Polesden Lacey Infant Academy has shared some exciting news for local families: the school will begin its transition to a half‑form‑entry Primary School from September 2027, meaning children will be able to stay at Polesden Lacey all the way through to Year 6.
This change will be introduced gradually, adding one year group at a time until the school reaches full primary provision by 2030/31. Importantly, children currently in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 (in 2026/27) will automatically receive a Year 3 place, removing the pressure of junior school applications.
The school will continue its well‑established mixed‑age teaching approach, using a two‑year rolling curriculum to ensure full coverage of the national curriculum while keeping year‑specific focus for core subjects such as phonics, spelling and maths.
There’s also good news for early years: Polesden Lacey has secured £150,000 to expand its Nursery, creating more space and an enriched environment for children aged 2+. Building work will take place over the summer and autumn, with careful planning to minimise disruption.
Forest School will remain a key part of the offer, staffing ratios will stay strong, and even at full primary capacity the school will have just 115 pupils — preserving the nurturing, community feel that makes Polesden Lacey so valued in Bookham.
This transition strengthens the school’s long‑term future and provides families with a high‑quality, village‑rooted primary option for the years ahead.
