Westminster Your Choice for Secondary Education a Guide for Parents with Children Starting Secondary School in 2010

< Map Westminster Your choice for secondary education A guide for parents with children starting secondary school in 2010

26. St. James’ and St Michael’s CE 41. Wilberforce Arabic Craven Terrace, W2 3QD Beethoven Street, W10 4LB Telephone: 020 7641 6218 Telephone: 020 7641 5865 27. St. Joseph’s RC Lanark Road, W9 1DF Secondary schools Telephone: 020 7286 3518 1. The Grey Coat Hospital 28. St. Luke’s CE Primary Telephone: 020 7969 1998 Fernhead Road, W9 3EJ a) St Andrew’s Building, Telephone: 020 7641 5855 Greycoat Place, SW1P 2DY 29. St. Mary Magdalene CE b) St Michael’s Building, Rowington Close, W2 5TF 98 Regency Street, SW1P 4GH Telephone: 020 7641 4388/4395 2. King Solomon Academy Bengali 30. St. Mary of the Angels RC Penfold Street, NW1 6RX Shrewsbury Road, W2 5PR Telephone: 020 7258 0893 Telephone: 020 7641 4482 3. Paddington Academy 31. St. Mary’s Bryanston Square CE Marylands Road, W9 2DR Enford Street, W1H 1DL Telephone: 020 7479 3900 Telephone: 020 7641 4130 4. Pimlico Academy 32. St. Matthew’s CE Lupus Street, SW1V 3AT 16–18 Old Pye Street, SW1P 2DG Telephone: 020 7828 0881 Telephone: 020 7641 5110 5. Quintin Kynaston School 33. St. Peter’s CE (Chippenham Mews) Marlborough Hill, NW8 0NL Chippenham Mews, W9 2AN Telephone: 020 7722 8141 Telephone: 020 7641 4385 6. St. Augustine’s CE High School 34. St. Peter’s Eaton Square CE Oxford Road, NW6 5SN Parts of this brochure are available in Arabic, Bengali and large print. If you would like Lower Belgrave Street, SW1W 9AL Telephone: 020 7328 3434 a copy, or want us to provide an interpreter so that you can understand this brochure, Telephone: 020 7641 4230 7. St. George’s (Maida Vale) RC School 35. St. Saviour’s CE Lanark Road, Maida Vale, W9 1RB please call 020 7641 1816 or write to the School Admissions team, Schools and Learning Shirland Road, W9 2JD Telephone: 020 7328 0904 Directorate, 1st Floor, 215 Lisson Grove, London, NW8 8LF. Telephone: 020 7641 6414 8. The St. Marylebone School 36. St. Stephen’s CE 64 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5BA Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QH Telephone: 020 7935 4704 Telephone: 020 7641 4488 9. Westminster Academy 37. St. Vincent De Paul RC 255 Harrow Road, London W2 5EZ Morpeth Terrace, SW1P 1EP Telephone: 020 7121 0600 Telephone: 020 7641 5990 10. Westminster City School 38. St. Vincent’s RC 55 Palace Street, SW1E 5HJ St. Vincent’s Street, W1U 4DF Telephone: 020 7641 8760 Telephone: 020 7641 6110 39. Soho Parish CE Special schools 23 Great Windmill Street, W1D 7LF 1. College Park Telephone: 020 7641 7311 Garway Road, W2 4PH. Telephone: 020 7641 4460 40. Westminster Cathedral RC 2. Queen Elizabeth II APPLY ONLINE FOR YOUR Bessborough Place, SW1V 3SE Kennet Road, W9 3LG. Telephone: 020 7641 5825 CHILD’S SECONDARY Telephone: 020 7641 5915 SCHOOL PLACE

PS–17–G–0809 www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

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Contents

Welcome 4 How your application Message from Councillor Mark Page, will be considered 16 Cabinet Member for Children’s Services 4 Procedure for dealing with applications 16 Waiting lists 16 Introduction to Westminster’s Applications received after the closing date 17 secondary schools 5 Appealing against admission decisions 17 Secondary schools in Westminster 5 Contacting the School Admissions team 6 Key dates 18 Academies in Westminster 6 Building Schools for the Future 6 School information 20 What your child will be taught 7 The Grey Coat Hospital 20 Extended school services 8 King Solomon Academy 26 Paddington Academy 30 Pan London co-ordinated Pimlico Academy 34 admissions system 9 Quintin Kynaston School 38 How the system works 9 St. Augustine’s CE High School 44 St. George’s RC School 50 Which school? 10 The St. Marylebone School 54 Deciding your school preferences 10 Westminster Academy 62 School open days 10 Westminster City School 66 Admissions authorities and admission criteria 12 Schools outside Westminster 12 Other information 72 Private/independent (fee paying) schools 12 In-year admissions 72 Fair access protocol 72 How to apply 14 Co-ordination of in-year admissions 72 The application form 14 Westminster Choice Advice Service 72 School supplementary forms 15 Westminster Family Information Service (FIS) 73 Proof of address 15 Education Welfare Service 73 Changes of preference 15 Special educational needs 74 Children with a statement Assistance with home to school travel 74 of special educational needs 15 Free school meals 75 Funding for post-16 study 76 Additional support (non-council) 76 Contact details for neighbouring boroughs 77 Key to map of Westminster’s educational establishments 78 Map of Westminster’s educational establishments Inside back cover 4 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Welcome

Councillor Mark Page Cabinet Member for Children’s Services The move from primary to secondary school marks an important milestone in your child’s education. As part of our commitment to make Westminster a Great Place to Grow up, we will support you and your child to ensure this transfer is a positive experience. This brochure is produced in partnership with Westminster’s secondary schools to give you all the information you need to make an informed choice. It also explains the process of applying for a place for your child. Our School Admissions team co-ordinates applications for Westminster residents with all of the other 32 London boroughs as part of the Pan-London co-ordinated admissions system. The team works to ensure that, as far as possible, you are offered your highest preference secondary school in London. They are also on hand with advice and assistance about all aspects of the process and can help you with applications for assistance with home to school travelling expenses. Westminster City Council is committed to supporting the best possible education for our young residents. Our £152 million Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme will improve facilities in Westminster’s secondary schools, two special schools and Pupil Referral Unit. Work is already underway at Pimlico Academy, Westminster City School, The St. Marylebone School, St.George’s RC School, St.Augustine’s CE High School and The Grey Coat Hospital. If you have any questions, or need further information about the schools you are considering, please do contact the School Admissions team on 020 7641 1816/1817 or email [email protected]. I wish your child every success at secondary school. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 5

Introduction to Westminster’s secondary schools

This brochure is for parents of pupils aged between 11 and 18, focusing on issues for those with children transferring from primary to secondary school. It contains information on how and when to apply for a place, and explains how admission decisions are made.

Secondary schools in Westminster There are 10 maintained secondary schools and Academies in Westminster where there is no charge for education – five voluntary aided (VA) schools, one foundation school and four Academies. VA schools are usually denominational schools. This means they have a religious foundation, usually Roman Catholic (RC) or Church of England (CE).

Name of school Type of school Boys/girls Number of places available in September 2010 The Grey Coat Hospital VA (CE) Girls 151 King Solomon Academy Academy Boys and girls 60 Paddington Academy Academy Boys and girls 180 Pimlico Academy Academy Boys and girls 210 Quintin Kynaston School Foundation Boys and girls 210 St. Augustine’s CE VA (CE) Boys and girls 150 High School St. George’s RC School VA (RC) Boys and girls 120 The St. Marylebone VA (CE) Girls 150 School Westminster Academy Academy Boys and girls 180 Westminster City School VA (non-denominational Boys 130 Christian)

Further details about each school are on pages 20 to 71. In addition, each school issues its own prospectus, available directly from the school. Open days or evenings are one of the best ways to find out more about a school and details of when these take place are on pages 10 to 11. It is also important to check the admission criteria for each school to assess whether your child is likely to be offered a place. All other schools providing secondary education in Westminster are independent (private) schools, which may charge fees. Further information on independent schools is available from the Independent Schools Council (www.isc.co.uk) and the Independent Schools Directory and Resource (www.independentschools.co.uk). Many of the questions parents raise are answered in this brochure, but if you need further information, the council’s School Admissions team will be pleased to help. 6 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Contacting the School Building Schools for the Future Admissions team Building Schools for the Future (BSF) is the government’s The council’s School Admissions team is based national programme to transform education for all at the council offices in Lisson Grove, NW8. secondary school students. They can be contacted in a number of ways: In Westminster, over £152 million is being invested • write to Westminster City Council, School in new or refurbished buildings and information and Admissions team, Schools and Learning communication technology (ICT) for seven secondary Directorate, 1st floor, 215 Lisson Grove, schools, two special schools and the Pupil Referral Unit. London, NW8 8LF Work is underway at Pimlico Academy, Westminster • call 020 7641 1816/1817 City School, The St. Marylebone School, St. George’s RC School, St. Augustine’s CE High School and The • email [email protected] Grey Coat Hospital. The programme will achieve: • visit www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions • redevelopment of Pimlico Academy on its • speak to staff at the One Stop Shops in Westminster existing site who will be able to answer basic enquiries. • expansion of The St. Marylebone School from the If you need to see a member of the School Admissions 2010 intake through a new facility on the nearby team it may be necessary to make an appointment Blandford Street site that currently houses the at busy times. school’s sixth form centre • a new extension and refurbishment of Westminster Academies in Westminster City School Westminster now has four Academies. Westminster • expansion of St. George’s RC School and St. Academy and Paddington Academy opened in September Augustine’s CE High School through new buildings 2006. King Solomon Academy, for pupils aged 3 to 18 and the refurbishment of existing buildings years, opened in September 2007 in temporary • a new extension and refurbishment of accommodation at Penfold Street, NW1. Its brand-new The Grey Coat Hospital permanent building opened in September 2009 on the existing site, ready for its first intake of Year 7 pupils. • redevelopment of Westminster’s special schools, College Park and Queen Elizabeth II, on their Pimlico School became an Academy in September existing sites 2008. Under the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, the school is being rebuilt on its existing • development of a Marlborough Hill Campus, site. The first block, including the sports hall, opened including brand new facilities for Quintin Kynaston in September 2009, and the whole school will be School, Beachcroft School (Pupil Referral Unit) and, completed by early 2011. The development will also using Primary Capital Programme funding, George include a public library and adult education centre. Eliot Infant and Junior Schools. The development will incorporate community facilities. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 7

What your child will be taught At school your child will be offered a wide variety of learning and other experiences. Together, these experiences make up the school curriculum. The school curriculum, which all pupils follow, includes the National Curriculum, plus other subjects including religious education and careers education. The National Curriculum is organised into four stages, called Key Stages. In secondary school, your child will follow Key Stages 3 and 4. The following table shows which subjects are included in the National Curriculum, and at which stage they apply:

Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4 School year groups Yrs 7–9 (age 11–14) Yrs 10–11 (age 14–16) English * * Mathematics * * Science * * Design and technology * * Information and communication * * technology (ICT) History * Geography * Modern foreign languages * * Art and design * Music * Physical education * * Citizenship * *

In addition to examination courses, schools also offer other subjects, such as Personal Social Health Education (PSHE), which do not require exams. Full details can be found in each school’s prospectus. Eight of the ten Westminster schools and Academies have sixth forms, and pupils can stay beyond Year 11 into Years 12 and 13. The exception to this is St. George’s RC School, which does not have a sixth form, but pupils can continue their studies at sixth form college, further education college, or in the sixth form of another school through the sixth form partnership (6F). 8 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

All Westminster schools are comprehensive schools Extended school services and admit children of all levels of ability. Two of our The government supports the development of extended schools offer a small number of places each year schools that offer access to a range of services for children, to pupils with an aptitude in a specialist subject: young people, their families and communities in the • The Grey Coat Hospital – up to 15 places for local area. modern foreign languages The government has set out a core offer of extended • The St. Marylebone School – up to 15 places for services that they want all children to be able to access performing arts. through schools by 2010: All schools offer courses leading to General Certificate • high-quality childcare available in primary schools of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations in all or through other local providers, from 8am to 6pm the main subjects. Schools also offer a range of throughout the year or to reflect community demand vocational qualifications. • a range of activities such as homework clubs, sport, During Year 9, decisions are made about core and music tuition, special interest clubs and volunteering optional subjects leading to GCSE or related vocational • parenting support including information sessions for qualifications. Pupils are entered for public examinations parents at key transition points, parenting programmes provided they have completed the coursework. Should and family learning sessions a school believe that a pupil should not be entered for a subject they have studied, parents will be consulted • swift and easy access to a wide range of before a final decision is made. specialist support services such as speech and language therapy, family support services and The examination results for all schools are published behaviour support centrally by the government. These are called school achievement and attainment tables and you can obtain • wider community access to information and a free copy of the performance tables for Westminster communication technology, sports and arts facilities (or any other area) by contacting the Department and adult learning. for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) on 0800 242 322. Details are also available at www.dcsf.gov.uk/performancetables. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 9

Pan-London co-ordinated admissions system

Every year, around 78,000 pupils living in London Where a child is eligible to be offered a place at more transfer to secondary schools, many crossing borough than one school, the local authority will hold the offer for boundaries to do so. From 2005, all 33 London boroughs, the highest preference on the parent’s form and release together with councils bordering the capital, signed all other lower preference offers. These places can then up to a new system to co-ordinate admissions to be offered to other applicants. Potential offers are their secondary schools. exchanged between local authorities until they are in a position to make the single best offer to parents using The new co-ordinated admissions system is fairer, all available places. All offers will be made on the same with more parents being offered one of their preferred day – 1st March 2010. schools earlier, and fewer getting no initial offer at all than in previous years. It is also easier for parents to manage, reducing anxiety for you and your children.

How the system works Under the Pan-London co-ordinated admissions system (PLCAS), all parents must list the schools that they want to apply for on one form (the common application form), ranking them in order of preference. This is important as only one offer will be made and this will be from the highest ranked school able to make an offer. This form (either paper or online) is then returned to the local authority in which the child lives. The local authorities taking part in the PLCAS will then use a computerised system to pass on details of applications for schools in other areas. They will also co-ordinate the offer of places to make sure that nobody gets offered more than one school place. The decision on whether a place can be offered will continue to be made by the admission authority for each school. When a school is oversubscribed, its published admission criteria will be used to decide the order in which applicants will be offered places. Local authorities will not pass on details of where the school was ranked, and no school will be told about other schools a parent has applied for.

Christy Parks, The Grey Coat Hospital 10 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Which school?

Deciding your school preferences Please remember that not all schools give priority to children with siblings already attending the school. Before you decide which schools to apply for and your Making an application for a place at a school does order of preference, we recommend that you read this not guarantee a place for your child. brochure. Information about Westminster schools is available in the schools information section (see pages All voluntary aided schools (and some Academies 20 to 71). This section also contains information about outside Westminster) have additional supplementary the admission arrangements for all schools and forms to complete, which are available directly from the Academies in Westminster. schools. The schools in Westminster that require you to complete supplementary forms are listed on page 15. Under the Pan-London co-ordinated admissions system, If you are applying for a place at one of these schools you can also apply for schools outside Westminster. you must also complete the school’s supplementary form. You should contact the local authority in which the school is situated for further details about the school and its admission arrangements. School open days Each school issues its own prospectus (available directly You should visit all Westminster secondary schools for from the school), which gives further information about which you are considering applying. At school open the school. We also recommend that you visit the schools days, you will be given more detailed information to that you are interested in. Details about school open days help you make this decision. It is also a good opportunity and evenings in Westminster are given on page 11. for you to meet pupils and teachers, take a tour of the school and ask any questions you may have. You are strongly advised to name at least three schools on the local authority application form and to include your local community/foundation schools and Academies in your preferences. Failure to do so will restrict our ability to offer you a place at a school if your other preferences cannot be met. Please remember that most schools will receive more applications than there are places, in such cases they will first give places to children who have the highest priority under the school’s admission criteria. Academies, foundation schools and voluntary aided (church) schools have their own admission criteria and it is important that you check these criteria to see whether your child is eligible for a place. If applying for a place at a faith school on religious grounds, you will be required to provide proof of your church attendance and/or religious commitment on the school’s supplementary form. If a school is heavily oversubscribed, meeting the admission criteria for an individual school does not guarantee a place. Rasheed Wihaib, Westminster City School Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 11

The Grey Coat Hospital St. Augustine’s CE High School St. Andrew’s Building, Greycoat Place, SW1P 2DY Oxford Road, NW6 5SN Telephone: 020 7969 1998 Telephone: 020 7328 3434 Monday 21st September 2pm Tuesday 22nd September 6–7.30pm Thursday 24th September 5 and 6pm Monday 28th September 9.30–10.30am Wednesday 30th September 2pm Tuesday 29th September 9.30–10.30am Monday 5th October 5 and 6pm Wednesday 30th September 9.30–10.30am Thursday 8th October 2pm Thursday 1st October 9.30–10.30am King Solomon Academy Friday 2nd October 9.30–10.30am Penfold Street, NW1 6RX St. George’s RC School Telephone: 020 7258 0893 Lanark Road, Maida Vale, W9 1RB Monday 28th September 6pm Telephone: 020 7328 0904 Tuesday 13th October 6pm Tuesday 6th October 9.30am and 5.30pm Wednesday 14th October 6pm The St. Marylebone School Paddington Academy 64 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5BA Marylands Road, W9 2DR Telephone: 020 7935 4704 Telephone: 020 7479 3900 Tuesday 29th September 8.45–10am Wednesday 7th October 5–7pm Wednesday 30th September 8.45–10am Wednesday 14th October 9–10.30am Thursday 1st October 8.45–10am Wednesday 21st October 9–10.30am Tuesday 6th October 8.45–10am and 5.30–7.30pm Pimlico Academy Westminster Academy Lupus Street, SW1V 3AT 255 Harrow Road, W2 5EZ Telephone: 020 7828 0881 Telephone: 020 7121 0600 Tuesday 29th September 9.15am Wednesday 30th September 4–6pm Wednesday 30th September 9.15am Monday 5th October 11am Thursday 1st October 6.30pm Tuesday 6th October 11am Quintin Kynaston School Westminster City School Marlborough Hill, NW8 0NL 55 Palace Street, SW1E 5HJ Telephone: 020 7722 8141 Telephone: 020 7641 8760 Thursday 8th October 5.30–8pm Wednesday 23rd September 6.30–8.30pm Tuesday 13th October 9–11am Monday 28th September 9.30am Tuesday 20th October 9–11am Tuesday 29th September 9.30am Thursday 1st October 9.30am Tuesday 6th October 9.30am Wednesday 7th October 9.30am 12 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Admissions authorities If you wish to apply for a place at The Grey Coat and admission criteria Hospital, St. Augustine’s CE High School, St. George’s RC School, The St. Marylebone School or Westminster The admissions authority for each school is responsible City School, you must complete a supplementary form, for setting its admission arrangements and deciding which is available from the schools and online at www. which children are given priority for a place in accordance westminster.gov.uk/admissions. Failure to do so will with the published admission criteria. Details of the mean that the school governors will not be able to fully admission criteria for Westminster schools are listed consider your application against the school’s at the end of the section for each school. oversubscription criteria. For primary to secondary transfer, the offer of places will be co-ordinated by the local authority under the Schools outside Westminster Pan-London co-ordinated admissions system to ensure You may also consider schools outside of Westminster. that no child is offered more than one school place in the Under the Pan-London co-ordinated admissions initial allocation round. system, Westminster residents can apply for schools You are advised to apply to your nearest Academy anywhere in London on Westminster City Council’s or community/foundation school as one of your common application form. preferences on the local authority’s application form to Detailed information about schools outside Westminster help ensure that your child is offered a suitable school and their admission arrangements are available directly place on 1st March 2010. As a parent you have a duty from the schools and the local authority in which they to ensure that your child receives appropriate education are situated. Contact details for each of the boroughs and you will be required to satisfy the council that you neighbouring Westminster are given on page 77. have made satisfactory arrangements for your child’s education from September 2010. Please remember to check the admission arrangements to assess whether you are likely to be For all schools and Academies in Westminster, offered a place. You may also be required to complete the governing body of the school has the responsibility a supplementary form. to decide which children will be offered the available spaces in line with the schools’ admissions criteria. When applying to a voluntary aided (church) school, Private/independent consider that: (fee-paying) schools • church schools usually take church attendance Further information on private or independent schools and commitment into consideration is available from the Independent Schools’ Council (www.isc.co.uk) and the Independent Schools Directory • attendance at a voluntary aided primary school and Resource (www.independentschools.co.uk). does not guarantee acceptance at secondary You will usually be required to pay fees to attend schools of the same denomination. these schools. These schools do not form part of the Pan-London co-ordinated admissions system and you must apply to them directly. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 13

Ines Castello De Araujo, The Grey Coat Hospital 14 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

How to apply

The application form The closing date for all secondary school applications in London is 23rd October 2009. See page 77 for If you are a Westminster resident you must complete contact details of neighbouring local authorities. Westminster City Council’s common application form to apply for a secondary school place. You can also The council will co-ordinate the admission process with apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions. the other 32 London boroughs and neighbouring authorities to ensure that no child receives more than one offer of If you wish to submit a paper application, are a a place at a secondary school in London on 1st March Westminster resident, and your child attends a primary 2010. This will be the highest preference school for which school in Westminster, you should receive the form from they are eligible. It is vital that you put your school your child’s school in September. preferences in the correct order. If you live in Westminster but your child attends a primary Timeline at a glance school outside Westminster, you should receive an application form and notes direct from the council’s Deadline for completed application forms School Admissions team. If your child attends an 5pm on 23rd October 2009 independent (private) school or you have not received All applicants will be sent an outcome notification a form by mid-September, please contact the council’s letter by first-class mail School Admissions team on 020 7641 1816/1817. 1st March 2010 A copy of the form can also be downloaded from Online applicants can check outcome www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions. of application online On this form, you can express a preference for up 7am on 2nd March 2010 to six secondary schools, including schools outside Westminster. You must list them in order of preference. This means you should write your first choice (ie the school that you most want your child to go to) at the top of the list, your second choice below, and then continue with all your preferences. If you have any difficulties, please contact the council’s School Admissions team on 020 7641 1816/1817.

Timeline Your completed Westminster City Council application form must be received by the council’s School Admissions team at the council offices at 215 Lisson Grove, NW8 8LF by 5pm on 23rd October 2009. Online applications will be accepted up to 11.59pm on the same day. If you wish to apply for a secondary school place in Westminster but are not a Westminster resident, you must complete your own local council’s application form and follow their instructions for submission. Kirlon Sanchez, Westminster City School Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 15

School supplementary forms Proof of address Most voluntary aided and selective schools have The address that you give on your application form an additional supplementary form to complete, which must be the address at which your child usually lives. is available directly from schools or your local council’s If this is different from the parents’/carers’ address, website. These forms enable the school governors to please give the reason for this. determine whether applicants meet their faith or other If parents share custody, this must be stated and criteria. If you are applying for a place at one of these both addresses listed on the application form. schools you must also complete the school’s supplementary form. Failure to do so will mean that the You may be required to provide proof that your child school governors will not be able to fully consider your resides at the address given. Please see the guidance application against the school’s oversubscription criteria. notes provided with the application form for further details.

Schools in Westminster that require you to complete If you are unable to provide an acceptable form of proof a supplementary form are listed below. These forms of address or you give any false or deliberately misleading are available directly from the school and online at information on the common application form, school www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions. If you are also supplementary form and/or supporting information, applying for schools outside Westminster, you should it may render your application invalid, or lead to your check with the individual school(s) concerned. offer of a place being withdrawn. Westminster schools requiring an additional supplementary form Changes of preference The Grey Coat Hospital If you wish to change the order of preference of schools St. Augustine’s CE High School listed on your application form, you must do so in writing St. George’s RC School before 23rd October 2009. It is not possible to make The St. Marylebone School any changes after this date. Westminster City School Westminster schools for which Children with a statement no additional form is required of special educational needs King Solomon Academy If your child has a statement of special educational Paddington Academy needs, different procedures apply and you should Pimlico Academy not complete your local council’s application form. Quintin Kynaston School Further details are available from the Special Westminster Academy Educational Needs team at your local council. 16 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

How your application will be considered

Procedure for dealing • The Pan-London Register will then inform the with applications admissions team of the highest potential offer for each resident applicant and eliminate multiple Applications received by the closing date of 23rd offers. Other local authorities will do the same for October 2009 will be dealt with in the following way: their residents and schools. The local authority will • Westminster City Council’s common application inform the schools of who they will offer placements form must be sent to the council’s School to, in accordance with the highest preference Admissions team at Lisson Grove or submitted of the parent/guardian. online by the closing date of 23rd October 2009. • Under co-ordinated admissions arrangements, only It should not be sent or copied to any secondary one place at a secondary school will be offered on schools or other local authorities. the initial offer date 1st March 2010. This will be the • Under the Pan-London co-ordinated admissions highest preference possible, so please make sure system (PLCAS), the Westminster admissions you put your school preferences in the right order. database will send details of resident applications • The council’s School Admissions team will write for schools outside Westminster to the central to resident applicants on 1st March 2010 to advise computer hub. This is called the Pan-London them of the outcome of their applications. Register (PLR). These details are then forwarded Notifications will be sent by first class mail on this by the PLR to the relevant local authority. date. Online applicants can view their application The council’s School Admissions team will in turn outcome online from 7am on 2nd March 2010. receive applications to Westminster secondary Applicants residing in other boroughs will be schools from out-of-city applicants. notified by their own local authority. • The council’s School Admissions team will give • Academies and schools in Westminster will write a list of applicants to each school and Academy to successful applicants. Unsuccessful applicants in Westminster. None of the secondary schools will also be contacted to explain why their in Westminster will be given information on the application was unsuccessful and give advice preference order of any applicants. regarding waiting lists and appeal procedures. • The schools and Academies will produce priority lists of pupils to whom they wish to make offers Waiting lists in accordance with their own admission criteria. Applicants’ names will be included on waiting lists for • When the offer lists are prepared, the council’s schools that have been named as a higher preference School Admissions team will enter this information than the one offered. For example, if a child has been on the Westminster admissions database and offered their third preference school, they will be included transfer this data to the Pan-London Register. on the waiting list for their first and second preference schools. Applicants’ names will not normally be included on waiting lists for schools that were a lower preference than the one offered. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 17

All places on the waiting list are ordered in accordance Appealing against with the published admission criteria for each school admission decisions and will be offered to children as vacancies arise. After the initial offer day of 1st March 2010, the school The schools will notify you of their appeals arrangements governing bodies will decide who is offered any subsequent if your application is unsuccessful. You can make an appeal vacancies at schools and Academies in line with the to each school for which you have made an unsuccessful published admission criteria and waiting list ranking. application. The appeals are heard by an independent You will be notified of any subsequent offers by your panel. The school will explain to the panel why a place local council. could not be allocated to your child. You will then need to persuade the panel that the school’s published Applications received after admission arrangements were not correctly applied the closing date or there are special reasons why your child should be given a place even though the school is full. If you apply for a secondary school place after the published closing date, your application will only be More detailed information about appeals is available considered after the offer date of 1st March 2010. from the council’s School Admissions team on Your child’s name will then be added to the waiting list 020 7641 1816/1817. Guidance will also be provided with unsuccessful applicants considered in the initial with your appeal form should you decide to pursue allocation round. See above for how waiting lists work. this right. If there is an exceptional reason for applying between 24th October 2009 and 11th December 2009 (eg you have just moved to the area), we may be able to consider your application with those that were made on time. Contact the council’s School Admissions team immediately on 020 7641 1816/1817 to make an application. This does not mean you have priority at any school or that you have to apply to your nearest school, but it will be used to determine whether your Westminster City Council application form can be considered as if it had been received before the closing date. We regret that any application received after 11th December 2009, for whatever reason, cannot be considered until after 1st March 2010. 18 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Key dates

2009 September – start of autumn term Secondary school admissions brochures, application forms and guidance notes distributed to parents. From 1st September Applicants can apply online. Monday 21st September – Tuesday 20th October Open days and evenings at Westminster secondary schools. Friday 23rd October Final closing date for applications (both paper and online) for the Pan-London co-ordinated admissions system. 2010 Monday 1st March Westminster City Council notifies residents of the outcome of their applications. Other councils notify their residents. Tuesday 2nd March Online applicants can view their application outcome online and will receive an email confirming this. March – September Any places that subsequently arise will be offered to parents. April – July Independent appeals panels will hear appeals for each school.

Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 19

Nerissa Williams, The Grey Coat Hospital 20 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

The Grey Coat Hospital A specialist language college

Basic information Headteacher: Rachel Allard Nearest tube station(s): St. James’s Park Address: St. Andrew’s Building, Greycoat (Circle and District lines) Place, London, SW1P 2DY Bus routes: 11, 24, 88, 148, 211, 507 St. Michael’s Building, 98 Regency Type of school: Church Of England Voluntary Aided, Street, London, SW1P 4GH girls, comprehensive Telephone: 020 7969 1998 Ages: 11–19 Fax: 020 7828 2697 DCSF number: 2134628 Email: [email protected] Number of pupils (January 2009): 1,042 Website: www.gch.org.uk Number of pupils to be admitted in September 2010: 151

Allocation of places for Year 7 in 2009 Number of places available: 150 Applications received (by 24th October 2008 closing date): 1,061 Number of applications received for the 15 specialist language places (by closing date): 508 Analysis of offers made in initial round (2nd March 2009)

Church of England Other Christian Open Places TOTAL Band 1 20 7 7 34 Band 2 40 14 13 67 Band 3 20 7 7 34 Language places 15 Total 80 28 27 150

Admission appeals in previous years 2009 59 heard – 7 upheld 2008 73 heard – 5 upheld 2007 87 heard – 1 upheld 2006 85 heard – 6 upheld 2005 64 heard – 1 upheld

How to apply For secondary transfer 2010, applicants must name the school as a preference on the common application form of the local authority where they live AND complete the school’s supplementary form. Applicants are also required to take an assessment test to enable them to be placed in an ability band. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 21

Aims Focus on the outside world The four main aims of The Grey Coat Hospital A variety of physical activities are offered to all girls, are to enable students to: and the school has a very successful sporting record, which is recognised in the Sports Mark Award. The Grey • take control of their learning Coat Hospital regularly wins local, regional and national • make decisions based on Christian values competitions, and a number of girls have been selected • live in the world as independent women to play for England. Sports classes and competitions, plays and musical productions, clubs, societies and • face the challenges of the 21st century. events for charity all help to broaden students’ experiences. We are dedicated to the development of the whole Music flourishes throughout the school with many person through the creation of opportunities for girls students performing in choirs and instrumental groups. to develop their talents and strengths. The Grey Coat The Grey Coat Hospital also provides students with Hospital has strong links with local churches, including stimulating experiences beyond school, including Westminster Abbey, and all girls study Religious exchanges with schools in France, Germany, Japan, Education to GCSE. The School Chaplain takes weekly Spain and China. The majority of students in Years 8 voluntary communion services. to 10 are expected to take part in a residential language exchange. Many students in Years 9 to 12 are working Focus on the classroom towards bronze, silver and gold levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. In September 2002, The Grey Coat Hospital became a specialist language college. This means that we have Work experience is popular with Year 10, and a extra resources to devote to language teaching. All students programme of work shadowing and European work are expected to study two languages in Years 8 and 9, experience has been introduced for Years 12 and 13. and must continue at least one to GCSE. Many study In addition, for the last five years, girls in Year 9 have two languages at this level, and there is the option to participated in the Take Your Daughters to Work scheme. take up a third language in Year 10, or in the sixth form. This outstanding programme has earned the school the The school admissions policy reflects this specialism. platinum award for Excellence in Work Related Learning. A wide range of subjects are offered throughout the school. Girls are encouraged to succeed in all areas Inclusion/special needs of the curriculum and are rewarded by good results in The Grey Coat Hospital provides support for students their public examinations. The high standards of teaching with special educational needs in accordance with the and learning at The Grey Coat Hospital have been Code of Practice. recognised by the Department for Education and Skills, and the school was awarded Beacon status. Seventy percent of students continue their studies in the sixth form, which is co-educational. 22 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Discipline and welfare their daughters to contribute to, and benefit The behaviour policy at The Grey Coat Hospital aims to from, the school’s Christian and Church of foster a growing sense of self-discipline and awareness England tradition. of others. We believe in the provision of a clearly structured 1.5 Applicants are strongly urged to visit the school pastoral care programme; students appreciate security on one of the open days so that they can learn in a purposeful environment. Uniform is strictly enforced as much as possible about the school and in Years 7 to 11. its ethos. Linking home to school 1.6 The school is participating within co-ordinated admission arrangements with other maintained The Grey Coat Hospital supports and expects parents’ secondary schools and Academies in Westminster, interest in their daughters’ education. There are many which forms part of the Pan-London co-ordinated opportunities to meet staff and other parents during the admissions system. school year, academically and socially. Parents are asked to support students’ work at home and to sign 1.7 In the event of oversubscription, places will school diaries each week. be allocated in accordance with sections two to four below.

Admissions policy Section two – Language College Section one This section should be read by everyone thinking of applying for a place at the Language College. This section should be read by everyone thinking of applying for a place at The Grey Coat Hospital. Up to 15 places will be offered to girls solely on the strength of their aptitude for languages as shown 1.1 The Grey Coat Hospital is a voluntary aided by a test given for this purpose on Assessment Day. Church of England comprehensive school for No previous knowledge of a foreign language is girls, which has a special relationship with expected or required. No other criteria for admission Westminster Abbey. apply to these 15 places. 1.2 In September 2010, the governors intend to admit 151 girls within the full age range of ability and Section three – Church of from a wide range of backgrounds, into Year 7. England and other church places 1.3 Girls admitted to the Hospital, and their parents This section should be read by everyone thinking of and guardians, are required to abide by school applying for a Church of England place, or an Other regulations and to co-operate with the staff on Churches place (Churches Together in Britain and matters of attendance, discipline, homework Ireland/Evangelical Alliance). and dress. 3.1 To fill all other places and to ensure a balanced 1.4 Parents are expected to attend the annual intake, the governors will refer to the results of Abbey Service with the school and to encourage literacy and numeracy tests given on Assessment Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 23

Day. Applicants will have been placed into three of statutory school age at the time the application ability bands and the governors will allocate is made and who will be on roll at the school at the approximately 25% of the remaining places time of admission. to girls of above-average ability (the top band), Other applicants in this category will be ranked approximately 50% to girls of average ability according to the church commitment of each family. (the middle band) and approximately 25% to girls of below-average ability (the lower band). In establishing family church commitment, only family members living together at one address will be 3.2 Once applicants have been placed in a band, taken into account. Assessing the commitment of governors will allocate places other than language the child and her family will be carried out as follows: places as follows: Weekly church attendance of five years and: Church of England places Applicants ranked by points awarded to a maximum Up to 80 places will be given to girls from of 10 (five for parent and five for child). Only one practising Church of England families living in the area point may be scored under each heading. covered by the dioceses of London and Southwark. Applications must be supported by a clergy reference. Parent First priority will be given to Looked after Children • Parent holding elected office in the church (see note 1). • Parent being a communicant member • Parent on the church’s electoral or other After this, priority will be given to sisters (see note 2) membership roll of current Grey Coat pupils who are of statutory school • Substantial practical involvement by a parent age at the time the application is made and who will in the church be on roll at the school at the time of admission. • Parent having a role in public worship/ministry Other applicants in this category will be ranked • Regular involvement in other aspect of church life according to the church commitment of each family. Child Other Churches (Churches Together • Child being a regular communicant in Britain and Ireland/Evangelical • Baptism of child Alliance) places • Confirmation of child • Attendance by child at Sunday School Up to 28 places will be given to girls from families • Child having a role in public worship active in other churches that are full members of • Attendance by child in a church organisation Churches Together in Britain and Ireland or the • Involvement in other aspect of church life by child Evangelical Alliance and who live in the area of the dioceses of London and Southwark. Applications If there are insufficient candidates to fill the places must be supported by a clergy reference. available in a category after the five year rule has been applied, applicants will be considered from First priority will be given to Looked after Children those who have under five years’, but at least one (see note 1). After this, priority will be given to sisters year’s, weekly church attendance. They will then (see note 2) of current Grey Coat pupils who are 24 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

be ranked by points awarded to a maximum of 10 Children (see note 1). After this, priority will (five for the parent and five for the child), according be given to sisters (see note 2) of current Grey to the criteria listed above. Coat pupils who are of statutory school age at the time the application is made and who If it is necessary to decide between applicants will be on roll at the school at the time of who have equal claims to a place under one of the admission. Priority will then be given to, firstly: above criteria in any band, the governors will apply the following tie-breaker: ii) Applicants living within the geographical area that makes up the parishes of St. Margaret’s, Girls living closest to the school St. Matthew’s and St. Stephen with St. John Distances are measured by the shortest walking who also attend either Millbank Primary route using the road network from the centre of the School, St. Matthew’s Primary School or child’s address to the front entrance of the St. Andrew’s Burdett Coutts Primary School in Westminster, building, as measured by the local authority’s and then, secondly, to: computerised measuring system. Where it is necessary to differentiate between applicants living in flats using iii) Applicants living within the geographical the same street entrance, priority will be given to the area that makes up the parishes of St. applicant(s) living closest to the ground floor and Margaret’s, St. Matthew’s and St. Stephen then by ascending flat number order. with St. John within Westminster. Section four – open places If it is necessary to decide between applicants who have equal claims to a place under one of the above 4.1 To fill all other places and to ensure a balanced criteria in any band, the governors will apply the intake, the governors will refer to the results of following tie-breaker: literacy and numeracy tests given on Assessment Day. Applicants will have been placed into three Girls living closest to the school ability bands and the governors will allocate Distances are measured by the shortest walking approximately 25% of the remaining places route, using the road network, from the centre of the to girls of above-average ability (the top band), child’s address to the front entrance of the St. Andrew’s approximately 50% to girls of average ability building, as measured by the local authority’s (the middle band) and approximately 25% to computerised measuring system. Where it is necessary girls of below-average ability (the lower band). to differentiate between applicants living in flats using the same street entrance, priority will be given to the 4.2 Once applicants have been placed in a band, applicant(s) living closest to the ground floor and governors will allocate places other than then by ascending flat number order. languages places as follows: a) Up to 28 places will be open places (where no religious criteria apply). Applications will be ranked in this order of preference: i) First priority will be given to Looked after Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 25

Section five – admission procedures which girls are to be offered places. The same procedures will be applied when This section should be read by everyone thinking there are applicants for casual vacancies that of applying for a place at The Grey Coat Hospital arise in Years 8 to 11. regardless of the category. 5.4 Applicants will be invited to attend the 5.1 Applicants must name the school as a Assessment Test at our St. Michael’s building. preference on the common application form of the local authority where they live. Applicants Please note: this policy does not apply to pupils should also complete the school’s who have a (statutory) statement of special supplementary information form, which should educational needs. be sent back to the school with a passport-sized photograph attached (this is for assessment test Note 1 use only). Applicants should state under which Looked after Children means a child who is looked categories they are applying: after by a local authority in accordance with section 22 of the Children Act 1989(b) at the time an application • Languages places for her admission to a school is made and who the • Church of England places local authority has confirmed will still be looked after • Other Church places (Churches at the time when she is admitted to the school. Together in Britain and Ireland/Evangelical Note 2 Alliance places) Sisters means children who reside together at the • Open places. same address and who have at least one parent Those unsuccessful in one category may be in common by birth or legal adoption. considered for another appropriate category. For example, those applying for a language place will be considered under the Church of England category if they meet the criteria as outlined above. 5.2 Those applying for a Church of England place and those applying for an Other Church (Churches Together in Britain and Ireland/ Evangelical Alliance) place should enclose, with their completed supplementary information form, a completed clergy reference form. If references are required from more than one member of the clergy, please ask for additional forms. 5.3 If, as is customary, there are more applications than places, the admissions criteria explained in sections two to four above will determine 26 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

King Solomon Academy

Basic information Headteacher: Max Haimendorf Type of school: Academy, mixed, comprehensive Address: Penfold Street, NW1 6RX Ages: 3 –18 (Primary section opened September Telephone: 020 7258 0893 2007 with reception year only, secondary section opening September 2009) Fax: 020 7395 2099 DCSF number: 2136907 Email: [email protected] Number of pupils to be admitted Website: www.kingsolomonacademy.org in September 2010: 60 Nearest tube station(s): Edgware Road (Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines) Bus routes: 6, 7, 15, 16, 18, 23, 27, 36, 98, 205, 414 and 436

Allocation of places for Year 7 in 2009 Number of places available: 60 Applications received (by 24th October 2008 closing date): 261 Analysis of offers made in initial round (2nd March 2009) Children with statements of special educational needs: 4 Children in public care: 1 Children with a sibling at King Solomon Academy: 1 Children living closest to the Academy: 54 (up to a straight line distance of 0.65km from the Academy)

Admission appeals in previous years 2009 8 heard – none upheld (King Solomon Academy is a new school so there is no appeals data before 2009).

How to apply For secondary transfer 2010, applicants must name the Academy as a preference on the common application form of the local authority where they live. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 27

Aims We believe learning happens beyond the classroom and that all children should have access to a rich programme King Solomon Academy is a mixed, non-denominational, of activities, across dance, drama, sport, art and music. non-selective school for local children. We run a residential trip to a university in every year of The mission of the Academy is to provide a rigorous secondary school, so that pupils can be inspired by the and transformational education that prepares its pupils goal of studying at university. We provide a range of for success at university and beyond. other residential and personal development experiences that foster a strong sense of community among our The Academy opened in September 2007 with two pupils so they may become outward-looking individuals. reception classes, and will grow each year until the school has classes for children from nursery age right through to sixth form. The secondary school opened More time for learning with 60 pupils in September 2009. At King Solomon Academy we believe we need to put Our aim at King Solomon Academy is to develop high in signifi cant effort to make the difference in our pupil’s aspirations and high motivation, which will result in high education. We therefore have a school day that runs achievement for all our pupils. from 8am to 5pm (4pm on Monday). The extended day creates time for more academic learning, and also for Teaching and learning every child to enjoy a full range of extra-curricular activities such as music and sports. The Academy only has 60 pupils in each year group. We also extend the school year, with two extra weeks in This allows all our staff to know each pupil personally the summer term. This will happen every year. All pupils and tailor our academic and pastoral support to their coming to the Academy will be asked to attend a summer individual needs. school from 26th July to 6th August 2010. The induction The curriculum is organised so that each pupil reaches summer school will give pupils a chance to get used to or exceeds his or her expected level in the core subjects the expectations and routines of the school so that in of English and mathematics as quickly as possible. September they can make a good start to the school year. Pupils who need more support benefi t from more time in smaller groups, focusing on essential skills, and the Specialism gifted and talented are given the opportunity to accelerate their learning. Having gained this grounding in the The Academy specialises in music and maths and we basics, all of our pupils will have access to the full are particularly proud of our developing programme of range of curriculum subjects. musical opportunities for pupils. Maths is a focus for all ARK Academies and we recruit and train the best maths The focus on small group learning and fl uency in literacy teachers to ensure that every pupil has a strong grasp and numeracy will be of special advantage to pupils of this key subject. with special educational needs. 28 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Parents and the community Parents are always welcome at King Solomon Academy, Admissions policy whether it is to talk to their child’s teacher or attend Where the number of applications for admission a school performance. As well as keeping in regular is greater than the published admissions number, contact with parents throughout the term, we ask all applications will be considered against the criteria families to sign a home-school agreement when their set out below. After the admission of pupils with child joins the Academy. This agreement commits statements of special educational needs where the themselves, their child and the staff to working together Academy is named on the statement, the criteria to ensure no child falls behind or is unhappy at school. will be applied in the following order: a) children in public care. State-of-the-art facilities b) children who have a sibling who already attends As part of the Academy’s development, the Grade the school and who will continue to do so on the II listed school building has been fully refurbished. The date of admission (for this purpose sibling new Academy buildings, designed by internationally means a whole, half or step brother or sister renowned Ian Ritchie Architects, offer an outstanding resident at the same address). learning environment with new facilities, including a large sports hall, and bespoke art and music rooms. c) children who live closest to the school using a straight line distance from the main entrance of the Academy to the main entrance of the child’s home. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 29

Becky Shrankl, The St. Marylebone School 30 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Paddington Academy

Basic information Principal: Oli Tomlinson Type of school: Academy, mixed, Address: 50 Marylands Road, London, W9 2DR comprehensive, non-selective Telephone: 020 7479 3900 Ages: 11–19 Email: [email protected] DCSF number: 2136905 Website: www.paddington-academy.org.uk Number of pupils (January 2009): 1,149 Nearest tube station(s): Maida Vale and Number of pupils to be admitted Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo line) in September 2010: 180 Bus routes: 6, 18, 31, 36, 187, 228, 328, 414

Allocation of places for Year 7 in 2009 Number of places available: 180 Applications received (by 24th October 2008 closing date): 422 Analysis of offers made in initial round (2nd March 2009) Under Pan-London co-ordinated arrangements, all applicants were offered a place or offered a higher preference school. Please note the pattern of admissions can vary from year to year.

Admission appeals in previous years 2009 1 heard – none upheld 2008 2 heard – none upheld 2007 none 2006 none

Aims students to make good progress. We were also praised for some of our outstanding lessons. Paddington Academy is a vibrant and thriving 11–19 Academy where everyone, both staff and students, strive We strive to ensure that every lesson is fun and engaging, to be the best that they can be. Our motto as part of the and that students enjoy their learning and make good United Learning Trust family of academies is ‘the best progress. This takes place in a positive and in everyone’. We are proud to be a multi-cultural, multi- safe environment. faith learning community where the language we all speak is ‘good learning’. Every decision is made in the Community ambassadors best interests of the students, or to improve their learning. We develop excellent links with the community. We are very lucky because we have a beautiful new Students get opportunities to work with many people building and excellent facilities. The facilities for our four inside and outside the Academy and our students specialisms of performing arts, media, business and establish good networks and relationships with them. social enterprise are the best in the area. We have highly It is our aim that Paddington Academy students make successful maths, English and science departments, a positive difference to their community. in addition to which the students receive a fantastic range of subjects – for example hairdressing, plumbing and engineering are just some of the latest additions. Students and standards At Paddington Academy standards are high. We have It is our aim that all students leave us with the skills and high expectations for uniform, behaviour, attendance attributes required to be lifelong learners and positive and punctuality. If a student gets all these things right, role models in their community, and globally. they will learn better and get good results. Every student at Paddington Academy is special • Students are expected to have perfect uniform and each an individual with unique needs. As a result, at all times. each deserves and gets an individual learning plan and pastoral care that suits them best. We are constantly • Students are expected to have excellent attendance improving and listen to the student voice. When we and punctuality. can do more, the students let us know and we address • Students will be taught and cared for well and will the issues. achieve their best. The staff and students are proud of our Academy In 2009 Paddington Academy was awarded ‘Most and its achievements and we always welcome visitors. Improved Academy of the Year’ by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust and was in the top 10 Staff schools nationally for adding value to student results. The teaching and support staff at Paddington Academy We are very proud of the staff and students that worked are dedicated and committed to ensuring that our so hard to achieve this. students get the very best in terms of learning and achievement. In summer 2009 Ofsted made the following comment: Teachers have strong subject knowledge and provide structured work that enables 32 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Leadership evenings and mornings for you to visit and discuss your child’s progress. Your opinions are important We expect our students to be leaders. We have an active to us and vital to our continuous improvement. student council in each year group and they work hard to ensure that the student voice is heard and makes Our Academy is a partnership between staff, parents a difference. The student voice is active in most and students. Together we will give your child an enjoyable, Academy decisions and highly valued by all of us. safe, inspiring education that provides them with a wide diversity of opportunities, and prepares them for lifelong learning and success. Learning in Year 7 It is our aim that they leave us happy, fulfilled, with the • We aim to give our students a caring but very best results and knowing the value of integrity. rigorous transition • Students will be set by achievement at the The United Learning Trust end of the autumn term The United Learning Trust (ULT) sponsors Paddington • Student progress will be tracked and monitored Academy. ULT was established to create a family of six times a year and you will receive feedback Academies that provide outstanding education. It was on whether their progress is on target formed in 2002 as a subsidiary of the United Church Schools Trust, which has been running high-quality Pastoral care in Year 7 schools in the UK for almost 125 years. • In Year 7, and throughout the Academy, students ULT offers the stability of an organisation with a long- have a Head of Year who knows every child and a term commitment to education in this country and the Student Support Mentor for extra help with standards experience to run successful schools. ULT is the largest provider of Academies across the UK. Its Academies • Students with special educational needs and with are inclusive and welcoming schools where students a gift or talent in a particular area are identified of all faiths, backgrounds and abilities are valued immediately and appropriate intervention provided and respected. • There are an ever–increasing number of opportunities As a member of the ULT family, Paddington Academy for theatre, dance, music and sport as well as extra shares the objective of developing every student into support in all lessons, at lunch, after school a balanced and articulate individual with the intellectual and at weekends freedom to be creative; the confidence to initiate; the resilience to cope with adversity; the strength to lead; Parent voice the compassion to serve others; and the motivation We know how important the home-school partnership to achieve a lifelong love of learning. is. From September 2009 we will communicate with parents by text, phone, post and email. We have a parent focus group once a term; we have a Principal’s drop-in once a month and we also have parents’ Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 33

4. Nearest walking distance to the Academy Admissions policy – children who live the shortest distance from The Academy has an agreed admission number the Academy. The distance that determines of 180 pupils and will accordingly admit at least how close the student lives to the Academy 180 pupils in the relevant age group each year if is the shortest walking distance along public sufficient applications are received. Where fewer highways and footpaths between the door than 180 applications are received, the Academy of the student’s permanent address and the will offer places to all those who have applied. nearest entrance to the Academy main building. Where the number of applications for admission The student’s permanent address is from where is greater than the published admissions number, he or she normally lives and sleeps. Proof of applications will be considered for Year 7 against residence can be requested at any time throughout the criteria set out below. After the admission of the admissions process. If false or misleading students with statements of special educational information is used to gain entry to the Academy, needs where the Academy is named on the the offer of a place will be withdrawn and the statement, the criteria will be applied in the order application cancelled. in which they are set out below: 1. Admission of children in public care (Looked after Children). 2. Specific medical needs, social needs and special needs where the application is supported by specific written professional advice as to why admission to the Academy is necessary. The definition as to what constitutes medical, social and special needs within the scope of this provision will be agreed by Paddington Academy and the ULT, and will be available in writing to parents in the Academy prospectus as part of the admissions policy. 3. Siblings of students currently attending the Academy and who will continue to do so on the date of admission. The term ‘sibling’ means a full, step, half, adopted or fostered brother or sister, but not a cousin. The Academy reserves the right to ask for proof of the relationship. 34 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Pimlico Academy

Basic information Principal: Jerry Collins Type of school: Academy, mixed, comprehensive Address: Lupus Street, London, SW1V 3AT Ages: 11–19 Telephone: 020 7828 0881 DCSF number: 2136908 Email: [email protected] Number of pupils (January 2009): 1,269 Website: www.pimlicoacademy.org Number of pupils to be admitted Nearest tube station(s): Pimlico (Victoria line) in September 2010: 210 Bus routes: 2, 24, 36, 185, 360, 436, C10

Allocation of places for Year 7 in 2009 Number of places available: 210 Applications received (by 24th October 2008 closing date): 402 Analysis of offers made in initial round (2nd March 2009) Under Pan-London co-ordinated arrangements, all applicants were offered a place or offered a higher preference school. Please note the pattern of admissions can vary from year to year.

Admission appeals in previous years 2009 none 2008 none 2007 none 2006 none 2005 none

Aims Teaching and learning Pimlico Academy is a non-fee-paying school for The Academy provides a broad and balanced curriculum 11 to 19 year-olds, sponsored by Future, a registered that interests and motivates all its students, building charity. The Academy has had a very successful first upon Key Stage 2 and preparing for life post-16. year, embedding high expectations and good behaviour. A wide range of academic and vocational subjects Our emphasis on high aspirations for every student, are offered at GCSE. exciting and engaging learning and a culture of respect The Academy Sixth Form is very strong and there is has transformed Pimlico into a vibrant and exciting school continual curriculum development to ensure there is in the heart of Westminster. a broad range of Year 12 and 13 courses. This year the The Academy’s aim is for every student to reach their sixth form will be involved even more in the leadership full potential by providing them with an outstanding of the Academy through its introduction of the Student education through excellent teaching and a wide range Teacher Programme for all sixth formers. of extra-curricular opportunities. The atmosphere is highly aspirational. Progress and success in academic, Extra-curricular activities vocational, sporting, musical and creative areas are strongly celebrated. Students are encouraged to develop Extensive use is made of extended school activities, a keen sense of pride, belonging and self-respect. mentoring programmes, after-school clubs and sports organisations. The Academy devotes considerable The Academy provides a positive, dynamic environment energy to building the social capital of its students by in which all talent is nurtured, and where all students introducing them to worlds that may at first be unfamiliar, can learn and be successful. and by continual exposure to positive role models. The location of the Academy, in the heart of Westminster, Location and facilities coupled with the expertise and networks of the sponsor, has enabled many dynamic links to be forged and Pimlico Academy is ideally located in the heart of London, created exciting new opportunities for the students. just north of the River Thames on Lupus Street. The location is something the school uses to its advantage in its curriculum and curriculum enhancement activities. Inclusion/special needs As part of the Building Schools for the Future initiative, Significant importance is attached to the development Pimlico Academy is in the middle of a major rebuild, of a fully inclusive approach in the Academy. There is which it will take ownership of in stages. In September a dedicated Learning Support Department and 2009, the Academy took ownership of the new sports educational psychologist providing intensive learning hall, ICT suites and science rooms, as well as a large across the core subjects for students with special number of the new teaching rooms. By September educational needs. 2010, the new build will be complete and provide state-of- the-art facilities. Within the new building there will be a new community library and adult education centre. 36 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Linking home and school The Academy works in partnership with parents. Admissions policy The support of parents and carers is seen to be of key The Academy has an agreed admission number importance to the Academy’s success. Opportunities of 210 pupils. Where the number of applications for exist for parents to access extra pastoral support, admission is greater than the published admissions tuition and extra-curricular activities for their children. number, applications will be considered for Year 7 Communication with parents and carers takes place against the criteria set out below. After the admission very regularly through meetings, letters home, of pupils with statements of special educational needs newsletters and a constantly updated website. where the Academy is named on the statement, the Academic review days will be held twice annually. criteria will be applied in the order in which they are set out below. Pastoral care 1. Admission of children in public care (Looked after Children). The Academy provides a welcoming, safe and secure learning environment in which high standards of behaviour, 2. Specific medical needs, social needs and special attendance and participation are the norm. Students are needs where the application is supported by written in cross-age groupings of no more than 15 and these specific professional advice as to why admission meet for 30 minutes with their Academic Tutor each day to the Academy is necessary. for academic tutorials. These groupings provide continual 3. Siblings of students currently attending the Academy opportunity for peer and tutor guidance and support. and who will continue to do so on the date of The academic tutor groups are part of a house system admission. The term sibling means a full, step, and there are individual house assemblies each week. half, adopted or fostered brother or sister, but not cousins. The Academy reserves the right to ask for Specialisms proof of the relationship once offers have been made. The Academy has two specialisms in visual and 4. Nearest walking distance to the Academy – performing arts, and history. The visual and performing children who live the nearest distance from the arts specialism means students get outstanding Academy. The distance which determines how educational opportunities in music, art and drama, close the student lives to the Academy is the while the history specialism is used to help students shortest walking distance along public highways develop a sense of pride in their roots and to and footpaths between the front door to the understand their place in today’s community. student’s permanent address and the main entrance to the Academy main building. The student’s permanent address is where he or she normally lives and sleeps and goes to school from. Proof of residence can be requested once offers have been made. If false or misleading information is used to gain entry to the Academy, applicants may lose their priority for admission. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 37

Monika Sowa, The St. Marylebone School 38 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Quintin Kynaston School A specialist technology school

Basic information Headteacher: Jo Shuter Type of school: Foundation school, Address: Marlborough Hill, London, NW8 0NL mixed, comprehensive Telephone: 020 7722 8141 Ages: 11–19 Fax: 020 7586 8473 DCSF number: 2134279 Email: [email protected] Number of pupils (January 2009): 1,330 Website: www.qkschool.org.uk Number of pupils to be admitted in September 2010: 210 Nearest tube station(s): St. John’s Wood, Swiss Cottage (Jubilee line) Bus routes: 13, 46, 82, 113, 187

Allocation of places for Year 7 in 2009 Number of places available: 210 Applications received (by 24th October 2008 closing date): 595 Analysis of offers made in initial round (2nd March 2009) Children with statements of special educational needs: 7 Children with a sibling at Quintin Kynaston School: 97 Children living closest to the school: 59 (up to a distance of 1.66km walking distance from the school) Other children attending a Westminster primary school: 58 (up to a distance of 2.49km walking distance from the school) Admission appeals in previous years 2009 6 heard – 2 upheld 2008 9 heard – none upheld 2007 3 heard – none upheld 2006 11 heard – none upheld 2005 18 heard – none upheld

How to apply For secondary transfer 2010, applicants must name the school as a preference on the common application form of the local authority where they live. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 39

The facts Students are exceptionally well involved in the life of the school. The contribution of students to their Quintin Kynaston is a Foundation Secondary School community is exemplary. in St. John’s Wood, NW8. Ofsted 2008 Quintin Kynaston School is a dynamic co-educational community of around 1,330 students, with above-average Quintin Kynaston was selected to become one of examination results and an excellent reputation. the first Extended Schools in the country. It provides We have recently been judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, on-site healthcare, social care, lifelong learning and here are some of the quotes from their report: family support for adults and other siblings. QK is a true community-centred environment. Quintin Kynaston is an outstanding school and exceptionally well led by its inspirational headteacher. There is a refreshing honesty about this place. In this school, it is not just every child who matters This is a mature institution, which is confident in but every staff member and every family. The school its practice and secure in its performance. takes a very holistic view of students’ development Local Authority Inspection 2008 and works relentlessly to overcome barriers to learning. For some students the barriers are considerable. Location and facilities The achievement of students is outstanding. • We are on a secure, controlled-entry site in St. When compared to national rates, it is among the John’s Wood, three minutes from the Jubilee line top 5% nationally and in English it is in the top and on nine bus routes. 1% of schools. • We provide good information and communication technology (ICT)/study facilities, including a Students make excellent progress with the good purpose-built library and study centre with internet teaching they experience and also because they access, 50 computer work stations and a careers get extensive support and guidance from staff and guidance office, open from 8am to 5pm for homework develop very positive attitudes to learning. and private study. In addition there are 21 ICT suites across the school for faculty and individual use. Teachers have very good subject knowledge and • We also have a multi-purpose sports hall, planning is meticulous. In English, it is exemplary. four gymnasia, a drama centre, drama studio and music suite. Care, guidance and support for students are • Over 300 students attend our sixth form centre outstanding, and promote their excellent (with a common room and study rooms), offering achievement and personal development. a wide range of successful courses, mentoring by university undergraduates, and a proven track As a result of the highly meticulous analysis of record for placing students in good universities. progress, innovative and bespoke strategies are designed in order to meet the needs of students. 40 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Focus on the classroom skills and has continued to increase its intake of students. Young people in Years 7 to 13 are welcome • Teaching at Key Stage 3 is in ability sets for to join, and those currently attending the after-school maths, science and languages, with smaller class youth club have gained invaluable skills and knowledge sizes in these subjects, and also in English and and are enjoying what the club has to offer. design technology. • Baseline data is used to track and monitor all students This is a listening school and it is a responsive school. from entry to Quintin Kynaston. Parents are informed Parents and students feel they can go to senior of all progress and early intervention strategies will leaders with suggestions, which will be acted on. be discussed to support issues at termly meetings. Every member of the senior leadership team mentors students in the school. This means that all students • Study support activities are available in all GCSE have at least two formal opportunities during the subjects, as well as for Key Stage 3 subjects. school year to air their views with senior leaders. Ofsted 2008 Inclusion/special needs • We expect many gifted and talented students to Leadership take exams in Year 10 or earlier, in maths, community Jo Shuter is a National Leader of Education (NLE) languages and ICT. Those gifted in the arts are and we are a National Support School (NSS). As such, encouraged to attend a range of extra-curricular we are part of the National College for School activities on offer. Gifted and talented mathematicians Leadership Programme. are encouraged to join our Saturday maths school. NLEs are outstanding school leaders who, together • In the arts, we have a range of links to theatre with the staff in their schools, use their knowledge and companies. We aim to involve students with experience of teaching to provide additional leadership a wide range of practitioners on and off site. capacity to schools in difficulty. NSSs are the schools • In our specialist areas, we have a range of academic for which the NLE is a serving headteacher. and industrial practitioners working alongside students: We have also been invited to join Tribal Group’s in classrooms, through workplace visits, and in video- Inspirational Schools Programme. conferencing activities led by university academics. • We use a range of adults as mentors to our students Discipline and welfare to support the learning process. • Uniform is compulsory. • Links abroad include language and ski trips to France • Hard work is praised and rewarded, but we do not and Switzerland and a geography trip to Spain. tolerate poor behaviour. We have a home–school • We have a wide range of sporting fixtures, including contract, a weekly newsletter, and expect parents to basketball, football and athletics, making use of our attend three progress review days and one parents’ recently refurbished and upgraded sports facilities. evening every year, to discuss their child’s learning. • As an extended school, our after-school youth club • We also have a full-time Education Welfare Officer, provides a range of activities and lifelong learning Social Worker, School Nurse and Police Officer. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 41

High-tech teaching Student voice This means that all students are taught in the most We make sure that our students have a say too. technologically advanced way possible. We have over Students are involved in all aspects of school life, 600 computers, including Apple Macs, all with high- from lesson observations to having their own student speed broadband internet connection, a large multimedia development plan. library and advanced aids such as interactive The Student Voice at QK plays a vital role in promoting whiteboards in all teaching areas. the views of the students as well as developing their We have excellent video-conferencing facilities, which leadership skills. It has a Senior Student Leadership allow us to bring experts into school from across the Team that mirrors the Senior Leadership Team of the world and let our students take part in global school, made up of representatives of the school’s conferences and debates. student leaders, including Chair of the School Council, Head Prefect, Assistant Youth Workers We are a leading school for the London VLE (Virtual and Peer Mentors. Learning Environment), which means that students are able to log in to their classrooms from anywhere in the In 2007 the Student Voice held their first and very world, have full access to teaching materials and talk successful National Student Voice Conference, which directly to their teachers and classmates. has continued throughout 2008. Following the success of these conferences, the school is currently leading Working in partnership further developments as an executive school for the North London group of specialist schools. At QK we have a total commitment to ensuring that your child feels supported throughout his or her time here. A Director of Learning takes charge of individual Widening worlds year groups from Year 7 and stays with them until the School trips and educational visits are an integral part end of Year 11. This gives students a sense of continuity of learning. At QK we pride ourselves in organising school and enables a senior member of staff to develop a visits that complement and enrich our students’ curriculum thorough and well-informed knowledge of every student. subjects. In 2006/07 we ran a record number of trips. In addition to this your child will be allocated a form tutor, who will also stay with his or her tutor group for as long More than lessons as possible throughout all Key Stages. This teacher is At QK every student is encouraged to become a the focal point for every student in the tutor group and rounded person. The headteacher, Directors of for their parents. Tutors see their groups twice each day Learning and form tutors are there to help this happen and have an overview of all their students’ issues; from and make school life as rich an experience as possible. academic progress, personal concerns and out-of- school successes to extra-curricular involvement. 42 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

to the applicant(s) living closest to the ground Admissions policy floor and then by ascending flat number order. Admissions criteria In the event that the total number of places available under criteria 4 and 5 is an odd number, Places will be first allocated to children with the additional place will be offered under criterion 4. statements of special educational needs who name the school with the agreement of Westminster City In the event that the school is undersubscribed Council. Then, if there are more applicants than under criterion 5, the remaining places will be places for the school, the remaining places will then allocated under criterion 4. be offered in the following order of priority: Applications made under criterion 2 will only be 1. Children who are in public care. considered if supporting evidence from an appropriate professional or other suitably qualified person (eg 2. Children with exceptional medical, social, or other doctor or social worker) is attached to the home needs that can only be met by providing a place local authority’s application form. at the particular school concerned rather than any other school (to be decided in consultation with Children from multiple births the Director of Schools and Learning in each case). (eg twins/triplets) 3. Children with a sibling at the school at the time Where the admission of children from multiple of admission. A sibling is defined as a brother or births would lead to exceeding the published sister, half brother or sister or step brother or sister admissions number, priority will be given to the whose main residence is at the same address. eldest of the siblings. 4. 50% of the remaining places to be offered to children living closest to the school (regardless Split residence of which primary school the child attends). Where a child lives with parents with shared 5. The remaining places to be offered to children responsibility, each for part of a week, the address who attend a primary school in the city of where the child lives is determined using a joint Westminster as at the final closing date for declaration from the parents stating the pattern applications for places in the admissions year. of residence. If a child’s residence is split equally between both parents, then parents will be asked Within categories 3, 4 and 5 above, priority will be to determine which is the residential address for given to those children who live nearest to the school. the purpose of admission to school. Distances are measured by the shortest walking route, using roads and lit pathways, from the centre of the If the residence is not spilt equally between both child’s home address to the nearest school entrance parents then the address used will be the address for pupils, as measured by the local authority’s where the child spends the majority of the school week. computerised measuring system. Where it is necessary to differentiate between applicants living in flats using the same street entrance, priority will be given Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 43

Method of application Casual/in-year admissions Parents/carers must apply on the Common For in-year admissions, parents/carers must apply Application Form of the local authority where directly to the school. Applications will be considered they live. Forms can be completed online at in accordance with the above oversubscription criteria. www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions or on a In the event that it is not possible to offer a place, paper form available from schools direct, libraries the waiting list and appeals procedures described or their local council’s School Admissions team. above will apply.

Closing date and initial Fair access protocol notification date In addition, for in-year admissions the school is Under Pan-London co-ordinated admission committed to taking its fair share of vulnerable arrangements the closing date for secondary children who are hard to place, in accordance with transfer applications will be Friday 23rd October locally agreed protocols. Accordingly, outside the 2009. Notification letters will be sent out on 1st normal round of admissions, the school’s governing March 2010. body are empowered to give absolute priority to a child where admission is requested under any local Late applications protocol that carries the agreement of both the Applications received after the set closing date will governing body and local authority for the current be accepted but will not normally be considered for admission year. The governing body has this power a place at the school until after the initial offer date. even when admitting such a child would exceed the normal admission number. Waiting list Unsuccessful applicants will be included on the school’s waiting list ranked in order of priority under the published oversubscription criteria without regard to the date that the application was received. A waiting list will operate for both Year 7 entry and casual admissions. Any places offered from the school’s waiting list will be offered strictly in accordance with the above admission criteria.

Appeals Unsuccessful applicants have a right of appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel. Further details will be included in the notification letter. 44 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

St. Augustine’s CE High School A Specialist Science and Mathematics College

Basic information Headteacher: Eugene Moriarty Bus routes: 6, 13, 31, 32, 98, 206, 316, 328, 332 Address: Oxford Road, London, NW6 5SN Type of school: Church of England Voluntary Aided, Telephone: 020 7328 3434 mixed, comprehensive Fax: 020 7328 3435 Ages: 11–19 Email: [email protected] DCSF number: 2134723 Website: www.staugustineshigh.org Number of pupils (January 2009): 709 Nearest tube station(s): Kilburn Park (Bakerloo line) Number of pupils to be admitted in September 2010: 150 Nearest overland train: Kilburn High Road Station

Allocation of places for Year 7 in 2009 Number of places available: 120 Applications received (by 24th October 2008 closing date): 355 Analysis of offers made in initial round (2nd March 2009) Children in public care from Church of England families: 1 Public worship at St. Augustine’s/an Anglican Church: 15 Public worship at another Christian Church: 13 Attendance at a Church of England primary school: 58 Brothers or sisters at the school: 16 Children of other faiths: 12 Governor’s discretion and named school applicants: 5

Admission appeals in previous years 2009 8 heard – none upheld 2008 none heard 2007 3 heard – none upheld 2006 3 heard – none upheld 2005 20 heard – none upheld

Aims modern dining area. The school also has a state-of- the-art food technology area designed and built by the St. Augustine’s is a purposeful, caring community with Hilton Hotel Foundation, which is sponsoring this part a Christian ethos, which welcomes students from all of the school. All classrooms are equipped with faiths. We aim to provide all pupils with the opportunity interactive whiteboards. to develop spiritually and physically, as well as academically. Our strength lies in the development of a high standard The school is beginning to benefit from a £19m investment of self-discipline leading to social and moral responsibility. in development through the government’s Building Schools for the Future programme, which will transform buildings The school aims to be a place where: and facilities for the 21st Century. The first phase, a new • people learn to value and respect one another and sports hall, will be completed in December 2009, ready to appreciate that differences of race, gender and for students in January 2010. culture enhance the school community • everyone is encouraged to make her/his best efforts Focus on the classroom to succeed The school has a broad, balanced curriculum in Years • people are judged according to their efforts as well 7 to 11 and offers a wide range of GCSE and vocational as their attainments courses. We offer all of our Year 10 students a two-week work experience placement. • a community of governors, staff, pupils, parents and friends work together to provide a stimulating and Many of our departments enhance their teaching rewarding education of the highest possible standards. through workshops involving outside agencies such as the Hampstead Theatre and Tricycle Theatre. Our music The school has specialist status in science with department offers instrumental and singing lessons without mathematics. As a specialist school we are committed charge and has links with professional orchestras and to being at the forefront of educational initiatives. musicians. There are many musical activities for students We also work with our partners to provide access to become involved in, including choir, orchestra, string, to high-quality mathematics and science facilities guitar or woodwind ensembles. and support. We also run after-school clubs to enrich and extend Location and facilities students’ studies eg mathematics, languages, computing, science, reading, cyber club and homework clubs. The school is pleasantly situated in a modern building These opportunities are further enhanced by our close to several small parks and near to the parish specialist status. church of St. Augustine’s. It is within easy reach of Post-16, we offer over 15 A level courses (including underground and British Rail stations and on several those with a vocational emphasis) and some GCSE bus routes. and Level 2 vocational courses. We are members of the Facilities include a spacious library/resource centre, Westminster 6F Partnership and this enables our students three fully equipped computer rooms with internet to access courses offered at the other schools access, a music suite with individual and group in this brochure. practice rooms, specialist rooms for many subjects, a technology floor, sixth form common room and 46 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Focus on the outside world than withdraw them. There are many sources of pastoral support for students as well as links with outside agencies. Various sports clubs (eg basketball, football, netball, dance, athletics, cricket and gymnastics) take place before and after school. We have an outstanding record of sporting Discipline and welfare success. In recent years, a Year 7 team has taken part To enable students to settle successfully, we maintain close in the English Schools’ FA five-a-side, Westminster links with primary schools. All successful applicants are Athletics and other tournaments. Two former students, asked to attend a Headstart Day in June and we have in Julian Golding and Bradley Wiggins, have won medals place a comprehensive transition programme, which is at the Commonwealth Games and the 2000 Olympics. delivered both in primary schools and in St. Augustine’s Bradley won Gold, Silver and Bronze at the 2004 CE High School. Olympic Games and continued his success in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. On arrival, pupils are put into tutor groups with an assigned tutor who registers the group and who is responsible Year 7 students have the opportunity to spend several for the day-to-day welfare of each child. In addition, this days on adventure/team-building activities. Both a trip teacher will most likely stay with your child throughout to Phasel’s Wood and a week-long trip to the Tyn-y- his/her time in the school. Year 7’s overall pastoral care Berth Mountain Centre in Snowdonia National Park are is the responsibility of the Non-teaching Year Co-ordinator offered to help with promoting independence. In Wales, who is also the main point of contact for parents/carers students are encouraged to take part in many varied and other agencies. Students’ academic progress will activities, including rock climbing, abseiling, mountain be tracked and supported by a Director of Learning. walking, rope courses and gorge walks. The school has a behaviour policy, which is intended to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is popular with encourage and reward positive behaviour. It encourages our older students, with weekend expeditions in different mutual respect and good citizenship, although, of locations. During a student’s time in our school there course, there are sanctions for those who exhibit are many opportunities for educational visits both within negative behaviour. Great Britain and abroad. These include a Japanese exchange, field study trips in many departments, including Homework is set according to a timetable. Parents are modern foreign languages, music, geography and science. asked to ensure that the work is completed to a high Over the last year St. Augustine’s CE High School students standard and to sign the homework diary each week. visited a variety of interesting places, including Lille, Wales, These diaries are checked regularly by the tutor. Paris and numerous British sites/places of interest. School uniform Special and Additional Educational Students wear uniform in Years 7 to 11. It consists Needs and pupil support of a black blazer with a badge, black trousers or skirt, Pupils with special or additional needs are primarily helped a white shirt/blouse with school tie and black shoes. through in-class support although there is some withdrawal. In the winter, boys may also wear a grey jumper while Pupils with a statement of special educational needs girls may wear a blue jumper. Any coats worn in winter are given the support laid down in the statement. We do must be plain black. There is also a school PE kit, which try, wherever possible, to include pupils in lessons rather consists of a distinctive school tracksuit. Baseball caps, Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 47

hooded sweatshirts or trainers are not permitted. 2. Children who, together with their family, attend There is a no-jewellery policy with the exception public worship at St. Augustine’s Church, Kilburn, of one pair of small plain ear studs. at least two times per month (over at least the year Linking home and school preceding the date of application to the school). 3. Children who, together with their family, attend We keep parents up-to-date through our regular public worship at an Anglican Church (Church school newsletters, and an extensive annual report. of England) at least two times per month (over Concerts and social evenings bring the school community at least the year preceding the date of together to celebrate our pupils and their achievements. application to the school). We also have a tracking system that monitors the progress of children as they move through the school and meet 4. Children who, together with their family, attend with parents at least twice a year to discuss their public worship at St. Augustine’s Church, Kilburn, child’s progress. at least quarterly (over at least the year preceding the date of application to the school). 5. Children who, together with their family, attend public worship at an Anglican Church (Church of Admissions policy England) at least quarterly (over at least the year 1. Introduction preceding the date of application to the school). The school will admit 120 children in each year 6. Other children in public care. group (Years 8 to 13) from four ability bands: 25% 7. Children who have documented social and/or in Band 1, 25% in Band 2, 25% in Band 3 and 25% medical reasons from an appropriate professional in Band 4 (Band 1 being the highest ability and Band (eg doctor or social worker) specifying why St. 4 the lowest). An increased intake to 150 for primary Augustine’s High School is the most suitable to secondary transfer students only will come into school and the difficulties that would be caused effect from September 2010 onwards. Children will if the child had to attend another school. be required to undertake an assessment test that will enable the school to determine in which band 8. Children who, together with their family, attend to place a child. public worship at a Christian Church of other denominations associated with Churches Arrangements will be made to support children for Together in Britain and Ireland or the Evangelical whom English is not their first language or who have Alliance at least two times per month (over at special needs. least the year preceding the date of application to the school). 2. Admissions criteria 9. Children who, together with their family, attend In the event that the school is oversubscribed, ie more public worship at a Christian Church of other applications are received than there are places, places denominations associated with Churches will be allocated in the following order of priority: Together in Britain and Ireland or the Evangelical 1. Children in public care from Church of England Alliance at least quarterly (over at least the year families. preceding the date of application to the school). 48 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

10. Children who attend St. Augustine’s Church 5. Casual admissions of England Primary School. The School’s Admissions Officer will hold a waiting 11. Children who attend Church of England list. The waiting list will be divided into four ability primary schools. bands. Where a vacancy in a particular band arises, the place will be allocated from the waiting list in 12. Children who have a sibling in the school that band, against the criteria stated in the at the time of admission (see note 3). admissions policy. 13. Children of families of good standing in other faiths (authenticated by an appropriate religious Note 3 leader) who would value the education and ethos Sibling refers to brother or sister, half brother or sister, of a Church of England school. adopted brother or sister, step brother or sister, or 14. Any other children. the child of the parent/carer’s partner where the child from whom the school place is sought is living in the A reference (a form is available from the school) is same family unit at the same address as that sibling. required for those claiming admission under criteria 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9. Under criterion 13 applicants Note 4 who practise other world faiths should ask their faith Distances are measured by the shortest walking leaders (eg Imam) to provide evidence of this in route, using the road network, from the centre of support of the application. the child’s home address to the nearest school 3. Tie-break entrance for pupils, as measured by the local authority’s computerised measuring system. If it is necessary to decide between candidates Where it is necessary to differentiate between who have equal claims to a place under one of the applicants living in flats using the same street above criteria, priority will be given to those who live entrance, priority will be given to the applicant(s) nearest the school determined by the shortest living closest to the ground floor and then by walking route (see note 4). ascending flat number order. 4. Late applicants Late applicants (those who have applied after the published date) will not be considered until the initial allocation of places has been made. Such applicants will then be considered with those who have applied by the published date but who were unsuccessful in the initial allocation, for surplus places and creation of a waiting list. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 49

Kiloran Benn, The St. Marylebone School 50 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

St. George’s RC School

Basic information Headteacher: Martin Tissot Bus routes: 16, 98, 332 Address: Lanark Road, Maida Vale, Type of school: Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided, London, W9 1RB mixed, comprehensive Telephone: 020 7328 0904 Ages: 11–16 Fax: 020 7624 6083 DCSF number: 2134809 Email: [email protected] Number of pupils (January 2009): 597 Website: www.stgeorgesrc.org Number of pupils to be admitted Nearest tube station(s): Maida Vale (Bakerloo line) in September 2010: 120

Allocation of places for Year 7 in 2009 Number of places available: 120 Applications received (by 24th October 2008 closing date): 298 Analysis of offers made in initial round (2nd March 2009) Children with statements of special educational needs: 4 Baptised Catholics with the support of a priest’s reference: 37 Other baptised Catholics: 13 Other children with a sibling at St. George’s at the time of admission: 16 Other Christians: 14 Children of other faiths: 17 Other applicants: 19 (up to a distance of 13.52km from the school)

Admission appeals in previous years 2009 none 2008 none 2007 none 2006 none 2005 none

How to apply For secondary transfer 2010, applicants must name the school as a preference on the common application form of the local authority where they live AND complete the school’s supplementary form. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 51

Aims religious education), as well as choosing from a range of additional GCSEs from a wide range of subjects. St. George’s School is the only Catholic secondary These include business, information technology, school in Westminster and a recently designated drama and physical education. Students are also Business and Humanities Specialist College. It is a offered vocational training with courses in accounting, thriving comprehensive school community, providing leisure and tourism, and design. young people with the skills, qualifications and confidence to help them become successful adults in today’s There has been significant improvement in the competitive world. quality of students’ learning since the appointment We believe in the importance of each individual child, of the new leadership team in September 2006. and the strong Catholic ethos of the school is an important Ofsted, June 2007 aspect of the day to day life of St. George’s.

St. George’s Catholic School is a community based on Focus on the outside world Gospel values, where all children are offered the opportunity All students at St. George’s School are offered the to participate in a varied curriculum with a rich range of opportunity to participate in exciting events, which after-school activities. We expect a very high standard assist them in developing confidence and social skills. of pupil behaviour. Every child is expected to respect We also have a leadership programme where students each member of the school community and to work get the opportunity to participate and obtain qualifications. hard to fulfil their potential and develop their skills and Departments arrange a variety of trips and events each ability. We emphasise high standards in terms of behaviour, year such as visits to the theatre, museums, geography academic work, uniform and respect for the individual. field trips, retreats, fun trips to theme parks and visits to Our most recent Ofsted report of June 2007 states that: France. There are a variety of after-school clubs for our ‘St. George’s School is a calm and orderly environment’ children to join and our drama productions, school choir and that the students: ‘feel safe and say they love and talent competitions are extremely popular with coming to school’. students, parents and friends of the school. The excellent sports facilities at the nearby Paddington Location and facilities Recreation Centre provide facilities for students to enjoy St. George’s School is a bright, well-maintained school football, tennis, netball, cricket and athletics. with excellent information and communication technology facilities. The school is easily accessible by bus and Inclusion tube. Maida Vale station is a 10-minute walk away. A special programme is run for gifted students and fast-track opportunities exist for all the pupils in each Focus on the classroom year who are designated as gifted and talented. This includes master classes and university visits. Students from Years 7 to 9 follow a broad and balanced curriculum based on the requirements of the National St. George’s is a comprehensive school and therefore Curriculum. Year 10 and 11 students take GCSEs in the welcomes students of all abilities. We have an improving core subjects (English, mathematics, science and Special Needs Department liaising with the Westminster 52 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Support team to meet the needs of those children who not complete and return both the CAF and the SIF have experienced challenges with their academic work. by the closing date, the governors may be unable Linking home and school fully to consider your application and it is possible that you may not be offered a place. The priest’s The support of parents in helping us to provide quality reference form must also be returned to the school education to students is essential. We ask our parents by the same specified date in October. to support their children by attending parents’ evenings The governors of St. George’s Catholic School in and school events. Our drama productions, carol Maida Vale, London, intend to admit 120 pupils into services, choir concerts and talent competitions also Year 7 for the academic year 2010/2011. They invite bring parents, staff and students together to celebrate applications for admission from those who desire achievement. Parents are encouraged to liaise closely a Catholic education for their children. Priority of with our Heads of Year and form tutors who provide a admission will be given to pupils who are baptised, vital link between parents and the school. Parents are practising Catholics and whose parent(s) wish them also required to sign the pupil journal to support their to attend a Catholic School. children’s work at school and at home. As a Catholic school, St. George’s aims to provide a Catholic education for all pupils. At a Catholic school, Catholic doctrine and practice permeate every aspect Admissions policy of the school’s activity. It is essential that the Catholic The school is part of the Pan-London co-ordinated character of the school is fully supported by all families. admissions system which requires applicants to submit All applicants are therefore expected to give their a common application form (CAF) to the local authority full, unreserved and positive support for the aims in the area where they reside. Parents applying for and ethos of the school. a place on the basis of faith under criteria 1-6 must The governors’ interpretation of the term ‘practising also complete the School’s Supplementary Information Catholic’ is as follows: When the word ‘Catholic’ is Form (SIF) obtainable from the school or from the used in the criteria it will be taken to mean ‘a child council. In addition, the Priest’s Reference Form can who is a baptised member of the Catholic Church’ also be obtained from the school or the Westminster or in an autonomous Catholic Church in full communion Diocese website www.rcdow.org.uk. Part B only with the Holy See. When the word ‘practising’ is must be returned to the school once it has been used it will be taken to mean a Catholic who attends signed by the Parish Priest where the applicant worship most weeks in the Catholic Church. practises. Catholic applicants will be required to support their The completed CAF should be returned to the local application with a Parish Priest reference which will authority where the applicant is residing and the confirm practise and copies of Baptismal certificates. completed SIF to the school direct, both by the Pan-London closing date, 23rd October 2009. A practising Christian applicant will attend worship Forms can be returned by post or by hand. If you do most weeks in a Christian Church that is a member Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 53

of ‘Churches together in Britain and Ireland’. The attendance of a sibling at the school at the time of enrolment will increase the priority of an application The Governor’s interpretation of the term ‘sibling’ within each category. includes brothers/sisters, half-brothers and half-sisters. Governors will give top priority within a category The governor’s interpretation of the term ‘residence’ to any applicant with exceptional social, pastoral or ‘resident’ indicates where the applicant is domiciled. or medical needs that can best be met at St. George’s Where applicants are domiciled in two places because School and where attendance at any other school parental responsibility is shared, the residence will would be detrimental to the child. Applications must be taken as the place where the child lives for most be accompanied by compelling evidence from of the time (principal home). a priest, social worker or doctor. In the event of over-subscription, applicants will be considered in the following order of priority: Tie-break 1. Looked-after Catholic pupils (this category to When the offer of places to all the applicants in include pupils who would have been baptised any of the sub-categories listed above would still Catholic, were it not for their status as a Looked lead to oversubscription, the places up to the After child). admission number will be offered to those living nearest to the school, measured as the crow flies 2. Baptised Catholic pupils who, with their parents, from the front of the applicant’s principal home to practise regularly and this is confirmed by a the front door of the school (Lanark Road entrance). supportive Parish Priest’s reference. If the principal home is a flat, to the front door of the 3. Baptised Catholic pupils whose level of practice flat in the building via the ground floor. Proof of address cannot be supported. may be requested in the form of a utility bill. 4. Other Looked After pupils. Unsuccessful applicants will be informed of their 5. Pupils of another Christian denomination (which right of appeal and how to appeal as well as being is a member of ‘Churches Together in England placed on a waiting list. Those on the waiting list will and Ireland’) and whose minister can confirm be ranked in accordance with the oversubscription in writing are practising regularly. criteria and not according to the length of time they have been on the list. The waiting list will be 6. Children of other faiths whose family wish them reviewed on a regular basis. to have a Catholic education and whose religious leader can confirm in writing, are practising Where two or more applicants satisfy the same regularly. criteria and are competing for a single remaining place, the place will be offered by random allocation. 7. Any other children. This will take place in the presence of an When the offer of a place to all applicants in any independent witness. of the categories listed above would lead to oversubscription, the following provision will be applied: 54 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

The St. Marylebone School A Specialist Arts College

Basic information Headteacher: Elizabeth Phillips Bus routes: 16, 27, 30, 205, 453 Address: 64 Marylebone High Street, Type of school: Church of England Voluntary Aided, London, W1U 5BA girls, comprehensive Telephone: 020 7935 4704 Ages: 11–19 Fax: 020 7935 4005 DCSF number: 2134673 Email: [email protected] Number of pupils (January 2009): 908 Website: www.stmaryleboneschool.com Number of pupils to be admitted in Nearest tube station(s): Regent’s Park (Bakerloo September 2010: 150 line), Baker Street (Bakerloo, Jubilee and Hammersmith & City lines)

Allocation of places for Year 7 in 2009 Number of places available: 120 Applications received (by 24th October 2008 closing date): 1,063 Analysis of offers made in initial round (2nd March 2009) Performing arts: 12 Church of England: 64 Other faith: 28 Open: 16 In allocating Church of England, other faith and open places the balance is split equally between the four ability bands. The Performing Arts Scholarship places are assessed by aptitude and potential at audition.

Admission appeals in previous years 2009 100 heard – 1 upheld 2008 144 heard – none upheld 2007 79 heard – none upheld 2006 74 heard – 1 upheld 2005 131 heard – none upheld

Aims specialist teaching space. The school is well equipped with specialist rooms for art and design, BTEC, The St. Marylebone School was founded in 1791 and information and communication technology and still retains its original aim 200 years on: the pursuit of the performing arts. excellence. Impeccable uniform, full attendance, hard work, and courteous behaviour are the hallmarks that The St. Marylebone Church, a stunning Regency building, stamp our ethos. provides an uplifting setting for both assemblies and secular activities. There are many clubs, music groups, We aim to help pupils to: choirs, dance and drama groups at lunchtime and after • develop lively, enquiring minds and the ability school. All pupils are encouraged to become involved to question and argue rationally in a wide variety of activities. The school runs a large number of after-school clubs. • acquire knowledge and skills relevant to adult life and employment in a fast-changing world Focus on the classroom • use language and numbers accurately and effectively Each year is divided into four mixed-ability tutor groups. However, pupils are set according to ability • learn how to apply themselves to tasks and for academic subjects. For those pupils who are to develop physical skills gifted, whether of high intelligence, high academic • respect religious and moral values, as well aptitude or of outstanding talent in a specific area, as all races, religions and cultures St. Marylebone has a comprehensive identification • understand the world in which we live, and the and provision programme. interdependence of individuals, groups and nations There is a strong focus on the performing and visual • appreciate human achievements and aspirations arts. Pupils study music, dance and drama throughout Key Stage 3 and have the option to continue these • gain self-confidence and a sense of worth at Key Stage 4 and A level. All Year 7 pupils learn • learn how to work responsibly and with consideration a musical instrument and have the opportunity to for others, and how to appreciate the co-operative continue this study and to play in the many music nature of group or team tasks. groups in the school. The school enters pupils for up to 11 GCSEs. All students Location and facilities are entered early for GCSEs in religious studies and ICT, and some in maths and modern foreign languages. The St. Marylebone School is known for the beauty and There is a wide choice of subjects to be followed in the variety of its architecture and the green tranquillity of its sixth form for all levels of ability and interest, including setting. The modern world is not neglected: a superb a wide range of A levels. new science and technology block, carefully integrated with the existing buildings, offers the students a chance to excel, as do the computer studios. On 30th September 2007, the school unveiled our new underground sports hall and five-storey performing arts block to provide 56 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Focus on the outside world Discipline and welfare Frequent visits are made to theatres, the cinema, museums, As an Anglican foundation, we teach religious education art galleries, exhibitions, concerts, sports centres and as a core subject throughout the school. There is a central London places of interest. Subject field courses comprehensive programme of sex education taught in the upper school take place regularly. A great deal in science, religious studies and personal and social of charitable work is also organised. education. Careers guidance, environmental education, health education and education for citizenship form part The school has a strong involvement in Europe with of an extensive personal and social education programme school links, visits and exchanges. European work taught across the curriculum. experience is being pioneered.

Inclusion/special needs Linking home to school The school is committed to working closely with parents Learning support is provided by the special educational to support the student’s education. Parents receive a full needs (SEN), English as an additional language (EAL) profile and a summary report during the course of a year and social inclusion departments. and all parents are invited to attend a parents’ evening Students are assessed upon entry to the school and once a year, when they are able to speak to their language and learning support is available for those daughter’s teachers. who need it the most. It is recognised that as many as All Year 7 parents are invited to a parents’ evening before 20% of all students may experience a learning difficulty their daughter starts at St. Marylebone. This evening takes at some time in their school careers and we aim to place in the summer term and provides an opportunity ensure that each student’s needs are identified and for parents to meet their daughter’s form tutors and catered for as appropriate. other key members of staff. There are three departments providing support. The school has a very active Parent Teacher Association These are the SEN department, which supports those that meets once a half-term. During the past year, the with specific learning difficulties; social inclusion, which parents have been actively raising funds for the school supports those with additional learning needs; and the building project and have organised a series of very EAL department, which supports those with English as successful events, including an auction and a a second language. Michaelmas fair. The aim is for the majority of students to be supported in mainstream lessons. This approach focuses on St. Marylebone School sports and support teachers working in partnership with subject specialists, to shape inclusive environments that cater arts development to both individual needs, as well as for diversity of need The new subterranean gym and dance complex, in the classroom. Other students with special needs and the new music and arts block, are now in use. obtain some support from the school’s limited resources. The buildings, designed by architect Philip Gumuchdjian and built by Mansel, have impressed everyone who has looked around. The sports hall has an east wall made of huge glass shutters that rise up to open up that entire Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 57

side and allow the building to be flooded with light. until all applications made in time have been dealt It’s built nine metres below the old playground surface. with and any appeals have been heard. Directly alongside the sports hall to the south are two You are strongly encouraged to visit the school on dance studios, one on top of the other with a balcony an open day before making an application. This visit overlooking the sports hall below. Above ground, two does not form part of the admissions process and new music teaching rooms form the ground floor of the nothing that you say or do at that visit will be taken three-storey building; a music practice-room suite sits into account by us but we encourage this so that on the floor above, and two brand-new art studios with you have enough knowledge of the school to feel floor to ceiling north facing windows on the top floor. confident that it is an appropriate one for your daughter. The south-east corner of the site houses the new lift shaft, clock tower, changing rooms, showers and toilets. Parents are expected to encourage their daughters to participate in, and benefit from, the school’s The school is in the middle of a new three-year building Christian and Church of England tradition. programme on the High Street Site and the new 14–19 centre on Blandford Street will open in September 2009. Order of making offers We expect to have more applicants than we have places available, so we have to have a way Admissions policy to decide the order in which offers will be made. The St. Marylebone Church of England School Our arrangements reflect the fact that the school is a voluntary aided school and the governing body is a Church of England school but one that decides the order in which places at the school are welcomes members of all faiths and of no faith. to be offered. This document tells you how we do this. In deciding the order of offers, we apply the following definitions: General 1. Pupils in Public Care – children looked after We plan to admit 150 girls each year. To be by a local authority under the provisions of the considered for a place, you must complete the Children Act 1989. Common Application Form for the local authority 2. Statemented children – namely girls with where you live. Also, if you wish your daughter to be a statement of special educational needs. considered under any of our priority categories, you Statemented children obtain a place through must also complete the school’s Supplementary the statementing process and should not apply Information Form (SIF). If you do not complete the under this procedure. The number of girls with SIF, your application will still be considered but not statements either naming the school, or whose for any priority place. local authority has advised the school before the You must apply before the closing date specified. Admissions Committee makes its admissions Late applications or applications not made in decisions that it is proposing to name the school, accordance with the applications procedure will will be taken into account in deciding how many not be considered by the Admissions Committee places can be offered to non-statemented girls. 58 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

3. Performing arts places – these are offered to applicants whose daughters can demonstrate The procedure a specific aptitude for and commitment to one of the performing arts (dance, drama or music). Banding To assess this, girls who have demonstrated We want a balanced intake, which is representative some aptitude will be invited for audition. of the ability of those applying each year for places. There is a separate sheet, available from the To achieve this, we operate banding. Each girl must school, setting out how we decide who is to be come to the school on the assessment day when invited for audition and how we assess aptitude tests will be taken. If in exceptional circumstances for performing arts. If you wish your daughter and at the discretion of the headteacher your to be considered under this category, please daughter cannot attend, predicted SATs or other ask for that sheet. relevant evidence may be considered. It will be Applicants for performing arts places who up to you to provide such other evidence. are not offered a place under this category will automatically be considered for other places Children in Public Care are also required to take according to any other category that may apply the test even though they have first priority so provided they are assessed under the banding that their ability is taken properly into account in process described below and have completed balancing our intake. The ability of statemented a clergy form or a religious commitment form children will be assessed from the statement data. if relevant. The purpose of these tests is solely to place girls 4. Church of England places – to qualify under in the right ability band. The test result does not this category, your daughter must: determine who is offered or refused a place. • live in the diocese of London, and There will be four ability bands, each consisting of 25% of those girls who have taken the test or sent • have attended her place of worship weekly in alternative objective evidence in any given year so over at least two years before the date of application to the school and her parent(s) the band into which an individual girl is placed will must also have attended the Church service depend on where that girl is placed in relation to the weekly during those two years. overall ability of those actually applying for places in the year in question. You must obtain a completed clergy form and send it to the school by the published deadline. The 14 performing arts (six music instrumental, two choral, three dance and three drama) places 5. Open places – any girl not falling within any of the previous categories will be considered for are offered without consideration of banding so that a place on an open basis. Please note that this banding will apply to 136 places. We wish to admit group may include members of any and 34 in each band. Twenty will be Church of England every faith. places and 14 will be open places. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 59

Allocating places 2.2 In allocating those remaining open places in each band after deducting the number 1. 1.1 We identify and allocate places to the (if any) of places in that band to Pupils in Pupils in Public Care. Public Care and statemented children who 1.2 We identify pupils and allocate places do not qualify for Church of England places, to statemented children who have named we will give priority places in each band in the school. the following order: 1.3 We identify the candidates to whom 2.2.1 to candidates who are resident performing arts places will be offered. in the Diocese of London. 2. We then establish which band each other girl 2.2.2 to any other candidate. comes into and we then apply priorities separately in each band as follows: Tie-break

2.1 In allocating the remaining Church of England If there are more candidates in any group or category places in each band after deducting the than there are places available, the order in which number (if any) of places in that band places will be offered will be based on where the allocated to Pupils in Public Care and candidates live. We offer places to those living nearest statemented children who qualify for Church the school at the date of application to it, as measured of England places, we will give priority by the shortest walking route. places in each band in the following order: Distances are measured by the shortest walking 2.1.1. to candidates who have attended route, using the road network, from the centre of the St. Marylebone Parish Church weekly child’s home address to the nearest school entrance over the two years preceding the date for pupils, as measured by the local authority’s of application to the school and computerised measuring system. Where it is whose parent(s) have also attended necessary to differentiate between applicants living the church service weekly during in flats using the same entrance, priority will be given those two years. to the applicants living closest to the ground floor, and then by ascending floor number. 2.1.2. to candidates whose parent(s) have a voluntary position of responsibility in For this purpose, the address of a candidate the Church. Position of responsibility is the permanent domestic address of the parents. means a current PCC member, Business addresses are not acceptable. If your child a reader or a churchwarden. does not live with both parents, it is the address of 2.1.3. to candidates who have attended the parent, guardian or carer with whom the child a church school. lives permanently or for the greater part of the week. If access is equal then it is the address nearest 2.1.4. to any other Church of England to the school. candidate. 60 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Appeals Parents have the right to appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel. They must notify the school within two weeks of the refusal of a place and details of how to appeal will be given at the time of refusal.

Withdrawal of places The Admissions Committee reserves the right to make its own enquiries to verify any information supplied by you. If subsequently we find that a place has been offered in reliance on information that was materially incorrect or misleading (eg the parental address) and the place would not have been offered if the information had been correct, the Admissions Committee may withdraw the offer. If that happens, you have a right of appeal to the Independent Appeal Panel.

Admission of vulnerable children who are hard to place outside the normal round of admissions The school is committed to taking its fair share of vulnerable children who are hard to place, in accordance with locally agreed protocols. Accordingly, outside the normal round of admissions, the governing body are empowered to give consideration to a child where admission is requested under any local protocol that carries the agreement of both the governing body and the diocese for the current admission year. The governing body has this power even when admitting such a child would exceed the normal admission number.

Waiting list The school does not maintain a formal waiting list. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 61

Sophia Angelides, The St. Marylebone School 62 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Westminster Academy

Basic information Principal: Smita Bora Bus routes: 18, 36 Address: 255 Harrow Road, London, W2 5EZ Type of school: Academy, mixed, comprehensive Telephone: 020 7121 0600 Ages: 11–19 Email: [email protected] DCSF number: 2136906 Website: www.westminsteracademy.biz Number of pupils (January 2009): 837 Nearest tube station(s): Royal Oak (Hammersmith Number of pupils to be admitted & City line), Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo line) in September 2010: 180

Allocation of places for Year 7 in 2009 Number of places available: 180 Applications received (by 24th October 2008 closing date): 406 Analysis of offers made in initial round (2nd March 2009) Under Pan-London co-ordinated arrangements, all applicants were offered a place or offered a higher preference school.

Admission appeals in previous years 2009 none 2008 none 2007 3 heard – none upheld 2006 none

Aims Location and facilities Westminster Academy is an all-ability independent The Academy building is designed to provide a superb (non-fee-paying) school for 11–19 year-olds, with environment for students and was judged by the Royal places for up to 1,175 students overall. It opened in Institute of British Architecture as the London Building September 2006. of the Year 2008. It offers a flexible learning environment The school was built as part of the government’s of the highest standards and exciting learning and Academy programme, supported by Westminster sporting facilities, including Academy Sport, a public City Council. It is run by the Westminster Academy sports centre. This is combined with the latest cutting- Trust and has a Board of Governors drawn from a range edge information and communications technology. of interests, as in any school. The school is independent All the Academy’s facilities are available for the use but plays a full role in the delivery of education in of the community. Westminster. The vision for the school sees it at the The Academy’s sixth form opened in September 2007. heart of the community, playing a valuable role in raising community aspirations, especially in Westbourne. Focus on the classroom The Academy provides a broad and balanced education and also offers the specialism of International Business Life for students at the Academy is exciting and challenging. and Enterprise, which is integrated within all aspects Through an innovative curriculum, young people are of the curriculum. equipped with the skills to become confident, independent It is the lead school in Westminster in relation and successful learners. These competences are key in to this specialism. enabling them to learn successfully throughout their lives. As a centre for learning excellence, the Academy Throughout Key Stages 3 and 4, modular work is aims to: based on the National Curriculum programmes of study. Students are able to follow both academic and • empower young people to achieve and realise vocational courses. their potential At post-16, the International Baccalaureate Diploma • be fully inclusive, meeting the needs of and Programme, BTEC First and BTEC National Diplomas, providing excellence to all learners AS and A2 level courses are offered as part of • offer a distinctive international outlook and Westminster 6F Partnership. There is a wide-ranging operation, based around its specialism of extra-curricular programme designed to promote International Business and Enterprise self-confidence and team work.

• offer a safe, secure learning environment that will The Academy’s specialism of International Business inspire all learners and promote self-development and Enterprise and use of information and communication • develop long-term partnerships and collaborations technology are integrated and embedded within every that will enhance education and learning aspect of both the academic and social curriculum. • provide a focus and resource for the local The Academy is a Healthy School and values the strength educational, residential and business communities. of students’ home languages, cultures and faiths. 64 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

International Business and Discipline and welfare Enterprise specialism The Academy‘s house system is focused around The specialism of International Business and small personal tutor groups, which allow one-to-one Enterprise threads through all aspects of the curriculum. tutoring for each student, every week. Every student Seven languages are currently taught and students are is individually guided, encouraged and motivated to encouraged to take early GCSEs in other home languages. achieve their highest potential. Each of the three houses has specialist staff, including a Head of House, All teaching is based on the principles of enterprise keyworker and attendance officer. The Academy also learning. Students develop the ability to tackle problems, has a student welfare officer and two counsellors. take initiative, persevere, be flexible and work in teams. A wide range of work and business-related learning The Academy promotes a safe, secure and positive experiences are provided, leading to a qualification in learning environment. Clear learning behaviour policies enterprise capability for all our students. Business and procedures, supported through a rewards and partners are actively involved in planning these activities. sanctions system, are in place. Students are expected to take individual and shared responsibility for behaviour. Focus on the outside world Linking home and school Through internships in local businesses at Key Stage 4, students are encouraged to develop into self-reliant, Parents and carers are encouraged and supported to pioneering and ambitious employees of the future. be involved in the education of their child and actively contribute to the assessment of the performance and The Academy also works with the primary schools ongoing development of the Academy. There are three from which the students are drawn, forming networks progress review days each year, as well as a parents’ that promote continuity of learning for pupils and building evening for each year group. The Academy recognises strong early relationships with parents. The Academy is the importance of drawing parents and carers into the committed to developing as an extended school and learning process. Personal tutors and house staff make works closely with the Westbourne Neighbourhood regular contact with home. Our Connetix online system Forum in meeting community needs. ensures data is instantly and continuously available to parents, and newsletters are published regularly. Inclusion/special needs

The Academy is an inclusive organisation and plans for the education of each child as a unique individual. The curriculum is accessible to all students. Individual Admissions policy learning programmes are developed so that all students The Academy has an agreed admission number with special needs have the opportunity to follow a of 180 pupils and will accordingly admit 180 pupils relevant curriculum that stimulates learning. in the relevant age group each year if sufficient The Academy’s special educational needs policy ensures applications are received. Where fewer than 180 that the requirements of all students with special needs applications are received, the Academy will offer are identified early and that an appropriate curriculum places to all those who have applied. and support are provided. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 65

Where the number of applications for admission is greater than the published admissions number, applications will be considered for Year 7 against the criteria set out below. After the admission of pupils with statements of special educational needs where the Academy is named on the statement, the criteria will be applied in the order in which they are set out below.

1. Admission of children in public care (Looked after Children).

2. Specific medical needs, social needs and special needs where the application is supported by written specific professional advice as to why admission to the Academy is necessary.

3. Siblings of students currently attending the Academy and who will continue to do so on the date of admission. The term sibling means a full, step, half, adopted or fostered brother or sister, but not cousins. The Academy reserves the right to ask for proof of the relationship.

4. Nearest walking distance to the Academy – children who live the nearest distance from the Academy. The distance which determines how close the student lives to the Academy is the shortest walking distance along public highways and footpaths between the door to the student’s permanent address and the Academy entrance on Harrow Road.

The student’s permanent address is where he or she normally lives and sleeps and goes to school from. Proof of residence can be requested at any time throughout the admissions process.

If false or misleading information is used to gain entry to the Academy, the offer of a place will be withdrawn and the application cancelled. Jessica Avenas, The Grey Coat Hospital 66 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Westminster City School

Basic information Headteacher: David Maloney Bus routes: 2, 8, 11, 16, 24, 36, 38, 44, 52, Address: 55 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5HJ 73, 82, 148, 170, 185, 211, 436, 507, C1, C10 Telephone: 020 7641 8760 Type of school: Christian, non-diocesan, voluntary-aided, boys’ comprehensive school Fax: 020 7641 8761 with a mixed sixth form Email: [email protected] Ages: 11–19 Website: www.wcsch.com DCSF number: 2134687 Nearest tube station(s): Victoria (Victoria, Circle Number of pupils (January 2009): 696 and District lines), St James’s Park (Circle and District lines) Number of pupils to be admitted in September 2010: 130

Allocation of places for Year 7 in 2009 Number of places available: 130 Applications received (by 24th October 2008 closing date): 282 Analysis of offers made in initial round (2nd March 2009) Christian: 100 Other world faiths: 30 (of these 19 siblings) Admission appeals in previous years 2009 none 2008 none 2007 15 heard – none upheld 2006 17 heard – 2 upheld 2005 13 heard – 1 upheld

How to apply For secondary transfer 2010, applicants must name the school as a preference on the common application form of the local authority where they live AND complete the school’s supplementary form. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 67

Aims • a sports hall and drama/activity studio Westminster City School provides a challenging • music rooms and stimulating curriculum within a secure learning • four ICT suites environment that promotes high aspirations and • sixth form study and social areas positive attitudes while embracing Christian values, traditions and beliefs. • a new administration suite. We strive to provide a first-class education founded Classrooms in the existing building are being on Christian principles that: enlarged and the school as a whole is being completely refurbished. • promotes excellence academically, in sport, in the performing arts and in behaviour There are extensive playing fields at Mitcham and Blagdons in south London, which are well equipped • supports students in developing their personality, for football, cricket and tennis. In addition to our on-site talents and abilities to the full facilities, the school uses a local sports centre for • has high aspirations and promotes independent swimming, squash, badminton and fitness training. learning • treats everyone justly regardless of religious belief, Focus on the classroom ethnic origin or social background Pupils are taught in ability groups in Years 7 and 8. • recognises and respects the important partnership They will follow a revised curriculum incorporating between home and school. a two-year Key Stage 3 and three-year Key Stage 4. At Key Stage 4 all pupils take GCSEs in the core Our Christian ethos is something for which Westminster subjects, including ICT and religious studies, and City has more than a local reputation and we expect all choose from a wide range of optional subjects that members of our school community to uphold this ethos, include drama, music, catering and triple science. maintain a high standard of behaviour and appearance, Year 9 will also include a period of enrichment focused and respect and value the school’s long history on thinking skills and learning styles. This will enable and traditions. all pupils to have a personal curriculum appropriate to their needs including a range of academic and Location and facilities vocational courses and support options. The school, which dates from the 17th century, is In the sixth form, Westminster City offers an extensive housed in recently restored Victorian buildings. A new range of A and AS level subjects, as well as BTEC and science block was opened in November 2003. The old GCSE courses. Around 40 students leave each year to laboratories have been refurbished to provide modern go to university. facilities for mathematics and business studies. Westminster City School is a member of Westminster As part of the Westminster Building Schools for the 6F Partnership, which includes all the secondary schools Future (BSF) programme the school is getting an in Westminster with sixth forms. 6F has a common extensive new build incorporating: timetable with students able to access courses in any of the partnership schools. 6F is regarded as a model 68 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

of good practice and provides a wide range Discipline and welfare of opportunities for all students. Individual welfare is provided by a carefully structured pastoral system. Boys entering the school are placed Focus on the outside world into one of five form groups. We expect high standards Many pupils play sport regularly after school and on of behaviour at all times. Discipline at the school is Saturday mornings, as well as for district, regional and underpinned by the behaviour policy, which is regularly national teams. There is provision for pupils wishing to monitored and reviewed by school governors. Parents play musical instruments. Clubs cater for a wide range are welcome to see this document along with other of interests, including information and communication school policies. technology, drama, music, choir, the environment, art, As a small school, there is a strong sense of community, reading and sports. which promotes inclusion. The school chaplain is available The school has its own army cadet unit that parades for counselling, and support is provided for vulnerable every week and provides opportunities for pupils to take pupils. A summer literacy school for incoming Year 7 part in outdoor pursuits, camps and related activities. pupils provides intensive literacy support for students arriving with lower than average skills. Attendance and The school has close links with the local business punctuality are regularly monitored, and relationships community, several foreign embassies and a number of with parents are strong and supportive. educational visits, both here and abroad, are arranged each year. Destinations have included the Lake District, The distinctive school uniform is compulsory for all pupils Devon, North Wales, New York, Belgium and Japan. in Years 7 to 11. This includes a black blazer with a gold coat-of-arms and a black and gold tie, white shirt, grey Inclusion/special needs trousers and black shoes. In winter a grey jumper may be worn. A winter jacket can also be worn and must be There are a significant number of gifted and talented plain black. There is a school PE kit and this is also pupils regularly entered early for GCSE examinations compulsory. Hooded sweatshirts, trainers and baseball who are offered a range of extra-curricular activities. caps are not permitted. These include extra classes, summer schools, attending master classes at Imperial College and other universities, Linking home and school a programme of visits, and participating in the performing arts. The school is keen to work closely with parents/carers and enlist their help in supporting the pupil’s education. The school offers a curriculum that encourages a variety A full report is issued annually and parents/carers are of teaching and learning styles, which are sufficiently invited to two academic review days for pupils in Years differentiated to cater for individual needs. The school 8, 9, 10 and 12, with Years 7, 11 and 13 having a review encourages the integration of pupils with special day and a parents’ evening during the year. educational needs into mainstream classes while recognising that some withdrawal or other provision for There is an induction day for new Year 7 pupils in June individual and/or small groups may be appropriate for to which parents/carers are invited so they can meet some pupils at particular stages of their learning. key members of staff. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 69

There is an active parents’ association that organises 6. This policy does not apply to students who events such as international evenings and barbecues, have a (statutory) statement of special and also addresses educational matters at regular educational needs. meetings. The school also has a flourishing Old Westminster Citizens’ Association. Admissions criteria 7. To ensure a comprehensive and balanced intake, the governors will refer to the results Admissions policy of literacy and non-verbal reasoning tests 1. Westminster City School is a voluntary aided, conducted by the school. Applicants will have non-denominational Christian comprehensive been placed into three ability bands and the school for boys. governors will allocate approximately 25% of the places to boys of above average ability (the top 2. Boys admitted to the school, and their parents band), approximately 50% to boys of average and carers, are required to abide by school ability (the middle band) and approximately 25% regulations. They will co-operate with the staff to boys of below average ability (the lower band). on matters of attendance, punctuality, homework, uniform, and in maintaining the highest standards 8. Governors will allocate at least 105 places of behaviour both in school and beyond the to boys from active Christian families living in school premises. the areas covered by the Anglican dioceses of London and Southwark. Priority will be given 3. In September 2010, the governors intend to to boys whose families actively attend churches admit 130 boys within the full range of ability that are full members of Churches Together and from a wide range of backgrounds into Year 7. in Britain and Ireland. In order to gain a full understanding of the school, applicants and parents/carers are strongly 9. Governors will allocate up to 25 places for boys advised to visit the school on one of the open practising other World Faiths who are willing to days. Admission forms and instructions on how support the clear religious, social and ethical to submit an application to the school are ethos of the school. available from the school. 10. Applications for all Christian and other 4. Parents/carers are expected to support the faith places must be supported by a clergy services that take place annually in St. Margaret’s reference. This reference will indicate your Church and to encourage their son/ward to family’s commitment to your religion and place contribute to, and benefit from, the school’s of worship, and must be signed by your vicar, Christian ethos and religious tradition. priest, minister or other religious authority. 5. The school is participating within co-ordinated In establishing family religious commitment, only admission arrangements with other secondary family members living together at one address will schools in Westminster, which forms part of the be taken into account. Assessing the commitment of Pan London co-ordinated admissions system. the child and his family will be carried out as follows: 70 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Weekly attendance at your place of worship for two a) First priority will be given to Looked After years and applicants ranked by points awarded to Children (see note 5). a maximum of 10 (five for parent and five for child). b) Boys who have a brother at the school Only one point may be scored under each heading. who will be attending the school at the time Parent of the applicant’s proposed entry to the school (see note 6). • Parent holding elected office in their place of worship c) Boys living closest to the school as measured by the shortest walking distance from the • Parent being a communicant member of their school (see note 7). place of worship In the event that there are insufficient applications • Parent on their place of worship’s electoral to fill all Christian places, the remaining places will or other membership roll be filled from other World Faith applicants and • Regular practical involvement by a parent in vice versa. their place of worship • Parent having a role in public worship/ministry Admissions procedure 12. For Year 7 admissions, applicants must • Regular involvement in other aspect name the school as a preference on the common of religious life. application form of the local authority where Child they live. Applicants applying for a place on faith grounds must complete the school’s supplementary • Child being a regular communicant information form (SIF) and arrange for the clergy • Baptism of child form to be completed by their vicar, priest, • Confirmation of child minister or other religious authority. Both the SIF and clergy form must be returned to the school. • Attendance by child at Sunday School or equivalent 13. If, as is customary, there are more applications than places, the admissions criteria explained • Child having a role in public worship in points 7 to 11 above will determine which boys • Attendance by child in an organisation run are to be offered places. The same procedures by their place of worship will be applied when there are applicants for • Involvement in other aspect of religious life casual vacancies that arise in Years 8 to 11. by child. 14. Late applicants – applications received after 11. If, after applying the process outlined above, the published closing date will not be considered it should be necessary to distinguish further until after the initial allocation of places has taken between applicants in any band, the governors place. They can then be considered for any surplus will apply the following criteria in this order places and if appropriate placed on the of priority: waiting list. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 71

15. Casual admissions – a waiting list will be held Note 6 by the school’s admissions officer. The waiting Brother means a child who resides at the list will be divided into three bands. Where a same address and who has at least one parent vacancy arises the place will be allocated to in common by birth or legal adoption. the applicant on the list in the particular band who matches the highest criteria on the Note 7 admissions policy. Distances are measured by the shortest 16. Assessment day – applicants must attend the walking route, using the road network, from the assessment day at Westminster City School. centre of the child’s home address to the nearest school entrance for pupils, as measured by the Note 5 local authority’s computerised measuring system. Looked After Children means a child who is looked Where it is necessary to differentiate between after by a local authority in accordance with section applicants living in flats using the same street 22 of the children Act 1989(b) at the time an application entrance, priority will be given to the applicant(s) for his admission to a school is made and who the living closest to the ground floor and then by local authority has confirmed will still be looked after ascending flat number order. at the time when he is admitted to the school.

Sharon Hoyos-Martinez, The Grey Coat Hospital 72 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Other information

In-year admissions Fair access protocol If you would like your child to go to a secondary school Every school is committed to taking its share of or Academy in Westminster at any age other than vulnerable children who are hard to place, in accordance primary to secondary school transfer (for instance if you with locally agreed protocols. Accordingly, outside the have just moved into the area), you should contact your normal round of admissions, the school governing preferred school directly to request an application form. bodies are empowered to give absolute priority to a child whose admission is requested under Westminster’s If the school or Academy to which you have applied Fair Access Protocol that carries the agreement of both has vacancies in your child’s year group, they should the governing body and local authority for the current offer a place. If the school cannot accept your child admission year. School governing bodies have this straight away because the year group is full, they will power even for cases when admitting such a child normally place your child on a waiting list. would cause the school to exceed the normal School waiting lists are ordered in accordance with admission number. the school’s published admission criteria. If a place becomes available, because another child has left, this Co-ordination of in-year admissions place will be offered to the applicant who is next on the list. Please note the length of time your child is on the From September 2010, local authorities will co-ordinate waiting list does not affect your position on the waiting in-year admissions into their schools and also for list. Your child’s name can go up or down the list as residents wishing to attend schools elsewhere. It is other people join or leave it. Waiting list arrangements expected to be a similar process to transferring from can vary and each school or Academy will be able to primary to secondary school. At the time of going to advise you of their exact arrangements. print, further details of Westminster’s co-ordinated scheme are still being developed and will be subject to If a school is unable to offer you a place, you have right formal consultation. Further details will be available from of appeal to an independent panel against the school’s the council’s School’s Admissions team from January decision. Contact the school directly for further 2010 onwards. information. The council’s School Admissions team and Choice Adviser can also give you further advice about the appeals process. Westminster Choice Advice Service If you experience difficulty obtaining a secondary school Telephone: 0800 066 5359 place or require further assistance or guidance, please The Choice Advice Service is free and offers independent, contact the council’s School’s Admissions team on transparent, confidential and impartial advice for parents 020 7641 1816/1817. and carers. It is one of the many initiatives in place to ensure that all parents are able to make a fully informed decision regarding their child’s secondary school placement. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 73

The main aim of the Choice Advice Service is to target The FIS also gives general information including help families that are hard to reach, primarily those from less with childcare costs, healthy eating and parenting advantaged areas, so that they have the same chance support. Other information available includes: of securing a school place as everyone else. • out of school childcare and play – details of clubs In particular, the Choice Adviser offers advice providing childcare and play activities for five to 12 year on the following: olds in your area • the different admissions policies for the appropriate • schools – lists of primary and secondary schools, community, voluntary aided, Academy and information on home education and independent schools foundation schools • leisure – swimming classes, soft play, dance, music, • in-year admissions (eg change of schools during sport, library story-time, martial arts and other secondary school years) information on activities for children and young people • supporting families through the appeals process • special needs – support groups and services for children and young people aged up to 21 • school performance data for appropriate schools • support groups for parents and carers – contact details • completion of paper based and online admission for local support groups such as children’s centres. application forms For more information visit www.westminster.gov.uk/ • chasing up late applications (during transition services/youngpeople or email fis@westminster. from primary to secondary school) gov.uk. • advice on how families can obtain financial For information about young people’s activities visit assistance. www.westminster.gov.uk/wow. All enquiries are For more information, please visit processed within 24 hours. www.westminster.gov.uk/choiceadviceservice or email [email protected] Education Welfare Service Westminster Family Information Telephone: 020 7641 7580 Service (FIS) The Education Welfare Service is part of Westminster City Council’s Children’s Services department. There Telephone: 020 7641 7929 are two teams with four Education Welfare Officers; The FIS provides a statutory information service to each led by a manager. A third manager and an prospective parents, parents, carers, guardians, children Education Welfare Officer are responsible for the and young people up to their 20th birthday. They offer management of statutory action and legal work accurate, impartial information and guidance on childcare, carried out by the service. activities for children and young people and other children In accordance with the cross borough protocol, and young people’s services in Westminster. Westminster’s Education Welfare Service works with The FIS holds information on Ofsted registered and may enforce attendance for all pupils in Westminster childcare as well as holiday provision and services for schools regardless of where they live. Westminster takes young people. a large number of pupils from neighbouring boroughs. 74 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Each school has an allocated Education Welfare Officer and making provision for children with special educational who supports their school to carry out their statutory needs. The majority of these children will have their needs responsibilities and develop effective management met by their mainstream school. However, some children systems for school attendance. have severe and/or complex special educational needs. For these children it may be necessary to undertake a Many children and young people are absent from school detailed statutory assessment as they may require a without their parents’ knowledge. Others face difficulties statement of special educational needs. The statement outside school that can have an adverse effect on their is a document that describes the child’s special attendance and attainment. By failing to regularly attend educational needs and the provision or placement school, children and young people may become needed to ensure that the child receives appropriate involved in anti-social behaviour or become susceptible support. This provision could be additional support in to crime or abuse. their mainstream school or a special school placement, The Education Welfare Service helps families to overcome whichever is considered the most appropriate and these problems, but they also have a statutory duty to depending on the wishes of the parents. employ legal sanctions where there is no justifiable If you think your child may have special educational reason for pupil absence. needs, contact the special educational needs co- By law, all children between the ages of five and 16 must ordinator at your child’s school in the first instance. have appropriate full-time education. Parents have a For further information you can contact the council’s legal duty for making sure this happens by: Special Educational Needs Statementing team on • registering their child at a school 020 7641 5351/5353. • ensuring their child attends school regularly, on time, and ready to learn Assistance with home to school travel • ensuring that they support school initiatives that Telephone: 020 7641 1816 will assist their child’s progress All children living in London under the age of 16 are • ensuring that the school is informed of any changes entitled to free travel on London’s buses if they hold that may affect attendance and/or behaviour a photocard. Photocard forms are available from main Post Offices. • making other arrangements to provide their child with an education suited to age, ability, and aptitude Westminster City Council will only issue free travel and to any special educational needs passes (including rail and underground) to children of compulsory school age living in Westminster if: • ensuring that family holidays are not taken during term time. • the school attended is the nearest available qualifying school (see note 8), the journey between home and Special educational needs school is more than three miles by the shortest available walking route and it would be unreasonable Telephone: 020 7641 5350/5351/5352 to expect the child to make the journey by bus as it would take over 75 minutes each way (see note 9), or; Westminster City Council must ensure that arrangements are in place for identifying, assessing • for children from low-income families (see note 10): Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 75

the school attended is one of the three nearest Note 10 qualifying schools, where they live more than two Children from low-income families are defined as those miles, but not more than six miles from that school, who are entitled to free school meals or those whose and it would be unreasonable to expect the child families are in receipt of the maximum level of Working to make the journey by bus as it would take over Tax Credit. 75 minutes each way, or; • for children from low-income families where the Note 11 child’s parent/guardian has expressed a preference For a definition of religion or belief, please see the full for the school based on the parent’s religion or belief policy, available from the council’s School Admissions (see note 11): the school attended is the nearest team on 020 7641 1816. suitable school preferred on grounds of religion or belief, where they live more than two miles, but not Free school meals more than 15 miles from that school and it would be unreasonable to expect the child to make the Telephone: 020 7641 3412 journey by bus as it would take over 75 minutes Children whose parents receive any one of the following each way, or; are entitled to free school meals: • the circumstances are so exceptional that the • Income Support Director for Schools and Learning agrees to issue a travel pass. • Income Based Jobseekers Allowance In addition to the above, children with a statement of • Income related Employment Support Allowance special educational needs and those who attend • Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum specialist provision may be entitled to home to school Act 1999 (who are supported by the National Asylum travel assistance. Support Service or their home local authority’s There is a right of appeal against the refusal of a travel central asylum team) pass. Further details are available from the council’s • Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to School Admissions team. Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) Note 8 that does not exceed £16,040 (as of 6th April 2009) A qualifying school is defined as a community, • Working Tax Credit during the four-week period foundation, or voluntary school, Academy, City immediately after their employment ceases, or after Technology College, community or foundation special they start to work less than 16 hours per week school, non-maintained special school, Pupil Referral Unit or maintained nursery school. • The guarantee element of State Pension Credit. Children and young people, aged between 16 and 19, Note 9 who receive Income Support or Income Based Jobseekers The shortest journey time is that ascertained and Allowance in their own right are also entitled to receive published by Transport for London on their journey free school meals. planner website. 76 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Application forms are available from all Westminster Additional support (non-council) schools or Pupil Benefits on020 7641 3412. If your child attends a Westminster school, you should apply Education Maintenance Allowance on a Westminster form regardless of where you live. Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is available Entitlements are reviewed yearly and parents are for Year 12 and 13 pupils whose parents’ income is responsible for ensuring that applications are below £30,810. Pupils can apply for an allowance of renewed every year. £10–30 per week, with the potential to earn a bonus at certain points during their course. Funding for post-16 study Application forms are available from all Westminster schools. Call 0800 121 8989 or visit Telephone: 020 7641 1842/1843 www.direct.gov.uk/ema.

Post-16 travel grant Learner Support Funds In September 2006, Transport for London introduced If your son or daughter is studying at a college of further travel concessions for 16 to 18-year-olds to travel for education or a sixth form college, he or she may qualify free on buses and trams and at a lower cost on the for assistance from Learner Support Funds from the tube. Over 18-year-olds in education are entitled to college. Ask at the college for further details. discounts. Oyster photocard forms are available from schools and post offices.

Some students may be eligible for travel assistance from Westminster City Council if their travel costs are more than £10 per week, after Oyster card discounts.

Students must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for a Travel Grant:

• live in Westminster

• be aged 16–19

• receive an Education Maintenance Allowance of £30 per week

• Be enrolled in a full-time Further Education course at a sixth form school or college

• travel more than three miles from home and

• pay over £10 per week for travel (and using a Zip/ Oyster photocard).

More information can be found at www.westminster. gov.uk in the student finance section. Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions 77

Contact details for neighbouring boroughs

Detailed information about schools outside of Westminster Kensington & Chelsea and their admission arrangements are available directly Telephone: 020 7361 2210 from schools or the local authority in which they are situated. Please remember to check the admission Email: [email protected] arrangements for your preferred schools to assess Website: www.rbkc.gov.uk/schools/admissions whether you are likely to be offered a place. You may also be required to complete a supplementary form. Lambeth If you live outside Westminster, but wish to apply for a Telephone: 020 7926 9503 school in Westminster, you will need to apply on the Website: www.lambeth.gov.uk/eadmissions common application form of the local authority where you live, which can be obtained from your home council. Southwark Brent Telephone: 020 7525 5337 Telephone: 020 8937 3110 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.southwark.gov.uk/schooladmissions Website: www.brent.gov.uk/admissions Wandsworth Camden Telephone: 020 8871 7316 Telephone: 020 7974 1625 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.wandsworth.gov.uk/admissions Website: www.camden.gov.uk/admissions Contact details for Diocesan Authorities Hammersmith & Fulham The Diocese of Westminster Education Service and London Diocesan Board for Schools provide additional Telephone: 020 8753 2627/3643 information about education in Catholic and Church of Email: [email protected] England schools respectively. Website: www.lbhf.gov.uk/admissions Diocese of Westminster Education Service (Catholic) Telephone: 020 7798 9005 Islington Website: www.rcdow.org.uk/education Telephone: 020 7527 5515/5516 London Diocesan Board for Schools Email: [email protected] (Church of England) Website: www.islingtonschools.net/admissions Telephone: 020 7932 1100 Website: www.london.anglican.org/schools 78 Westminster: Your choice for secondary education / Apply online at www.westminster.gov.uk/admissions

Key to map of Westminster’s educational establishments

Nursery schools 11. Hallfield Infant Hallfield Estate, W2 6JJ 1. Dorothy Gardner Telephone: 020 7641 6235 293 Shirland Road, W9 3JY 12. Hallfield Junior Telephone: 020 7969 5835 Hallfield Estate, W2 6JJ 2. Mary Paterson Telephone: 020 7641 6230 3 Riverton Close, off Ashmore Road, W9 3DS 13. Hampden Gurney CE Telephone: 020 7641 5804 Nutford Place, W1H 5HA 3. Portman Early Childhood Centre Telephone: 020 7641 4195 12–18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DE 14. King Solomon Academy Telephone: 020 7641 5435 / 020 7641 5436 Penfold Street, NW1 6RX 4. Tachbrook Telephone: 020 7258 0893 Cockburn House, Aylesford Street, SW1V 3RT 15. Millbank Telephone: 020 7641 8725 Erasmus Street, SW1P 4HR Primary schools Telephone: 020 7641 5945 16. Our Lady Of Dolours RC 1. All Souls CE 19 Cirencester Street, W2 5SR Foley Street, W1W 8JJ Telephone: 020 7641 4326 Telephone: 020 7641 4707 17. Paddington Green 2. Barrow Hill Junior Park Place Villas, W2 1SP Bridgeman Street, NW8 7AL Telephone: 020 7641 4122 Telephone: 020 7641 5005 18. Queen’s Park 3. Burdett–Coutts and Townshend Foundation CE Droop Street, W10 4DQ Rochester Street, SW1P 2QQ Telephone: 020 7641 5860 Telephone: 020 7641 5930 19. Robinsfield Infant 4. Christ Church Bentinck CE Ordnance Hill, NW8 6PX Cosway Street, NW1 5NS Telephone: 020 7641 5019 Telephone: 020 7641 4135 20. St. Augustine’s CE 5. Churchill Gardens Kilburn Park Road, NW6 5XA Ranelagh Road, SW1V 3EU Telephone: 020 7328 0221 Telephone: 020 7641 5935 21. St. Barnabas’ CE 6. Edward Wilson St Barnabas Street, SW1W 8PF Senior Street, W2 5TL Telephone: 020 7641 4232 Telephone: 020 7641 4303 22. St. Clement Danes CE 7. Essendine Drury Lane, WC2B 5SU Essendine Road, W9 2LR Telephone: 020 7641 6586 Telephone: 020 7641 4382 23. St. Edward’s RC 8. Gateway Lisson Grove, NW1 6LD Capland Street, NW8 8LN Telephone: 020 7723 5911 Telephone: 020 7641 4160 24. St. Gabriel’s CE 9. George Eliot Infant Churchill Gardens, SW1V 3AG Marlborough Hill, NW8 0NH Telephone: 020 7641 6300 Telephone: 020 7722 2000 25. St. George’s Hanover Square CE 10. George Eliot Junior South Street, W1K 2XH Marlborough Hill, NW8 0NH Telephone: 020 7629 1196 Telephone: 020 7722 6870 < Map Westminster Your choice for secondary education A guide for parents with children starting secondary school in 2010

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