apply online for a school place at www.bury.gov.uk/admissionsonline - a quick and easy way to Information apply with an instant acknowledgement. Guide 2013 You will also receive notification by email of the outcome of your application Apply online at: www.bury.gov.uk

You can apply online from home, from public libraries, from work or from an internet cafe.

What are the benefits of applying online? • It’s a quick and easy way of completing the Common Application Form (CAF) on a secure system. • There is accessible information to assist you in identifying school preferences, including a list of your local schools and distance measurements from your home address. • The application process is easy to follow with clear prompts to guide you through. • The system helps you by checking for errors before you submit your application. • You receive immediate confirmation that your application has been safely received. • You can print a summary of your online admission application. • There is no risk that a paper application will be lost. • There is no need to post a Common Application Form (CAF) back to us or to deliver a CAF to school or the office. • You will get notification by email of the outcome of your application after 2pm on 1/3/13 or you can log into your account to view your offer. This will be a day earlier than if you have applied on the paper form.

The process is easy to follow, so why not have a go?

The information contained in this information guide is important. It concerns your child’s education. If you need interpretation or translation to clarify the information or need advice on any matter contained within this guide, telephone Curriculum and Language Access Service on 0161 253 6422/23. CONTENTS PAGE

1. Location of Secondary Schools in the Borough Page 2 2. Letter from the Executive Director of Children’s Services Page 3 3. The Children involved Page 4 4. Information about the Schools Page 4 5. Pupils with Statements of Special Educational Needs Page 5 6. Admission Information Page 6 7. Admission numbers and Information from 2012 Page 6 8. How to complete the Common Application Form (CAF) Page 7 9. Applying to Schools outside Bury Page 9 10. Co-ordinated Scheme Page 9 11. Allocation of Places Page 9 12. Moving House Page 10 13. Other information Page 11

Appendix 1 : Criteria for Community Secondary Schools in Bury Page 13 Appendix 2 : Criteria for Bury Church of England High School Page 14 Appendix 3 : Criteria for St Gabriel’s Roman Catholic High School Page 16 Appendix 4 : Criteria for St Monica’s Roman Catholic High School Page 18 Appendix 5 : Criteria for Manchester Mesivta High School Page 21 Appendix 6 : Details of Open Days/Evenings Page 23 Appendix 7 : SEN provision Page 24 Appendix 8 : Completing the Common Application Form (CAF) Page 25 Appendix 9 : Free School Meals and Transport Page 27 Appendix 10 : Co-ordinated scheme for Bury LA maintained secondary schools 2013/14 Page 30

Appendix 11 : In Year fair access protocol Page 31

Closing date for applications 31st October 2012 apply online www.bury.gov.uk

Information Guide 1 LOCATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE BOROUGH

apply online www.bury.gov.uk

Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. 100023063/2013

2 Information Guide FOREWORD

Dear Parent or Carer

This guide aims to give you lots of information and to answer any questions you may have so you can make an informed decision about which school you would prefer your child to attend. There are links to other information such as Ofsted reports, performance tables, and other sites of interest. Each school has a prospectus which is available at the open events or by contacting the school.

* Try to attend as many open days/evenings as you can.

* Try to make realistic preferences. Most disappointments are caused when parents select popular schools at some distance from their home address, or do not fulfil faith requirements.

* You must complete an application form even if you already have a child in the school. Your child will not automatically be given a place.

* You may have older children and feel that you know the admissions process but please don’t assume that everything will still be the same.

* Try applying online at www.bury.gov.uk/admissionsonline. It’s a quick, safe and an easy way of applying and has several benefits, including finding out your school offer on results day rather than waiting for your letter to arrive in the post.

* Make sure you complete and return the application form by 31st October 2012. A late application will lessen your chances of getting the school you want.

* Over the last 3 years, over 90% of parents have got their first preference school so we will do our very best to give your child a school of your preference, but if we receive more applications than we have places, not everyone will get a place at a preferred school. Promises of more parental choice have encouraged some parents to believe that they have the right both to choose a school and to have that choice met. This is not the case. The law on admissions gives parents the right to express a preference for a school. It does not use the word choice.

* Notification letters will be posted out on 1st March 2013.

We advise all parents/carers to read this guide carefully and keep it until your child begins secondary school. If your child is not offered one of your preferred schools and you decide to appeal, this guide may be referred to at the appeals hearing.

Finally, we wish your child a happy and successful journey through the next stage of their education.

Yours sincerely

MARK CARRILINE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Information Guide 3 4

WHICH SCHOOLS ARE AVAILABLE IN BURY? aged 11-16except ManchesterMesivtawhichtakes boys only. are theresponsibility oftheGoverning Bodyoftheschool.AllschoolsinBurytake boys andgirls responsibility oftheLocalAuthority (LA).AdmissionstoVoluntary Aided(Denominationalschools) There aretwotypes ofsecondaryschoolsinBury. AdmissionsforCommunity schoolsarethe MAINSTREAM SCHOOLS the transfer process. secondary schoolsinSeptember2013.Thisguidecontainsimportantinformationabout Children bornbetween1stSeptember, 2001and31stAugust, 2002willtransfer to WHICH CHILDRENWILLTRANSFER? No. Information Guide Contact name School Name Specialism Head Teacher Address Tel. No on Website Address for enquiries roll Community Secondary Schools

Broad Oak Mr. R.N. Hazel Avenue Sports 0161 797 6543 580 www.broadoakhigh.org.uk Mr R O’Connor Sports College O’Connor Bury, BL9 7QT.

Castlebrook Science & Parr Lane, Bury Mr. A. Roberts 0161 796 9820 827 www.castlebrookhighschool.co.uk Mrs J Settle High Technology BL9 8LP.

The Derby Science & Radcliffe Road, Mrs. A. Byrne 0161 764 1819 857 www.derby.bury.sch.uk Mrs K Ashworth High Arts Bury BL9 8LP.

The Elton High Walshaw Road, Specialist Arts Visual Arts Mr. N. Scruton 0161 763 1434 1006 www.eltonhigh.bury.sch.uk Mr N Scruton Bury, BL8 1RN. College

Heywood Road, Emails will be sent after 2pmon1stMarch 201Emails willbesentafter 3 Closing date for applicationsis31st October 2012 Parrenthorn Technology Mr. M. Fitzgerald Prestwich, 0161 773 8634 855 www.parrenthornhigh.co.uk Mr M Fitzgerald High M25 2GR.

Higher Lane, Philips High Maths & ICT Mr. C. Trees Whitefield, 0161 351 2200 869 www.philips.bury.sch.uk Anthea Reed M45 7PH. Heys Road, Prestwich Arts Performing Mr. G. Barlow Prestwich, 0161 773 2052 814 www.prestwich.bury.sch.uk Mrs A Nelson College Arts M25 1JZ. Laurel Street, Maths & 01204 Mr P Tottington High Mr. B. Duffy Tottington, 934 www.tottington.bury.sch.uk Computing 885913/2327 Greenhalgh BL8 3LY.

Bolton Rd West Mr. M. Woodhey High Science Ramsbottom 01706 825215 1014 www.woodhey.bury.sch.uk Mr M Braidley Braidley , allocationletters willbeposted on1stMarch2013 BL0 9QZ.

Voluntary Aided Secondary Schools

Bury Church of Haslam Brow, Humanities Rev. G. Watson 0161 797 6236 786 www.burychurch.bury.sch.uk Mrs J Burley England High Bury, BL9 0TS.

Beechwood, Manchester Charlton Mesivta Jewish Mr. B. Avenue, 0161 773 1789 126 www.mesivta.co.uk Mr. M. Critchlow High School Sulzbacher Prestwich, (Boys only) M25 0PH. St. Gabriel’s Bridge Road, Mr. S. Smith Roman Science Bury 0161 764 3186 1056 www.st-gabriels.org.uk Mr S Smith Catholic High BL9 0TZ. St. Monica’s Bury Old Road, Roman Language Ms. A. Lecher Prestwich, 0161 773 6436 1112 www.stmonicas.co.uk Ms A Lecher Catholic High (Acting) M25 1JH. WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS A STATEMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS?

Where appropriate, pupils with Statements of Special Educational Needs will have a re-assessment of their needs during the Summer Term of Year 5, or the Autumn Term of Year 6, in order to assist the Local Authority (LA) in determining appropriate provision on transfer. This will form part of the Annual Review of your child’s statement.

Most pupils whose needs are currently being met in a mainstream primary school will transfer to a mainstream secondary school. Preferences expressed by parents of pupils with Statements of Special Educational Needs are not considered under the Local Authority’s (LA) published Transfer to Secondary Schools criteria. The Education Act 1996 (Schedule 27 (8) (2)) allows the parents of pupils with statements to request that the LA name a maintained school of their preference in Part 4 of the Statement. The LA must name that school in Part 4, unless:

(a) the school is unsuitable to the child’s age, ability or aptitude or to his special educational needs, or

(b) the attendance of the child at the school would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education for the children with whom he would be educated or the efficient use of resources.

You should be aware however, that if you ask the LA to name a school which is not the closest suitable school to your home, in complying with your request, the LA will not be responsible for providing or funding the provision of transport between your home and school, or contribute to the cost of any transport which you have arranged.

For those pupils who require a specialist placement, i.e. in one of the Authority’s specialist provisions, the LA will be responsible for arranging this, subject to consultation with governing bodies and discussion with parents. The provision of transport between home and school may be considered for those pupils who are placed by the LA in specialist provision.

Pupil’s with a Statement of Special Educational Needs are entitled to a free pass from Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM).This pass can be used nationally for bus, tram and train travel both within and outside of school hours. If you wish to apply for a TFGM bus pass or you are unclear about your child’s entitlement to the provision of transport, please contact the School and College Transport Team prior to completing your form. (0161 253 6968)

What if I feel my child needs to be assessed for Special Educational Needs?

The LA has detailed arrangements for the identification and assessment of children with special educational needs which involves the views of children (where appropriate) and their families. Further information can be found on the website at www.bury.gov.uk. Help and advice for families in relation to such issues can be found at Bury Parent Partnership based at the Re:D Centre – contact number 0161 763 5001 and further information can be found on the Bury Council website.

apply online www.bury.gov.uk

Information Guide 5 HOW WILL PLACES BE ALLOCATED TO COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOLS?

Where the level of demand exceeds the number of places available, places will be offered in accordance with the policy shown in Appendix 1 on pages 13.

HOW WILL PLACES BE ALLOCATED TO FAITH SCHOOLS?

The four faith schools in Bury will give priority to children of their faith. The policies are given in detail in the Appendices 2 to 5, on pages 14 to 21.

The Governors of Bury Church of England High School require you to complete a supplementary form (BCE 2013) available from the school, the LA, or via the website www.bury.gov.uk, in addition to the CAF. Both forms should be returned to the LA by 31st October, 2012.

The Governors of St Gabriel’s Roman Catholic High School require a Roman Catholic Baptismal Certificate.

The Governors of St Monica’s Roman Catholic High School require a Roman Catholic Baptismal Certificate and a Certificate of Sacramental Programme.

WHAT ARE MY CHILD’S CHANCES OF GETTING MY PREFERRED SCHOOL?

92% of Bury parents of the 2012 intake were offered their highest ranked preference school, and a further 6% were offered an alternative preference school, at the time of publication of this guide. The following table provides details of the admission number for each school and other comparative data. Similar information for the last 3 years is available on the website at: www.bury.gov.uk

Community Schools

No. on Projected No. Furthest Agreed No. of First/All intake How many successful of children in distance Admission Preferences list (in each category in 2012) Catchment offered in School No. for for the school for Sept area for 2012 Sept 2013 in 2012 2012 admission (in miles) 1 2 3 4 5 6

Broad Oak 120 121 122/176 1 3 91 11 15 0 185 All Castlebrook 187 154 156/298 2 6 76 20 50 0 124 All Derby 180 153 141/301 1 4 91 14 43 0 500 All Elton 200 211 277/551 0 4 89 48 54 16 148 1.940 Parrenthorn 168 174 233/405 3 8 81 33 40 9 151 1.462 Philips 176 167 155/380 2 6 40 26 93 0 103 All Prestwich 172 170 131/342 0 4 45 26 95 0 155 All Tottington 195 190 153/523 0 2 62 33 93 0 149 All Woodhey 210+ 220 261/459 3 9 126 27 44 11 131 2.034

1. = Looked after children. 3. = Catchment area. 2. = Children with statutory right to places, 4. = Siblings. e.g. children with Statements of 5. = Distance. Special Educational needs. 6. = Successful appeal. apply online *Autistic Spectrum Disorder Unit - pupils placed by www.bury.gov.uk Special Educational Needs Section.

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2012, allocation letters will be posted on 1st March 2013 6 Information Guide Emails will be sent after 2pm on 1st March 2013 PLEASE NOTE

Figures are as at July 2012. A If the “Number on intake list for September 2012” is greater than the admission A number, it will include places granted after appeal. The number of appeals granted for any school can vary considerably from one year to the next. You should be aware that the number of preferences for each school changes each A year. The LA and the schools cannot anticipate the demand or the pattern of demand until after the application forms are returned. The projected number of children in a catchment area can only be an estimate at this A stage. Catchment areas will lose children to independent or denominational schools. Some catchment areas will gain pupils who live within Bury, but currently attend schools outside the area.

The known number of children within the catchment area has been reduced to reflect the typical numbers of Roman Catholic children within the area and where preference for schools will be on denominational grounds.

Voluntary Aided Schools

No. of First/All Projected No. in Agreed No. of children on Preferences contributory Parishes Admission No intake list for Sept School for the school for admission in for Sept 2013 2012 in 2012 Sept 2013

Bury C of E High 156 143/371 156 n/a Manchester Mesivta Jewish High 40 29/34 32 n/a School St. Gabriel’s Roman 209 238/403 210 187 Catholic High St. Monica’s Roman Catholic High 210 266/406 225 186

By looking at the admission numbers and the numbers of preferences shown in the tables on pages 6-7, you can see the level of demand for places at individual schools in the previous year.

This information is intended to assist you in making an informed decision. Decisions relating to the order of, or choice of preferences, lie with parents.

An Admission Authority may vary its admission arrangements to comply with legislation for sharing pupils under a fair access protocol.

HOW DO I COMPLETE THE COMMON APPLICATION FORM?

The form can also be completed online at www.bury.gov.uk/admissionssecondary . Detailed information on completing the CAF can be found in Appendix 8.

apply online www.bury.gov.uk

Information Guide 7 HOW DOES THE EQUAL PREFERENCE SYSTEM WORK?

First, second and third preferences for all schools in Bury will be considered equally. If it is possible to offer a place at more than one school, the highest ranked school will be offered. See the following examples. Here are some examples of preferences and how they may be dealt with.

Examples: A.Your preferences

1. Woodhey High - As you live in the catchment area, Bury LA can offer a place. 2. Haslingden High - According to their agreed criteria, Lancashire County Council (LCC) is unable to offer a place. 3. Bury CE High - According to their agreed criteria, the Governors are able to offer a place. You will receive an offer for a place at Woodhey, as it is your highest ranked preference, at which a place can be offered. You will not then receive an offer of Bury Church of England High.

B.Your preferences

1. Haslingden High - According to their agreed criteria, LCC is unable to offer a place. 2. Bury CE High - According to their agreed criteria, the Governors are able to offer a place. 3. Woodhey High - As you live in the catchment area, Bury LA can offer a place. You will receive an offer of a place at Bury Church, as it is your highest ranked preference, at which a place can be offered. You will not then receive an offer of Woodhey High School.

C.Your preferences

1. Woodhey High - A place cannot be offered on the distance criterion. 2. Tottington High - A place can be offered on the distance criterion. 3. The Elton High - As you live within the catchment area for The Elton, a place can be offered. You will receive an offer for a place at Tottington, as it is your highest ranked preference at which a place can be offered. You will not then receive an offer of The Elton High School.

D.Your preferences

1. St Gabriel’s RC High - According to their criteria, the Governors are unable to offer a place. 2. St Monica’s RC High - According to their criteria, the Governors are unable to offer a place. 3. Parrenthorn High - As you live within the catchment area for Parrenthorn, a place can be offered. You will receive an offer for a place at Parrenthorn as this is your highest ranked preference, at which a place can be offered.

WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT MY PREFERRED SCHOOL?

The preferences which you state on your application remain as you give them. Any al- teration can be made up to 31st October, 2012 only. If you want to change your preferences after this date you must confirm in writing. They will be treated as late appli- cations. If an application is received after the initial allocation of places, a place will only be offered if a vacancy exists. If the approved admission number has been reached, the application will be considered if any places become available due to withdrawals. This ‘topping-up’ procedure will be carried out in accordance with the over-subscription criteria. If a place cannot be offered, you will have the right of appeal and will be notified if alternative vacancies exist. Closing date for applications is 31st October 2012, allocation letters will be posted on 1st March 2013 Emails will be sent after 2pm on 1st March 2013 8 Information Guide CAN I APPLY TO SCHOOLS OUTSIDE BURY?

Yes, you can - you may prefer that your child attends a school which is not maintained by Bury LA. If this is the case, you should make enquiries as stated below. It would be advisable to make enquiries immediately to ensure that you do not miss any deadlines for that school and to be sure you know the policy for admission. Contact details for other authorities are given on page 12.

(a) Maintained schools in other LAs must be included on your application. Bury LA will notify the other LA of your stated preferences, under the co-ordinated scheme, which is explained below. If your child sits the entrance exam for a maintained grammar such as Sale Grammar School, you must state Sale GS on the application AND apply to the school for details about the exam and timetable.

(b) Independent schools should be approached directly to find out the policy, procedure and costs of sending your child to that school. Independent schools should not be included on the application.

If you subsequently accept a place at an independent school or another area school, please tell us as soon as possible.

HOW DOES THE CO-ORDINATED SCHEME WORK?

A co-ordinated scheme is in operation, which is intended to make the process simpler for parents. You need to complete just one application, which can include faith schools and schools in other LAs (except for independent schools). This form is now available online from your home authority.

Each LA will forward requests to other LAs who will consider all requests in accordance with their criteria.

If two LAs are able to offer places, the school which you ranked highest will be offered.

Bury LA will notify Bury parents of decisions. Other LAs will notify parents who live in their area. This should result in you receiving just one offer of a place.

WHEN WILL I HEAR IF MY CHILD HAS A PLACE?

Notification of offers will be posted out from this office on 1st March, 2013 to all Bury residents. If you do not live in Bury, but have applied through your own LA for a Bury school, your own LA should also post letters out on 1st March, 2013. If you have applied online and supplied an email address, you will receive notification by email after 2pm on 1st March, 2013.

apply online www.bury.gov.uk

Information Guide 9 WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD IS NOT OFFERED MY PREFERRED SCHOOL?

Where all the places at your preferred school are filled by children who have a higher priority than your child, it will not be possible to offer your child a place at that school. Your other preferences will have been considered and you will be offered a place if one is available. If the LA is unable to offer you a place at any of your preferred schools, a place will be offered at the nearest school to your home that has a vacancy. If you have been refused a place at a school in another area, you are entitled to appeal and should contact that LA to find out what happens and what you should do.

Children not offered places at Bury Schools

(a) Topping up Procedure In all cases, where it has not been possible to offer a place at your higher ranked preference(s), applications will continue to be considered if any places become available due to withdrawals. This “topping-up” procedure will be carried out in accordance with the criteria listed. The number of children waiting for places changes constantly. If a place becomes available, all the children waiting for places at that time will be considered, and the place will be offered in accordance with the over-subscription criteria.

(b) Appeals If your child is not offered a place at a school of your preference, you have the right of appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel. You can appeal to any or all of the schools, using the appeals form at www.bury.gov.uk/admissions or you can request a form from Children’s Services.

You should give the reasons for wanting a place at each school. A statement will be prepared showing why the LA has not been able to offer a place.

Your form and the LA statement will form the basis of the consideration by the Appeals Panel. You will be invited to the meeting to discuss your case with the Panel. An LA or Governor representative will also be invited. The Panel will make their decision based on the information available to them at the meeting.

It is anticipated that appeals will be heard from April onwards, depending on the amount of topping-up the LA can do and how many appeals are received.

If it is necessary for you to go to the Independent Appeals Panel, further information will be sent to you by the Democratic Services Section of the Council who arrange the appeals meetings.

(c) Waiting lists Waiting lists will be held for community schools for one year after September 2013. The policies for the Voluntary Aided schools will say how long each school will hold their waiting lists for.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MOVE HOME?

You may decide to move house before 1st March, 2013. Your new address can be taken into account only if you exchange contracts on a property or if you have a legally binding long-term rental agreement by 31st October, 2012, and where this is your only property or place of residence. Remember that a different house may be in a different catchment area which may affect your chances of securing a place at your preferred school(s).

It is essential that acceptable evidence of residency is provided before consideration can be given to using that address. The LA cannot take any other circumstances into account.

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2012, allocation letters will be posted on 1st March 2013 10 Information Guide Emails will be sent after 2pm on 1st March 2013 If you move after 1st March, 2013, the following arrangements will apply;

(a) In cases where parents move from inside or outside the Borough to an address in the area of a secondary school which is already filled to the designated intake level, and request a place at that school, then consideration can only be given through the topping-up procedures and in accordance with the criteria. It is essential that acceptable evidence of residency is provided before consideration can be given to using that address.

(b) In cases where parents move house to another catchment area or move outside the Borough before the end of April 2013, the LA reserves the right to amend the original allocation.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?

Bury Council does not fund places in independent schools.

As space is limited in this information guide, you may find the following links useful:-

* Examination results are published in the school prospectus and OFSTED Inspection reports are available from each school or via www.ofsted.gov.uk.

* School performance information for Bury LA (DfE No: 351) is available free from the Department for Education (DfE), Tel: 087 0000 2288 Email: [email protected] or see DfE website www.education.gov.uk

* In addition, each secondary school has produced a prospectus containing detailed information about the school. A free copy of each school’s prospectus is available directly from the school. (Telephone numbers of each school are given previously in this information guide).

* Information about school uniforms, after school activities, bullying policies etc., may be contained in the prospectus or can be discussed at Open Days, or by telephoning the school.

* If you live within Bury, the catchment area has been given on the information letter. If you require further information relating to catchment areas, a large scale map can be viewed at Athenaeum House.

* Details of bus routes and timetables are available from TFGM - telephone 08712 00 22 33 or via www.tfgm.com.

* Information for the Metrolink is available at main Metrolink Stations or via www.metrolink.co.uk.

* Other useful information for parents can be found at www.directgov.uk and at www.parentscentre.gov.uk.

* Some children may be entitled to free school meals or to help towards travel costs. If you live in the Bury area, please contact 0161 253 5858 (meals) or 0161 253 5680 (transport).

* You can download a copy of this information guide from the website. Bury residents can use the online form available on the website at www.bury.gov.uk.

Information guide 11 * If you do not name the catchment area school as a preference, you should be aware of the possible consequences:-

1. You may not be offered a school of your preference, especially if the schools you have listed are the ones which are usually oversubscribed. 2. You may then find that the schools closest to your home have been filled from children who did express them as preferences. 3. The only schools which have vacancies may not be close to your home.

* Over a number of years some parents have used an address which is not the child’s normal place of residence, in an attempt to enhance the chance of a place being offered in a preferred school. It is essential that you provide proof of your address together with your application. The LA will seek further evidence of any address, where it is felt necessary. If a child obtains a place by fraudulent means, the sibling rule will not apply to younger chil- dren.

Places will be withdrawn if it is found that incorrect information has been supplied on the application form as a means of securing a place at a preferred school.

* Where a child lives part of the week with one parent and the other part with another parent, the LA will only accept the name and address to which the Child Benefit is paid.

OTHER LA CONTACT NUMBERS

If you intend to apply for a school in another area, you must include it on the application provided by your home LA. This will be the Authority you pay your council tax to. However, you should check individual school policies and timescales with the school or with the LA the school belongs to.

There are links to other LA websites at www.bury.gov.uk Bolton 01204 332137/332143 Lancashire (Rossendale Area) 01254 220718 apply online Manchester 0161 245 7166 www.bury.gov.uk Oldham 0161 911 4213 Rochdale 01706 925982 Salford 0161 778 0415

PLEASE REMEMBER

1. The information given in this document has been prepared in advance of the 2013/2014 school year to which it refers. It is possible, therefore, that there may be changes affecting the information contained in this information guide for the 2013/2014 school year or subsequent years.

2. Admission Authorities reserve the right to make any adjustments to the published admission policy where this is necessary to comply with legislation.

3. Admission Authorities will withdraw the offer of a place if it is subsequently shown that incorrect details have been supplied to secure the place.

4. Data Protection Act - The Council maintains a Register Entry in respect of Education, which includes the administration relating to pupils. Personal information provided is treated in confidence and complies with the requirements of the Act. This information may also be shared with other relevant parties such as other Local Authorities, Admission Authorities, schools and other departments of the Council.

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2012, allocation letters will be posted on 1st March 2013 Emails will be sent after 2pm on 1st March 2013 12 Information Guide APPENDIX 1

ADMISSIONS POLICY FOR COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR SEPTEMBER 2013

Children with Statements of Special Educational Needs will be given a place at the school named on their statement.

When schools are oversubscribed, priority for allocation of places will be as follows:-

1. Children in public care (Looked After Children) and previously looked after children. Previously looked after children are children who were looked after, but ceased to be so because they were adopted (or became subject to a residence order or special guardianship order).(1) (2)

2. Children who live within the catchment area. (3)

3. Children who will have an older brother or sister in the school in September 2013. For this purpose, a brother or sister may be a full or step-brother or a full or step-sister, living at the same address, at the time of admission.

4. Other children.

If applications are received after the closing date, they will be dealt with as late applications, and will not be considered until after those applications which were received on time.

If there is over-subscription in any category, places will be offered using a straight line dis- tance measurement from home to school. The distance will be measured using the Local Au- thority’s computerised mapping system, which measures from the address point of the home property to the address point of the school as defined by Bury Council’s LLPG (Local Land and Property Gazetteer). Those living closer to the school on this basis will receive the higher pri- ority. Where the final place in a year group can be taken by two or more children living an equal distance from the school, (for example two children living in the same block of flats) the Lo- cal Authority will then use random allocation to decide which of the children can be offered a place.

Where a child has parents with shared responsibility and lives with each parent for part of the week, the home address will be decided by using the name & address of the parent/carer to whom the Child Benefit payment is paid.

If there is a situation where only one place is available and the next children to be offered are twins or triplets, both twins or the three triplets will be offered places.

1st, 2nd and 3rd preferences for all secondary schools in Bury will be considered equally.

If you wish to give reasons for your preferences you may do so. However, parents should note that the criteria given above are the criteria which will be used to offer places.

Parents are only entitled to one appeal for an individual school each year. A re-appeal would only be considered if new evidence became available which could not have been made avail- able at the original appeal hearing.

1 Under the terms of the Adoption and Children Act 2002. See Section 46 (adoption orders). 2 Under the terms of the Children Act 1989. See Section 8 which defines a ‘residence order’ as an order settling the arrangements to be made as to the person with whom the child is to live. 3 Catchment area maps are published on the website at www.bury.gov.uk. Large scale maps can also be viewed at Athenaeum House, Market Street, Bury.

apply online www.bury.gov.uk Information Guide 13 APPENDIX 2

ADMISSIONS POLICY FOR BURY CHURCH OF ENGLAND HIGH SCHOOL

The Governors are responsible for admissions to the school in agreement with the Manchester Diocesan Board of Education and the Local Authority. Each year the school will admit a total of 156 pupils to Year 7. All admissions must be dealt with by the Local Authority with effect from September 2010.

ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION All pupils of transfer age are eligible for admission into Year 7. All pupils are admitted without reference to a child’s ability and aptitude. All children having a Statement of Special Educational Needs in whose statement the school is named will be admitted.

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION When the number of applicants exceeds the number of remaining places available, places will be allocated in order of priority as follows: Children in public care (Looked After Children) and previously looked after children. Previously looked after children are children who were looked after, but ceased to be 1 so because they were adopted (or became subject to a residence order or special guardianship order). (1) (2) Children whose medical or social circumstances mean that their needs can only be met at this school. Where such an admission is sought, professional supporting evidence e.g. from a doctor, psychologist or social worker is essential. Such 2 evidence must set out the particular reasons why the school is the most suitable for the child and the difficulties that would be caused if the child had to attend another school Children who attend public worship regularly with their parent(s) at a Church belonging to Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) or a local grouping of Churches Together. Points will be given based on information supplied by parents and confirmed by the Church minister/official to enable prioritisation with priority being given to those having the higher attendance. Where a single place remains and there is more than one applicant with similar points, score priority will be given 3 first to the applicant who has an older sibling in Year 8 at the time of admission with a lower priority being given to applicants with siblings in Years 9, 10 and 11. If more than one applicant satisfies the requirement the place will be wardeda on the basis of home to school distance (see Note A below). Sibling includes step, half, foster and adopted brothers or sisters living at the same address and full brother or sister living apart Any other children, firstly those with brothers or sisters on the school roll in the 4 September for which admission is sought, secondly on the basis of home to school distance (see Note A below)

If you wish your child to be considered within the faith category, you must complete the supplementary form which is available from the school and return it to the school by the date specified on the form.

A list of all applications prioritised by the Governors’ Admissions Committee in accordance with the above criteria will be passed to the Bury Local Authority Admissions Team who will allocate places according to parental choices of High Schools in co-ordination with other Local Authorities. Refused places will be re-offered in prioritised list order. The list will be retained until the end of the first term of the academic eary and be used to top up places whenever the number on roll falls below 156.

1 Under the terms of the Adoption and Children Act 2002. See Section 46 (adoption orders). 2 Under the terms of the Children Act 1989. See Section 8 which defines a ‘residence order’ as an order settling the arrangements to be made as to the person with whom the child is to live.

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2012, allocation letters will be posted on 1st March 2013 Emails will be sent after 2pm on 1st March 2013 14 Information Guide NOTES

A. HOME TO SCHOOL DISTANCE If there are a number of applications with equal points scores under Criterion 3, places will be offered using a straight line distance measurement from home to school. The distance will be measured using the Local Authority’s computerised mapping system which measures from the address point of the home property to the address point of the school as defined by Bury Council’s LLPG (Local Land and Property Gazetteer), with nearer addresses having priority over the more distant ones

B. MULTIPLE BIRTHS If the situation occurs where only one place is available and the next children to be offered are twins or triplets, both twins or the three triplets will be offered places.

C. NORMAL RESIDENCE Where parenting is shared, the normal residence will be taken as that to which Child Benefit is paid.

D. WAITING LIST Where we have more applications than places, the admission criteria will be used. Children who are not admitted will have their names placed on the waiting list in the order result- ing from the application of the admissions criteria. Since the date of application cannot be a criterion for the order of names on the waiting list, late applications for the school will be slotted into the order according to the extent to which they meet the criteria. Thus it will be possible that a late application for a child may have a higher priority than one who has been on the waiting list for some time. If a place becomes available within the admission number, the child whose name is at the top of the list will be offered a place. This is not dependent on whether an appeal has been submitted. The waiting list will only operate until the end of the autumn term of the admission year

E. APPEALS Where the Governors are unable to offer a place because the school is oversubscribed, parents have the right to appeal to an Independent Admission Appeal Panel, set up under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, as amended by the Education Act 2002. Parents should notify the Clerk to the Admissions Committee at the school of their intention to appeal within 14 days of receiving the letter refusing a place. Parents will have the opportunity to submit their case to the Panel in writing and also to attend in order to present their case. Normally parents will receive 14 days notice of the time and place of the appeal. This right of appeal against the governors’ decision does not prevent parents from making an appeal in respect of any other school.

F. FRAUDULENT APPLICATIONS Where the governing body discovers that a child has been awarded a place as the result of an intentionally misleading application which effectively denies a place to a child with a stronger claim, then the governing body is required to withdraw the offer of a place. The application will be considered afresh and a right of appeal offered if a place is refused.

apply online www.bury.gov.uk

Information Guide 15 apply online APPENDIX 3 www.bury.gov.uk

ST GABRIEL’S RC HIGH SCHOOL SPECIALIST SCIENCE COLLEGE

St Gabriel’s is a Roman Catholic Secondary School provided by the Diocese of Salford and is maintained by the Bury Local Authority as a Voluntary Aided School. The school’s Governing Body has set its planned admissions number at 209.

The Governors recognise that the first responsibility of the school is to serve the Roman Catholic community for which it has been established. This is focused on designated parish communities and the Roman Catholic primary schools that are partners in providing for those communities. In establishing this over-subscription criteria the Governors have also taken full account of the Code on admissions produced by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and the emphasis placed on supporting children in public care. Those children with a statement of special educational needs will be automatically admitted if we are the named school.

The parish communities served by the school are: The associated primary schools are : Guardian Angels’, Bury Guardian Angels’, Bury St Hilda’s, Tottington Our Lady of Lourdes, Bury St Joseph’s, Bury Holly Mount, Tottington *St Josephs, Bury St Joseph & St Bede, Bury St Joseph’s, Ramsbottom St Joseph’s, Ramsbottom St Marie’s, Bury St Marie’s, Bury (*includes the former St Bede’s parish)

Admission to the school will be made by the Governing Body in accordance with the stated parental preferences it receives and subject to the following set of criteria, which will be used to form a priority order if there are more applications for admission than the school has places available. a) Roman Catholic children who are in public care and adopted children who were previously in public care (see footnote 12) or who became subject to a residence order or special guardianship order (see footnote 13).

b) Roman Catholic children living in a contributory parish. Maps of the contributory parishes are available at St Gabriel’s RC High School.

c) Roman Catholic children attending an associated Roman Catholic Primary School.

d) Other Roman Catholic children who have a brother or sister at the school.

e) Other Roman Catholic children in maintained Roman Catholic Primary Schools.

f) Roman Catholic children in other maintained primary schools.

g) Other children who are in public care and adopted children who were previously in public care (see footnote 12) or who became subject to a residence order or special guardianship order (see footnote 13).

h) Children with exceptional needs (see note 4).

i) Other children.

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2012, allocation letters will be posted on 1st March 2013 Emails will be sent after 2pm on 1st March 2013 16 InformationGuide Footnotes:

1. All applicants will be considered at the same time and after the closing date for admissions, which is 31st October 2012. 2. If any of the categories (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) or (g) is over-subscribed, places will be allocated by the Governors by reference to subsequent categories in order. For example, if category (a) is over-subscribed, children who satisfy both categories (a) and (b) will have priority over children who satisfy only category (a). 3. If there is over-subscription in any category, places will be offered using a straight line distance measurement from home to school. The distance will be measured using the Local Authority’s computerised mapping system, which measures from the address point of the home property to the address point of the school as defined by Bury Council’s LLPG (Local Land and Property Gazetteer). 4. The Governing Body will consider the admission of children with proven and exceptional medical or social needs where admission to the school might best help satisfy those exceptional needs, for example, if the school is adapted to accommodate physically handicapped pupils and such a pupil seeks admission. Parents are asked to explain in writing why St Gabriel’s is more suitable than any other school and must provide professional evidence to support their case. 5. Sibling – a brother or sister will be defined as a sibling who resides in the same residence as a pupil who occupies a place in the school, if the sibling will still be in attendance at the date of ad mission of the applicant. 6. If there is a situation where only one place is available and the next children to be offered are twins or triplets, both twins or the three triplets will be offered places. 7. The Governors will require evidence in support of a claim that the child is a Roman Catholic. 8. The school will hold a waiting list for the first term after the normal admission round, i.e. September to December. If places become available, they will be offered in accordance with the school’s admission policy. 9. Applications received after the closing date will be treated as late applications and will only be accepted if there is a genuine reason. 10. All admissions will be dealt with by the Local Authority. 11. Appeals – if an application for admission has been turned down by the Governing Body, parents can appeal to an independent Appeals Panel. The appeal must be sent in writing to the Admissions Team at the Local Authority. The parents must give their reasons for appealing in writing and the Appeals Panel decision is binding on the Governors. 12. Under the terms of the Adoption and Children Act 2002. See Section 46 (adoption orders). 13. Under the terms of the Children Act 1989. See Section 8 which defines a ‘residence order’ as an order settling the arrangements to be made as to the person with whom the child is to live.

apply online www.bury.gov.uk

Information Guide 17 APPENDIX 4

ST MONICA’S RC HIGH SCHOOL SPECIALIST LANGUAGE COLLEGE

St. Monica’s R.C. High School is a Roman Catholic Secondary School provided by the Diocese of Salford and is maintained by the Bury Local Education Authority as a Voluntary Aided School. The school’s Governing Body is the Admissions Authority and is responsible for taking decisions on applications for admissions. For the school year commencing September, 2012 the Governing Body has set its planned admissions number at 210. The Governors recognize that the first responsibility of the school is to serve the Roman Catholic community for which it has been established. This is focused on designated parish communities and the Roman Catholic primary schools that are partners in providing for those communities. In establishing their oversubscription criteria the Governors have also taken full account of the Code of Practice produced by the Department for Education and Skills and the emphasis placed on supporting children in public care.

The parish communities served by the school are: The associated primary schools are : Our Lady of Grace Our Lady of Grace Our Lady of Dolours St. Philip’s St. Bernadette’s St. Bernadette’s St. Michael’s St. Michael’s St. Mary & St. Philip Neri St. Mary’s

Children with a statement of SEN, that names the school, will be given a place.

Admission to the school will be made by the Governing Body in accordance with the stated parental preferences it receives and subject to the following set of criteria which will be used to form a priority order if there are more applications for admission than the school has places available.

A Roman Catholic children who are in public care (Looked After Children) and previously looked after children. Previously looked after children are children who were looked after, but ceased to be so because they were adopted [1] (or became subject to a residence order [2] or special

B Roman Catholic children living in a contributory parish and who have completed the Diocesan Sacramental programme.

C Roman Catholic children attending an Associated Roman Catholic primary school and who have completed the Diocesan Sacramental programme.

D Other Roman Catholic children who have a brother or sister at the school at the time of transfer and who have completed the Diocesan Sacramental programme.

E Other Roman Catholic children in Maintained Roman Catholic primary schools and who have completed the Diocesan Sacramental programme.

F Roman Catholic children in other Maintained primary schools and who have completed the Diocesan Sacramental programme.

G Other children in public care (Looked After Children) and previously looked after children. Previously looked after children are children who were looked after, but ceased to be so because they were adopted [1] (or became subject to a residence order [2] or special guardianship order).

H Other children. [1] Under the terms of the Adoption and Children Act 2002. See Section 46 (adoption orders).

[2] Under the terms of the Children Act 1989. See Section 8 which defines a ‘residence order’ as an order settling the arrangements to be made as to the person with whom the child is to live.

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2012, allocation letters will be posted on 1st March 2013 Emails will be sent after 2pm on 1st March 2013 18 Information Guide Footnotes

1. All applicants will be considered at the same time, after the closing date for admission on 31st October, 2012. 2. The Governors will require evidence in support of a claim that the child is a Baptised Roman Catholic and has completed the Diocesan Sacramental programme or equivalent. 3. The Governing Body reserve the right to admit children with proven and exceptional medical or social needs where admission to the school might best help satisfy those exceptional needs: e.g. if the school is adapted to accommodate physically handicapped pupils and such a pupil seeks admission. Parents are asked to explain why St. Monica’s is more suitable than any other school and what difficulties would be caused if the child had to attend a different school. 4. Siblings. A brother or sister will be defined as a sibling who resides in the same residence as a pupil who occupies a place in the school, if the sibling will still be in attendance at the date of admission of the applicant. 5. Parish Boundaries. Parents should check carefully whether they are resident within the parish boundary of one of the designated parishes. Maps illustrating these boundaries are available in the information provided by the primary schools and at this school. 6. Shared Parenting. Where a child lives with parents with shared responsibility, each for part of the week, the home address will be decided by using the address on the Child Benefit payment book. 7. Waiting List. St. Monica’s operates a waiting list for one term in the academic year of admission, in accordance with published criteria. 8. Multiple Births If there is a situation where only one place is available and the next children to be offered are twins or triplets, both twins or the three triplets will be offered places. 9. Tie Breaks. If there is a tie break decision e.g. only one place left in category (f) and four children fulfil the criteria for category (f), then the tie break will be decided by using a straight line distance measurement from home to school. The distance will be measured using the Local Authority’s computerised mapping system, which measures from the address point of the home property to the address point of the school as defined by Bury Council’s LLPG (Local Land and Property Gazetteer). 10. Late applications. Late applications can only be considered in accordance with the policy. Further offers cannot be made if the school is oversubscribed. 11. Appeals. In an application for admission has been turned down by the Governing Body, parents can appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel. This appeal must be sent in writing to the Clerk to the Governors at the school within 14 days of refusal. The parents must give reasons for appealing in writing and the decision of the Appeals Panel is binding on the Governors. 12. With effect from September, 2010, all admissions will be dealt with by the Local Authority on behalf of the Governing Body.

apply online www.bury.gov.uk

Information Guide 19 ST. MONICA’S SIXTH FORM

St. Monica’s R.C. High School is a Roman Catholic Secondary School provided by the Diocese of Salford and is maintained by the Bury Local Education Authority as a Voluntary Aided School. The school’s Governing Body is the Admissions Authority and is responsible for taking decisions on ap- plications for admissions. For the school year commencing September 2013 the Governing Body has set its planned admissions for the sixth form at 150. The Governors recognize that the first responsibility of the sixth form is to serve the Roman Catholic community for which it has been established. This is focused on designated parish communities and the Roman Catholic schools that are partners in providing for those communities. In establishing their oversubscription criteria the Governors have also taken full account of the Code of Practice produced by the Department for Education and Skills and the emphasis placed on supporting children in public care. We also welcome applications from students interested in continuing their education in a Christian environment with the emphasis on educational excellence and opportunity, moral and spiritual values and the importance of the care and development of the individual student.

A Baptised Roman Catholic students who are in public care.

B Baptised Roman Catholic students attending St. Monica’s Specialist Language & Applied Learning College.

C Baptised Roman Catholic students attending a Catholic school.

D Baptised Roman Catholic students attending other schools. E Other students in public care. F Other students.

Catholic students from Bury and the surrounding area will usually be given a place, providing that their application form is received by the closing date and the College has a suitable course for them. However, students should be aware that places may be limited by availability on certain courses. In offering places we will take into account the following: • A formal meeting, which will concentrate on the course you have chosen and whether St. Monica’s sixth form is suitable for you • Your application form • Information which your High School has provided • The date of receipt of application for, if after the closing date • A commitment to the College community • An acceptance of the student/College agreement

Footnotes 1. All applicants will be considered at the same time, after the closing date for admission. (31st January, 2013)

2 Appeals. If an application for admission has been turned down by the Governing Body, parents can appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel. This appeal must be sent in writing to the Clerk to the Governors at the school within 14 days of refusal. The parents must give reasons for appealing in writing and the decision of the Appeals Panel is binding on the Governors.

3. The Governing Body expect that all students specifically selecting a Catholic sixth form education will wish to be fully involved in the ethos and spiritual life of the College, and in achieving the aims set out in its Mission Statement.

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2012, allocation letters will be posted on 1st March 2013 Emails will be sent after 2pm on 1st March 2013 20 Information Guide APPENDIX 5

MANCHESTER MESIVTA SCHOOL

Manchester Mesivta has applied for Academy status. The date for implementation has yet to be confirmed. Academy funding agreements requires them to participate within local co-ordination schemes.

Manchester Mesivta is a Voluntary Aided school for boys situated in the Metropolitan Borough of Bury, serving the needs of the Orthodox Jewish residents of the Greater Manchester area. The school seeks to provide a broad and balanced education based on Torah values combined with the National Curriculum.

The school delivers an extensive Yeshiva-orientated Torah syllabus combined with the National Curriculum leading to GCSE and ‘A/S’ levels. It caters for boys in the age range of 10-16. The independent Manchester Jewish Grammar School continues to offer sixth form studies to Advanced Level on the same site. The school is suitable for boys who wish to proceed eventually to a Yeshiva and who are thus motivated to achieve a high degree of proficiency in Torah studies as well as an advanced secular standard.

Open Afternoon All prospective parents and pupils are invited to attend an open afternoon in November when they will be able to tour the school, observe classes and meet with the Principal and Headmaster. N.B. If you have not returned your local authority application form (CAF), please do so immediately, marking the Manchester Mesivta as your school of preference.

Admissions Policy The Governing Body seeks to serve boys from Orthodox Jewish families who wish their sons to receive secondary education in a school whose principles and daily life are based on Torah values. Admissions to the school will be conducted in compliance with statutory obligations. Accordingly boys with a Statement of Special Educational Needs that names the school will be given a place at the school.

Admission Number The number of boys to be admitted into Year 7 at age 11 each year is 40.

Over-subscription Criteria In respect of applications on behalf of Orthodox Jewish Boys, the Governing Body takes the expression ‘Orthodox Jewish’ to mean ‘boys whose parents or guardians participate daily in the worship and other observances of an Orthodox Jewish Congregation’. Atten- dance will be considered on the basis of the parents and child attending for a minimum of 2 years prior to the date of the application.

Applicants should complete the supplementary information form which is obtainable from the school or from Bury Local Authority and return the form to the school by 13th January 2013.

Places will be offered without reference to ability. apply online www.bury.gov.uk

Information Guide 21 In the event of over-subscription, the Governing Body will give priority in oversubscription crite- ria ii to iv boys whose worship and observances are confirmed by the Rabbi of the Congregation where the family members participate in worship. The oversubscription criteria will be applied in the order set out below, in order to decide which boys to admit:

1 Orthodox Jewish boys in public care (LAC) and previously looked after Orthodox Jewish boys. Previously looked after children are children who were looked after, but ceased to be so because they were adopted by an Orthodox Jewish family (or became subject to a residence order within an Orthodox Jewish family or special guardianship

2 Other looked after boys in public care (LAC) and previously looked after boys. Previously looked after children are children who were looked after, but ceased to be so because they were adopted (or became subject to a residence order or special guardianship order).

3 Orthodox Jewish Boys with a brother, step brother, half brother or adoptive brother at the school at the time of admission;

4 Orthodox Jewish Boys who have attended either Yesoiday HaTorah (Voluntary Aided) School or Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox (Voluntary Aided) Primary School (or the successors to these schools), with which the Manchester Mesivta has a longstanding association;

5 Other Orthodox Jewish Boys not included in (i) to (iv) above;

6 Other boys.

If there is over-subscription in any category, places will be offered using distance from home to school as a criterion. The distance will be measured using the Local Authority’s Those living closer on this basis will receive the higher priority.

Where the final place can be taken by two or more boys living an equal distance from the school, (for example two boys living in the same block of flats) the Local Authority will then use random allocation to decide which of the boys can be offered a place.

If there is a situation where only one place is available and the next boy to be offered is one of twins or other multiple births, both boys or the brothers of multiple birth will be offered places.

If applications are received after the closing date, they will be dealt with as late applications, and will not be considered until after those applications which were received on time.

Waiting List The Governing Body will maintain a waiting list of applicants. Boys will be placed on that list in order as determined by the criteria stated above. Places will be offered to boys on the waiting list as vacancies arise in accordance with Bury LEA’s arrangements.

General The school will consult the Bury local authority, neighbouring local authorities and others as required by the School Admissions Code on its admission arrangements. It will establish arrangements for appeals against non-admission with an Independent Appeals Committee. Details of the admissions and appeals arrangements will be published each year. apply online www.bury.gov.uk

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2012, allocation letters will be posted on 1st March 2013 Emails will be sent after 2pm on 1st March 2013 22 Information Guide APPENDIX 6

DETAILS OF OPEN DAYS/EVENINGS

You are encouraged to make contact with schools. However, please note that at the time of open days/evenings, neither the Head Teachers or the LA have any indication of the demand for places. Invitation to or attendance at these events in no way guarantees an offer of a place at the school. Places will be allocated in accordance with the admissions criteria.

DATE DAY EVENING

Thu 13/09/2012 CASTLEBROOK 6.00 - 8.00

Mon 17/09/2012 CASTLEBROOK 9.15 - 10.45 Tue 18/09/2012 CASTLEBROOK 9.15 - 10.45 BROAD OAK 10.00 - 12.00 BROAD OAK 6.30 - 8.30 Wed 19/09/2012 Thu 20/09/2012 TOTTINGTON 9.15 - 1.00 TOTTINGTON 4.30 - 7.30 BURY CHURCH 6.00 - 9.00 9.15 - 1.00 Fri 21/09/2012 TOTTINGTON 2.00 - 3.00 BURY CHURCH 9.30 - 12.00

Mon 24/09/2012 Tue 25/09/2012 PRESTWICH 6.00 - 8.00 Wed 26/09/2012 PHILIPS 6.30 - 8.00 9.15 - 10.45 Thu 27/09/2012 PHILIPS 11.15 - 12.45 THE DERBY 6.30 - 8.45 2.30 - 3.15 Fri 28/09/2012 THE DERBY 9.30 - 11.00

Mon 01/10/2012 CASTLEBROOK 9.15 - 10.45 9.30 - 12.00 Tue 02/10/2012 THE ELTON 1.45 - 3.30 WOODHEY 9.00 - 11.45 WOODHEY 6.15 - 8.30 9.30 - 12.00 Wed 03/10/2012 THE ELTON 1.45 - 3.30 THE ELTON 7.00 - 9.00 Thu 04/10/2012 PARRENTHORN 6.00 - 8.30 Fri 05/10/2012 PARRENTHORN 9.15 - 11.45

Although you are welcome to look at any of the schools, there is no guarantee that the school will be able to satisfy all demand. If the demand for places is greater than the number of places available, it is not possible to offer every child a place.

Some of these dates & times may be subject to change following the publication of this information guide.

If you miss the open day/evenings at a school in which you are interested, please contact the school direct to make alternative arrangements.

Information Guide 23 appendix 7

SEN PROVISION

The LA provides a continuum of provision with the majority of pupils with SEN being educated in mainstream schools. However a small number of pupils are educated within special schools or specialist provision associated with a mainstream school. The table below provides information in relation to such provision.

Provider Type of provision Hoyle Early Years Centre Pre school provision for pupils with social communication difficulties Elton Community Primary School (Nursery) Pre school provision for pupils with severe/profound hearing impairment Elton Community Primary School Integrated provision pupils with severe/profound hearing impairment Mersey Drive Community Primary School Provides 2 bases – The Arches for pupils with social communication difficulties and Bridges an integrated provision for pupils with social communication difficulties Unsworth Primary School Integrated provision for pupils with speech and language difficulties Tottington Primary School Integrated provision for pupils with significant physical and/or medical difficulties Gorsefield Primary Integrated provision for pupils with complex learning difficulties Woodhey Specialist Science College Provision for pupils with social communication difficulties Millwood Special School Day special primary school for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties and social communication difficulties Elms Bank Specialist Arts College Day special secondary school for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties and social communication difficulties The LA also utilises a range of non maintained special and independent schools

apply online www.bury.gov.uk

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2012, allocation letters will be posted on 1st March 2013 Emails will be sent after 2pm on 1st March 2013 24 Information Guide APPENDIX 8

Completing the Common Application Form (CAF)

• Where a child lives part of the week with one parent and the other part with another parent, the LA will only accept the name and address to which the Child Benefit is paid.

• Please do not state independent schools on the CAF as they are not part of the co-ordinated scheme. You will need to apply directly to those schools.

• Please remember you MUST attach proof of address, preferably something official with your child’s name on such as a medical card, child benefit letter or a council tax bill or utility bill with your name and address on. You can scan this information and email it to: admissions.gov.uk or alternatively you can send a copy to Athenaeum House. The LA will seek further evidence of any address, where it is felt necessary. If a child obtains a place by fraudulent means, the place will be withdrawn and the sibling rule will not apply to younger children.

• If the current primary school is outside Bury, please state the maintaining LA.

• You should state details of anyone who has parental responsibility for your child. Where parents have joint responsibility, the address used will be that of the parent who receives the child benefit.

• You should state up to 3 maintained schools for which you have a preference. These can be schools in Bury or in other LA areas (please include LA name to ensure preferences are sent to the right LA). Don’t waste preferences by naming the same school more than once - it does not increase your chances of getting a place and does mean that you have missed the chance of putting an alternative school. If you do not complete the CAF showing your preferences, a place cannot be offered.

• Each preference you state will be considered equally.

• You can change your preferences up to and including 31st October, 2012. It may not be possible to consider changes after that date.

• Do you need to include any supplementary evidence? - a baptismal certificate for St. Gabriel’s, a baptismal certificate and a sacramental programme for St. Monica’s and a BCE2013 for Bury Church. If you complete the form online, scanned documents can be emailed separately.

• You must include any older brothers or sisters already in secondary school, and who will still be at school in September 2013. If you do not name them, your child will not be considered fully.

• If your child is in public care, or was previously in public care, please tick the box, and this can then be considered when allocations are processed.

• You have a legal right to state any reasons for your preferences. However, places will be allocated according to the criteria listed in the guide.

• Please use the checklist to ensure that you have included all the information needed for your application to be considered fully.

• Apply online or return the CAF to your child’s primary school in Bury OR direct to Children’s Services on or before 31st October 2012, along with proof of address.

• Details of your child’s name, date of birth, address and gender will be shared with the school in whose catchment area you reside, with the secondary school at which your child is offered a place, and with the School Clinics for the transfer of health records, and other Local Authority departments when appropriate. This is to verify the accuracy of addresses to ensure fairness of consideration.

Information Guide 25 Closing date for applications is 31st October 2012, allocation letters will be posted on 1st March 2013 Emails will be sent after 2pm on 1st March 2013 26 Information Guide APPENDIX 9

Free School Meals - Free School Meals Section – 0161 253 5858

You may be entitled to free school meals for your child if you are in receipt of one of the following;

• Income Support • Income Based Job Seekers Allowance • Income related Employment Support Allowance • Child Tax Credit with an annual income that does not exceed £16,190 and you are not claiming Working Tax Credit • Guarantee element of State Pension Credit • Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

If your child is due to start school or nursery for the first time in September 2013, or your child is due to change school or nursery in September 2013, we will need some information from you to make sure they have their free school meals available on the first day of term.

If you have already applied for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit with Bury Coun- cil we will use the information you have provided to us about your income to register you for free school meals. We will need you to sign a letter to say you want free school meals for your child. Therefore we will write to all our eligible customers in August 2013.

If you do not claim Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit please contact us on the number below after 20 August 2012 and we will process your claim over the phone.

If you live outside Bury Council then you will need to contact the council where you live to claim free school meals.

Please note, if you are already registered for free school meals, you do not need to re-register unless we write to you.

If you have any further enquiries: • please see our website at www.bury.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals; or • telephone us on 0161 253 5858; or • e-mail us at [email protected].

apply online www.bury.gov.uk

Information Guide 27 Home to School Transport Assistance – School and College Transport Team – 0161 253 6968

(a) Pupils of compulsory school age attending mainstream schools may qualify for home to school transport if the:- • pupil is under the age of 8 and live 2 or more miles away from the nearest appropriate school • pupil is aged 8 and over and live 3 or more miles away from the nearest appropriate school.

The “appropriate” school is usually the school in whose catchment area the pupil resides. The distance is the shortest, safest walking route.

(b) Consideration will also be given to any of the following reasons:- • Denominational education • Medical reasons • Where a pupil moves into the Bury area and is in Year 6, 10 or 11, the Authority would not expect him/her to change schools and would provide help towards the cost of travel if the distance is 3 or more miles. (c) In addition, home to school transport is also extended to 8 - 10 year olds who live 2 or more miles from their nearest, qualifying school if the pupil:- • is eligible for free school meals • Or, their parents/carers are in receipt of the maximum level of working tax credit.

(d) Home to school transport is also extended to 11 - 16 year olds attending one of the 3 nearest qualifying schools if the distance is 2 - 6 miles (journeys beyond 3 miles will be measured along road routes for the complete route) and the pupil:- • is eligible for free school meals • Or, their parents/carers are in receipt of the maximum level of working tax credit.

(e) Home to school transport is also extended to 11 - 16 year olds attending the nearest school able to provide for their religion/belief where the distance is 2 - 15 miles (journeys beyond 3 miles will be measured along road routes for the complete route) and the pupil:- • is eligible for free school meals • Or, their parents/carers are in receipt of the maximum level of working tax credit.

apply online www.bury.gov.uk

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2012, allocation letters will be posted on 1st March 2013 Emails will be sent after 2pm on 1st March 2013 28 Information Guide Travel support is normally an annual bus pass which may be used on the bus/metrolink/ trains. It is only valid on the specific route from home to school and school to home, until 9pm Monday to Friday, for the school journey term time only. Alternative arrangements may be provided if provision of a bus pass is unsuitable, and this is supported by independent documentary evidence. The full policy is available on our website: www.bury.gov.uk or telephone 0161-253 6968 to request a copy. Qualifying schools are defined within the policy. Journeys are normally measured by the shortest, safest walking route unless otherwise stated.

The above criteria are correct as of August 2012. However, please be aware that Bury Council are undertaking a review and consultation of the criteria. Any changes will be implemented with effect from September 2013. Further information will be available from 3rd September 2012 at www.bury.gov.uk/travelpass

Contact Us: Email: [email protected] Website: www.bury.gov.uk Telephone: 0161-253 6968 Address: School and College Transport Team, Children’s Services Department, Athenaeum House, Market Street, Bury, BL9 0BN

apply online www.bury.gov.uk

Information Guide 29 APPENDIX 10

Summary of the Co-ordinated Admission Schemes for Bury LA maintained schools for 2013/2014

A. Transfer from Primary to Secondary Schools

1 The scheme enables parents of all pupils living within Bury who are transferring to secondary school, to complete an application expressing up to three preferences for admission to all maintained secondary schools within Bury and in other LA areas. The preferences are to be ranked in preference order, and parents will be asked if they wish to state reasons for their requests. Supplementary forms may be required by voluntary aided or foundation schools. It is the responsibility of the parent to complete both forms. Independent schools are not included in the Scheme.

2 An information letter will be available for parents/carers early in September 2012. The information guide and the application form will be available on the website.

3 The completed application must be returned to Bury LA by Monday 31st October 2012.

4 All preferences for Bury secondary schools will be considered equally.

5 If more than one school place can be offered to one pupil by different admission authorities, a single offer will be made by the home LA for the school which was ranked highest by the parent.

6 Bury LA will post out letters to all Bury residents, to tell them of their allocated school on 1st March 2013. Email notifications will be sent out to online applicants after 2pm on 1st March 2013.

7 Applications received after the closing date of 31st October 2012 will be treated as late applications. The LA will only accept applications received after this date if there is a genuine reason for doing so. Late applications will be considered after 1st March 2013.

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2012, allocation letters will be posted on 1st March 2013 Emails will be sent after 2pm on 1st March 2013 30 Information Guide APPENDIX 11

In Year Fair Access Protocol

Background

All LAs are required to have a protocol for finding schools for secondary age pupils who are “hard to place” (HTP) or have been permanently excluded from school. It involves sharing out all HTP pupils equally amongst schools. In the past some secondary schools have taken in more than their share of challenging pupils mid-year. The IYFAP provides an open and transparent system and shares out such pupils between all schools which is fairer and more equitable.

Which schools are covered by the IYFAP? Every secondary school in Bury is bound by the protocol with no exceptions.

Which pupils are covered by the IYFAP?

It includes: • All permanently excluded pupils resident in Bury

It may include: • Children without a school place and with a history of serious attendance or behaviour problems • Children who have been out of education for longer than 20 school days • Children of refugees and asylum seekers • Homeless children • Children known to the police or other agencies • Traveller children

Who refers to IYFAP? All approaches for admissions to Bury secondary schools which take place after the start of the school year will be processed through the IYFAP. Permanently excluded pupils will auto- matically be referred to the IYFAP for a school place. Parents/carers of all children seeking school places within the year are entitled to exercise their right to express preferences.

Who makes the decisions? The IYFAP panel will be attended by a group of head teachers and LA officers who will make the decisions. The panel meets fortnightly. Your preferences will be considered but places will be allocated to schools on a fair share basis. Faith requirements will also be taken into account.

How long will it take my child to get into the allocated school? If your child has NOT been permanently excluded it should take no more than 10 days from the panel’s decision. If your child has been permanently excluded and has been attending full time provision, a decision will be made when he/she is ready to reintegrate into a new school. Following assessments a support package will be decided at an interview with the school.

Who will arrange the interview with the school? If your child has been permanently excluded, the IYFAP Casework Officer will co-ordinate the meeting with yourself and the school. Other admissions should be arranged by parents/ carers and the school identified by the IYFAP.

apply online Information Guide www.bury.gov.uk 31 I want a non-Bury school - will the panel consider this? Each Local Authority has a panel, and your home LA will consider your child’s application.

My child was permanently excluded from a non-Bury school - will the panel consider the placement? The panel will consider ALL Bury residents who are deemed ‘hard to place’.

I decided to move my child to another Bury school because of his behaviour - will the panel consider this? Your child must remain on the roll of the previous school until admitted to a new school. The panel will consider all movements from within Bury schools and make a decision based on previous history, support available and fair share.

Can I appeal against the panel decision? You will have been asked for your preferences about schools and the IYFAP would have taken them into consideration. However, if you do not agree with the panel’s decision, you still have the right to go to independent appeal for the school of your choice.

apply online www.bury.gov.uk

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2012, allocation letters will be posted on 1st March 2013 Emails will be sent after 2pm on 1st March 2013 32 Information Guide Glossary and definition of terms

The following terms used throughout this booklet are defined as follows, except where individual arrangements spell out a different definition. All comply with current legislation.

Admissions Authority - This is the body responsible for deciding which pupils are admitted to a school. In Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools, this is the LA. In Voluntary Aided and Foundation Schools, it is the Governing Body.

Admission number - This is the maximum number of places available at the school for pupils in Year 7. It can also be described as “the number of places available” or “planned admission number”.

Admission policy - These are the rules used to allocate places to pupils for a particular school if there are more children wanting places than there are places available. These do vary between the different sorts of school.

Appeal - When it is not possible to offer a place to a child in a particular school, parents have the right to submit an appeal. An appeal hearing normally takes place some weeks later in front of an independent panel. The panel can decide that a place should be offered above the admission number.

Appeal Panel - An independent body, usually of 3 people, which hears admission appeal cases.

Appellant - The person who has submitted an appeal.

Admission Team - LA officers who carry out the admissions procedures for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools, and the co-ordinated scheme for all schools.

Comprehensive - A secondary school which takes pupils of all abilities. All Bury schools are comprehensive schools.

Community Schools - The LA is responsible for admissions to these schools.

Criteria - The rules used to allocate places to pupils if there are more children wanting places than there are places available at a school.

Distance Distance will be calculated using a straight line measurement from the child’s home address to a mid point in the school, with those living closer to the school receiving the higher priority.

Local Authority (LA) - This refers to the Local Authority which was formerly known as the Local Education Authority (LEA). The Children’s Service Department is part of the LA.

Looked After Children (LAC) (Also known as Children in Public Care)

These are children and young people under the age of 18 years who are either:

• accommodated by the LA; or

• subject to a legal Care Order sharing parental responsibility with the LA.

The School Admissions Code states that schools must not make the entry of looked after children conditional. Faith schools can give priority to LAC of the faith over LAC not of the faith, but cannot subdivide LAC further.

Online admissions - If you have internet access and an email address, you can apply online at: www.bury.gov.uk.

Oversubscribed - When there are more pupils wanting a place than there are places available.

Sibling

Sibling refers to brother or sister, half brother or sister, adopted brother or sister, step brother or sister, or the child of the parent/carer’s partner, and in every case, the child should be living in the same family unit at the same address. The older child must be in attendance at the school in the September when the younger child starts.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The School Admissions Code states that the school’s admissions criteria must clearly state that where the school is named in a child’s statement of special educational needs, the local authority and the school have a duty to admit the child. It must not be part of the over-subscription criteria. The admission of SEN children where the school is named on the child’s statement cannot be conditional on the school’s approval.

Statement of SEN - A small number of children have special educational needs (SEN). In some cases, a formal document is prepared to describe their needs and what help should be provided. The document is called a statement. There are different application and appeal procedures for pupils with a statement.

Supplementary/Additional Forms

All parents who list their preferred schools on the Local Authority’s Common Application Form are regarded as having made valid applications. An additional form may also have to be completed for applicants to be considered under faith criteria of faith schools.

Voluntary Aided (VA) Schools - These are mainly linked to a particular Church. They are also referred to as Faith Schools. The Governors decide which children are offered school places. Transfer to Secondary School Timeline

SEPTEMBER Information letter will be sent to you via your child’s primary school.

Visit school Open Day and Evenings. Collect school prospectuses.

OCTOBER Apply online at www.bury.gov.uk before 31st October 2012 or complete a paper application and return to your child’s school or Admissions team.

All applications are processed and preferences are NOVEMBER considered in line with the published admissions policies.

We will liaise and exchange information with neighbouring Authorities. JANUARY/ FEBRUARY Allocations and offers are finalised.

MARCH Letters informing you of which school your child has been allocated are posted out on 1st March 2013. If you have applied online email notifications are sent out after 2pm on 1st March 2013.

You will accept or decline your child’s place.

If you are not offered your first preference you will be advised about the appeals process. Places may also become available through the “topping up” process.

MAY Appeals will be held.

JUNE Summer term 2013 - Your allocated school will contact you directly with details or your child’s induction.

Children’s Services Athenaeum House, Market Street, Bury BL9 0BN www.bury.gov.uk BuryCOUNCIL