Transferring to Secondary School in September 2015
www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions Contents
Introductory information Frequently asked questions 17 Welcome 1 Pan-London co-ordinated admissions system 2 School information and How the admissions system works 2 admission criteria Introduction to the Royal Borough of 3 Chelsea Academy 18 Kensington and Chelsea Schools Holland Park School 22 Key dates 4 Kensington Aldridge Academy 28 School open days/evenings and test dates 5 Sion-Manning RC Girls School 32 St. Thomas More Language College 38 The application process The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School 44 Gathering information 6 Considering the facts 6 Additional information Guidance on completing your application 7 In-Year admissions 49 Proof of address 9 Fair Access Protocol 49 Medical and/or social need 10 Support for school attendance 49 Additional forms you may need to complete 10 Special Educational Needs 49 Online application 11 Education Psychology Service 50 Online applications – step-by-step guide 12 Financial assistance with travel to school 50 Late applications and change of preferences 14 Free school meals 50 Applications for children living abroad 14 Sixth Form 50 Members of the UK Armed Forces University Technical Colleges and Crown Servants 14 and Studio Schools 50 Independent schools 51 How decisions are made Contact details for other London boroughs 52 The process 15 Borough map 53 Notifying you of the outcome 15 Contacting the School Waiting lists 15 Admissions Team Back page Additional information about waiting lists 16 Appeal arrangements 16 Making final arrangements for transfer 16
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers If your child is in Year 6 of primary school and their date of birth is between 1 September 2003 and 31 August 2004 they will be ready for transfer to secondary school in September 2015. Choosing a secondary school is a big decision for you and your child. Enclosed in this brochure you will find helpful information, and what you need to consider before you decide which schools to apply to. You will also find information about the six schools located in Kensington and Chelsea and their admission criteria. You can of course find out much more by visiting the schools on the open days/evenings that they have arranged for you during September and October. The dates are provided on page 5. Please remember, if you are not resident within Kensington and Chelsea and would like to apply for one or more of our schools, you will need to do this through your home borough. I am delighted to say that the opening in September 2014 of Kensington Aldridge Academy has provide much needed places to children living in the north of the borough and will deliver high standards of education for local children and bring real benefits for the local community. The three catholic schools have a reputation which extends beyond Kensington and Chelsea and receive a higher number of applications each year. Chelsea Academy and Holland Park School, both offering community places, have received four times more applications than places available in recent years. I would urge you to read the admission criteria for the schools you would like to apply to before you make your decision to avoid disappointment for you and your child. The Admissions Team are happy to advise you and contact details can be found on the back page of this brochure. The excellent reputation, fantastic Ofsted ratings and impressive exam results are all thanks to the hard work of our headteachers, staff and pupils. You will see from the following results the passion and dedication that has lead to Kensington and Chelsea schools popularity across many London boroughs. Exam results have seen the borough named 2nd best nationally, along with best in London, for pupils achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C (including English and maths). At 80%, this is well above the national average of 59%. Ofsted ratings for all Kensington and Chelsea secondary schools remain ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’. Kensington and Chelsea is now ranked 1st in England for expected levels of progress between Key Stage 2 (11 year olds at primary school) and Key Stage 4 (GCSEs) in English (with 86% of pupils making the expected 3 levels of progress, compared with 70% nationally), and is ranked 4th for maths (with 83% of pupils making the expected 3 levels of progress, compared with 71% nationally). The six secondary schools are extremely popular and the majority will receive more applications than available places. It is therefore important that you read all the information available to you in this brochure in order for you to make an informed decision. Most importantly, please make sure you submit your application by the closing date, 31st October 2014. I would strongly recommend applying online at: www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions for all the benefits outlined on page 11. I wish your child every success in their secondary education.
Cabinet Member for Education and Libraries Councillor Emma Will
On the cover: A section of the illustration “Life at KAA” by Wynne James, which represents the culture and ethos of the new Kensington Aldridge Academy
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 1
How the admissions system works
Pan-London co-ordinated The local authorities taking part in the PLCAS admissions system then use a secure computerised system to pass on details of the applications for schools in other Every year around 80,000 pupils living in areas. They will also co-ordinate the offer of places London transfer to secondary schools, to make sure that no child is offered more than many crossing borough boundaries to do so. one school place. The decision on whether a place can be offered will continue to be made by the In 2005, all 33 London boroughs, together with admission authority for each school. When a school councils bordering the capital, signed up to a system receives more applications than places available to co-ordinate admissions to their secondary schools. (also referred to as oversubscribed), its published The co-ordinated admissions system is fairer and admission criteria will be used to decide the order means that, compared with previous years, more in which applicants will be offered places. children are offered one of their preferred schools Local authorities will not pass on details to your at an earlier stage and fewer children receive no preferred school of where the school was ranked initial offer. It is also easier for parents to manage, on the application form, and no school will be told reducing anxiety for you and your children. about other schools a parent has applied for before decisions are made. How the admissions Where a child is eligible to be offered a place at system works more than one school, the local authority will hold the offer for the highest preference on the common Under the pan-London co-ordinated admissions application form and release all other lower system (PLCAS), all parents must list the schools preference offers. These places can then be offered they want to apply for, on their home local authority’s to other applicants. Potential offers are exchanged common application form, ranking them in order between local authorities until they are in a position of preference. This is important, as potentially only to make the single best offer to parents using all one offer will be made and this will be from the available places. All offers will be made on the same highest-ranked school able to make the offer. day – . This form (either paper or online) is returned to the 2nd March 2015 local authority for the area which the child lives.
2 Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
Introduction to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Schools
With the opening of Kensington Aldridge Academy on the number of applications submitted and type in September 2014, the Royal Borough now have of cohort that applies, e.g., the number of siblings six state secondary schools. The opening of (brothers or sisters). This information is therefore Chelsea Academy in September 2009 marked the provided as a guide and in order for you to make start of a new era for parents in the Royal Borough an informed decision. by providing Church of England school places and The Royal Borough’s three Catholic schools have much needed community places, particularly for a reputation which extends beyond Kensington families living in the south of the borough. The new and Chelsea, and recruit pupils from a wide area. Kensington Aldridge Academy will provide much Further on in the brochure you will find the admission needed school places to children living in the criteria for these schools. The same advice applies, north of the borough where it has historically been in that you must read the criteria to judge the difficult for some families to access schools of likelihood of your child being offered a place. their preference. It is important to remember that the higher the Parents now have the option to apply for high number of applications, the harder it will be to quality community places at three schools – gain a place, so looking at each schools criteria Chelsea Academy, Holland Park School and becomes even more important. Kensington Aldridge Academy. The demand for places at all three of these schools is very high. When considering your preferences, do not It is therefore important that you read the admission rely solely on what you may have heard about criteria for each school to determine the likelihood a school’s reputation. Visit as many schools as of gaining a place. Information on how places possible on their open days or evenings. Take your were offered for the September 2014 entry is son or daughter with you and, if you can, visit the provided in the school section of the brochure. school when it is at work. All the open days and The outcome can be different each year depending evenings are provided on page 5 of this brochure.
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 3
Key dates
1 September 2014 You will be able to apply online at: www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions The transferring to secondary school brochure and hints and tips leaflet will be available to view or download online.
From mid September 2014 The hard copy brochure and paper application form will be available.
31 October 2014 The closing date for applications • If you are applying on a paper form you will need to ensure that it is received by the School Admissions Team by 5pm on the closing date. • If you are applying online, you will have up until 11:59pm on 31 October 2014 to submit your application.
2 March 2015 National offer day The School Admissions Team will write to you advising the outcome of your application. Letters will be sent by first class mail. Online applicants will also be notified by email on the evening of 2 March 2015.
2 March 2015 onwards Any vacancies that arise will be filled from school waiting lists.
16 March 2015 Deadline for successful applicants to accept or decline their school offer.
May/June 2015 The secondary school your child has been offered will write to you with information about starting school.
June/July 2015 Appeals heard by an Independent Appeal Panel.
4 Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
Royal Borough school open days/evenings and test dates
Kensington Aldridge Academy Open evenings: Tuesday 30 September 9am to 12pm Wednesday 1 October 4pm to 8pm Tuesday 7 October 9am to 12pm Wednesday 8 October 4pm to 8pm
Chelsea Academy Open evening: Thursday 25 September 2014, 6pm to 9pm School tours (parents/carers only): Monday 6 October to Friday 17 October 2014 by appointment only Saturday 4 October Deadline for music Art aptitude test: The Cardinal Saturday 11 October 2014 at 10am to 12pm aptitude application: Vaughan Memorial Tuesday 30 September 2014 at 8.30am Saturday 11 October School 2014 2014 at 10am to 12pm Banding test: Open evenings: Saturday 29 November Saturday 18 October Music aptitude tests: Thursday 18 and Monday 6 October to 2014 (applicants 2014 at 10am to 12pm Tuesday 23 September Friday 17 October 2014 will receive written Friday 26 September 2014 at 4.30pm, confirmation of the date 2014 at 9am to 12pm 5.30pm and 6.30pm Letter to parents and time. If you have notifying them of listed a preference for Friday 3 October 2014 Ability banding test the outcome of Holland Park School but at 9am to 12pm (ALL applicants): aptitude testing: do not receive a letter, Friday 10 October 2014 Monday 3 November Week commencing ensure your child still at 9am to 12pm 2014 Monday 20 October 2014 attends in the morning. If your child fails to Friday 17 October 2014 Deadline for applying attend the test it will at 9am to 12pm for music aptitude Holland Park affect their chances of place: School being offered a place in St Thomas More Friday 26 September 2014 Open evening: the school). Language College Tuesday 16 September School visiting dates: Music aptitude test: 2014 at 6.30pm Sion Manning RC Thursday 11 September Saturday 4 October Girls School 2014 (this is the 1st test Open morning: 2014 from 4.15pm and is for music aptitude Thursday 18 September Open evening: Wednesday 17 applicants only) 2014 at 9.15am Monday 29 September September 2014 from 2014 at 6pm to 8pm 4.15pm Deadline for art aptitude applications: Open days: Banding test dates: Friday 26 September Saturday 27 September Monday 10 November to 2014 2014 at 10am to 12pm Friday 14 November 2014
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 5
The application process
Gathering information • Parents who wish to secure a place in a Catholic school can find further information on To get a good overview of secondary schools in ‘Choosing a Catholic Secondary School’ on the the Royal Borough, you should read the information Diocese of Westminster website about the schools in this brochure. www.rcdow. org.uk/education You should then: Considering the facts • Contact schools you are interested in directly to ask for a copy of their prospectus which will give Many schools receive more applications then they you more detailed information. have places. To avoid disappointment you should consider whether your child has a realistic chance • Visit schools’ own websites to find out more of gaining a place at your preferred school(s). about them. • Arrange to attend schools’ open days You should look at: and evenings. • How many applications were made for your • Talk to your child’s primary school headteacher. preferred school(s) last year compared to how They will have experience based on previous many places were available. transfers. • The admission criteria of the school. The criteria will • Contact the School Admissions Team for determine the order of priority for each applicant. advice if you are unclear on how the system works on 020 7745 6432 or email your query You may also like to consider: to [email protected] • Whether the curriculum and ethos of the school suit your child’s needs. Also: • The exam results for the school. You can do • If you are interested in a school outside of the this by visiting schools’ own websites to find out Royal Borough, contact the borough in which the more detailed information. If you want to find out school in located for more information. You will about Ofsted reports for Royal Borough schools find other borough contact details at the back of visit this brochure. ofsted.gov.uk • How your child will travel to school.
6 Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
Guidance on completing your application (paper or online)
Details of child Details of parent or carer Your child’s name Parent/carer details Please ensure you use the same name that you Only one parent/carer needs to complete this have registered with your child’s primary school. section. If you prefer, you can indicate the name of the ‘other parent/carer’ in the space provided. Your child’s date of birth You should only complete the application form if Relationship to child your child is currently in Year 6 in primary school Please indicate your relationship to the child and their date of birth is between 1 September e.g. mother, father, grandmother, foster carer. 2003 and 31 August 2004. If your child is in Year 6 and does not fall in this birth range, please Children in Public Care speak to your primary school head teacher before Children in Public Care (Looked After children) and completing the application form. children who have been adopted or made subject to a child arrangement order or special guardianship Your child’s home address order immediately following having been Looked The address you give must be your child’s After, will receive a higher priority in each school’s permanent address on the closing date for admission criteria. The child’s social worker must applications. See page 9 for further information. submit a letter to the Royal Borough admissions team confirming the legal status of the child and the Children with a Statement of Special local authority to which the child is/was in care, Educational Needs or an Education, Health quoting the child’s full name and current address. and Care Plan You do not need to complete an application if your Medical, social or special needs child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs If you feel there are exceptional reasons for your or an Education, Health and Care Plan, as there is a child to be considered for a priority placement at a separate process that is detailed on page 49. particular school, you must indicate this in the area provided and give brief reasons of your case. Your child’s primary school All requests for priority consideration must be You must include the name of the primary school your supported by a professional, such as a doctor or child currently attends. If your child does not attend a social worker (please see page 10 for more detailed primary school, either because you have just moved information). Please be aware that not all schools into the borough or your child is being educated at have this criterion in their policy, so it is advised you home, please state this in the space provided. check first.
School preferences You can list up to six state-maintained schools (including grammar, church, foundation and academies) in order of your preference. They can be in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea or any other borough or council area. You do not have to name six schools, but you are strongly advised to use as many preferences as possible, and include at least one school where you think you have a good chance of being offered a place. You will need to read the admission criteria for the schools to determine what chance you have of gaining a place. Applying for only one school will not improve your chances of being offered a place at that school. Please do not name independent or private fee- paying schools on the form. Applications to these schools must be made separately.
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 7
Guidance on completing your application (paper or online)
Siblings (brothers or sisters) Siblings of former pupils If your child will have a brother or sister attending Some schools give priority to siblings of former any of your preferred schools at the time of pupils in their admissions criteria. This does not admission in September 2015, you must enter their apply to all schools. Please check the criteria for the details where indicated. Please be aware that the school you are applying to. If you apply under this definition of sibling can vary, so you are strongly criteria please list the name and date of birth of the advised to check with the borough(s) or school(s) former sibling and the school they attended in the concerned for their definition and if the school gives relevant box. priority to siblings. Relatives such as cousins, uncles and aunts are not Declaration and signature considered as siblings, even if they are living at the of parent or carer same address. Declaration Reasons for preference If you apply on a paper form you must sign your The application also invites you to give a reason application to certify that you have parental for your preferences. You do not have to complete responsibility for the child you are applying for. this part of the form and most parents will see no If you provide any false or misleading information need to. If, however, there are professionally on the form or in supporting papers, or withhold supported medical or social reasons why you feel relevant information, it may render your application it is necessary for your child to attend the school invalid and lead to the withdrawal of an offer of a you have named, further information can be found school place. on page 10.
Children of school staff Some schools give priority to children of staff in their admission criteria. This does not apply to all schools. Please check the criteria for the school you are applying to. Please indicate in this section if you are applying under this criteria, naming the school you are applying to in the available box. You must also provide supporting evidence from the school.
Data Protection
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea responsible for administering services to children will handle information you have provided in line and young people. For the purpose of validating with the Data Protection Act (DPA) and will use proof of address for The Royal Borough of the information for school admission purposes. Kensington and Chelsea resident applications, the Admissions Team will refer to data held by The information will be held in confidence with internal council tax records. only the necessary people working within the combined children’s services able to access and The Council also has a duty to protect the public handle it. funds it administers, and to this end it may use the information you have provided on this form for The Council has a duty under the Children’s the prevention and detection of fraud. Act 2004 to work with partners to develop and improve services to children and young people Under the DPA you have the right to make a in the area. As such, the Council may also use formal written request for access to personal this information for other legitimate purposes and data held about you or your child. For further may share information (where necessary) with information please contact Admissions. other Council departments and external bodies
8 Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
The application process
Proof of address • For members of the UK Armed Forces and Crown Servants, an official letter to confirm the The address you provide on your application must address of your quarters. This can be provided be your child’s permanent address on close of before you have relocated in order that your applications, 31 October 2014. You must not use a application is not disadvantaged. business address, childminder’s or relatives address, or any address other than your home address. If it’s discovered that the parent/carer has Only in circumstances where the relative or carer deliberately provided an address that is not the has legal guardianship, and is the main carer, main residence of the child, any offer made that will a different address be considered as the main may have deprived other applicants of a place will residence. Evidence will be requested to support be withdrawn. This may also apply if the child has this arrangement. If you have a genuine 50/50 share already started in the school. If it is decided not to care arrangement with your child’s other parent, remove the child’s offer, normally when the child it will be for you to determine the address that will has been on roll for more than one term, any future be used as the main home address for your child’s sibling link will not apply. application. Only one address will be used throughout If you own or rent more than one property, you the application process. If you are in receipt of child should state this on your form. You will also need to benefit, the address of the parent making the claim provide proof of residence and occupancy for the will be used for the purpose of the application. address at which your child lives most of the time You do not need to provide us with documentary and is considered the main family home. evidence of your address other than your council If you move into a property for a temporary period tax reference number (as shown on your annual bill purely for the purpose of trying to be nearer to a or direct debit statement). If you are not registered school, we will use your normal, permanent residence to pay council tax, either because you are not for the purpose of processing the application. liable or have recently moved, you will be asked to provide one of more of the following: You must notify the Admissions Team if you move address. Your new address will not be updated • A mortgage statement/tenancy agreement. until proof has been provided. If you move after • Recent utility bill. If you have moved, your closure 12 December 2014, your address will not be bill at your previous address. updated as the process of allocating places would have already started. We are able to send you • Child benefit/Inland revenue documents correspondence to your new address, but your (if entitlement applies). application will be processed using the address • Any other recently dated documents that we you submitted at the close of applications, request, depending on individual cases. 31 October 2014.
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 9
The application process
Medical and/or social need Additional forms you All schools have experience in dealing with children may need to complete with diverse social and medical needs. However, in Most voluntary aided (church) and selective schools a very few exceptional cases there may be reasons provide a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) why a child may need to attend a specific school. and/or priest reference form that you are advised If you feel there are exceptional reasons for your to complete as set out in their admission criteria. child to be considered for a priority placement at These forms must be returned to the respective a particular school, you must indicate this in the school. You must include the name of the area provided in your application, giving reasons school(s) in your common application form as supporting your case. Please be aware that not your application cannot be considered if you all schools have this criterion in their policy, so it only submit the SIF. This additional information is is advised you check this first. necessary for the school governors to determine All requests for priority consideration must be whether applicants meet the school’s faith supported by a professional, such as a doctor requirements or other criteria. or social worker. It must be made clear in the The forms can be obtained directly from the professional support which school you are making school, on the school’s own website or at a special case for; the reason why it is necessary if for your child to attend this school in particular; www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions applying for Royal Borough schools. and the difficulties it will cause for your child to attend another school. Some schools allocate places to children that qualify for a place based on aptitude in a specialist It is for you to decide how to support your case area, or have other entry requirements that may and what documents to provide, but these must require the submission of an additional form. be submitted by the closing date of 31 October You are strongly advised to read the admission 2014. The Admissions Team is not responsible for criteria for each school you want to apply to in contacting professionals for information about your order to check whether supplementary forms are case, and any decision will be based on documents required. This also applies to schools located you submit by the closing date. in other boroughs. For own admission authority schools, and For Royal Borough schools, Supplementary schools located in other areas, any additional Information Forms available are as follows: documentation you provide will be passed on for the respective school’s attention via the secure • Chelsea Academy – SIF for Foundation pan-London system. applicants and SIF for Music Aptitude applicants. The notification date is 2 March 2015. You will not • Holland Park School – SIF for Visual Arts be advised before this date whether your request applicants. for priority is agreed. If priority is not granted, your • – SIF and application will be considered against the remaining Sion-Manning RC Girls School priest reference form for Catholic applicants. criteria for the requested school. • St. Thomas More Language College – SIF, which includes the priest reference form for Catholic applicants. • The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School – SIF and priest reference form for Catholic applicants. SIF for Music Aptitude applicants.
Please note
You must not complete more than one form will be invalid. If you decide that you want application. If you apply online, you must to change your preferences, please contact the not also complete a paper common admissions team, who can send you a ‘change application form. of Preferences form’. If more than one paper application is received by We are unable to change your preferences the School Admissions Team the application with over the telephone. the latest date will be considered and the other
10 Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
Online application
Apply online from 1 September 2014 at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/ admissions It is quick and easy!
Applying online There are five easy steps that It is highly recommended that you apply online. you will need to follow if you You can do this from 1 September 2014 at apply online: www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions Parents and carers will still be able to apply on Step 1 a paper application form in the traditional way. Register to apply online However there are advantages to applying online: (or login if you have used the system before) Step 2 3 It is quick and easy to do. Enter your details
3 You can log back on to change or delete Step 3 preferences up until 11.59pm on the closing date. (Ensure you resubmit your application if Enter your child’s details making any changes). Step 4
3 You are able to attach additional documents. Add your school preferences Step 5 3 You can register your mobile phone number Check and submit application to receive reminder alerts. The application should not take any longer than 3 You will automatically receive a confirmation 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Please remember email once you submit your application. to make a note of your username and password. If you experience technical problems, please call 3 During the evening of Monday 2 March 2015, the London Grid for Learning support line on you will be sent an email with the outcome of 020 8255 5555. your application. Please wait until you have received the email before logging onto the The same deadline of 31 October 2014 applies Pan-London eAdmissions website. to both online and paper applications. Once you have submitted your application you will 3 You will be able to accept or decline an offer receive an application reference number that will of a school place online. look like this: 207-2015-09-E-007594. This number confirms that your application has been submitted. If you decide to apply online, you do not need to complete a paper application form.
Your online details. Please note these details of your online application
Username: Password: Reference number:
It is important to keep this information so that you can view your outcome online
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 11
Online application – step-by-step guide
To start your online application please visit the website www.eadmissions.org.uk You can also use the link from the council’s website www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
1
• Click on ‘Register to apply online’ and enter your email address. If you have previously applied using the online system you will be able to log in without the need for registration. • You will receive an email with a username and a link. You must click on the link to validate your email address. • You will then receive another email containing your username and password to apply online. This email will include a link to the start of the application process.
• Enter your details. • Make sure you enter your permanent address. 2 This will be verified against council records. 3
• Enter your child’s details. Make sure you enter the information accurately. • Make sure that you only apply for a child born between 1/9/2003-31/8/2004. If you enter the date of birth wrong you will not be able to progress to the next step.
12 Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
Online application – step-by-step guide
4
• Add your school preferences by first selecting the Local Authority that each school falls within. • Make sure that you read the schools’ admission criteria for schools you are applying for. This will be a guide as to the likelihood of being offered a place at the school you are interested in. • Select and add the schools you wish to apply for. You can apply for up to six schools. • For each school selected you will be asked a number of questions (such as whether there is a sibling at the school). Make sure you answer the questions correctly.
5
• Check all of the details entered are correct. • Read the declaration and tick the box to accept it. • Click the ‘Submit Application’ button. • Once you have submitted your application you will be able to attach documents. • You will receive an email confirmation.
You must click the submit button by the closing date of the 31 October 2014. If you do not do this, your application will not be processed.
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 13
The application process
Closing date for applications It is not normally possible to accept any changes after the closing date. If you do want to add or The closing date for applications is Friday change the order you placed your preferences 31 October 2014. after this date, you must inform the School For all the benefits detailed on page 11 it is Admissions Team as indicated. In most cases, highly recommended that you apply online at: new or changed preference schools will only be www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions considered after all other applications have been considered. If you prefer to complete a paper form, you must return it by the closing date to the address shown on the form. If you would like confirmation that we Applications for children have received your application, please indicate this living abroad when you submit the form. Applications submitted by resident families working Make sure you use the correct postage if you return or temporarily living abroad will be processed with your form through the post. Incorrect postage may all other applicants and must be submitted by the delay your application from reaching the Admissions closing date. The address that the child is living at Team by the closing date. If you prefer, you can the time of application, and at the closing date, will be hand your completed form to your child’s primary used for the purpose of processing. The applicant school but you are advised to check with the school must inform the Admissions Team on their return in first that they are happy for you to do this. order for the address to be updated. Proof of address and occupancy will be required. Change of preferences If you wish to change the order of preference of Members of the UK Armed schools listed on your application form you must so Forces and Crown Servants do in writing, or by email at school.admissions@ rbkc.gov.uk before the closing date of 31 October Applications submitted for children that may not 2014. If you apply online, you can log back into your be living in the area, but will be before September account to change/add/delete preferences up until 2015, will need to be supported by an official letter the closing date (ensure you resubmit your online confirming the address of the quarters. application if making changes).
Late applications
If you apply after the closing date, your application will only be considered after the offer date, 2 March 2015. Your child’s name will be added to waiting lists along with those unsuccessful applications considered in the initial allocation round. If there is an exceptional reason why you are applying after the closing date and before 12 December 2014, for example, you have just moved to the area, it may be possible to consider your application with those that were made on time. Other circumstances will be considered and each case will be decided on its own merit. Examples of reasons that would not be accepted include: failure of the school to remind a parent to apply, the late return from a family holiday, or non receipt of an application form due to postal issues. You are advised to contact the School Admission Team as soon as possible on 020 7745 6432 if applying after the closing date.
14 Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
How decisions are made
The process Notifying you of the outcome The School Admissions Team will process any All Royal Borough resident applicants will receive preferences you have made for Royal Borough a notification letter* with the outcome of their schools and pass on your child’s details to schools application on 3 March 2015. that are responsible for their own admissions. If you made your application online, you will be If you have applied for schools that are not located able to log onto the eAdmissions site using your in the Royal Borough, your preference(s) will be username and password during the evening passed to the local authority which maintains these of 2 March 2015 to view the outcome of your schools. At the same time, the Admissions Team application and accept or decline any offer made. will receive applications for Royal Borough schools The notification letter will include a reply slip and from residents in other local authorities. All these should only be returned if you did not apply online. operations will be carried out via the secure Pan-London School Admissions System. The letter will tell you the following, depending on the outcome of your application: The order of your preferences is not revealed to • The name of the school which can offer you a place. the schools. This information is only known by your If it is not been possible to offer any of the schools home local authority and the authority where the you applied for, the nearest alternative school will schools are located. be offered to you, if there is one available. If any school has more applications than places • That any preferences for schools listed lower available, the published admission criteria will be than the school offered have been withdrawn. used to decide the order in which applicants will be offered places. The same process is carried • How to accept the place that you have been out across London and decisions are made by offered. You should not reject the place unless all admission authorities by a common deadline you have a place secured elsewhere and should and relayed back to the home local authority. indicate the name of the alternative school on the This co-ordinated process eliminates multiple reply slip (or online). offers and will result in your child being offered the • If not offered a school place, why and who you highest potential school you named in your list of need to contact for further information*. preferences (if an offer can be made). Examples are shown in the table below: • Waiting list and appeal information and who you need to contact for further details. Example 1 • The details of schools which have vacancies, School Criteria Outcome if you did not receive an offer for any of your met? preferences, and you do not want to accept the 1 The Cardinal Vaughan No Can be added to waiting list alternative school offered to you. Memorial School and appeal * The notification letter does not go into the detail of why a place 2 Holland Park School Yes Place offered could not be offered, and can only inform you that your child did not receive a high enough priority in the oversubscription 3 Chelsea Academy Yes Withdrawn as higher offer met criteria. You will be able to obtain more detailed information from 4 Burlington Danes No Withdrawn as higher offer met the local authority where the school is located or the school itself if it is voluntary aided. Please contact the Admissions Team 5 Westminster Academy Yes Withdrawn as higher offer met (in the first instance), who will be able to advise you accordingly.
Example 2 Waiting lists School Criteria Outcome The co-ordinated scheme finishes after 2 March met? 2015. Places may still become available at the Royal 1 Chelsea Academy Yes Place offered Borough’s schools after that date, as there is often movement between March and September. 2 The St Marylebone No Withdrawn as higher offer met CofE School All Royal Borough schools will use their admission 3 Phoenix High School Yes Withdrawn as higher offer met criteria for compiling their waiting lists i.e. they will give priority to applicants according to the degree 4 Sion-Manning RC Yes Withdrawn as higher offer met Girls School to which they meet the school’s published over- subscription criteria. With the exception of Chelsea 5 St Thomas More No Withdrawn as higher offer met Academy, Holland Park and Kensington Aldridge Language College Academy waiting lists, which will be held by the 6 Holland Park School Yes Withdrawn as higher offer met Admissions Team up until 31 August 2015, the three
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 15 How decisions are made
Catholic schools will administer their own lists after 16 March 2015 and any enquiries will need to be made to the school.
Additional information about waiting lists It is important to be aware that the length of time your child’s name is on a waiting list does not give priority for a school place. Waiting lists are ordered in accordance to the admission criteria for the respective school, and it may be the case that new applicants will have a higher priority. For example, if the order of priority is based on distance, and a new applicant lives closer to the school; or a new applicant for a church school meets a higher priority in the faith criteria. A waiting list position will often go down as well as up, so you will need to be prepared for this when you make enquiries about your child’s position. Many children are offered a place at their preferred school from a waiting list, but this will depend on the individual school. Places can only be offered from a waiting list as a result of initial offers being declined. It is therefore strongly advised that an alternative school place is secured for your child as there is no guarantee that Chelsea Academy, Sion-Manning RC, St. a place will be offered from a waiting list at your Thomas More Language College, & The Cardinal preferred school, or that any appeal you may have Vaughan Memorial School have their own appeal lodged will be successful. arrangements. Appeals should be made on the appropriate form, which can be obtained from Any offer that can be made from a waiting list for the school. any school will be notified to you by your home local authority. To ensure your appeal is heard by the end of the summer term, please make sure you lodge your appeal by the deadline set by the school as they Appeal arrangements will each have their own arrangements in place. If your child is not offered a place at the school(s) where you expressed a preference, you have the Coram Children’s Legal Centre provides free, right to appeal. The appeals are heard by panels independent advice on the admissions process which are independent of the schools and of the and legal advice on education issues. You can local authority. If you wish to appeal against a call 08088 020 008, Monday to Friday from decision refusing your child a place at Holland 8.00am-8.00pm, for advice, or visit www. Park School or Kensington Aldridge Academy, you childrenslegalcentre.com for more details. should request an appeal form from the Royal Borough, or download a form from the website; Making final arrangements www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions. Your appeal should be sent to us within 20 days of the for transfer date of your notification letter to ensure it is heard The head teacher of the secondary school where before the end of the summer term. The appeal your child has been offered a place will invite you to panel will consider your appeal according to the visit the school before the end of the summer term terms of the Schools Standards and Framework 2015. You will have the opportunity to look around Act 1998 and the Code on Admission Appeals. the school and to discuss questions such as school You may attend the hearing yourself and you may uniform, books, travel arrangements, midday meals be accompanied by a friend, or be represented. If and possible financial help. you are unable to attend, your written appeal will be considered. By the start of the summer holidays, the arrangements for your child’s transfer to a new school should have been completed so that he or she can look forward to starting there in September.
16 Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
Frequently asked questions
Does the law guarantee my I want to change my preferences. child a place in the school What do I do? of my choice? If you want to change your preferences before No. The law says that parents may express a the closing date and you completed a paper preference for any school. However, if more application form, you will need to call the parents express a preference for a school than Admissions Team on 020 7745 6432 to request a the number of places available, there has to be an ‘change of preference’ form or email your child’s order of priority to decide which children to admit. details with the changes you want to make to: The law allows parents to appeal to an independent [email protected]. Preferences panel if their child is refused a place at a school of will not be changed as a result of a verbal their choice. conversation. If you applied online, you will be able to log back into your application up until the closing date to make changes. You must remember to Am I more likely to get the re-submit your application. If you change preferences after the closing date, they will be treated as late school that I named as my and will not be considered until after all on-time first preference? applications have been considered. Preferences for schools are considered together and equally against the schools published admission criteria, regardless of which preference I live in the Royal Borough, you placed it on your application. The rank or order but will be moving outside of of your preference will only be used if it is possible London and want to apply for for your child to be potentially offered more than one of your preferred schools. schools there. What do I do? As long as you are living in the Royal Borough If this is the case, the offer will be made for before the closing date, you can still complete our the school that you ranked highest. Any lower application form and name the schools in the area preferences that could have been offered will you are moving to. This information cannot be automatically be withdrawn, as only one offer will transferred via the Pan-London System, but we are be made for each child on offer day (if an offer can able to pass your request to the council you will be be made). It is therefore important that you list the moving to by a secure transfer system. You must schools on your form in order of your preference. check the admission criteria for the schools you apply for as your child may need to attend tests. Will a school know where I listed them on my application? The distance that you have No. All applications are treated equally against the calculated from my home to school’s published admission criteria. Schools are the school is further away than not provided with the preference order, as it has no relevance to the decision-making process. the distance I have calculated on a measuring system I used on the internet. What do I do? Does my child have priority for The Royal Borough’s geographical measuring a school place in the borough system is used for calculating all applicants’ that I live in? distances from home to school. Distances measured No. It is against the law for boroughs to give by other means – e.g. private car, pedometer or the priority to its own residents. However, some schools internet – are likely to be calculated on a different have feeder primary schools as priority in their basis and should not be relied upon as evidence admissions arrangements. You will need to look that the Royal Borough’s distance calculation is out for this when doing your research. incorrect. The Royal Borough’s measurement system is designed to be reliable and consistent, and is used for all applications.
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 17 School details Chelsea Academy
Chelsea Academy is a mixed Church of England Academy for students aged between 11 and 18. It specialises in the sciences and is sponsored by the Church of England (the London Diocesan Board for Schools) and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It opened in September 2009 and has places for 180 Students to join Year 7. Chelsea Academy combines traditional values and the highest standards with a high level of pastoral care and an innovative approach to learning and teaching. It is open to girls and boys of all backgrounds and most students live in the local area. Up to ten per cent of the Academy’s places are allocated to students with an aptitude in music.
Admission criteria Chelsea Academy has an agreed admission number of 180 students. Where the number of applications for admission is greater than the published admissions number, applications will be considered against the criteria set out below. After the admission of children with statements of SEN or Education, Health and Care Plan, places will be allocated to applicants in the following priority order: (i) Young people who are in public care or who were in public care but ceased to be so because they were adopted or became subject to a Child Arrangement Order or Special Guardianship Order. (ii) Young people whom the Governors and Principal accept have an exceptional medical, social or educational need for a place at Chelsea Academy. Applications will only be considered under this category if they are supported by a written statement from a medical consultant, senior social worker or other appropriate professional. In each case there must be a clear connection between the child’s need and Chelsea Academy, and an explanation of the difficulties which would be caused if the child were to attend another school. (iii) Up to 10% of the agreed admission number of pupils for secondary transfer to Year 7 will be admitted on the basis of aptitude in Music, using a specified assessment process, which will be published in the Academy prospectus. Applicants for those places must complete a supplementary information form. Applicants who
18 Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
School details
are not offered a place under this category will automatically be considered for a place under Chelsea Academy other admission criteria below. Church of England Academy for boys and girls, (iv) The Governors will give priority to children which also offers Community Places of staff where the member of staff has been Matthew Williams employed by the Academy (i.e. those who have Principal: Sciences an employment contract with the Academy) for School Specialist Status Subject: 207 6905 two or more years at the time of application or DfE number: Lots Road, SW10 0AB where the member of staff is recruited to fill a Address: vacant post for which there is a demonstrable 020 7376 3019 skill shortage. [email protected] (v) To brothers and sisters of students on the roll of www.chelsea-academy.org the Academy at the time of admission (does not include students who have only attended the Fulham Broadway (District Line) sixth form). This includes half-brothers or half- Imperial Wharf (Mainline) sisters, adopted brothers or sisters, stepbrothers 11, 14, 19, 22, 49, 211, 319, 328, 345, 391, 414 or stepsisters or the children of the partner of the parent or carer provided that they live at the Admissions limit for September 2015: 180 same address as the applicant. Open evening: Thursday 25 September 2014 at 6pm to 9pm Admission under (i) to (v) will be considered irrespective of any religious affiliation. School tours (parents/carers only): Monday 6 October to Friday 17 October 2014 by appointment only Balance of Foundation and Community Places Deadline for Music Aptitude application: 50% of the remaining places per year will be Tuesday 30 September 2014 Foundation Places (Church) and 50% Community Places (Open), with any vacant places being taken Music Aptitude tests: up by oversubscription from the other category. Monday 6 October to Friday 17 October 2014 Letter to parents notifying them of the outcome of aptitude testing: Foundation applicants Week commencing: Monday 20 October 2014 Foundation places are open to applicants who meet How places were offered in 2014 the criteria for foundation places. Applicants should Total applications: 790 complete a Foundation Place Supplementary 5 places were allocated to children with a Statement Information Form (SIF) and send it to the Academy of Special Educational Needs. by the date specified within the Academy’s 10% (18) prospectus and on its website. Chelsea Academy’s Music Aptitude Places: SIF will be available with the school’s prospectus, Sibling Places: 49 or can be downloaded from the school’s website Remaining places offered as follows: www.chelsea-academy.org Community Places: Applicants eligible for Foundation Places will be Offers made up to 1.028 miles* (within category 1, allocated places in the following order of preference: non CE Royal Borough Primary School) 1. Children who regularly attend1 one of the Foundation Places: 50 per cent – All children in this section were Church of England churches in the Deaneries of offered a place. Kensington and Chelsea and who attend a Church of England Primary School in the Deaneries. Appeals heard 2014: 7 Successful appeals: 0 1 2. Children who regularly attend other Christian Appeals heard 2013: 7 2 Churches or chapels and who attend a Church Successful appeals: 0 of England Primary School in the Deaneries. Appeals heard 2012: 27 3. Children who regularly attend1 one of the Successful appeals: 1 Church of England churches in the Deaneries of Kensington and Chelsea, or other Christian * The distance is calculated as a straight line Churches or chapels2 in the Deanery area. (as the crow flies) from home to school.
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 19
School details Chelsea Academy
4. Other children who attend a Church of England Primary School in the Deaneries of Kensington and Chelsea. If any of the above categories are over-subscribed, random allocation will be used as a tie-break. Those not offered foundation places will be considered against the criteria for community places and vice versa. If a tie-break involves twins or triplets, Chelsea Academy will offer places over the published number to accommodate the children.
1 Regular attendance at church must have been for at least one year, on at least two occasions per month. A Vicar’s/ Minister’s letter will be required. The only exception will be those families who have moved into the area within the previous year and can provide a Vicar’s/Minister’s letter to confirm that they attended a church regularly in the place where they used to live. 2 “Christian Churches or chapels” refers to those churches that are members of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland or are members of the Evangelical Alliance or Afro-Caribbean Evangelical Alliance.
Community places Community places are open to all applicants. Places will be offered in the following order of priority: 1. To applicants who on the closing date for applications attend a primary school in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea which is not a Church of England primary school. 2. To other applicants who attend a primary school in the Royal Borough. 3. To other applicants that do not attend a Royal Borough primary school. If there are more applicants than places available in either category 1, 2, or 3 places will be offered to children who live nearest the school. Nearness Chelsea Academy to the school will be calculated using a straight line (as the crow flies) measurement from the child’s specialises in home ‘address point’ determined by Ordnance Survey Data to the centre point of the school the sciences grounds as determined by the Royal Borough using its computerised measuring system. The child Waiting lists living closest to the school will receive the highest priority. Accessibility by car or public transport Where in any year Chelsea Academy receives will be disregarded. If applicants share the same more applications for places than there are places address (for example, live in the same block of available, waiting lists will operate for foundation flats or shared house) priority will be given to those and community places. The lists will be maintained closest to the ground floor and then by ascending by Chelsea Academy and it will be open to flat number order. Should more than one child have any parent to ask for his or her child’s name the same distance a decision will be made using to be placed on the waiting list(s), following an random allocation. If a tie-break involves twins or unsuccessful application. triplets, Chelsea Academy will offer places over the You will need to contact your Home LA if you published number to accommodate the children. would like to either make a late preference for your
20 Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
School details
Arrangements for admission to post 16 provision Chelsea Academy operates a co-educational sixth form for a maximum of 250 students. The Academy will not admit external applicants into its sixth form unless it is undersubscribed by pupils progressing from its own Year 11 and in such circumstances it will apply the same academic entry requirements as it does to pupils already on roll in the Academy and, if a tie-break is necessary to determine who is admitted, it will apply the oversubscription criteria below. Both internal and external pupils wishing to enter the sixth form will be expected to have met the minimum academic entry requirements for entry. In addition to the minimum academic entry requirements for the sixth form, pupils will need to satisfy minimum entrance requirements to the courses for which they are applying. If either internal or external applicants fail to meet the minimum course requirements they will be given the option of pursuing any alternative courses for which they do meet the minimum academic requirements. These academic entry requirements form part of the admission arrangements and so will be consulted upon and published in the Academy’s prospectus and website and in the LA composite admissions prospectus. When the sixth form is undersubscribed all applicants meeting the minimum academic entry requirements will be admitted. When there are more external applicants that satisfy any academic entry requirements, places will be offered according to the following order of preference: (1) Young people who are in public care or who were in public care but ceased to be so because they were adopted or became subject to a residence or Special Guardianship Order. (2) The applicant’s suitability for the course for which application is being made. Details relating to prior attainment requirements (for external applicants) will be required on a supplementary application form. child or to be added to the waiting list(s) if you have already applied. There will be a right of appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel for unsuccessful applicants and After Year 7 has begun, pupils will no longer be those existing Chelsea Academy pupils refused admitted on the basis of aptitude in Music. Priority admission into the sixth form. will first be given in the way described in i) and ii). After that, a child’s positions on the waiting list(s) will be determined in accordance with the Foundation and Community oversubscription criteria. Where places become vacant, they will be allocated to children on the waiting lists in accordance with the oversubscription criteria.
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 21
School details Holland Park School
“Holland Park School provides an inspirational climate for learning within a safe environment”
Holland Park School is a vibrant central in Leadership Award; is a partnership school with Cambridge University; was listed in the top ten London comprehensive school, judged most successful Humanities Specialist Colleges; by Ofsted to be outstanding. The school and features in the Good Schools Guide. enjoys a stunning new building located The following is an extract from the school’s most alongside Holland Park. recent Ofsted report: It is designated a Humanities Specialist School, “Holland Park School provides an inspirational with English as its leading subject. Holland Park climate for learning within a safe environment. School is oversubscribed in all years; has outstanding Exceptional leadership and dedicated staff results at GCSE and A level; and its value added is have secured key improvements since the in the top two per cent of all schools nationally. last inspection, such that it is now an outstanding school. The school holds the following awards: Specialist School Status, Sportsmark, Inclusion “The inspirational leadership of the head Mark, The Princes Teaching Institute, Healthy teacher has ensured that those aspects of the Schools, and IIP Gold Award. In 2014 it was school which were found to be outstanding awarded an SSAT Educational Outcomes Award at its last inspection have been securely for outstanding progress. maintained and built upon.” In addition, Holland Park has achieved the Royal The full report can be accessed via the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s Excellence school’s website.
22 Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
School details Holland Park School
A new Holland Park Holland Park School In Autumn 2012 the school moved into its brand new, state of the art building, and students now An Academy for boys and girls benefit from an exceptional learning environment. Head: Mr C Hall BA, FRSA Specialist teaching rooms and laboratories, a 25m Associate Head: Mr D Chappell BA, FRSA competition swimming pool, dance studios and School Specialist Status Subject: recording studio, are just some examples of the Humanities (with English as the lead subject) learning and activity spaces available to students DfE number: 207 4320 studying at Holland Park. In addition the external Address: Airlie Gardens, Campden Hill Road, W8 7AF play areas include an astro-turf pitch, tennis courts and multi-surface games area. 020 7908 1000 Aims [email protected] www.hollandparkschool.co.uk The school aims to provide a secular, safe, secure and well-ordered environment in which all students Notting Hill Gate (Central, District and Circle can learn effectively to achieve their full potential. Lines), High Street Kensington (Circle and District Life at Holland Park means commitment, formality, Lines) and Holland Park (Central Line) passion, drive, attention to detail, academic rigour, 9, 10, 12, 27, 28, 31, 49, 52, 70, 94, 452, C1 aspirational targets and a fundamental understanding Open evening: Tuesday 16 September 2014, 6.30pm that beneath all of this challenge beats the individual Thursday 18 September 2014, 9.15am human heart that needs nurturing. Open morning: Deadline for art aptitude applications: Organisation Friday 26 September 2014 Art aptitude test: Saturday 11 October 2014, 8.30am Students are organised into one of five ‘Houses’, Banding test: Saturday 29 November 2014 each comprising 12 mixed age, mixed ability tutor 240 groups. Students are organised for learning by Admission limit for September 2015: ability in all subjects. How places were offered for September 2014 (on offer day, 3 March 2014) All students complete homework regularly. They may Total applications: 1,392 use the well resourced library to do this before and Four places allocated to children with an EHC plan. after school. Provision is made to support literacy and language needs, and for students with Special Places were then offered as follows: Please be aware that the allocation of places for 2014 where made Educational Needs. in accordance to the criteria at the time. Priority was given to children that attended a Royal Borough Primary School – as indicated There is a daily personal, social, health and as category 3(ii) below. This will not apply for the 2015 intake. citizenship education lesson taught by tutors. The topics covered include health and sex Visual Art aptitude category: education, study skills, ethics, citizenship and Ten per cent of the available places were offered to careers guidance. We run a two-year Key Stage 3 children that met the Visual Art aptitude category. curriculum, allowing students in Years 9, 10 and 11 Allocations were made equally to each band where to study and complete a wide range of accredited it applied or the adjacent band if no applicants GCSE and BTEC courses. remained up to a score of 28 out of 40. Band A: 25 per cent – 16 siblings, the remaining Pastoral care and discipline offered up to 0.9366 miles in category 3(ii) Band B: 25 per cent – 21 siblings, the remaining All students meet their tutor every day. Tutors oversee offered up to 1.2333 miles in category 3(ii). One place students’ welfare and well-being, progress and was allocated to a Looked After child achievement, attendance and punctuality. We have Band C: 25 per cent – 19 siblings, the remaining a Code of Conduct which sets out our expectations offered up to 1.3732 miles in category 3(ii) of behaviour very clearly. We expect and maintain 25 per cent – 29 siblings, the remaining a positive, well-ordered, well-mannered and Band D: offered up to 0.9577 miles in category 3(ii). One place purposeful learning environment. This is confirmed was allocated to a Looked After child in our Home-School Agreement; each parent and child signs this document prior to admission. Appeals heard 2014: 30 Successful appeals: 0 Appeals heard 2013: 32 Successful appeals: 0 Appeals heard 2012: 21 Successful appeals: 1
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 23
School details Holland Park School
Parental involvement personal connections across the globe and celebrate together our cultural diversity. All parents receive a Parent Planner at the start of September. This keeps parents informed of all More information about Holland Park School, events throughout the school year. All parents including the Prospectus, can be obtained are invited to attend our Parent Teacher Groups. from the school on request or via our website: These are important opportunities for consultation. www.hollandparkschool.co.uk We also have a Parent Leadership Team that actively involves itself in the life of the school. Admissions criteria The school communicates regularly with parents September 2015/16 keeping them up-to-date through a variety of publications such as our termly magazine, Et Cetera. All parents receive termly academic reports, 1. New intake applications which include their child’s current working levels 1.1 Applicants with a signed Statement of Special matched against predicted levels and grades. Educational Needs or Education, Health and Care plan which names Holland Park will be Uniform placed at the school via the Education, Health and Care process as set out in Section 43 of All students are expected to wear Holland Park’s the Children and Families Act 2014. bespoke uniform. This consists of a dark grey suit 1.2 Holland Park School is proud to be a genuine for boys and girls, together with a blue shirt or blouse. comprehensive school. It seeks to admit and Boys are required to wear a tie. All students are to maintain a balanced intake with students required to wear the school’s outdoor coat. There representing all levels of ability and potential and is also a school bag, scarf and jumper/cardigan. to ensure that academic achievement is the very Uniform is only available from the school’s supplier core of our purpose. The admission number is (Stevensons) and is of a high quality. Our Sixth 240. Holland Park School admits students in Form students have a professional dress code four bands of ability: for admission year 2015. similar to that of teachers and associate staff.
Band A Band B Band C Band D Assemblies 25% of intake 25% of intake 25% of intake 25% of intake Assemblies contribute to the social, moral, 54 places 54 places 54 places 54 places spiritual and cultural education of young people. We regard assemblies seriously and have a planned annual programme. Music, video, quiet reflection 1.3 Holland Park has a particular expertise in the and thought provoking themes are central to teaching of the visual arts. Up to a maximum each presentation. All reflect the secular nature of 10%, places are allocated to students who of the school. are able to demonstrate an aptitude in Art and Design. Applicants for these places must Extra-curricular activities complete a supplementary form; available from the School or the school or council’s website. Extensive use is made of the school’s facilities There will be an assessment by the school for the wide range of clubs and activities that of applicants’ potential. Priority will then be run after school. We are actively committed to applied in descending order by aptitude test sport and hold Sports Mark Gold. We enjoy high score to applicants with more than 20 points standards of performance in drama, dance, music (from a possible 40). Applicants who are not and gymnastics. Our Art Gallery regularly exhibits offered a place on the grounds of aptitude will the work of our students and practising artists. automatically be considered for a place within We have a choir and a popular chess club. their ability band under the general admission Many of our students are involved in the Duke criteria described below. of Edinburgh award. 2. Oversubscription criteria Commitment to equality 2.1 Holland Park School has been heavily oversubscribed for a number of years. Where With students representing over 100 nationalities the number of applications for admission is and speaking more than 70 languages, we share greater that the published admissions number,
24 Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
School details Holland Park School
applications will be considered against the or social worker which must be no more criteria set out below and places will be than six months old. All information allocated in the following order of priority: submitted will be regarded a confidential. 2.1.1 Children in Public Care, also known as 2.1.3 A maximum of 24 places will be offered Looked After Children in care of the local to applicants who can demonstrate an authority and children who have been aptitude and capacity to succeed in the adopted or made subject to a child visual arts, especially art and design. arrangement order or special guardianship Places offered under this criterion are order immediately following having been made without reference to a child’s score looked after. The child’s social worker on the ability banding test and instead must submit a letter to the Royal Borough will be assessed by a separate aptitude confirming the legal status of the child test. The Governors reserve the right to and the local authority to whom the child admit fewer than 24 children under this is/was in care and quoting the child’s full criterion if there are insufficient applicants name and current address. reaching the required score, with any remaining places split equally across the 2.1.2 The Governing Body, as the admissions four ability bands. authority, may on an individual basis give priority to applicants who can 2.1.4 Children of staff in either or both of the demonstrate that admission to Holland following circumstances: Park School is necessary on the grounds a) where the member of staff has been of professionally supported medical or employed by the school for two or more social need. Parents/carers must supply years at the time at which the application details of any such special factors at for admission to the school is made, the time of the original application, and/or; together with supporting documentation. Such applications will not be considered b) the member of staff is recruited to without professional support – such as a fill a vacant post for which there is a letter or report from a doctor, consultant demonstrable skill shortage.
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 25
School details Holland Park School
2.2 For the majority of applications, the following criteria are likely to be more relevant. When the applicants described in category (1) to (2.1.4) Holland Park School is have all been offered places, the remaining places in each of the four bands will be a vibrant central London offered in the following order of priority: 2.2.1 To brothers and sisters of children who comprehensive school, are, and will continue to be, on the roll of Holland Park School from September 2015 judged by Ofsted in May (including the sixth form). This includes half- brothers or half-sisters, adopted brothers 2011 to be outstanding or sisters, stepbrothers or stepsisters or the children of the parent or carers partner provided that they live at the same address as the applicant. 2.3 Places are then offered first to children who live nearest to the school. Nearness to the school will be calculated using a straight line (as the crow flies) measurement from the child’s home ‘address point’ determined by Ordnance Survey Data to the centre of the school grounds as determined by the Royal Borough using its computerised measuring system. The child living closest to the school will receive the highest priority. Accessibility by car or public transport will be disregarded. If applicants share the same address (for example, live in the same block of flats or shared house) priority will be given to those closest to the ground floor and then by ascending flat number order. 2.4 Routes will be measured to four decimal places (if necessary). If in the unlikely event that two or more applicants live at exactly the same distance from the school the offer of a to accommodate children of multiple births without place will be decided by random allocation. exceeding 240 by September 2015. 2.5 If, in any of the bands, there are more * This rule will not apply to the visual arts aptitude category. applicants than places available in a category, places will be offered to children living nearest All applicants must attend the school to take the the school in the manner described in 2.3. banding test on Saturday 29 November 2014 in the morning. Failure to attend will mean your child will 2.6 If an offer of a place is not accepted by not be allocated to an ability Band. As the school is an applicant the place will be offered to always heavily oversubscribed, those not allocated another applicant according to the same to a Band will not be offered a place, even if they order of priority. have a sibling or live very close to the school. Holland Park School will write to you (and email Twins and triplets you if you have provided an email address in your If a tie-break involves twins or triplets in the same application) with arrangements for the test and the band*, Holland Park School will offer places over time your child needs to arrive at the school. If you their published admission number to accommodate do not receive communication from the school by the children. Further places will not be offered Thursday 27 November 2014, you will need to either until the school admissions limit falls back to 240. contact the school on 020 7908 1000 or the Royal This situation is unlikely, and in most cases the Borough’s Admissions Team on 020 7745 6432. school would have enough movement in numbers The school will have a list of all those that have
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School details Holland Park School
Year 7 waiting list After Year 7 has begun, the allocated bands will no longer apply. Those who have requested to go on the waiting list will be ordered as described above in 2.1.1 to 2.2.1. After that, priority will be given to applicants who live nearest the school in the way described.
Successful applicants Following national offer day on 2nd March 2015, Holland Park School will be in contact with successful parents as below: The welcome pack: this pack contains all the relevant documentation for transfer in September; it also includes all details for the purchase of uniform. The packs will be posted to parents at the beginning of May 2015; The welcome evening: this event is for all transferring children and parents. The event will be hosted in early June 2015. If you have a confirmed and accepted offer of a place from your local authority, the school will have your child’s details on its September admission list. If, for any reason, you have a concern about your place, please contact the school’s Admissions Officer.
Sixth form admissions Holland Park School has places for a maximum of 230 students in its sixth form. In 2015, the school expects to admit to Year 12 a maximum of 100 pupils from other schools, though this number may be exceeded if sufficient places remain once the demand for places from young people already at named Holland Park School as a preference in their Holland Park School has, in the view of the school, application. Even if you do not receive your letter, been met. The availability of places in Year 12 for your child’s name will be on the schools’ application particular subjects will depend on the number of list and they must turn up for the test. If there are young people coming forward from Holland Park exceptional reasons why your child cannot attend School; priority will be given to these. The school you will need to contact the school for advice will only consider applicants for courses which it before the test date. has published as being available, and will not make other courses available at the request of applicants. The banding test is not an entry test. There is All places will be offered conditional on applicants no ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ and a child’s score does not meeting the school’s entry requirements for the determine whether he will receive an offer of a courses. In the event of there being more applicants place. The test is used to ensure that the intake to from outside Holland Park School than there are the school represents the ability range of the cohort places available, places will be offered according to applying. The test gives an indication of the child’s the following criteria in the order shown: current ability to reason using words and numbers. Applicants are ranked on the basis of their score • the applicant’s suitability for the course for which in the test relative to other applicants who took the application is being made; test. There are four ability bands, A, B, C and D. • the applicants considered suitable who live nearest Offers are made equally within each band (25 per to the school. Nearness to the school will be cent) in accordance with the admission criteria. measured in the same way as for Year 7 entry.
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 27
School details Kensington Aldridge Academy
“Kensington Aldridge Academy is developing aspirational new approaches to the curriculum for students” Michael Gove MP, Former Secretary of State for Education
Kensington Aldridge Academy (KAA) KAA students will also have access to the impressive is a vibrant new 11-18 school located in new Kensington Leisure Centre, located alongside the academy, which has three swimming pools, the heart of Notting Hill. We opened to an aerobic studio, a large gym and a second 180 Year 7 students in September 2014 sports hall. and our VIth Form will open in 2016. KAA is the flagship London school of academy At KAA we offer a quality and standard that are sponsor the Aldridge Foundation. We are also unique in the state sector – partnered as we are co-sponsored by the Royal Borough of Kensington with the Godolphin & Latymer and Charterhouse and Chelsea. independent schools and LAMDA and the Royal Academy of Dance. We are oversubscribed for our Curriculum first year and excited to be growing our reputation in this wonderful community. We offer a rich, varied curriculum at KS3, built around discrete academic subjects and delivered Situated in stunning new buildings, KAA has by passionate, expert teachers. Our KS3 curriculum facilities to rival any school: a professional theatre provides students with the foundations they need and dance studio, three libraries (to reflect our for excellent results at GCSE. After Year 11, all KAA strong reading culture), specialist music, art and students are expected to progress onto VIth Form design technology rooms and extensive sports and all are strongly encouraged to progress to facilities (including our 600 m2 sports hall with four university. Our partnerships with Godolphin and cricket nets and our ‘roof-top’ football pitch). Charterhouse have added rigour and challenge to
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School details Kensington Aldridge Academy
our curriculum; each Head of Department at KAA is partnered with their equivalent at Godolphin and Charterhouse in order to share curriculum plans. KAA VIth Form students will have support from our independent school partners when it comes to university applications (e.g. mock interviews, help with their personal statements) and we expect high numbers of KAA students to gain admission to Russell Group universities. KAA students work longer hours than a typical secondary school – 30 rather than 25 hours of formal classes each week. In Year 7 we: • Commit extra time to English and maths where needed to ensure all students quickly attain the proficiency in literacy and numeracy which will enable them to access a broad range of subjects with confidence. • Emphasise history, geography and modern languages, as we believe that these subjects develop the critical-thinking and analytical skills Kensington Aldridge Academy that universities and employers want, as well as giving students a fuller understanding of the An Academy for boys and girls world around them. Principal: Mr David Benson • Give generous time to the expressive arts, using School Specialist Status Subject: our specialist facilities and our partnerships Performing and Creative Arts to deliver the very best provision in music, art, DfE number: 207 4000 drama and design technology. Address: 1 Silchester Road, London W10 6EX 020 7297 0340 Intrepidus and our [email protected] entrepreneurial ethos www.kaa.org.uk Intrepidus (adj.) Ladbroke Grove and Latimer Road Definitions: Undaunted, fearless, bold. (Hammersmith and City Line and Circle Line) Like all Aldridge academies, KAA focuses not just 295, 52, 23, 7 on teaching academic knowledge but also giving Admissions limit for September 2014: 180 students an entrepreneurial outlook and attitude that will serve them well whatever they do in life. Open evenings: Tuesday 30 September, 9am to 12pm In lessons, KAA students are not passengers who Wednesday 1 October, 4pm to 8pm see their role as simply to memorise information Tuesday 6 October, 9am to 12pm their teachers give them and then recite it later. Wednesday 8 October, 4pm to 8pm Instead our students are constantly challenged to How places were offered for September 2014 extend their thinking, and encouraged to develop (on offer day, 3 March 2014) their own passion for learning and enquiry. They are 492 creative, resilient learners, who see problems as Total applications: 5 children were offered with a Statement of SEN puzzles to be solved and mistakes as opportunities to improve. Places were then offered as follows: This is what entrepreneurship means to us: a Children living within the priority area (criteria c): All children living within the priority area were offered school full of confident, committed learners able to self-direct their studies and take control of their Children living outside of the priority area own destinies. Our school motto – Intrepidus – (criteria e): Children were offered outside of the captures this spirit. As Sir Rod Aldridge, Chairman priority area up to a distance of 0.8388 of a mile. of the Aldridge Foundation and himself a successful
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 29
School details Kensington Aldridge Academy
entrepreneur, often says “It’s not where you come The house system from in life, but where you get to that counts.” At KAA all students and staff are a member of one of A key element of our entrepreneurial ethos is the our four houses. The house system creates ‘schools Kensington Creates centre. Possibly the most within schools’ – smaller communities of students distinctive part of our new academy, Creates is a and staff that develop a sense of belonging, unique business incubator situated in the central identity and healthy competition. The house system atrium of KAA. Creates is designed to help our provides a focal point for academy events and students and local community develop practical rewards, and mixes all ages to allow older students entrepreneurial skills and will, in time, grow the to mentor their younger peers. business and social entrepreneurs of the future. We have six ‘major’ house competitions each year (one per half term). They are: House Art & Design; Performing and creative arts House Charities; House Music; House Drama; House Debating and of course House Sports Day. As a performing and creative arts specialist academy If a new Year 7 has an older brother or sister at we have a commitment to excellence in art, music, KAA they will join the same house. drama, and design technology. This means excellent facilities and – most importantly – excellent teaching within these subjects. Discipline We believe performing and creative arts provide KAA has the very highest expectations of student essential cultural knowledge and develop a wide behaviour. We operate a calm, orderly environment range of talents, helping all students to be confident, where students are required to be polite and expressive communicators. Universities increasingly courteous at all times. Our expectations are set require applicants to demonstrate these skills and out clearly in our Code of Conduct and all parents provide examples of success that are not purely will be asked to sign a home/school agreement ‘academic’. Through our LAMDA partnership before they join the academy. students receive tuition in public speaking and drama and, in time, KAA hopes to become a Uniform LAMDA examination centre. Our dance provision is growing each year and we have teachers from the We are proud of our students and encourage them Royal Academy of Dance delivering enrichment to be proud of their school. One key aspect of this classes to students at KAA. is that they all wear our KAA uniform, consisting of a grey blazer, maroon jumper, white shirt or blouse (with tie in house colours) and dark grey trousers or pleated skirt. Our smart uniform supports a sense of community and demonstrates that students are ready to work.
Admissions The Academy is non-selective and follows the standard admissions policy within RBKC. This means that places will be allocated according to proximity to the academy. The Admissions number (the maximum allowed in each year) for the academy is 180. Where the number of applications for admission is greater than this, applications will be considered against the criteria set out below. After the admission of students with a statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan, where Kensington Aldridge Academy is named the criteria will be applied in the order in which they are set out below:
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School details Kensington Aldridge Academy
Oversubscription criteria For the purpose of criterion (c) and (e) above, nearness to school will be calculated using a a) Children in Public Care. straight line (as the crow flies) measurement from b) Children who live in the defined priority area the child’s home ‘address point’ determined by who have a sibling at the Academy at the time Ordnance Survey Data to the centre of the school of admission. grounds as determined by the Royal Borough using its computerised measuring system. The child living c) Children who live in the defined priority area who closest to the school will receive the highest priority. live nearest the Academy. Distances will be Accessibility by car or public transport will be calculated using a straight measurement from the disregarded. If applicant share the same address home address to the centre point of the Academy. (for example, live in the same block of flats or d) Children who live outside the defined priority area shared house) priority will be given to those closest who have a sibling at the Academy at the time to the ground floor by ascending flat number order. of admission. Routes will be measured to four decimal places e) Children who live outside the defined priority area (if necessary). If in the unlikely event that two or who live nearest to the Academy. Distances will be more applicants live at exactly the same distance calculated using a straight measurement from the from the school the offer of a place will be decided home address to the centre point of the Academy. by random allocation. Where a student lives for part of each week at Notwithstanding the above arrangements, different addresses, the ‘home’ address shall be The Secretary of State may direct the academy that address at which the pupil spends the majority to admit a named student on application to the of the school week. Local Authority; before doing so the Secretary of State will consult the academy. For the purposes of criterion (b) and (d) above, a sibling is a brother or sister, half brother or sister, adopted brother or sister, step brother of sister Year 7 waiting list or the child of the parent/carer’s partner and in If an application for Year 7 is unsuccessful, every case, the child should be living at the same parents/carers may request the child’s name to be address. The sibling must be in school at the time placed on a waiting list. Applicants will be drawn of application and be likely to remain in the school from the waiting list in accordance with the school’s at the proposed date of admission. oversubscription criteria.
Kensal Priority Green
Kensal A404 Harrow Road area map Green
Mitre Way Mitre Boundary of admissions priority area
WoodLane
Westbournestbournne Park Westway
A4207 Westway
N
Ledbury Rd Ledbury > Site for Kensington A3220 W Cross RTE Aldridge Academy Pl Cheapstow 1 1 0 /4 /2
miles Ossington St Ossington
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 31
School details Sion-Manning RC Girls School
“The teachers support you a lot to make you feel happy” Menha 7N
Sion-Manning was recognised “The headteacher’s high expectations by Ofsted in April 2013 as a ensure that Sion-Manning continues to good school improve. Leaders and managers at all levels share an ambitious vision. This is “Teachers provide a positive environment reflected in the accurate and regular for learning; students have very positive checking of the school’s work including attitudes towards learning, and as a students’ achievement and the result, teaching is consistently good and improvements in teaching.” sometimes outstanding.” “Students say that the school provides “Attainment is above national averages a safe and welcoming environment so in most subjects, and students make that no form of bullying is acceptable.” good progress.” “The school works well with parents “Students’ spiritual, moral, social and to support their children’s learning. cultural development is effectively School evidence show that parents have promoted through inspirational teaching, few, if any, concerns.” assemblies and visits. Their behaviour is good, they say they feel safe, and their “Students behaviour is good. They have positive relationships contribute strongly good relationships with each other and to their learning.” work productively in groups.”
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School details
We are an inclusive school and welcome applications from all communities. Sion-Manning RC Girls School Sion-Manning is a community of learners founded Roman Catholic School for girls on the values, beliefs and practices of the Catholic (voluntary aided) Church. We are a dynamic community who Mrs C Leach MA BA NPQH embraces diversity, innovation and achievement. Head: 207 4801 Our girls are the leaders of tomorrow and we count DfE number: St. Charles Square, W10 6EL ourselves as privileged in sharing, in that journey, Address: with their parents. 020 8969 7111/020 8969 5119 Our faith is at the heart of all we do, the touchstone [email protected] of our day to day life and we aspire to become www.sion-manning.org.uk a living expression of the Gospel within our community. We are proud to be an ‘Outstanding Ladbroke Grove Catholic School’ for two consecutive inspections. (Hammersmith and City Line, Circle Line) 7, 23, 52, 70, 295, 452, 316 Teaching and learning Admissions limit for September 2014: 120 Our GCSE results are increasing rapidly. Last year School Specialist Status Subject: Visual Arts we achieved 73% 5A*-C including English and Open evening: maths. The school is now in the top 100% most Monday 29 September 2014, 6pm to 8pm improved schools in the country for sustained Open days: exam results. We expect all our families to make an Saturday 27 September 2014, 10am to 12pm unreserved commitment to the learning, progress Saturday 4 October 2014, 10am to 12pm and achievement of their daughters. Learners Saturday 11 October 2014, 10am to 12pm have the opportunity to progress and gain GCSE Saturday 18 October 2014, 10am to 12pm validation at a pace that is appropriate for them including Year 7. Our girls complete a two year Friday 26 September 2014, 9am to 12pm KS3, allowing them to begin their GCSEs in Year 9. Friday 3 October 2014, 9am to 12pm Girls are also entered early for a number of different Friday 10 October 2014, 9am to 12pm GCSE examinations, including modern languages, Friday 17 October 2014, 9am to 12pm English language and maths. This will require How places were offered for September 2014 those involved to make considerable commitment to learning out of normal timetable time with the Places available: 120 support of their family. Number of applications received: 163 The school has specialist tutors in English and Maths All applicants were offered a place. who provide 1:1 tuition for those girls who may There have been no appeals lodged over a need extra support. This is funded by the school. 3 year period. Assessment is a regular feature of teaching and learning and each half term parents are informed of their daughter’s progress and attainment at our commitment to the teaching of the Church on the end of that half term. A strong partnership social justice and peace as an essential part of between school and home is essential in ensuring all we do. We encourage our pupils to live out the the girls leave this community with the maximum Gospel value of “Love your neighbour” in all we do. opportunities to create a better life for themselves.
Catholic life of the school Scholarship programmes Sion-Manning has in place a scholarship At our last inspection by the Diocese of programme for pupils who are gifted in Art, Music, Westminster: “Sion-Manning is an outstanding English, Maths, Science and RS. There are up to Catholic school”. 10 places in each subject. Our Catholic ethos is at the heart of our school Only girls who have been offered and accepted community. Each school day begins with an a place at the school will be eligible to apply for a opportunity for prayer and quiet reflection. We take scholarship. Entry for a scholarship place will be
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 33
School details Sion-Manning RC Girls School
through competitive selection during the first half Attendance, punctuality, behaviour and all aspects of the Autumn term. related to learning progress and achievement are monitored on a half termly basis. Sion-Manning acknowledges and nurtures excellence in all subjects. Scholars will set the We recognise that being a parent brings challenges standard for other girls in their year groups to as well as rewards; we have a specialist team follow and encourage achievement in all areas offering an extensive range support for both of school life. children and families at difficult times. The Scholarship programme aims to improve confidence, skills and subject knowledge through Parental involvement a range of privileges depending on the department Five minutes a day spent talking to your daughter offering the scholarship. about her progress, achievement and grades can As an incentive and a reward for their hard work add half a grade improvement to the final GCSE Scholarship girls will be given a bursary to cover grade in any subject. If you were in any doubt about half the cost of a school trip to Valencia or Paris. your role I hope this shows how important you are to your daughter’s final achievements. Pastoral care and support We meet as a team, parents and school, once each half term where you will receive a detailed progress We offer a well-structured system of care and report which shows your daughter’s achievements support for the girls. The girls work within a year now, compared to her targets and her grades at the team structure; each year team is led by a Lead last tracking. tutor and team of tutors. Your daughter’s tutor is your first point of contact, the day starts with time During the year there are drama productions, art as a tutor team with their tutor and ends in the exhibitions, and musical evenings to showcase our same arrangement. The year team of girls meet girls’ talents to parents and the community. weekly for their assembly where girls receive merits, rewards and other incentives. All the Year teams are Learners with a statement of supervised by an Assistant Head and the Deputy Head who work together for the benefit of the girls. special educational needs The tutor teams are all experienced professionals For learners with particular and specific learning and specialists in their own subject area. or medical needs individual support is given both
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School details
in and out of the classroom. Statemented children and children identified with additional SEND support needs receive appropriate support. Working together is essential if we are to ensure your daughter’s needs are met and she too makes appropriate progress to achieve the best level/grade possible. Every parent has hopes and dreams for their child and we are here to work with you to make that dream a reality as far as possible.
Homework support Every year team offers dedicated time at least once a week for homework support, including for those children with special educational needs to enable them to complete any tasks or allocated home learning. We set and expect all the girls to do their best in completing homework. Supervising your daughter whilst doing home learning ensures sufficient quality and quantity, it is an essential in your role as parents. The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) stays open four nights a week, after school to enable the girls to access any resources or materials they may need as part of their home learning.
After school activities Behaviour There are many activities and clubs running each We expect the highest standards of behaviour night throughout the year. These include a wide from learners within the community. We celebrate range of PE activities e.g. archery and basketball, successes, for example, with certificates, VIVO science club, film club, chess club, maths club, points, notepads, praise pens, positive phone debate mate and philosophy. calls home and end of year trips. There are also consequences for those who choose not meet Community Hub the expectations of our community. No one has the right to interrupt the learning and well-being We value our links with our local community eg. our of another in the community, either adult or other annual Christmas lunch and Summer tea party for child, and therefore our response will be clear and our elderly citizens. We perform for the residents of unequivocal. We expect our parents to support us Princess Louise nursing home regularly. This year in this without question or reservation. we have successfully introduced an after school homework club for the boys and girls of local Come and meet us primary schools, and a one stop advice service for our community and local residents. Visits by perspective parents are actively encouraged. Additionally, we meet with our parents ICT and their daughters to give each family some special time to talk about their daughter, their hopes ICT is a major driver of change in our learning and dreams and anything else they might want to community. All our girls should have access to a share prior to their start at school. If we are to work computer at home and for those who need some together as a team then this initial time together is help with this we operate a home loan scheme, invaluable. It allows us to get to know each other, access to this knowledge is an entitlement for establish a trusting relationship and share all those everyone. Funding for the home loan scheme is things that will make the difference to a successful provided by the school. start to their daughter’s new future.
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 35
School details Sion-Manning RC Girls School
The view from year 7 pupils 2. Baptised Catholic girls from practising Catholic families whose applications are supported by the “I feel safe and I feel that I won’t get Diocesan Priest’s Reference Form. bullied.” Opnel 7S 3. Other baptised Catholic girls. “Sion-Manning is a great school with lots of activities.” 7O 4. Other “looked after” girls who have been adopted Nur (or made subject to residence orders or special “It provides a great education.” Nadja 7O guardianship orders) immediately after having been looked after. “I will get good grades because of the teachers.” Amina 7O 5. Catechumens and baptised girls of Eastern/ Orthodox Churches where the application is “We are lucky to be at Sion-Manning supported by their priest. because it gives an opportunity to Aspire, 6. Girls from Christian families where the application Achieve Together.” Year 7 leadership team is supported by a reference from a minister “Sion-Manning is a great brilliant school of religion. that is inspiring.” Katie 7I 7. Girls from families of other faiths where the “Sion-Manning is a very caring school application is supported by a reference from a religious leader. and the girls are like a family.” Lili 7S 8. Any other girls. Admission criteria 2014 Exceptional need Sion-Manning RC Girls School was founded by the Catholic Church to provide education for children The governors will give top priority in any category, of Catholic families. after the appropriate category of looked-after girls to girls whose exceptional medical, social or pastoral Whenever there are more applications than needs justify a place at the school. To demonstrate places available, priority will always be given to an exceptional social or medical need, which can Catholic applications, who will be required to only be met at this school, the Governing Body provide a reference from a Catholic priest as to will require compelling written evidence at the time their catholicity. of application from an appropriate professional The governing body of the school has sole e.g. doctor, priest or social worker. responsibility for admissions to the school. It intends to admit 120 pupils to year 7 in the school year Priest’s reference commencing September 2014. It is normal for the priest’s reference to be All applicants complete the school’s own application completed by the priest of the parish which documentation, which includes providing (as and parents/guardians reside. when appropriate) evidence of Catholicity by means of the priest’s reference form (Section B) in addition It is acknowledged, however, that some applicants to the home LEA’s common application form. may not be known in what might be termed their home parish. In such instance, such persons are The timetable for applications to the school will be in free to nominate a priest of their own choice to accordance with that published for the Pan-London complete the priest’s reference form. co-ordinated admissions.
Oversubscription criteria Tie-break Distance will be measured from the main entrance When the number of applicants exceeds the of the school to the applicant’s front door. In the admission number, offers of places are made using case of flats, measurement will be to the front door the following criteria in order of priority: of the flat within the building. Home address is 1. Catholic “looked after” girls and Catholic defined as where the child lives for more than 50% girls who have been adopted (or made subject of the school week. If a situation arises where two to a child arrangement order or special or more children from a family are competing within guardianship orders) immediately after having the same potential year group for a single remaining been looked after. place, this will be resolved by random allocation i.e.
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School details
lottery, in the presence of an independent witness. In-Year admissions In the case of a number of addresses in a block Applications for In-Year admissions are made with the same geographical reference, priority will directly to the school and if there is no waiting list, be determined by random allocation. a girl will be admitted. If more applications are received than there are places available then Twins and multiple births applications will be ranked by the governing body in accordance with the oversubscription criteria, The Governing Body does not give priority under with the following modifications: Catholic girls without its admission criteria for twins, triplets or other an offer of a school place elsewhere are given multiple applications from one family for the same priority immediately after Catholic ‘looked-after’ year group. If one girl is offered a place and there girls similarly, other [children] without an offer of a are insufficient places available for the others, the school place are given priority immediately after Governing Body will agree to exceed the published other ‘looked-after’ girls. If a place cannot be admission number and admit the additional girls. offered at this time then you may ask us for the reasons and you will be informed of your right of Waiting lists appeal. You will be offered the opportunity of being placed on a waiting list. This waiting list will be Where an application for Year 7 is unsuccessful, maintained by the governing body in the order of parents/guardians may request the child’s name the oversubscription criteria as modified above to be placed on a waiting list. and not in the order in which the applications are Applicants will be drawn from the waiting list in received. Names are removed from the list at the accordance with the school’s oversubscription end of each academic year. When a place becomes criteria and not in the date a particular name was available the governing body will decide who is at placed on the list. The waiting list remains open the top of the list and make an offer. at all times to fill any vacancies which may occur – whether it is in Year 7 or any other year – as Admissions appeals time progresses. Parents/guardians who are unsuccessful in their From time to time, parents/guardians are asked if daughter’s application have the right to appeal they wish their child to remain on the list. Casual to an independent admissions appeal panel, in admissions are also filled in accordance with the accordance with the provisions of the Code of published oversubscription criteria. Practice; School Admission Appeal.
Change of details Pupils with a Statement of If any of the details on your form change between Special Educational Needs the date of application and the receipt of the letter of offer or refusal, you must inform the School The admission of pupils with a Statement of Special immediately. If misleading information is given or Educational Needs or Education, Health and allowed to remain on the form, governors reserve Care Plan is dealt with by a completely separate the right to withdraw the place, even if the child has procedure. Details of this separated procedure are already started at the School. set out in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice. If your child has a Statement of SEN you Fair access must contact your local authority SEN officer. The school is committed to taking its fair share of Notes: [children] who are vulnerable and/or hard to place, For the purposes of admission criteria, the term ‘Catholic’ is as set out in locally agreed protocols. Accordingly, taken to denote a baptised person who is in full communion outside the normal admissions round the governing with the Catholic Church, that is to say, a member of any body is empowered to give absolute priority to a Catholic Church that is in full communion with the See of Rome. child where admission is requested under any local Membership of Catholic Church is gained by Baptism in that protocol that has been agreed by both the Diocese church; it can also be gained by other baptised Christians and the governing body for the current school year. who are subsequently received into the Catholic Church. The governing body has this power even when ‘Practising’ means attendance at Mass on Sunday and admitting the child would mean exceeding the Holy Days of Obligation. published admission number.
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 37
School details St. Thomas More Language College
Aims Organisation and curriculum The college’s aims can be summed up in its The pupils are divided into tutor groups and Mission Statement – which can be found in the are taught in ‘sets’, or mixed ability groups, school’s own prospectus and on their website. according to subject following a broad and balanced curriculum. We are a community living and growing in the Catholic faith. The life and teaching of Jesus Christ The college has a clearly defined Home Learning are the foundation of all we undertake. Policy which parents are required to support. Opportunity to complete homework is provided We expect all members of our community to: in the College Library and in the Study Club after • be responsible citizens upholding Gospel values school. Sex Education forms part of the Pastoral, in our society Science and Religious Education Curriculum and follows the guidelines set by the Education Service • contribute to providing the best possible of the Diocese of Westminster. education for all Career education is provided through the Pastoral • work together, valuing and nurturing all Curriculum in all year groups and two weeks relationships Work Experience is arranged for all Year 10 pupils. • maintain an environment that allows all individuals A programme of enrichment activities for gifted to flourish and enjoy education pupils is arranged by the Gifted and Talented Co-ordinators; additional support is available to • honour the aims and purposes of the college. help pupils with special needs and disabilities. In this way we are Serving God and Striving for Excellence in everything we do.
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School details
Additional support and programme for our Pupil St. Thomas More Language College Premium cohort of students Roman Catholic School for boys and girls (voluntary aided) At the start of the summer holiday we have a Dr T Papworth, Ph.D., MBA, NPQH, MA summer school for the students in Year 6 who Head: Languages will join us in September. This is a great week full School Specialist Status Subject: 207 4681 of activities, fun and fellowship and assists the DfE number: Cadogan Street, SW3 2QS transition to secondary school. Address: Pupils are guided in planning their post-16 020 7589 9734/020 7823 7868 education and they are encouraged to continue [email protected] with their studies in a Catholic sixth form e.g. www.stmlc.co.uk St. Charles Catholic Sixth Form College. Sloane Square, South Kensington Subjects available (District and Circle Line) 11, 19, 22, 137, 211, 265, 319, 360, C1, C10 Key Stage 3 Admissions limit for September 2015: 120 A) National Curriculum and Core Subjects School visiting dates: Religious Education, Mathematics, Science, Thursday 11 September 2014 from 4.15pm English, and Modern Foreign Language. Wednesday 17 September 2014 from 4.15pm B) Foundation Subjects Banding test dates: Art, Geography, History, ICT, Music, Physical Monday 10 to Friday 14 November 2014 Education and Technology (Food Technology How places were offered in 2014: and Graphics). Number of applications received: 516 C) Pastoral Curriculum Places were offered as follows: Citizenship, Personal, Social Health, Economic Band 1: 30 places offered under Criterion 2 Education and Enrichment drop down days. Band 2: 58 places offered under Criterion 2 (plus 2 students with a Statement of SEN) Key Stage 4 Band 3: 30 places offered under Criterion 2 A) National Curriculum and Core Subjects Appeals lodged: 16 (leading to GCSE or equivalent) Successful appeals: 0 Religious Education, English (language and Appeals heard 2013: 10 literature), Mathematics, Science (double or triple). Successful appeals: 0 All students follow a Physical Education Appeals heard 2012: 20 programme and ICT is integrated across the Successful appeals: 2 curriculum. B) Option Subjects (leading to GCSE or equivalent) partnership with parents. All parents are fully Subjects are chosen from Art, Business Studies, informed about the aims and the ethos of the Economics, Drama, Geography, Graphics, Food college and are asked to sign a written agreement Technology, French, German, Spanish, History, in which they agree to support fully the academic Information and Communication Technology, and pastoral procedures. Multimedia and Sports Science. Pastoral care is organised through the year C) Pastoral Curriculum system. Each year group has an experienced Citizenship, Personal, Social, Health, Economic Head of Year who works closely with the form Education and enrichment drop down days. tutors. A framework of rules has been worked out to ensure that discipline and good order prevail, Pastoral care and discipline so that an atmosphere of learning can be guaranteed. The college student planner is an The pastoral care and discipline of the college important means of communication between is maintained through establishing a genuine parents and the college.
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 39
School details St. Thomas More Language College
Chaplaincy provided in accordance with the statement made by the Bishops. We are very fortunate to have a priest as a full time Chaplain working in the College. The Chaplain ‘Catholic’ means a member of a Church in full celebrates Mass each day in our Chapel and is communion with the See of Rome. This includes available to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation the Eastern Catholic Churches. This will normally whenever a students or member of staff asks. be evidenced by a certificate of baptism in a Our Chapel is open each day for reflection and Catholic Church or a certificate of reception into prayer offering a calm oasis in the midst of life. the full communion of the Catholic Church. The Sacramental life of our community is guaranteed Responsibility for the admission of pupils rests with and strengthened by the ministry of our Chaplain. the Governors, who will consider applications to the school made on behalf of eligible pupils by parents Parental involvement and guardians. As a Catholic school, we aim to provide a Catholic education for all our pupils. Parents’ evenings are organised to discuss As a Catholic school, Catholic doctrine and practice pupils’ progress with subject teachers and Heads permeate every aspect of the school’s activity. It is of Year, and are available by appointment for essential that the Catholic character of the school’s individual interviews. education is fully supported by all families in the There are annual and interim reports in all subjects. school. All applicants are therefore expected to give Parents are encouraged to comment on their their full, unreserved and positive support for the child’s work through work reviews and by regular aims and ethos of the school. monitoring of the college student planner. Parents/guardians¹ who make an application to the school are invited to attend one of the school’s Assemblies Secondary Transfer Open Evenings, and priority will be given to applicants who are practising Catholics. A formal assembly is held once a week for each year group; when not in assembly, each form has 1 Parent/Guardian should be defined as the person or persons its own Act of Worship. Every pupil is expected to who have legal responsibility for the child. take part in assemblies and Acts of Worship. How places will be allocated Uniform The Governors intend to admit the school’s All pupils are expected to wear full uniform at Published Admission Number (PAN) of 120 pupils all times. in Year 7 each school year and, in doing so, will endeavour to preserve its comprehensive character Extra-curricular activities by establishing a balanced intake across the ability range in the ratio 25:50:25. This will be achieved by The college provides a full programme of activities the use of standardised verbal and non-verbal tests. to enrich the curriculum. These include sports Should there be an oversubscription of children clubs, language clubs, a choir and a Key Stage 3 within a criteria listed below the Governors will first Debating Club. A wide range of college trips are allocate places: organised to the local museums, galleries and other venues such as Kew Gardens. School • To an application, where compelling evidence journeys abroad and language exchanges take is provided at the time of application, from an place each year. Enrichment days, where the appropriate professional such as a doctor, priest normal college timetable is suspended, are also or social worker, of an exceptional social, medical provided. UTOPIA is the name of the Catholic or pastoral need of the child, which can only be Club that runs a lunchtime meeting in the Chapel met at this school. each week with special events organised by the • Then to a sibling who will have a brother or Chaplain. Highlight have been our pilgrimages to sister2 on the school roll at the time of admission Rome and Lourdes. or who is in the current Year 11 cohort at the time of applying. Admission policy 2015-2016 • Then to those children attending our neighbouring St Thomas More Language College is a Catholic school, St Josephs Catholic Primary School, school for the education of Catholic pupils which is Cadogan Street, Chelsea, SW3 2QT.
40 Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
School details
• Then to those pupils living nearest the school is supported by a written reference from their as measured by an electronic routeing method parish priest of the parish or ethnic chaplain of administered by Hopewiser Limited which the community in which the family attend Sunday measures distance ‘as the crow flies’ from Mass weekly5 and a Baptismal Certificate. each individual property to the main entrance 3. Any other Catholic applicants.6 of the school. Should the distance be exactly the same applicants will be placed in order by 4. Other looked after children and children means of a lottery which will take place in front who have been adopted (or made subject to of an independent witness – all applicants with residence orders or special guardianship orders) matching distances are randomly selected via immediately following having been looked after. a tombola method and numbered in order of 5. Catechumens and members of an Orthodox selection, the first applicant to be selected will Communion. precede the other applicant(s) with the same distance. A child is deemed to be resident at a 6. Children of other Christian7 denominations whose particular address when he/she resides there practice of their faith, and that of their parents/ for 50% or more of the school week. guardians, is supported by a written reference from their priest or minister in the community they Oversubscription criteria regularly worship. 7. Any other applicants. 1. Catholic looked after children and Catholic children who have been adopted (or made 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 For the schools full published admissions criteria and subject to residence orders or special notes and definitions please refer to the schools prospectus guardianship orders) immediately following or website. having been looked after.3 2. Practising Catholic4 children from practising Catholic families whose practice of their faith
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 41
School details St. Thomas More Language College
Applications from twins or multiple births If the offers of places result in the admission of one pupil of a multiple birth/twin and not others, the Governors reserve the right to offer places to all pupils of the same multiple birth/twin.
Pupils with a Statement of Educational Needs The admission of pupils with a statement of Special Educational Needs or Education, Care and Health Plan is dealt with by a completely separate procedure. Details of the procedure are set out in the DCSF Special Educational Needs Code of Practice. The parents of children with statements of SEN have access to a separate appeal mechanism (the SEN Tribunal) and not to the independent Appeal Panel established by the College’s Governing Body.
Application form and priest’s reference In order to make a full application, you should complete the school’s supplementary information form (SIF) and return it to the Governors’ Admissions Panel via the school office, together with all other relevant paperwork required for your application. If you do not complete both the CAF and SIF and return them by the closing date, the governing body may be unable to consider your application fully and it is very unlikely that your child will get a place at the school. Parents will receive a copy of the Diocesan priests’ reference form with the application pack.
Waiting lists Where an applicant is unsuccessful, parents/ guardians may ask, in writing, for the child’s name to be placed on a waiting list. The waiting list will be updated each term as and when vacancies occur and/or parents who have not previously made an application to the school submit an application. Length of time on the waiting list will not influence a child’s chance of gaining a place. All applications on the waiting list, including late applications, will be judged against admission criteria as vacancies occur. Parents whose applications are unsuccessful are entitled, under the School Standards & Framework Act 1998 to appeal against the governing body’s decision.
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School details
When a vacancy arises the school will allocate the place according to the oversubscription criteria and according to the band in which the vacancy has arisen.
Admission appeals An independent admission appeals panel will be established to hear appeals concerning non-admission to the school in accordance with the provisions of the ‘Admission Appeals Code’. Parents/guardians will be sent information regarding their right to appeal.
In-Year admissions Applications for In-Year admissions are made in the same way as those made during the normal admissions round. If a place is available and there is no waiting list, the local authority will communicate the Governors’ offer of a place to the family. If more applications are received than there are places available, applications will be ranked by the governing body in accordance with the oversubscription criteria. If a place cannot be offered at the time, you may ask us for the reasons and you will be informed of your right of appeal. You will be offered the opportunity of being placed on a waiting list. This waiting list will be maintained by the governing body in the order of the oversubscription criteria and not in the order which the applications are received. The waiting list is open to applicants all through the academic year. Names are removed from the list at the end of each academic year. When a place becomes available, the governing body will decide who is at the top of the list so that the LEA can inform the parent that the school is making an offer.
Fair Access Protocols The school is committed to taking its fair share of children who are vulnerable and/or hard to place, as set out in locally agreed protocols. Accordingly, outside the normal admissions round the governing body is empowered to give absolute priority to a child where admission is requested under a local protocol that has been agreed by both the Diocese and the governing body for the current school year. The governing body has this power even when admitting the child would mean exceeding the published admission number.
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 43
School details The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School
The Vaughan School was founded in (above average ability), 60 in band 2 (average ability) 1914 and is England’s memorial to and 30 in band 3 (below average ability). Places up to the admission number (120) will be offered as Cardinal Herbert Vaughan, the third described in part 1, Oversubscription Criteria, below. Archbishop of Westminster. Please also read part 2 of this Policy carefully. Situated in Holland Park, West London, the School is one of the highest achieving State Comprehensives Part 1: Oversubscription criteria* in the country. Awarded the Evening Standard Award for Academic Achievement and with Boys with Statements of Special Educational Specialism’s in Maths, Computing and Science, Needs/Education, Health and Care Plans which the Vaughan offers outstanding opportunities to its name the school will be admitted. If there are pupils both academically and in the fields of sports, more applications for admission to the school music and the arts. than there are places available, places will be offered by band in the following order: Our principal role, however, as a Roman Catholic A. Catholic boys currently in public care or who school is to participate in the apostolic mission of were in public care but ceased to be so because the Church by providing a Catholic framework in they were adopted or became subject to a which children may grow in their understanding Residence/Child Arrangement Order. For boys in and practice of the faith and in which they are this group, you must provide a letter from social prepared to undertake their responsibilities as services giving the boy’s full name and residential Catholics in society. address, confirming the boy is “looked after” or was previously “looked after” and setting out the Criteria circumstances that make the boy a “looked after” or previously “looked after” child. For adopted The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School is an boys who were previously “looked after”, oversubscribed Catholic boys’ comprehensive you must also provide legal proof of adoption. school. There are 120 places in Year 7 split into three ability bands. There are 30 places in ability band 1
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School details The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School
B. Catholic boys from fully practising Catholic families in the following order of priority: 1. Catholic Boys from fully practising Catholic families who have applied for a Music Place. Up to twelve offers will be made to boys with the highest score in the music aptitude test. The number of places available in each band is Band 1-3 places, Band 2-6 places and Band 3-3 places. 2. Catholic boys, from fully practising Catholic families, who are brothers of current or former pupils on the School’s pupil roll. The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School 3. Catholic Boys from fully practising Catholic families who are not siblings of pupils or Catholic school for boys (voluntary aided) siblings of former pupils at the School. Applications in this group, group B3, are given Headmaster: P Stubbings Esq. priority as follows: DfE number: 207 5402 Address: 89 Addison Road, London W14 8BZ First Boys, baptised before 7 months old AND 020 7603 8478 who have made First Holy Communion. [email protected] Second www.cvms.co.uk Other boys who have not been baptised Holland Park (Central Line), Shepherd’s Bush before 7 months of age and/or have not made (Central, Hammersmith and City lines) First Holy Communion. 12, 49, 94, 220, 295 C. Other Catholic boys. Admissions limit for September 2015: 120 D. “Looked after” boys who are not Catholic and Open evenings: Thursday 18 and Tuesday 23 boys who were “looked after” but ceased to September 2014 at 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 6.30pm be so because they were adopted or made subject to a residence order or special Ability banding test (all applicants): guardianship order. Monday 3 November 2014 Deadline for music aptitude application: E. Other boys who are not Catholic. Friday 26 September 2014 If there are more boys in any group than Music aptitude test: places available, remaining places will be Saturday 4 October 2014 (this is the 1st test and offered by random allocation is for music aptitude applicants only) On the basis of last year’s admissions, it is likely Total applications: 843 that all places will be offered to boys in groups A, How offers were made in 2014: B1, B2 and B3 (First). Boys with statements of SEN placed at the school: 2 Criterion A (Catholic boys in public care): 1 * Part 2: General information Criterion B1 (Music places): 11 (Siblings of pupils or former pupils): Application forms Criterion B2 43 Criterion B3 First (Catholic boys from practising You MUST complete a school application form, Catholic families baptised within 6 months of birth which MUST be sent back to the school address, who have made first Holy Communion): 63 and a Common Application Form (CAF), which Appeals heard 2014: 48 MUST be sent back to your home borough, by the closing date. If you are applying for a music place, Successful appeals: 3 you MUST complete a music form which MUST be Appeals heard 2013: 51 returned to the school address by 5pm on Friday 26 Successful appeals: 2 September 2014 (this is earlier than the closing date Appeals heard 2012: 70 for applications). Successful appeals: 3
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 45
School details The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School
Children with Statements of Special bottom 25% of boys in band 3. Places are offered Educational Needs or an Education, within each band – 25% (30 places) to boys in Health and Care plan band 1, 50% (60 places) to boys in band 2 and 25% (30 places) to boys in band 3 – using the priority The admission process for children with statements groups A-E described in Part One. of SEN is separate from the process set out in this Policy. If your child has a statement, you must contact your home borough for advice on Music places admission to secondary school. The Governing Body gives priority to up to 10% of Catholic boys from practising Catholic families Twins or boys of multiple births who can demonstrate an aptitude in music. A boy Where a place is offered to a boy who has a male with aptitude for music is one who will benefit from twin/triplet applying for a place in the same school music teaching or who demonstrates a particular year, the sibling(s) will also be admitted. capacity to learn or develop skills in music and can benefit from the expertise and facilities at the Words used in this policy school. If successful, your son will be required to give up a significant part of his free time to learn For clarification on the meaning of certain words music and play a full part in the School’s extensive used in Cardinal Vaughan’s admissions criteria, music programme. please see the schools full published admissions Do not apply for a music criteria, which is available on the borough’s website, place if your son has no interest in doing this. on the schools website, and also by request from the school. Procedure 1. You MUST complete a music form and return The priest’s reference it to the school by 5pm on Friday 26 September 2014 (this is earlier than the closing date You MUST return a completed priest’s reference for applications to the school). with your application form. Follow the instructions 2. Boys must attend to take an initial aptitude test on the priest’s reference form. Take the form(s) for pitch, melody, texture and rhythm at the to your priest(s) so that he can complete page 2. school on Saturday 4 October 2014. Include page 2 of the priest’s reference with your application form and return it to the School by the 3. Boys who score 35 points or more in this initial closing date. test will be invited to take a 2nd aptitude test using aural tasks that also require no previous The priest’s reference will be used as evidence learning, experience or ability (instrumental ability of Catholic practice. If you have worshipped at is not a factor tested). different churches within the last five years, you MUST complete and return more than one form. 4. The results of the aptitude tests will be used to determine the offer of places against criterion B1. Ability banding test Offers will be made by ability band to Catholic boys from practising Catholic families with the Your son MUST take the banding test. Your highest scores in the 2nd aptitude test. To qualify application cannot be processed if your son doesn’t for a music place, boys must achieve a minimum take the test. score of 14 in this test. Boys who are not offered a music place will automatically be considered for The banding test is not an entry test. There is a place within their ability band under the other no ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ and a boy’s score does not oversubscription criteria. determine whether he will be offered a place. The test is used to ensure that the intake to the 5. The school will take all reasonable steps to School represents the ability range of the cohort inform parents of the outcome of tests before applying. The test that we use is intended for 10-11 the closing date for the school’s application form. year old boys. It gives an indication of the boy’s Please note that we will only invite Catholic boys from current ability to reason using words and numbers. practising Catholic families to take aptitude tests. Boys are ranked on the basis of their score in the test relative to other boys who took the test. Ability bands are set by placing the top 25% of boys in band 1, the middle 50% of boys in band 2 and the
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School details The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School
Catholic baptism before You can also ask for your son’s name to be placed on the Allocation List, which will be maintained from 7 months of age 1 September 2015. Ability bands will not apply. Where severe and completely unavoidable Boys’ names will be placed in oversubscription circumstances made it impossible for the boy groups using the priority order set out in part one to have been baptised before 7 months of age, of the admission policy. you can provide written evidence from a priest If applicable, a fresh round of random allocation or other person acting in a professional capacity will take place when deciding which child is to be which fully explains why the baptism was offered a place from the Reserve List or Allocation delayed AND specifies the date on which List so that those who apply for a place at the those circumstances ceased or diminished School after the first random allocation was carried sufficiently to enable the boy to be baptised out are not disadvantaged. with your application. The Allocation List will continue into years 8-11. The Governing Body will consider each case of At the end of each academic year, we will ask you delayed baptism on its own merits. The baptism if you want your son’s name to stay on the will be treated as if it took place before 7 months of Allocation List. The list for each year group will be age ONLY if it was delayed because of severe and re-generated and re-ordered so that it reflects the completely unavoidable circumstances and the admission policy in effect at the time (and not that child was then baptised within 6 months of the which applied when the application was made). cessation of these circumstances. Examples of circumstances which are severe and Admission appeals unavoidable include the death/serious illness of the You have the right of appeal against the governors’ boy’s parent or sibling, boy’s serious illness, delay decision not to offer your son a place. An independent caused by the parish, (civil) war and domestic abuse. admissions appeals panel will be established to hear appeals in accordance with the provisions of Random allocation of offers the ‘School Admissions Appeals Code’. Appeals are normally heard in May and the decisions of the The Governing Body will use random allocation as appeal panel are posted within two weeks. the means of deciding between applicants who * The admission arrangements for the 2015 entry are subject have an equal entitlement to place on the basis to a objection to the Office of the School Adjudicator. At the of the oversubscription criteria A-E. Offers will be time of going to print a determination had not been made. made by random number in ascending order. Please check the school’s and council’s website for updates. The process will be administered electronically by the local authority, which is independent from the School. In-Year applications for admission If you are applying for admission outside the normal admission round, you MUST complete a School application form. Your application will be considered in the priority order set out in part one of this Policy except that ability bands will not apply. Reserve list and allocation list (waiting list) Unsuccessful candidates will be placed on a Reserve List ordered on the basis of the oversubscription criteria set out in this policy. The Reserve List will be maintained until 31 August 2015. Vacancies arising before this date will be offered to candidates on the Reserve List.
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 47
Additional information
In-Year admissions 49 Sixth form 50 Fair Access Protocol 49 University Technical Colleges Support for school attendance 49 and Studio Schools 50 Special Educational Needs 49 Independent schools 51 Education Psychology Service 50 Contact details for other London boroughs 52 Financial assistance with travel to school 50 Borough map 53 Free school meals 50 Contacting the School Admissions Team Back page
48 Additional information
In-Year admissions entrenched non-attendance & issuing penalty notices), Child employment and children in An In-Year admission is when an application for entertainment and Elective home education and a school place needs to be made outside of the children missing education. This team is based at normal admission round (the first year of entry to Kensington Town Hall and can be contacted on a school). In most cases your reason for making . an application will be that you have moved to a 020 8753 2877 new area, moved from abroad or you would like to transfer your child from one to school to another. Special Educational Needs There is a separate process for applying in-year for The majority of children and young people with a school place further information and guidance Special Educational Needs (SEN) or disabilities can be found on the Royal Borough website: will have their needs met within local mainstream www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions early years settings, schools or colleges. The Royal Borough ensures that there are arrangements in Fair Access Protocol place within these settings for identifying, assessing and making provision for pupils with SEN. If you All Local Authorities must have a Fair Access believe that your child has a special learning need, Protocol in place which identifies children considered it is always advisable to discuss this with the head ‘hard to place’ and are often deemed as vulnerable. teacher when you visit the school to which you are Fair access placements take priority above thinking of applying. children on the waiting lists and schools may be Each school has a budget for meeting the needs of expected to exceed the published admissions pupils with SEN and will be able to talk to you about number. The Royal Borough has a robust protocol the support they provide for children with learning in place with participation from all schools that meet needs and how they will meet your child’s needs. monthly with senior council officers. The Local Authority expects mainstream schools to For further information on the Royal Borough’s work with parents to track children’s progress and protocol please contact the school admissions record the outcomes and agreed provision in an team or visit the website: www.rbkc.gov.uk/ SEN support resourced plan. schools/admissions Some children and young people with SEN or disabilities may need a level or type of support Support for school attendance that cannot be provided by a mainstream school and/or within a mainstream school’s budget. After you have been allocated a school place, For such pupils it may be necessary to carry out making sure your child attends school regularly an Education, Health and Care needs assessment. and on time every day is really important, not only The local authority can then decide whether an to make sure they have the best possible chance Education, Health and Care plan should be written. to get the most out of their education but also An Education, Health and Care plan details how a because children who are not in school are more child’s additional needs will be met. likely to get into trouble outside of school or be vulnerable. Parents have a legal responsibility to If your child has an Education, Health and Care get their children to school, but if you are having plan or a Statement of special educational needs, difficulties with this, it is important you talk to school the information set out in this brochure relating to staff who are there to help you. the application process does not apply to you. You or school staff may feel you need some extra To discuss the help. Each borough has professional staff who arrangements which work with families with children who are not will need to be attending school. They are based in the Early Help made for your child team if you live in K&C (tel: 020 7598 4405) and please contact tel: the Locality teams if you live in Westminster 020 7361 3311. (tel: 020 7641 4000) or Hammersmith and Fulham (tel: 020 8753 6600). These multi-disciplinary teams will work with schools, children and parents to improve children’s attendance and reduce unnecessary absence and truancy. There is also a Tri Borough central team – The ACE Team – concentrating on the following areas of work: Attendance (processing legal action for
You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 49 Additional information
Education Psychology Service • Are supported under National Asylum Seekers support scheme Every school has the support of an educational psychologist – a specialist in how children and • Child tax credit and your income is less young people develop and learn. Help may be than £16,190 asked for when pupils show difficulties over their • Guaranteed Pension Credit behaviour, learning or progress generally in school. Educational psychologists will work with children Children already receiving free school meals at only if the parents agree. Parents themselves may primary school will continue to receive them at ask for their help through the school. For more secondary school as long as their parent/carer still information, contact the Education Psychology qualifies for these benefits. Service on . 020 7361 3311 The headteacher can arrange for suitable meals to be made available for children who need special Financial assistance diets for religious or health reasons. Application with travel to school forms for free meals can be obtained from the school. Sixth form Contact any of the schools or colleges to find out more about their courses, open events and enrolment procedures. • Chelsea Academy has its own sixth form and further information can be found on page 21 and on the school website: www.chelsea-academy.org • Holland Park School has its own sixth form and further information can be found on page 27 and on the school website: www.hollandparkschool.co.uk All children under 16 in full-time education can travel • The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School has its free on bus and tram services. All school pupils own sixth form. Please visit the School’s website will be required to carry a ‘Zip’ Oyster Photocard to view the sixth form policy at to travel free on buses and trams. For further www.cvms.co.uk information, please visit the Transport for London • St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College – further (TfL) website at www.tfl.gov.uk information can be found by visiting their website: It is expected that children resident in Kensington www.stcharles.ac.uk and Chelsea make use of the concessions offered • Kensington and Chelsea College – further by TfL, including free travel across London. information can be found by visiting their website: However, there may be circumstances where www.kcc.ac.uk travel assistance is required outside the scope of free arrangements offered by TfL. In this instance, University Technical Kensington and Chelsea will take account of the statutory requirements. Colleges and Studio Schools The full policy and application form are available University Technical Colleges and Studio Schools from the School Admissions and Travel Team on are opening in some areas to provide technically- 020 7745 6432 or on the website: www.rbkc.gov. oriented courses of study or work skill based uk/schools/admissions learning for 14-19 year old. Kensington and Chelsea will co-ordinate Free school meals applications for residents for University Technical Colleges (UTCs) and Studio Schools Children whose parents receive any one of the in neighbouring Local Authorities. Applicants are following are entitled to free school meals. encouraged to apply on line at www.rbkc.gov.uk/ • Income Support or Income-based admissions. Currently there are no UTCs or Studio Jobseeker’s Allowance Schools in Kensington and Chelsea. • Income Related Employment and Please see www.utcolleges.org and www.studio Support Allowance schoolstrust.org for further information.
50 Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
Additional information
Independent schools Lloyd Williamson School A list of private or independent schools in 12 Telford Road, London, W10 5SH Kensington and Chelsea is provided below. 020 8962 0345 You will usually be required to pay fees to attend 020 7243 3331 these schools but some may offer bursaries [email protected] towards these fees. More detailed information is available from the More House School Independent Schools’ Council www.isc.co.uk 22-24 Pont Street, London, SW1X 0AA and the Independent Schools Directory and 020 7235 2855 Resource www.independentschools.co.uk or from schools direct. These schools do not 020 7259 6782 form part of the Pan London admissions system [email protected] and you must apply to them directly. Queen’s Gate School Gems Hampshire School 133 Queen’s Gate, London, SW7 5LE 15 Manresa Road, London, SW3 6NB 020 7589 3587 020 7352 7077 020 7584 7691 020 7351 3960 [email protected] [email protected] Tabernacle School Instituto Espanol Vicente Canada Blanch 32 St. Ann’s Villas, Holland Park, London, W11 4RS 317 Portobello Road, London, W10 5SY 020 7602 6232 020 8969 2664 020 7602 6232 020 8968 9432 [email protected] [email protected] Thomas’s Preparatory and Lower School, Knightsbridge School Kensington 67 Pont Street, London, SW1X 0BD 17-19 Cottesmore Gardens, London, W8 5PR 020 7590 9000 020 7361 6500 020 7589 9055 020 7361 6501 [email protected] [email protected]
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 51
Additional information
Contact details for other London boroughs Parents often apply for school places in boroughs other than their own. The application has to be made via the borough in which you live, but these are the contact details of the admissions teams across London, outside of the tri-borough area. The contact details for the tri-borough Admission Team are on the back page of this brochure.
Borough Telephone Email address Website
Barnet 020 8359 7651 [email protected] www.barnet.gov.uk
Barking and 020 8215 3004 [email protected] www.lbbd.gov.uk Dagenham Bexley 020 8303 7777 [email protected] www.bexley.gov.uk
Brent 020 8937 3110 [email protected] www.brent.gov.uk
Bromley 020 8313 4044 [email protected] www.bromley.gov.uk
Camden 020 7974 1625 [email protected] www.camden.gov.uk
City of London 020 7332 1002 [email protected] www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
Croydon 020 8726 6400 [email protected] www.croydon.gov.uk
Ealing 020 8825 [email protected] www.ealing.gov.uk 5511/5522
Enfield 020 8379 5501 [email protected] www.enfield.gov.uk
Greenwich 020 8921 8043 [email protected] www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk
Hackney 020 8820 [email protected] www.learningtrust.co.uk 7105/7247
Haringey 020 8489 1000 [email protected] www.haringey.gov.uk/schooladmissions
Harrow 020 8901 2620 [email protected] www.harrow.gov.uk
Havering 01708 434600 [email protected] www.havering.gov.uk
Hillingdon 01895 556644 [email protected] www.hillingdon.gov.uk
Hounslow 020 8583 2721 [email protected] www.hounslow.gov.uk
Islington 020 7527 5515 [email protected] www.islington.gov.uk/admissions
Kingston 020 8547 4610 [email protected] www.kingston.gov.uk upon Thames Lambeth 020 7926 9503 No email www.lambeth.gov.uk/eadmissions
Lewisham 020 8314 8282 [email protected] www.lewisham.gov.uk
Newham 020 8430 2000 [email protected] www.newham.gov.uk
Merton 020 8274 4906 [email protected] www.merton.gov.uk
Redbridge 020 8708 3562 [email protected] www.redbridge.gov.uk
Richmond 020 8891 7514 [email protected] www.richmond.gov.uk upon Thames Southwark 020 7525 5337 [email protected] www.southwark.gov.uk
Sutton 0208 770 5000 [email protected] www.sutton.gov.uk
Tower Hamlets 020 7364 5006 [email protected] www.towerhamlets.gov.uk
Waltham Forest 0845 200 1551 [email protected] www.walthamforest.gov.uk
Wandsworth 020 8871 7316 [email protected] www.wandsworth.gov.uk
52 Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
Additional information
Schools in the Royal Borough
1 Ark Brunel Academy 2 St. Mary’s RC 3 Barlby 4 St. Thomas’ CE 1 5 ArkSt. Brunel Charles Academy RC 2 6 St.SION-MANNING Mary’s RC 3 BarlbySCHOOL (RC GIRLS) 4 7 St.Bevington Thomas’ CE 5 8 St.Golborne Charles RCChildren’s Centre 6 9 SION-MANNINGOxford Gardens 10 SCHOOLMaxilla Children’s(RC GIRLS) Centre 7 11 BevingtonSt. Anne’s Nursery 8 GolborneSchool Children’s Centre 9 12 OxfordThomas Gardens Jones 1013 MaxillaSt. Francis Children’s of Assisi Centre RC 1114 St.Colville Anne’s Nursery 15 SchoolAvondale Park N 1216 ThomasSt. Clement Jones & St. James 13 St.CE Francis of Assisi RC 1417 ColvilleTHE CARDINAL VAUGHAN MEMORIAL SCHOOL 15 Avondale(RC BOYS) Park 16 St. Clement & St. James CE 18 Fox 17 THE CARDINAL VAUGHAN 19 HOLLAND PARK SCHOOL MEMORIAL SCHOOL (RC BOYS) 20 St. Mary Abbots CE 21 St. Barnabas & St. Philip CE 18 Fox 1 1 0 /4 /2 1922 HOLLANDSt. Cuthbert PARK with SCHOOL St. miles Matthias CE 20 St. Mary Abbots CE Our Lady of Victories 2123 St. Barnabas & St. Philip RC CE Bousfield 2224 St. Cuthbert with St. 25 MatthiasMarlborough CE 2326 OurServite Lady RCof Victories 27 RCOratory RC 2428 BousfieldHoly Trinity CE 2529 MarlboroughSt. Joseph’s RC 2630 ServiteST THOMAS RC MORE 27 OratoryLANGUAGE RC COLLEGE (RC MIXED) 28 Holy Trinity CE 31 Park Walk 29 St. Joseph’s RC 32 Chelsea Open Air Nursery 30 STSchool THOMAS and MOREChildren’s Centre LANGUAGE COLLEGE 33 (RCChrist MIXED) Church CE 3134 ParkAshburnham Walk 3235 ChelseaCHELSEA Open ACADEMY Air Nursery School(MIXED) and Children’s Centre 3336 ChristKENSINGTON Church CE ALDRIDGE ACADEMY Ashburnham 34 (location approximate) 35 CHELSEA ACADEMY (MIXED) 36 KENSINGTON ALDRIDGE ACADEMY (location approximate)
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions You must submit your application by 31 October 2014 53
Contacting the School Admissions Team The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Admission team work in partnership with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and Westminster City Council Admission teams as a tri-borough Admissions Service. The Tri-borough Team are based at Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX and can be contacted between 9.00-5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea residents 020 7745 6432 [email protected] www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions
London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham residents 020 7745 6434 [email protected] www.lbhf.gov.uk/schooladmissions
Westminster City Council residents 020 7745 6433 [email protected] www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions
Apply online at www.rbkc.gov.uk/eadmissions www.rbkc.gov.uk © By:design August 2014. By:design: 020 8753 3926. Ref: 121.2at Printed by Hammerprint: 020 8753 2235. Printed on paper from sustainable sources