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Thomas Johnson Lower School Catchment Area

Reviewed by the catchment.school editorial team · Last updated 15 March 2026

Thomas Johnson Lower School is a community primary school in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire , serving pupils aged 3-9, with 91 pupils, and a capacity of 110 places. Find catchment area guidance, admissions policy details and nearby primary schools below.

3-9

Age range

91

Pupils

110

Capacity

83%

Fill rate

Good

Ofsted 2022

Thomas Johnson Lower School Catchment Area Information

What is the catchment area for Thomas Johnson Lower School?

The catchment area for Thomas Johnson Lower School is the geographic zone Central Bedfordshire uses to prioritise admissions when this primary school receives more applications than it has places. Children living inside the boundary are ranked higher under the oversubscription criteria, after looked-after children and siblings. Central Bedfordshire publishes the exact boundary and the last distance offered before each admissions cycle, and the boundary can change year to year.

The catchment area for Thomas Johnson Lower School is set by Central Bedfordshire and reviewed annually. Children living within the catchment boundary receive priority consideration when applications exceed the number of available places.

The official admissions policy, including the catchment boundary map, is published by Central Bedfordshire before each admissions cycle. Always verify your address with the council before submitting an application, as boundaries can change year to year.

Find Central Bedfordshire catchment area documents →

Thomas Johnson Lower School: 110 places, 83% filled: places available

Thomas Johnson Lower School has a published admission number of 110 places. 91 pupils were enrolled in the most recent data, giving a fill rate of 83%. At 83% full, the school currently has headroom below its 110 place limit. Catchment distance criteria still apply when the school is oversubscribed, but at current demand levels, places have been available for applicants outside the immediate catchment area.

The fill-rate figure above reflects overall demand, but the school's intake also varies by community profile. 8.6% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, below the national average. The school draws primarily from a lower-deprivation part of Bedford.

To check whether your home address falls within the historical catchment boundary, use the postcode search tool on this site.

Central Bedfordshire publishes its full admissions policy, including oversubscription criteria, the previous year's last-distance figures, and the appeals timetable, on the council's official admissions page. Find Central Bedfordshire school admissions →

Thomas Johnson Lower School: School Information

Full address
Hurst Grove, Lidlington, Bedford, MK43 0SB
Local authority
Central Bedfordshire
School type
Community school
Phase of education
Primary
Age range
3-9 years
Free school meals
8.6% of pupils
DfE URN
109468

Other Primary Schools in Bedford

If Thomas Johnson Lower School is oversubscribed, these primary schools in Bedford are the next closest alternatives.

Nearest primary schools by distance

These are the primary schools closest to Thomas Johnson Lower School by straight-line distance, including ones across a town or council boundary. Distance is not the same as being in catchment: always check each school's own admissions policy for its actual boundary.

Frequently Asked Questions: Thomas Johnson Lower School

What is the catchment area for Thomas Johnson Lower School?

The catchment area for Thomas Johnson Lower School is the geographic zone Central Bedfordshire uses to prioritise admissions when this primary school receives more applications than it has places. Children living inside the boundary are ranked higher under the oversubscription criteria, after looked-after children and siblings. Central Bedfordshire publishes the exact boundary and the last distance offered before each admissions cycle, and the boundary can change year to year.

Is Thomas Johnson Lower School oversubscribed?

Thomas Johnson Lower School has a capacity of 110 places and currently has 91 pupils enrolled. For the most up-to-date data, check with Central Bedfordshire.

What is the admissions policy for Thomas Johnson Lower School?

Admission to Thomas Johnson Lower School is managed by Central Bedfordshire. When oversubscribed, places go to looked-after children first, then siblings, then catchment area distance. Always verify the current policy with the council before applying.

What age range does Thomas Johnson Lower School cover?

Thomas Johnson Lower School is a primary school in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, serving pupils aged 3-9. For the latest information, visit the school's website or the DfE Get Information About Schools service.

What is the Ofsted rating for Thomas Johnson Lower School?

Thomas Johnson Lower School was rated Good by Ofsted in 2022. Full inspection reports are available at reports.ofsted.gov.uk.

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