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 - Monday 30 September 2024
Closing date for applications - Wednesday 15 January 2025
National offer day - Wednesday 16 April 2025
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 Refused a place at your preferred school (somerset.gov.uk)
Please also refer to: Primary Appeal Timetable
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
Consultation for Admission Arrangements 2026
We are consulting on our admission policy for 2026-27. The proposed policy can be viewed on Devon County Council’s website: www.devon.gov.uk/admissionarrangements A summary of any proposed changes can be found on our trust website: Blackdown Education Partnership - BEP
The consultation runs from 9 November 2024 until 10 January 2025. You can comment at schoolsadmissionpolicy-mailbox@devon.gov.uk or by emailing Blackdown Education Partnership at admin@bep.ac .