Orpington Oatcake
Saturday deadline for secondary school applications
Published Thursday 29 October 2026
Check the school application deadline, plan a Halloween outing and book next week’s local fireworks.
Top Updates
Secondary school applications close on Saturday
If your child starts Year 7 in September 2027, apply through eAdmissions by Saturday 31 October. Bromley residents apply through Bromley, including for schools outside the borough. Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan use a separate route: contact your council caseworker.
On-time offers are due on 1 March 2027. Late applications normally wait until 5 April. Bromley can accept exceptional late applications received by 5pm on 7 December with a written explanation; acceptance is discretionary.
Alcohol licence approved for Crofton shop
Stop N Go at 6 Kelvin Parade, between Andover Road and Allington Road in Crofton, has been granted permission to sell alcohol to take away from 7am to 11pm daily. Following the application we covered on 1 October, Bromley approved the requested hours and restricted deliveries to the same times. The draft decision minutes record CCTV and age-check safeguards; councillors found insufficient evidence to refuse the licence over concerns about noise and antisocial behaviour.
Dates For Your Diary
Thursday 5 November · gates 6pm, fireworks 7pm
Scouts and school fireworks at The Highway
The 3rd Orpington Scouts and Friends of The Highway will share the proceeds of a fireworks evening at The Highway Primary School. Tickets cost £7 for adults and £5 for children; entry is via Arundel Road only. There will be refreshments and a licensed bar. Book fireworks tickets.
Friday 13 November · consultation deadline
Comment on Hewitts car-meet restrictions
Sevenoaks District Council is asking whether restrictions around Hewitts Roundabout should continue, whether their boundary should change and whether the prohibited behaviour remains right. Read the proposals and respond.
What's On
Thursday 29 October
SEND family event at Bishop Justus School, Bromley, 10am–2pm · free. Children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities, and their families, can meet education, health and social-care services at Bishop Justus School, Magpie Hall Lane, Bromley. There will be inclusive activities at the free half-term event. See SEND Local Offer Live.
Orpington Folk Club’s Mythical Creatures night, 8pm · £3 · cash only. Orpington Folk Club moves to the Change of Horses in Farnborough High Street for one night because its usual venue is unavailable. Graham and Paul host a themed singers’ night; listeners are welcome too. Check the venue update.
Friday 30 October
Paddington storytime at High Elms, 1pm–2pm · £5.50 per child. Children aged 18 months to five can hear a Halloween Paddington story and try outdoor activities in High Elms Country Park. Meet at the BEECHE Visitor Centre; an adult must stay. Book the outdoor storytime.
Saturday 31 October
Pumpkin carving at The Buff, 10am–noon · £10 per child. The Buff in Pinewood Drive will host a children’s pumpkin-carving morning with breakfast and Halloween activities. See the pumpkin-carving event.
Haunted Hoblingwell woodland trail in St Paul’s Cray, 12:30pm–2:30pm · £4 per child. Follow a Halloween trail at Hoblingwell Wood Recreation Ground, BR5 2QB, with activities and a treat or trick for participating children. Arrivals are staggered between 12:30pm and 1:30pm; children must stay with an adult. See the Haunted Hoblingwell event and ticket information.
Roadworks and Transport
Cray Avenue southbound lane closure continues: A southbound lane on Cray Avenue at Cray Valley Road, St Mary Cray, remains closed for UK Power Networks works. TfL schedules the restriction until 6pm on Friday 13 November. Check the Cray Avenue traffic notice.