Admissions Process
We understand that selecting the right school for your child is a significant decision for the whole family. That’s why our admissions journey is designed to enable you and your child to spend as much time as possible with us getting to know our staff and students, seeing what makes West Lodge special and having the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
We know that class sizes of no more than 22, and one class per year group, provide your child with the best start; which is why we have no plans to increase our intake. This does, however, mean that there is significant demand for places at West Lodge.
In order to secure a place here children routinely start in Nursery in the September following their third birthday and when it is considered that they are able to cope with the more formal requirements of school. Nursery children may attend weekly for any number of sessions between five (the minimum) or ten (the maximum). Parents may review their preference and increase the number of sessions.
At entry in Nursery there is no form of selection, although offers are made following the completion of a taster day.
Occasionally places arise in other year groups and when this is the case children are invited for a taster day and if offered a place, a bespoke 'settling in' programme will be created for them.
As well as having limited availability at our normal points of entry (Nursery & Reception) a place in Year 5 has unusually become available, due to one of our families relocating abroad. If you are interested in your child being supported through Kent and Bexley Test preparation as well as benefitting from a rounded West Lodge education delivered by our team of subject specialists, please contact our admissions team to arrange a tour.
Places are offered in line with our Admissions Policy.
Parents may register an interest in a place at any time, including prior to visiting the School (note that registration does not constitute an offer or guarantee of a place).
Visit Us
Whilst our website gives an insight into what makes West Lodge special and why our pupils thrive here, we believe the best way for you to discover more is by visiting us. We warmly welcome prospective parents and pupils to visit the School prior to applying for a place. Tours are hosted on a weekly basis, plus we run a series of open events at various points during the school year. Our staff and pupils look forward to showing you our fantastic Early Years teaching and learning spaces and answering any questions you may have.
Taster Day
Once you have visited School and we have received your registration form and registration fee, your child will be offered a ‘Taster Day' (for older children) or a 'Taster Morning' (for younger children), subject to a provisional place being available (if the School is unable to reserve a provisional place upon registration, parents will be contacted about a waiting list place). This will allow your child to spend time in our Early Years department with our dedicated team and children; getting to know what it’s like to be part of our vibrant Nursery or Reception class.
Offer of a Place
Once your child has competed their Taster Day/Morning and we have received your completed Registration Form and Registration Fee the School will then consider the child’s suitability for the School, in accordance with the conditions for admission.
Preparing you and your child
Once your child's offer of a place has been accepted, you'll receive enrolment paperwork and key information including details of our school uniform and dates for your diary.
Settling In
Children quickly become part of the West Lodge Family and we have a number of events to support and enable effective transition. Parents often comment on how quickly their children settle in at West Lodge and how they too feel part of the community.
Any Questions?
Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Register your child