome of on time transfer to upper school applications. Those who applied online and requested the decision via email will also receive an email from 12pm on this day.

April 2013 - Late transfer to middle school applications will be processed from April onwards

Legislation requires parents to make applications to the local authority in which they live, even if the preferred schools are outside of the authority. Parents/carers of children living outside the local authority area must complete their home local authority school admissions application form.

We strongly recommend you read through ‘Your child’s admission for September 2013’ (PDF 1.2MB) booklet before making your application.

How to apply

The online facility is now closed so applications need to be made using the paper application form:

• Complete a transfer to upper school 2013 paper application form (PDF 629KB)

You must only use one school admissions method to apply for a school place. If you have already submitted your paper application form you must not apply online, similarly if you apply online you must not make a paper application. In the event that two applications are made, the latest application made before 31 October 2012 will be processed.

Supplementary information - applying on religious grounds

If you applying for a place on religious / faith grounds (using either the online facility or a paper application) it is important to complete a supplementary form and return it to School Admissions Service, Watling House, High Street North, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1LF by 31 October 2012. These must be signed by your faith/religious leader or will not be processed with your application. The form is available to download below:

Confirmation of religious affiliation form for upper transfer 2013 (Church of England) (PDF 117KB)

Changing your mind (or change of address)

If you would like to change the school preferences on your application, or if your address/circumstances change, please email admissions@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or write to us at School Admissions Service, Central Bedfordshire Council, Watling House, High Street North, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1LF.

• Changes received by 31 October 2012 will be processed with your application and treated as on time.
• Changes received after 31 October 2012 will be processed as late, and processed from April 2013 onwards. Your original application will be processed as normal. 

If you move house after submitting your application it is your responsibility to inform us in writing of your new address and the exact date you moved address. If we receive this before the application deadline your application will be processed with your new address. If we receive it after the application deadline we will process your application with your old address and amend the application after the allocations at the date given above.

If you need help in understanding the transfer process please contact us on the School Admissions parent helpline 0300 300 8037 or email admissions@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk. 

Please note that we are not able to offer technical support.

The national offer day for Transfer to University Technical College 2013 is Friday 1 March 2013. Parent(s)/carer(s) who applied on time will be sent the decision letter out on this day (these are posted out via 2nd class post so will arrive in the first few days in March). Those who applied online and requested email notification will be sent an email around midday on 1 March 2013 with the outcome of their application.

Any applications which have been received from 1 November 2012 will be classed as late and processed from April 2013.  

The online application facility is now closed and therefore you will need to complete a paper Transfer to University Technical College 2013 application form (PDF 51KB).>

Transfer to a university technical college or studio school 2013

10 September 2012 - Transfer to a university technical college or studio school 2013 application forms available and online facility opens

31 October 2012 - Deadline for transfer to a university technical college or studio school 2013 applications to be received

1 March 2013 - We will post a letter to parent(s)/carer(s) with the outcome of on time transfer to a university technical college or studio school applications. Those who applied online and requested the decision via email will also receive an email from 12pm on this day.

How to apply

The online facility is now closed so applications need to be made using a paper application form

• Complete a transfer to a university technical college and studio school 2013 application form (PDF 51KB)

Late Applications

Any application received after 31 October 2012 will be considered as late.

Late applications will be processed from April 2013 onwards.

Changing your mind (or change of address)

If you would like to change the school preferences on your application, or if your address/circumstances change, please email admissions@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or write to us at School Admissions Service, Watling House, High Street North, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1LF.

• Changes received by 31 October 2012 will be processed with your application and treated as on time.
• Changes received after 31 October 2012 will be considered as late, and processed from April 2013 onwards. Your original application will be processed as normal. 

If you move house after submitting your application it is your responsibility to inform us in writing of your new address and the exact date you moved address. If we receive this before the application deadline your application will be processed with your new address. If we receive it after the application deadline we will process your application with your old address and amend the application after the allocations at the date given above.

If you need help in understanding the transfer process please contact us on the School Admissions parent helpline 0300 300 8037 or email admissions@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk. /p>

Please note that we are not able to offer technical support.

Admissions for September 2012

You can view the level of over or under subscription (PDF 929KB) (first preferences) based on initial allocation

The data contained in the spreadsheet showing the number of first preferences received for Central Bedfordshire schools for September 2012 in the initial allocation are shown as the number of applications received and as a percentage of the schools published admission number (PAN). 

The information below may assist you when viewing the data for these schools.

If a school is oversubscribed (more applications received than places available) does this indicate the school is popular?

There are many factors that affect whether a school will be over or undersubscribed. A higher than average catchment intake can increase the number of applications resulting in oversubscription at a school that may have been undersubscribed the previous year. Some parents may prefer a faith based education for their child and therefore state a preference for a school for this reason. Faith schools may also be oversubscribed because there are fewer faith schools than non-faith schools.

If a school is undersubscribed (applications received below the schools published admission number) does this mean the school not performing as well as it should?

No there are many reasons that affect parental preference, including parental perception of a school, which may change. What may appear to be an unpopular school now may change in future years.

Could under subscription mean the school is unpopular?

Not necessarily - the area served by the school could have a smaller cohort of children compared to previous years because the birth rate in the area has dropped. Similarly the school could be in an area where there is modest migration and the children in the village could already be attending the school or have moved onto the middle or upper school and no ‘new’ families with young children have moved in to the area.

What factors can affect the number of applications received by a school?

A parent may apply for a place at a school where they are not living in the catchment area but already have an older sibling at the school. Or they may state a preference for a school based on their child care arrangements – such as the wrap around care available at the school or if grandparents who assist with child care live in the area.

 Where lots of applications have been received for a school could this be because of housing development?

Yes it could be, in an area of growth, where a significant number of homes are being built, often families with school age children are likely to move to the area. The Local Authority will look at providing extra places where the development requires them or indeed where a new school is needed, but this can take some time to be implemented and often requires other local schools to work with the Council to manage the growth in pupil numbers in the interim by increasing their intake above the usual admissions number.

Reports for Allocated School by Pupil Catchment have been compiled using data for the new 2012 intakes for Starting School (Year R), Transfer to Middle (Year 5) and Transfer to Upper (Year 9). The Schools listed at the top of the reports are the allocated school with the left hand side of the reports showing the catchment area the pupils are from

Area 1 (Dunstable and Houghton Regis)Lower (PDF 43KB) / Middle (PDF 37KB) / Upper (PDF 35KB)

Area 2 (Leighton Buzzard and Linslade)Lower (PDF 42KB) / Middle (PDF 37KB) / Upper (PDF 36KB)

Area 3 (Biggleswade and Sandy)Lower (PDF 39KB) / Middle (PDF 36KB) / Upper (PDF 34KB)

Area 4 (Rural Mid- Bedfordshire)Lower (PDF 47KB) / Middle (PDF 39KB) / Upper (PDF 37KB)

For more information please read the frequently asked questions (PDF 175KB)