Admissions
Groombridge St Thomas CE Primary School is pleased to welcome children from Groombridge and the surrounding towns and villages. Our current pupils come from Groombridge village itself and as far afield as Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough and East Grinstead.
Consultation on admission arrangements for Groombridge St Thomas CE Primary School for 2027 to 2028 academic year
Notice is hereby given in accordance with legislation that the governing board, as the admission authority for Groombridge CE Primary School is formally consulting on its proposed admission arrangements and admission criteria for the school year 2027-28.
The 6 week (minimum) consultation will begin on Monday 24 November 2025 with the closing date for submitting comments being midnight on Monday 5 January 2026. All comments are reviewed and considered before the policy is determined by the board.
In determining distance from the school, measurements between home and school will now be measured using the LA’s geographical information system (GIS).
Allocating places and tie breaker
When deciding between applicants who have equal entitlements under the above criteria priority will be given to those children whose home address is nearest to the school using straight line distance. This will be measured using the LA’s geographical information system (GIS). In the event that two or more applications are tied for the last place, the place will be allocated by random allocation, that is, the drawing of lots overseen by a person independent of the school.
Applying for a Reception place
If you are applying for a place for your child to start in our Reception class, please come and visit our wonderful village school. Visits can be booked by contacting the school office. Currently, we can admit up to 15 pupils in our Reception year.
Applications for pupils to start in Reception 2026 close on 15th January 2026. Applications should be made via the Local Authority where you live e.g. East Sussex, Kent.
Admission arrangements for pupils applying for a Reception place, including how we consider applications for a place and how parents can appeal if the application is unsuccessful, can be found in our Admissions Policy below.
Children of parents, either or both, who are regular worshipers at a Christian church, should fill in and return the supplementary application form.
In-year admissions and appeals
We currently have spaces in other year groups should you be looking for a place for your child at Groombridge St Thomas. Visits to the school are warmly welcome. Please contact the school office to arrange a visit.
Applications should be made via East Sussex County Council.
If your application to us is unsuccessful and you wish to make an appeal, details of the appeal process and the dates by which you must appeal by can be found on the ESCC admissions page by clicking on the link below.
Downloads
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27-28 Consultation letter
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download_for_offline27-28 Consultation letter
- Groombridge Admissions Arrangements 2026-27 download_for_offline
↑download_for_offlineGroombridge Admissions Arrangements 2026-27
- Groombridge Admissions Arrangements 2027-28 download_for_offline
download_for_offlineGroombridge Admissions Arrangements 2027-28
- Groombridge map download_for_offline
- Groombridge Admissions Arrangements 2026-27 download_for_offline