Question 1

Is Ridgmont Lower School a good school?

Accepted Answer

The most recent Ofsted inspection record is dated 25 November 2025 (published 30 January 2026). It indicates a calm, purposeful culture where pupils enjoy learning and feel safe, with attendance and behaviour graded at the Strong standard. It also notes ongoing work to strengthen consistency across the curriculum, including applying writing knowledge across subjects.

Question 2

What are the fees at Ridgmont Lower School?

Accepted Answer

Ridgmont Lower School is a state-funded school with no tuition fees for statutory school-age pupils. The school publishes charges for optional services such as breakfast club sessions and additional nursery hours beyond funded entitlements.

Question 3

When is the deadline to apply for Reception entry?

Accepted Answer

Central Bedfordshire Council lists the national closing date for on-time lower and primary applications, national offer day and late-allocation dates in its current admissions timetable for the relevant entry year.

Question 4

Does Ridgmont Lower School have nursery provision?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The school states children can start nursery the term after their third birthday. It describes attendance patterns aligned to 15 funded hours (typically 09:00 to 12:00) and, where eligible, 30 funded hours (typically 09:00 to 15:00). Additional hours beyond funded entitlements are charged at an hourly rate published by the school.

Question 5

What is the school day and is breakfast club available?

Accepted Answer

The school day is published as 09:00 to 15:00. The school also publishes an Early Birds Breakfast Club option that runs from 08:00, with a per-session charge and advance booking.

Question 6

Where do pupils go after Year 4?

Accepted Answer

The school’s prospectus describes Bedfordshire’s three-tier transfer pattern, with pupils moving to middle school at the end of Year 4. It states most pupils would normally be expected to transfer to Fulbrook Middle School, though some transfer to other middle schools depending on local arrangements and parental preference.

Question 7

How does admissions prioritise places if the school is oversubscribed?

Accepted Answer

The school’s admissions policy sets a Published Admission Number of 15 and applies oversubscription criteria including looked-after and previously looked-after children, children of staff, catchment and siblings, and then distance as a tiebreak using straight-line distance measured from the designated point on the school site.

1st preference	2	2	100%
2nd preference	0	0	N/A
3rd preference	3	0	0%
Total	5	2	40%

Application Demand

Application Demand

Preference Breakdown

Last Distance Offered

Admission distance bands

Understanding Subscription Status