Admissions
Orchard Grove Primary School is a member of the Blackdown Education Partnership which is the admitting authority, responsible for the admissions policies and decisions on applications for admission. We have an admissions policy for each academic year. They are written to comply with the School Admissions Code and School Admissions Appeals Code.
Orchard Grove Primary School is a new free school which opened in September 2023. The school initially opened with one Reception class offering 30 spaces. Each September the school will grow as a new intake of Reception children join the school. Our 2023 starters are Orchard Grove’s “founding pupils”
Applications to Orchard Grove Primary School should be made through Somerset County Council and will be considered in accordance with the arrangements set out in the co-ordinated admissions scheme for primary schools in Somerset.
Key Dates in the Admission Process
Admission process opens - 29 September 2025
Closing date for applications - 15 January 2026
National offer day - 16 April 2026
School Admission Appeal Process
The school uses the independent services of the Somerset County Council Admissions Team to handle any appeals being made. If you would like to appeal your primary school admission outcome please visit Somerset Council for further information including the timeline. Refused a place at your preferred school (somerset.gov.uk)
In School Year Admissions
If you wish your child to join Orchard Grove after 1 September and transfer from another school, you will need to complete an application form and email it back to office@orchardgrove.bep.ac
Admission Arrangements for 2027-28: Annual Consultation
Along with all other schools and academies, we are consulting on our admission arrangements for 2027-28. You are invited to look at the proposed new admission arrangements and to have your say on them.
Our proposed Arrangements are on our admission page and you can see all the admission arrangements at http://devon.cc/schoolpolicy Further information is here: www.devon.gov.uk/admissionarrangements
The consultation runs between 25 November 2025 and 16 January 2026.
You can comment at schoolsadmissionpolicy-mailbox@devon.gov.uk or by emailing admin@bep.ac