How many pupils attend Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School?

Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School has 117 pupils on roll.

What ages does Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School take?

Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School admits pupils aged 4 to 11.

How do I apply to Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School?

Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School is a state school. In England you apply through the council where you live, using its common application form, even if the school is in another council area. The national closing date for primary places is 15 January.

Does Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School have a religious character?

Yes — Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School has a religious character of Church of England. Faith criteria may apply to admissions; check the school's oversubscription policy for details.

How are Reception places decided at Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School?

When Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School has more applications than places for 2025-26, they are offered in a published order of priority: 1. Looked After Children A ‘looked after child’ or a child who was previously looked after but immediately after being looked after became subject to an adoption, child arrangements, or special guardianship order* including those who appear (to the admissions authority) to have been in a state of care outside England and ceased to be in a state of care as a result of being adopted. A looked after child is a child who is (a) in the care of the local authority, or (b) being provided with accommodation by a local authority in the exercise of their social series functions (see definition in Section 22 (1) of the Children Act 1989); 2. *An adoption order is an order under the Adoption Act 1976 (see Section 12 adoption orders0 and children who were adopted under the adoption and Children’s Act 2002 (see Section 46 adoption orders). A ‘child arrangements order’ is an order is an order settling the arrangements to be made as to the person with whom the child is to live under section 8 of the Children Act 1989 as amended by Section 14 of the Children and Families Act 2014. Section 14A of the Children Act 1989 defines a ‘special guardianship order’ as an order appointing one or more individuals to be a child’s special guardian (or special guardians); 3. **A map showing the boundary enclosing the community of Groombridge is attached, and 4 further criteria. The school offers 30 places at this entry point.

What is the largest ethnic background at Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School?

According to the DfE School Census 2025-26, 90.6% of pupils at Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School are recorded as White British. The full ethnic breakdown across all groups is available on the Pupils tab.

Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School

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East Sussex

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East Sussex

How places are decided at Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School

When there are more applications than places for 2025-26 (Reception), places are offered in this order of priority. Meeting a higher criterion beats meeting a lower one.

1Looked After Children A ‘looked after child’ or a child who was previously looked after but immediately after being looked after became subject to an adoption, child arrangements, or special guardianship order* including those who appear (to the admissions authority) to have been in a state of care outside England and ceased to be in a state of care as a result of being adopted. A looked after child is a child who is (a) in the care of the local authority, or (b) being provided with accommodation by a local authority in the exercise of their social series functions (see definition in Section 22 (1) of the Children Act 1989).
2*An adoption order is an order under the Adoption Act 1976 (see Section 12 adoption orders0 and children who were adopted under the adoption and Children’s Act 2002 (see Section 46 adoption orders). A ‘child arrangements order’ is an order is an order settling the arrangements to be made as to the person with whom the child is to live under section 8 of the Children Act 1989 as amended by Section 14 of the Children and Families Act 2014. Section 14A of the Children Act 1989 defines a ‘special guardianship order’ as an order appointing one or more individuals to be a child’s special guardian (or special guardians).
3**A map showing the boundary enclosing the community of Groombridge is attached.
4***Evidence from relevant professionals detailing why a child’s needs can only be met at Groombridge will need to be submitted to the school. The governors will consider the evidence, in consultation with the headteacher, to reach a decision on the application under this criterion.
5Regular worship **** ‘Regular worship is defined as attendance at worship at a Christian church at least once a month over a period of at least two years prior to the date of application by one or both parents. A ‘Christian Church’ is a Church that is a full member of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland or the Evangelical Alliance. Applicants applying under this criteria will be required to return the attached SIF to the school, signed by the minister, by the closing date for applications. In the event that during the period specified for attendance at worship the church has been closed for public worship and has not provided alternative premises for that worship, the requirements of these arrangements in relation to attendance will only apply to the period when the church or alternative premises have been available for public worship.
6Parent includes parents and legal guardians
7Sibling includes foster, step and adoptive siblings living in the same household.

Published by the admission authority. Meeting a criterion never guarantees a place — it sets the order places are offered in. Full detail, other entry points and previous years are on the Admissions tab.