Consultation over plans to scrap catchment area for 3 Houghton Regis schools
A consultation into proposed changes to admissions for four Central Bedfordshire schools is under way.
Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) is proposing changes to Houghton Regis Primary School, Thornhill Primary School, Tithe Farm Primary School and Silsoe CofE VC Lower School for the 2028-29 academic year, with a consultation running until November 30.
The proposals include removing catchment areas for Houghton Regis Primary School, Thornhill Primary School and Tithe Farm Primary School due to significant growth in the Houghton Regis area.
Instead, where applications exceed available places, priority would be given to children living closest to the school, measured in a straight line.
Meanwhile, reception places at Silsoe CofE VC Lower School would be cut from 60 to 30 from September 2028 to reflect “lower demand and projected pupil numbers”.
A Central Bedfordshire statement explained: “We believe the changes would make the admissions process fairer, clearer and easier for families to understand.
“The proposed changes would not affect children already attending the schools. However, families applying for a reception place from September 2028 at any of the schools included in the consultation could be affected if applications exceed the number of places available.”
People can take part by completing the online questionnaire at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/consultations. Final admission arrangements will be determined by February 2027 and published by March 2027.