How many places do you offer?

330 places in total

135 - (A) Foundation (Church of England) places

135 - (B) Foundation (Catholic Church) places

  50 - (C) Foundation (Free Church) places

  10 - (D) Open places

How do I apply for a year 7 place in 2024

1. Read the Admissions policy 2024-25
2. Complete a SIF if you are applying for a place under criteria A, B, C, D (iii-iv) and return it directly to us, preferably by mid-October but definitely by the closing date 31 October 2023. (school is closed for half term  23-27 October - but you may leave your application in the black postbox on the wall by Reception)
3.  Complete an online application with SCC or your local authority.

PLEASE NOTE THE APPLICATION PROCESS DOES NOT OPEN UNTIL 1 SEPTEMBER 2023.

Do I need to provide St Bede’s with any other documents apart from the SIF?

There is no need to supply any additional letters or baptism certificates as these will not be taken into account when allocating places unless you are applying for a social or medical need place, in which case we need supporting evidence.

What is a social or medical need place?

If you feel that your child has an exceptional medical or social need you would like the Governors to consider, please tick the relevant box and supply professionally supported evidence (at the time of application) giving reasons why St Bede’s is the most suitable school and the difficulties caused if the child had to attend another school.

I have attended more than 1 church in the last 3 years, what church details do I provide?

We can contact all churches you have attended in the last 3 years for a reference. Please provide clear contact details on SIF.

How likely is it that I will get a place if I apply as a regular worshipper?

The number of applicants varies, so it is not possible to predict.  For more information please go to: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/admissions/arrangements-and-outcomes/previous-years - How school places were allocated in previous years.

Can I apply for a foundation place even though I have not been going to church for 3 years?

Yes, but it is likely that you will be classed as a member (criteria vii, viii, ix, or x) and will have lower priority than regular worshippers, but you would still be in the foundation band.

My child goes to a church school but I do not attend church, can we apply for a foundation place?

It is the parent/carer who needs to attend church for the purpose of the reference, not the child.

Do you have feeder schools?

No, it makes no difference which school your child is attending at the time of application.  

Does it matter that my church is outside the catchment area?

This makes no difference.  The location of the church is not taken into account when allocating places

How do I complete the church details if we have moved to the area recently?

Please provide details of the church you used to attend and your new church.  If necessary, we can contact churches abroad for a reference

Do I need to ask my minister to complete a form?

No, we will send reference forms to all churches directly in early November.  However, please inform your minister that you have given their name as a referee.

I attend a free church but I do not know if my church is a member of Churches Together or the Evangelical Alliance

We will contact your church to check this. If your church is not a member of a Churches Together group or the Evangelical Alliance you cannot apply for a free church place and we will move your application to the open band.

We are planning to move house within the next few months.  Which address will you use?

We receive verified addresses from Surrey County Council with distances to the school.  If your address changes please inform us and Surrey County Council as soon as possible.  

My child will have a sibling going into the Sixth Form at St Bede’s, do they count as a sibling?

Yes, as long as they are currently at the school and apply for Sixth Form, you can apply for a sibling place.

Does the catchment area change?

No, the catchment area has been the same for over 20 years.  When applying for a foundation place, living inside the catchment area gives priority over those living outside it, but it does not guarantee a place.  

I find it difficult to see from the catchment map whether I am in or out.  How do I find out?

Please contact us admissions@st-bedes.surrey.sch.uk or call 01737 214071 and we will be able to check for you.

Can I return the SIF by email?

No, we do not accept SIF’s by email. The original form must be sent to us either by Royal Mail, hand delivered to the reception, or placed into the black post box outside reception.  

 When will I hear if I have a place?

You will hear about the outcome of your application on National Offer Day 1 March 2024.

How are you dealing with church references in light of covid-19?

The Governor’s agreed a statement (displayed on our website) which was shared with all local churches, all admissions paperwork was amended to include this statement (i.e. Admissions Policy, SIF, Clergy reference request) to make sure our Admissions arrangements are clear.

These FAQs are designed to be helpful but are not exhaustive, if you have any further questions not covered here, please contact us:

Email: admissions@st-bedes.surrey.sch.uk

Telephone: 01737 214071