Islington Schools: Inspiring Learning and Achievement
Your guide to the school application process for children born between: Offer day: 1 September 2006 and 31 August 2007 Closing date: 31 October 2017 1 March 2018
www.islington.gov.uk/admissions Location map
Key
Secondary schools Rail stations 9 Underground stations Haringey Parks and open space 4 Major roads Minor roads 1 Rail lines
1. Arts and Media School, Islington 2. Central Foundation Boy’s School 3. City of London Academy Highbury Grove 4. City of London Academy Highgate Hill 5. City of London Academy Islington 6. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School 7. Highbury Fields School 8. Holloway School 9. St Aloysius’ College 10. St Mary Magdalene Academy 8 Hackney
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3 10
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Camden
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City of London
This brochure is for reference only. All the hyperlinks that you see are clickable in the digital 2 version of the brochure that can be found online at www.islington.gov.uk/admissions Welcome
Welcome
In Islington, we are passionate about Details about how to apply online are also supporting children and young people to included. If you do need further advice have the best start in life. This year we or guidance, please do not hesitate to launched the Fair Futures Commission, to contact the School Admissions team who help us build a youth friendly community are on hand to help. that is a great place to grow up, learn, work and have fun. Finally, may I take the opportunity to wish your child every success as they make the Islington’s secondary schools support our transition into secondary education. young people throughout their education, providing them with the opportunities they need to reach their full potential. I am very proud that the progress our pupils make at secondary school has now been ranked amongst the top 20 in the Councillor Joe Caluori country. We’ve achieved this through Executive Member for Children, strong leadership and rigorous standards, Young People and Families whilst our inspirational teachers encourage students to discover their passions, develop skills and challenge themselves. Students have access to exciting extra-curricular activities and a broad choice of curriculum as they progress through school.
This brochure includes the information that you need to make an informed decision about the right secondary school for your child. Whether that’s single sex or mixed, community, faith school or academy, Islington offers a range of schools that will support your child to develop their talents and prepare them for their chosen pathway in further and higher education.
3 Contents
Section 1: Before you apply Section 4: Islington’s schools About schools in Islington 6 Arts and Media School, Islington 32 Dates to remember 7 Central Foundation Boys’ School 33 Top tips before you apply 8 City of London Academy, Highbury Grove 34 Our pledge to you 10 City of London Academy, Highgate Hill 35 City of London Academy, Islington 36
Section 2: How to apply Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School 37 Apply online 12 Highbury Fields School 38 About school applications 14 Holloway School 39 Admission criteria for community schools 18 St Aloysius’ College 40 Multiple births 21 St Mary Magdalene Academy 41 Criteria flowchart 22 Dame Alice Owen’s School, Potters Bar 42 Table of school places 23
Section 5: Sixth Form options Section 3: What happens next City and Islington Sixth Form College 44 What happens to your application? 25 City of London Academy, Islington Sixth Form 45 Waiting lists and appeals 26 Islington Sixth Form Consortium (IC6) 46 University Technical Colleges and Studio Schools 28 St Mary Magdalene Sixth Form 47 Applying during the school year 29 Tech City College 48
Section 6: Useful information and contacts
Islington’s Progress Pledge 50 Financial Assistance 51
Additional educational needs 53
Don’t forget - School attendance: every day counts! 54 apply online by School transport 55 31 October 2017 Glossary 56
Key dates 59
4 Section 1: Before you apply
5 Section 1: Before you apply
About schools in Islington
Did you know that in 2016/17, Islington’s Community of Schools Islington was one of the best Islington’s Community of Schools performing local authorities for work closely with one another to progress made by children at meet the diverse needs of children secondary school (Progress 8 living or going to school in the measure), outperforming 133 other borough. local authorities in England? The Community of Schools is made We are extremely proud of this up of academies, community, and are determined to achieve our foundation, free, trust, and ambition of ensuring outstanding voluntary–aided schools. For details teaching and learning in all our of how these schools operate, please secondary schools. refer to the glossary. The aim of this brochure is to help you make an informed decision about which school will best suit your child. If you do need any extra information, please email us with your query at [email protected] or call us on 020 7527 5515.
6 Section 1: Before you apply
Dates to remember
Date What happens?
September 2017 You can apply online from 1 September 2017 to 31 October 2017
20 October 2017 Recommended application return date: submit your online application by this date. If you miss the deadline, your application will not be processed until after all on time applications
31 October 2017 Application deadline: this is the final date for you to submit your application online. We strongly recommend that you submit your application by
20 October 2017
30 November 2017 Exceptional social/medical application deadline: you must submit your application and supporting documentation by this date in order for it to be considered alongside all on time applications
1 March 2018 Offer day: you will receive your result by email in the evening of 1 March 2018
15 March 2018 Acceptance deadline: you must accept (or decline) your school place by this date. You can do this online.
1 April 2018 Appeal deadline: submit your online appeal for an Islington community school by this date. For other types of schools, please refer to the school’s website. Remember, you can still appeal, even if you have accepted the school place offered.
31 December 2018 Waiting Lists: The last date your child will automatically remain on the waiting list of schools listed as higher preferences on your application form than the one offered. To extend this further, please contact the School Admissions team.
7 Section 1: Before you apply
Top tips before you apply
DO:
1. Apply on time – only 40% of applicants who applied late were offered one of their preferred schools compared to 93% of on time applicants
2. Check the school website – there is a wealth of useful information available
3. Visit schools – this is the best way to get a ‘feel’ for the school. You can meet a member of the leadership team, ask questions and see the school in action
4. Think about what is right for your child – don’t rely on what others tell you, visit the school and see first-hand
5. Talk to your child – involve them as much as you can 6. Think about the journey – how easy will it be to get to the school? Some schools may be further away but are easier to get to
7. Check the admission criteria and cut-off distance – how likely is it that your child will be offered a place? You can check this by clicking on the link in the school fact file
8. Use all six preferences – make sure you include at least one local school
9. Ask the School Admissions team for advice – they can’t tell you which schools to apply for, but they can explain the admission criteria and check whether you would have got a place last year
10. Make sure you press ‘submit’ when you finish your online application. You should then receive a reference number confirming safe receipt.
8 Section 1: Before you apply
DON’T: 1. List private schools on your application – you should apply directly to the private school
2. Wait till the last minute to apply – you may have a problem getting online or logging on. Give yourself plenty of time to think things through carefully
3. List only one school – your application will not be treated more favourably and you could lose out on another school you like.
Don’t forget - apply online by 31 October 2017
9 Section 1: Before you apply
Our pledge to you
Islington Council is committed to providing quality customer service. We make the following promise to everyone who lives, works in, or visits the borough:
We will be fair in the way we deliver services and treat everyone equally, with courtesy and respect We will provide polite, welcoming and efficient services that are accessible to all We will provide helpful information and secure transactions on our website We will answer our phones quickly and endeavour to deal with your enquiry or issue during your first call. If we can’t we will call you back the next working day We will respond to your emails and letters in plain English within ten working days We will respond to your complaints within 21 days We will seek your feedback on the services we provide and publish the results on our website.
10 Section 2: How to apply
11 Section 2: How to apply
Apply online
If you live in Islington, you need to apply using Islington’s online application form. When can I apply? 5. There is no need to pay for You can apply from 1 September postage. 2017 until 31 October 2017. Applications made by the deadline How do I get started? are ‘on time’ and will be processed You will need an email address. before ‘late’ applications made after You can register for a free email this deadline. account with a number of providers. The London e-Admissions system We strongly recommend that you recommends Gmail. Click here to submit your application by Friday create an account. For instructions 20 October 2017 (the week on how to do this, watch this handy before half term) in case there are YouTube tutorial. any issues with submitting your application (e.g. problems with I have an email address, what next? internet access, forgotten Click here to access the London username or password etc.). e-Admissions system and register your email address. Once you Why apply online? have done this, you will receive an 1. You can do your application in email explaining how to make your stages. You can review the order application. of schools listed, and other information as many times as When do I find out which school you want before you submit the has been offered? online application. National Secondary Offer Day is 2. The online system checks for 1 March 2018. In the evening: errors or missing information. you will receive an email telling 3. The system is secure and your you which school has been offered information is safe. OR you can log on to the London 4. A reference number is sent to e-Admissions system to view your registered email confirming your offer online. safe receipt of your application. 12 Section 2: How to apply
Who can help me with the online ParentComms application? Why not sign up for ParentComms? The School Admissions team can Using the app, you will be able offer telephone advice and talk you to receive the outcome of through the online application. your application on your mobile The team also offers one to one device. You can download the free support from 222 Upper Street. ParentComms app from the Apple Please call 020 7527 5515 to AppStore, Google Play or Windows arrange an appointment. Phone Store by registering your username and password. You will For technical queries and assistance, receive reminders about the closing please contact the London date and any pending applications e-Admissions helpdesk: that need to be submitted by the E: [email protected] deadline. T: 020 8255 5555 (Option 1)
Make a note
Please make a note of the following details as you will need this information to access your application, and offer in March:
Application Reference Number:
Username:
Password:
13 Section 2: How to apply
About school applications
1. You must apply to the local 6. As well as the main online authority where your child admissions application, you may lives. Islington residents should need to complete a supplementary apply online here. information form (SIF) for some schools. This information is 2. You can list up to six schools included in the fact file. The SIF on your application. The must be sent directly to the schools can be in Islington or school. You must still complete in another local authority. There the online application. is no advantage in listing only one or two schools. We highly 7. You must submit your application recommend that you list six online by 31 October 2017 schools, and include at least one for it to be on time. If it is late school near to where you live. your chances of getting a place at your preferred school may be 3. List the schools in the order you reduced. prefer, with your favourite school first. Your preference order is not Application address disclosed to schools. The address that we will use to process your application will be 4. It is a good idea to list your your child’s permanent address nearest schools. If you do not on 31 October 2017. We can apply for any of the schools only use one address. This must close to you, there is a risk that if be the official address where you do not secure a place at one your child spends most of their of your preferences, local schools time Monday to Friday. may already be full, and your Please note that we may not child could end up having to accept a temporary address if travel further away to get to you still possess a property that school. was previously used as a home address; nor accept a temporary 5. Do not list private schools. You address if it is used solely or need to apply directly to mainly to obtain a school place. fee-paying schools.
14 Section 2: How to apply
We may also carry out additional If you know someone who intends to checks with the new school to see use, or has used, a false address to whether the child’s home address obtain a school place, you can report has changed since the application this confidentially to the Islington was completed and will investigate School Admissions team on all applications where: 020 7527 5515 or email there are any doubts about the [email protected] information originally provided Shared parental responsibility information has been received If parents live separately, but the from a member of the public to child lives equally with both, then it suggest misleading information is the parents’ responsibility to has been provided and a make this clear at the time of the fraudulent application made application and to provide the council tax account is in a supporting evidence in respect of different name from the both addresses, for example, a applicant’s. Residency Order from a court. The provision of false or Please note that only one address misleading information will can be used for school admission result in the school place purposes and the final decision being withdrawn, and may will rest with the Islington School lead to prosecution. Admissions team.
Whistleblowing Proof of address Islington Council takes a firm stand In order for us to verify your against any attempt to obtain a address, please provide your school place by fraud. If you provide council tax reference number false or deliberately misleading (you can find this on your council information whilst completing a tax bill). If you cannot provide this, school admissions application, or use please provide a copy of your most a temporary address intentionally for recent rent, mortgage statement or the purpose of gaining an advantage tenancy agreement. over other applicants, your application will become void. 15 Section 2: How to apply
If you cannot obtain these Change of address documents, please provide at least If your child moves after 31 two alternative documents. For October 2017, then please example: utility bill; bank statement; provide a copy of the documents GP, hospital, dentist or optician letter. listed above. This is to ensure your application is handled correctly. We also require proof that the child you are applying for lives Children of UK service personnel with you. Therefore, please provide or crown servants a copy of your most recent child If you, or your partner, are a benefit or family tax credit letter serving member of UK forces with which clearly states your child’s a confirmed posting to Islington, name and address. or a crown servant returning from If you do not receive child benefit or overseas, we will use the posting family tax credit, please provide at address provided by your least two alternative documents to employer as long as you provide prove your child lives with you. For us with documentary supporting example: a letter from your child’s evidence of your relocation date and GP, dentist, hospital, optician; NHS Islington address. Medical Card; or the page within There is no guarantee that a place your child’s health record book that will be available at your preferred has his/her name and address. school; each application will be Please ensure that copies of considered in line with the school’s documents provided are not older admission criteria. If an offer can be than 12 months. Documents made, then that place may be held can be uploaded with your online for a reasonable period, depending admissions application. If we require on individual circumstances. further information, we will contact If we cannot offer your child a you. Do not delay submitting place at your preferred school, your application if you do not then we will in advance of your have the appropriate proofs of return, allocate the nearest Islington address as we can offer advice on community school to your home what to do next. address that has a place available.
16 Section 2: How to apply
Where your child is first on the in writing for access to personal waiting list, we will ask the school data held about you or your child. to go over number and admit your Islington has a duty under the child as an ‘excepted’ pupil in line Children’s Act 2004 to work with with provisions in the School partners to provide and improve Admissions Code. services to children and young people in the area. Therefore Late applications Islington may also use this If we receive your application information for other legitimate after 31 October 2017 then your purposes and may share this application will be late. This means information where necessary it will not be considered until we with other bodies responsible have allocated school places for all for administering services to be applications received on time. This shared with the Department of could reduce your chances of getting Communities and Local Government a place at the school you want. as part of the Troubled Families Scheme. Further information can If there are exceptional reasons why be found here. it was not possible to make your application by the deadline, please Islington also has a duty to protect email us at admissions@islington. the public funds it administers, gov.uk providing any supporting and to this end it may use the documentation. information you have provided on this form for the prevention and Privacy Notice detection of fraud. London Borough of Islington will For more information please handle the information you have contact the School Admissions provided in line with the provisions team on 020 7527 5515, of the Data Protection Act. Any email [email protected] personal information will be held in or go online. confidence with only the necessary people able to see or use it. Under the Data Protection Act you have the right to make a formal request
17 Section 2: How to apply
Admission criteria for community schools Children with a Statement of brother or sister, whose main Special Educational Needs or residence is at the same address. Education, Health and Care Plan This criterion will apply to applicants (EHCP) with a sibling living at the same If your child has a Statement of address who is on the roll of the Special Educational Needs or EHCP, preferred school (years 7 to 11), they will be admitted to the school or co-located Special School, at the named in the Statement or EHCP. time of the proposed admission in the new academic year. Oversubscription criteria 3. Exceptional social/medical When more applications are received needs than there are places available, the The Director of Children’s Services, following criteria will be used to on an individual basis, may give decide which pupils are offered a priority to applicants who can place at an Islington community demonstrate that admission to a school in the order listed below: particular school is necessary on the 1. Children looked after grounds of professionally supported This refers to children who are in the exceptional medical, social or care of a local authority and children special educational needs. Parents who have been adopted (or made must supply details of any such subject to a child arrangements special factors at the time of the order or special guardianship order) original application (together with immediately after being looked after. recent supporting documentation), to enable these factors to be 2. Siblings considered. A sibling is defined as a brother or sister, half-brother or sister, If your child has an exceptional step-brother or sister or adopted social (for example child protection/
18 Section 2: How to apply
safeguarding issues) or medical need 4. Distance (for example if your child requires Applicants will be prioritised by wheelchair access) to attend a distance (starting with the nearest). specific Islington community school, Nearness to schools is measured on then please provide professional a computerised mapping system evidence (e.g. from a doctor or using a straight line distance educational psychologist) and measurement. Routes will be complete our social/medical calculated from the home address application explaining why this is (as defined by the Land and the only school that can meet your Property Gazetteer) to the child’s needs. The form is available midpoint of the school grounds (as for download here. determined by the London Borough of Islington). Your case will be considered by a panel comprising a senior admissions Please note distance will be used officer, educational psychologist and as a tiebreaker for criteria 1, 2 senior social worker. The panel will and 3. consider the evidence presented and consult relevant professionals as How we calculate home to school necessary to determine: distances a. whether your child has an We use the Capita ONE system to exceptional social or medical need calculate the distance from your and child’s home (the start point) to the b. that this need can only be met by school (the end point). This system a specific school. calculates the distance in miles to three decimal places. The routing Please note late applicants database system uses two applying under social/medical dimensional maps. This means it criterion can be prioritised only does not take into account any on the waiting list. contours or terrains.
19 Section 2: How to apply
The start point (applicant’s home) Please note that you cannot For calculation purposes, Islington compare distances produced on Council uses the National Land and Islington’s Capita ONE system to Property Gazetteer (NLPG) those calculated using any personal database to determine the start or online geographical information point for Islington addresses. The system software you may have starting points for other addresses access to such as satellite are provided by your home local navigations systems or Google authority. Calculations are based on maps. the assumption that the child’s home Islington residents can obtain an address is classified at the point of approximate distance measurement application as a residential property. to any Islington school by clicking If you live in a block of flats where here. you use a communal entrance, we Alternatively, you can call the School will use the NLPG point for the Admissions team for an approximate block and not the centroid of your measurement on 020 7527 5515. individual flat for the distance calculation.
The end point (school) The centre of the school grounds is used as the end point for home to school distance as defined by Islington Council.
20 Section 2: How to apply
Multiple births
If only one place is available at the school and the next child who qualifies for a place is one of multiple birth siblings, we will ask community schools to admit the siblings and go over their published admission number to support the family.
Tie break If only one place is available and two or more children qualify for that place, the child who is offered the place will be determined by random allocation using a computerised system.
21 Section 2: How to apply
Criteria flowchart
SEN: Does your child have a Statement of Special Educational Please contact the SEN Needs or Education, Health and Care Plan? YES team on 020 7527 4860.
NO
1) Children looked after: Is your child looked after by a Your application will be local authority or was adopted (or made subject to a child YES considered under this arrangements order or special guardianship orders) immediately criterion and will have the after being looked after? highest priority. Please provide a letter from your child’s social worker to confirm that your child NO is or was looked after.
2) Siblings: Does your child have a brother or sister who will be Your application will be attending the school in September 2018? See p18 for a full YES considered under this definition of this rule. criterion, which has priority over applications considered under criteria 3 and 4. NO
3) Social/medical: Does your child have an exceptional social or If the panel agrees your medical need to attend a specific school? If yes, then please provide: case is strong enough to professional evidence (eg from a doctor or educational meet the requirements of psychologist) and YES this rule, your application an explanation outlining why this is the only school that can meet will be considered under your child’s needs using our social medical application form. this criterion which has See p18 for a full definition of this rule. priority over applications considered under criterion 4. NO
4) Distance: All remaining applications will be considered under the distance criterion, with priority given to those children who live closest to the school. Please see p19-20 for an explanation of how we measure distances.
22 Table of school places The table below provides a summary of information for Islington secondary schools for last year’s admission round (admission in September 2017).
Name of school number admission Published of school Type Number of applications received preference Number of first received applications Offers Total via the Number offered SEN process under Children Number offered criterion After Looked under sibling Number offered criterion under Number offered Social/Medical criterion under other Number offered criteria under Number offered criterion distance in 2017 Cut-off distances (in miles) lodgedNumber of appeals upheld Number of appeals Arts and 180 Mixed 417 95 144 2 2 27 0 N/A 113 Does not apply 0 0 Media, Trust Islington Central 150 Boys 597 195 150 6 5 24 0 N/A 115 Band 1: 0.954 8 0 Foundation Voluntary Band 2: 1.240 5 0 Boys’ -Aided School Band 3: 1.071 6 2 Band 4: 1.443 5 1 City of 140 Mixed 244 N/A 140 3 3 N/A 0 N/A 134 1.289 4 0 London Academy Academy Highgate Hill
City of 125 Mixed 742 209 125 6 0 40 0 City of London 79 Band 1: 0.763 8 0 London Academy resident: 0 Band 2: 0.658 8 2 Academy Islington Attending Richard Band 3: 0.560 10 3 Cloudesley: 0 Band 4: 0.365 7 0 Elizabeth 180 Girls 526 192 180 1 6 31 0 N/A 142 1.125 15 0 Garrett Community Anderson School Highbury 140 Girls 439 94 140 0 2 17 1 N/A 120 1.536 4 0 Fields Community School Highbury 210 Mixed 894 184 210 2 1 52 2 N/A 153 0.999 4 0 Grove Community School Holloway 180 Mixed 423 113 169 4 3 34 0 N/A 128 Does not apply 0 0 School Community St Aloysius’ 180 Boys 430 147 180 2 1 N/A 0 Faith: 134 40 Band 1: 9.547 0 0 College Voluntary- Band 2: 4.566 0 0 for Boys Aided Catholic Music: 3 Band 3: 1.066 1 1 Band 4: Does 1 1 not apply St Mary 192 Mixed 987 552 192 4 3 51 0 Primary School: 24 Open: 64 Open: 0.42 27 4 Magdalene Church of Academy England Language: 18 Foundation: Foundation: 6 0 Academy 28 1.034
23 Section 3: What happens next?
24 Section 3: What happens next?
What happens to your application?
Section 3: All London boroughs and some councils bordering London are part of the pan-London school admissions scheme. What This makes applying for school places in the capital fairer happens and simpler. How does it work? available (i.e. it is oversubscribed) A secure computer system is used its published admission criteria will next? to exchange information between be used to decide which pupils will councils when residents apply for be offered the places – the school’s schools outside the borough where fact file provides a link to the they live. admission criteria. A summary of last year’s results is provided in the table Every school you apply for is of school places. considered at the same time and your order of preference is kept If you are an Islington resident and confidential. we cannot offer your child a place at any school listed on your If your application meets the criteria application, we will keep you for more than one school, you will informed of vacancies and offer be offered the highest preference you the opportunity to make possible and all lower preferences further preferences. If a place will be withdrawn and released to does not become available, we other children. So, make sure you will allocate a place at the put the school you really want first. nearest Islington community school Each school has a set number of to your home address that has a available places – check the school’s place available. fact file for details. Where a school receives more applications than there are places
25 Section 3: What happens next?
Waiting lists and appeals
Waiting lists Right of appeal Your child’s name will automatically You have the right of appeal under be placed on the waiting list of any the School Standards & Framework school listed as a higher preference Act 1998 against the refusal of a on your original application than the place at any of the schools listed on school place offered. your application. Your child will remain on the waiting An independent panel will hear your list until 31 December 2018 unless appeal and their decision is binding we receive written confirmation that for both the Admission Authority and you wish to extend this further. the school(s). The panel will be made up of people who have experience Please note: in education and lay members being on a waiting list will not (people without personal experience guarantee a place at your of school management or the preferred school provision of education). your child’s waiting list position How do I lodge an admission can go down as well as up appeal? waiting list positions are For Islington community schools, considered strictly in accordance you can appeal online here by with the school’s admission 1 April 2018. criteria and are not affected by acceptance of a lower preference For other schools, contact the offer. school directly to obtain an appeal form. The completed form should be You can accept the place offered, returned to the school by the date remain on the waiting list of any given to you. higher preference school and lodge an appeal all at the same time.
26 Section 3: What happens next?
When will the appeal take place? Provided you lodge your appeal for an Islington community school by the deadline above, your appeal will be heard in May or June 2018.
What does the appeal panel consider? The appeal panel can only uphold an appeal (i.e. offer a school place) where: 1. The admission arrangements do not comply with legal requirements set out in the School Admissions Code and the School Standards and Framework Act (SSFA) 1998 2. The admission arrangements were not correctly or impartially applied 3. The decision to refuse admission was unreasonable given the circumstances of the case. The panel must then decide whether the admission of additional children would prejudice the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources. More information about appeals can be found here.
27 Section 3: What happens next?
University Technical Colleges and Studio Schools You can apply for a place at either a University Technical College (UTC) or a Studio School if your child is born between 1 September 2003 and 31 August 2004. As your child progresses through with your home local authority. their secondary education, you may Islington residents can apply here. feel they would benefit from a more You must apply when your child is in vocational curriculum offer focused Year 9, and submit your application on technical subjects. by 31 October 2017. If you University Technical Colleges (UTCs) apply after this date, your chance are set up by universities and of getting a place at your preferred businesses and specialise in one or school may be reduced. You will two technical subjects. In years 10 be notified of the result of your and 11 they offer a similar GCSE application in the evening of curriculum to a typical secondary 1 March 2018. school, including English and Maths, If your child receives an offer of a as well as their specialist subject. place at a UTC or Studio School they You can find out more at: will join the new school at the start www.utcolleges.org of Year 10 in September 2018. Your Studio schools are similar to UTCs child must therefore continue to in that they have employer attend their current school for involvement in the curriculum and the remainder of Year 9. Please let focus on developing skills needed the school know that your child will for employment, involving personal be moving on in Year 10, and provide coaching and work experience. details of the new school. They have a similar curriculum to a typical secondary school. You can For more information, please find out more at: contact the School Admissions team studioschoolstrust.org on 020 7527 5515. If you would like to apply for a UTC or Studio School, then you will need to complete an online application 28 Section 3: What happens next?
Applying during the school year
If you are an Islington resident applying for a secondary school place and your child is not due to start Year 7 in September 2018, you will need to complete Islington’s online In-Year School Admissions Application. As Islington schools will be 1. Children from the criminal justice responsible for making offers and system or Pupil Referral Units holding waiting lists, an individual who need to be reintegrated into application must be made to each mainstream education; preferred school. 2. Children who have been out of If you live in another borough, you education for two months or can also apply for an Islington school more; using our online form. 3. Children of Gypsies, Roma, Travellers, refugees and asylum Fair access seekers; All local authorities are required to have a ‘Fair Access Protocol’ to 4. Children who are homeless; ensure that children without a school place are found suitable education 5. Children with unsupportive provision as quickly as possible. family backgrounds for whom a If there are no vacancies in any place has not been sought; Islington schools, we may ask 6. Children who are carers; and schools to go over their published admission number. 7. Children with special educational needs, disabilities or medical Children without education provision conditions (but without a who also fall into one of the statement or Education, Health following categories may be eligible and Care Plan). for admission under Islington’s Fair Access Protocol:
29 Section 3: What happens next?
Applications for school places under For further information, please Islington’s Fair Access Protocol are contact the School Admissions team considered by a multi-agency panel on 020 7527 5515 or view the which decides whether pupils should Fair Access Protocol. be admitted under the protocol, and which schools should be allocated. Waiting lists Please note that your child will Schools are allocated on a ‘fair share’ remain on the waiting list until the basis to ensure no individual school end of the academic year in which takes a disproportionate number the application is made unless you of children under the protocol. re-apply to extend this further. Therefore, parental preference may not always be met. To remain on the waiting list, you will need to complete Islington’s online In-year School Admissions Application
30 Section 4: Islington’s schools
Section 4: Islington’s schools
31 Section 4: Islington’s schools
Arts and Media School, Islington
Fact file
Head Teacher: Susan Service Address: Turle Road, London N4 3LS Map: click here Type of School: Mixed trust Specialism: Performing arts Age range: 11-16 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/4325
For more information: Bus routes: W3, 91, 210 or any Website: www.artsandmedia.islington.sch.uk bus from Finsbury Park station then a ten minute walk Email: [email protected] Nearest station: Finsbury Park Contact name for enquiries: Binny Keenan Tel: 020 7281 5511 Total number of places available at the school: 810 Number of places available in year 7: 180 Open mornings: Every Thursday at 9.30am, from 14 September 2017 until 19 October 2017 Open evening: Tuesday 10 October 2017, 5.30pm-7.30pm Does the school have a sixth form? City and Islington College School start and finish times: 8.50am-3.20pm Accessibility: Fully accessible including lifts Support for your child at secondary transfer: Primary school visits, induction day and summer school Last pupil admitted under distance criterion last year: Does not apply Click here to calculate your home to school distance
32 Section 4: Islington’s schools
Central Foundation Boys’ School
Fact file
Head Teacher: Jamie Brownhill Address: Cowper Street, London EC2A 4SH Map: click here Type of School: Boys voluntary-aided Age range: 11-19 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/4614
For more information: Bus routes: 5, 43, 55, 76, 141, Website: www.centralfoundationboys.co.uk 214, 243, 505 Email: [email protected] Nearest station: Old Street, Contact name for enquiries: Ms Obirek Liverpool Street, Moorgate Tel: 020 7253 3741
BusTotal routes: number 5, of 43, places 55, available76, 141, at 214, the 243,school: 780 (Year 7 – 11) + Sixth Form Number of places available in year 7: 180 Open mornings: 28 and 29 September, 4, 11, 18 October 2017, 9.30-10.30am Open evening: Thursday 21 September 2017, 6-8pm Test dates: Saturday 2, 9, 16 December 2017 Does the school have a sixth form? Islington Sixth Form Consortium School start and finish times: 8.55am-3.15pm Accessibility: Partial lift and wheelchair access, accessible toilets Support for your child at secondary transfer: Full induction programme Last pupil admitted under distance criterion last year: Band 1: 0.954 miles / Band 2: 1.240 miles / Band 3: 1.071 miles / Band 4: 1.443 miles Click here to calculate your home to school distance
33 Section 4: Islington’s schools
City of London Academy, Highbury Grove Fact file
Executive Principal: Miss C Verga Head of School: Ms A Lyall Address: 8 Highbury Grove, London N5 2EQ Map: click here Type of School: Mixed Academy Age range: 11-19 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/4108
For more information: Bus routes: 4, 19, 30, 43, Website: www.highburygrove.islington.sch.uk (interim) 236, 271, 277, 393 Email: [email protected] (interim) Nearest station: Highbury and Islington, Canonbury Contact name for enquiries: Ms L MacTavish Tel: 020 7288 8900 Total number of places available at the school: 1080 (Year 7 – 11) Number of places available in year 7: 240 Open mornings: 4, 11 and 18 October 2017, 9:00-11:00 am Open evening: Wednesday 27 September 2017, 6:00-8:00 pm Does the school have a sixth form? Islington Sixth Form Consortium School start and finish times: 8.45am-3.00pm Accessibility: Fully accessible Support for your child at secondary transfer: One-to-one transition interview, school visits, induction week, British Museum transition project. Last pupil admitted under distance criterion last year: 0.999 miles Click here to calculate your home to school distance
34 Section 4: Islington’s schools
City of London Academy, Highgate Hill Fact file
Head Teacher: Ms N Haynes Address: Holland Walk, London N19 3EU Map: click here Type of School: Mixed Academy Specialism: STEM, Enterprise, Creative Arts and Music Age range: 11-16 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/4704
For more information: Tel: 020 7281 3536 Website: www.highgatehill.cola.org.uk Bus routes: 4, 10, 41, 43, 91, 134, Email: [email protected] 135, 143, 149, 210, 263, C11, C12 Contact name for enquiries: Nearest station: Underground Tara Habbershaw (Archway) London Overground (Upper Holloway)
Total number of places available at the school: 700 Number of places available in year 7: 140 Open mornings: 29 September to 6 October and 13 to 20 October 2017, 9.00am-10.30am Open evening: Wednesday 27 September 2017, 5 - 7pm Does the school have a sixth form? No School start and finish times: 8.40am-3.10pm Accessibility: Fully accessible buildings Support for your child at secondary transfer: Our Saturday School offers booster lessons in English, Maths and Science. Your child will also meet our students and staff. Saturday School dates for September/October 2017: 30 September and 7, 14 and 21 October. Last pupil admitted under distance criterion last year: 1.289 miles Click here to calculate your home to school distance
35 Section 4: Islington’s schools
City of London Academy, Islington
Fact file
Executive Principal: Miss C Verga Head of School: Ms S Jacob Address: Prebend Street, London N1 8PQ Map: click here Type of School: Mixed academy Age range: 11-19 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/6906
For more information: Tel: 020 7226 8611 Website: www.colai.org.uk Bus routes: 4, 19, 30, 38, 43, 56, Email: [email protected] 73, 76, 141, 271 Contact name for enquiries: Ms K Becker Nearest station: Angel, Essex Road, Highbury and Islington
Total number of places available at the school: 710 Number of places available in year 7: 165 Open mornings: 28 September; 5, 12 and 19 October 2017, 8.45-10.15am Please book in advance for either a 8.45am or 9.15am arrival time Open evening: Tuesday 26 September 2017, 4.30-8pm Test dates: 9 December 2017 and 6 January 2018 Does the school have a sixth form? City of London Academy Islington Sixth Form School start and finish times: Monday – Thursday 8.20am-3.40pm (8.20am-2.40pm Friday) Accessibility: Wheelchair access, lift, accessible toilets Support for your child at secondary transfer: Primary school visits to aid transition, taster day and parents evening for all new students, induction programme in September. Last pupil admitted under distance criterion last year: Band 1: 0.763 miles / Band 2: 0.658 miles / Band 3: 0.560 miles / Band 4: 0.365 miles Click here to calculate your home to school distance 36 Section 4: Islington’s schools
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School
Fact file
Head Teacher: Jo Dibb Address: Donegal Street, London N1 9QG Map: click here Type of School: Girls community Specialism: National Leader of Education, Teaching School Age range: 11-16 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/4324
For more information: Tel: 020 7837 0739 Website: www.egaschool.co.uk Bus routes: 4, 19, 30, 38, 43, 43x, Email: [email protected] 56, 73,153, 214, 341 Contact name for enquiries: Karen Bolden Nearest station: Angel, Kings Cross
Total number of places available at the school: 900 Number of places available in year 7: 180 Open mornings: Daily from 25 to 29 September; 10 and 12 October 2017, 9.15am Open evening: Wednesday 4 October 2017, 6-8pm Does the school have a sixth form? City and Islington College School start and finish times: 8.50am-3.25pm Accessibility: Fully accessible Support for your child at secondary transfer: Admissions interview in June to meet all girls and parents. Taster morning and new parents’ evening in July. Summer school. First day of term: Year 7s are the only students in school to help them settle into new routines. We work very closely with primaries so we are aware of particular needs, visiting larger feeder schools and collecting work samples. Last pupil admitted under distance criterion last year: 1.125 miles Click here to calculate your home to school distance 37 Section 4: Islington’s schools
Highbury Fields School
Fact file
Head Teacher: Gladys Berry Address: Highbury Hill, London N5 1AR and 34 Aberdeen Park, N5 2BL Map: click here Type of School: Girls community Age range: 11-19 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/4307
For more information: Tel: 020 7288 1888 Website: www.highburyfields.islington.sch.uk Bus routes: 4, 19, 30, 43, 43x, Email: [email protected] 236, 271, 277, 279, 341 Contact name for enquiries: Leigh O’Hara Nearest station: Drayton Park, Arsenal, Highbury and Islington
Total number of places available at the school: 700 Number of places available in year 7: 140 Open mornings: 26, 27 & 28 September 2017 and 3 and 4 October 2017, 9.30am Open evening: Thursday 28 September 2017, 5.30-7.30pm Does the school have a sixth form? Islington Sixth Form Consortium School start and finish times: 8.50am-3.20pm Accessibility: Lifts to all curriculum areas, accessible toilets Support for your child at secondary transfer: Once you have accepted a place at our school, your daughter is invited to an interview. Every student is visited at their primary school. Parents/carers attend a Transition evening. Students spend a day at Highbury Fields to help with the transfer process. Last pupil admitted under distance criterion last year: 1.536 miles Click here to calculate your home to school distance 38 Section 4: Islington’s schools
Holloway School
Fact file
Head Teacher: John Dixon Address: Hilldrop Road, London N7 0JG Map: click here Type of School: Mixed community Specialism: Specialist sports college Age range: 11-16 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/4112
For more information: Bus routes: 29, 253, 259, 279, Website: www.holloway.islington.sch.uk 390, 393 Email: [email protected] Nearest station: Finsbury Park, Caledonian Road, Tufnell Park and Twitter: @holloway_school Kentish Town underground. Contact name for enquiries: Ms Laura Scott Kentish Town and Camden Town rail. Tel: 020 7607 5885 Total number of places available at the school: 900 Number of places available in year 7: 180 Open mornings: 27, 28, 29 September 2017, 9am-10.45am Open evening: Tuesday 3 October 2017, 6pm Does the school have a sixth form? City and Islington College School start and finish times: 8.30am-3pm Accessibility: Wheelchair access, lift, accessible toilets Support for your child at secondary transfer: Year 6 Information Evening in June, induction day in July, individual intake meetings for all families, additional visits to the school if needed. Last pupil admitted under distance criterion last year: Does not apply Click here to calculate your home to school distance 39 Section 4: Islington’s schools
St Aloysius’ College
Fact file
Head Teacher: Tom Mannion Address: 30 Hornsey Lane, London N6 5LY Map: click here Type of School: Boys voluntary-aided Catholic Specialism: Maths and computing Age range: 11-19 Admissions criteria: click here for more information Supplementary information form: click here DfE Code: 206/4651
For more information: Tel: 020 7561 7800 Website: www.sta.islington.sch.uk Bus routes: C11, W5, 10, 43, Email: [email protected] 91,134, 143, 210, 263, 271 Contact name for enquiries: Nearest station: Archway Deborah McCrosson
Total number of places available at the school: 900 Number of places available in year 7: 180 Open mornings: Saturday 7 October 2017, 9.30-11am 10, 11, 12 October 9.15-10.30am Open evening: Wednesday 4 October 2017, 5pm (Prompt) Test dates: Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 November 2017 Does the school have a sixth form? Islington Sixth Form Consortium School start and finish times: 8.40am-3.05pm Accessibility: Fully accessible buildings Support for your child at secondary transfer: Induction day,1:1 parent/child meetings Summer School (budget permitting) Last pupil admitted under distance criterion last year: Band 1: 9.547 miles / Band 2: 4.566 miles / Band 3: 1.066 miles / Band 4: n/a Click here to calculate your home to school distance 40 Section 4: Islington’s schools
St Mary Magdalene Academy
Fact file
Head Teacher: Victoria Linsley Address: 475 Liverpool Road, London N7 8PG Map: click here Type of School: Mixed Church of England Academy Specialism: Humanities and Global Citizenship Age range: 5-18 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/6905
For more information: Tel: 020 7697 0123 Website: www.smmacademy.org Bus routes: 17, 19, 30, 43, 91, Email: [email protected] 153, 259, 271, 274, 277 Contact name for enquiries: Birte Rohloff Nearest station: Holloway, Highbury and Islington Total number of places available at the school: 1382 Number of places available in year 7: 180 Open mornings: 18, 20, 25 & 27 September; 2, 4, 9, and 11 October 2017, 9am Governors’ Aptitude Place information evening: 25 September 2017, 6-7pm Open evening: Thursday 5 October 2017, 5.30-8pm Test date for (Year 7) Governors’ aptitude places: Saturday 14 October 2017 Does the school have a sixth form?The Academy Sixth Form offers a full range of A Levels School start and finish times: 8.45am-3.30pm (Year 7 Mondays 4.30pm) Accessibility: Fully accessible Support for your child at secondary transfer: Induction Day and Off-site Team Building Day Last pupil admitted under distance criterion last year: Open Places: 0.42 miles Foundation Places: 1.034 miles Click here to calculate your home to school distance 41 Section 4: Islington’s schools
Dame Alice Owen’s School, Potters Bar Fact file Each year a small number of places at Dame Alice Owen’s School in Hertfordshire are offered to Islington residents. If you are considering applying to Dame Alice Owen’s School, please visit the school website which contains detailed information. You can also telephone the school or Hertfordshire County Council on 0300 123 4043.
Head Teacher: Mrs H Nemko Address: Dugdale Hill Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 2DU Type of School: Mixed Academy Specialism: Languages, science Age range: 11-18 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 919/5407
For more information: Contact name for enquiries: Website: www.damealiceowens.herts.sch.uk Mrs Coles Email: [email protected] Tel: 01707 643441 Nearest station: Potters Bar Total number of places available at the school: 1000 Number of places available in year 7: 200 Test dates: 1 September – Verbal Reasoning and English tests 4 September – Maths test 5 September – Musical Aptitude Test Visiting dates: Please refer to our website for further information Does the school have a sixth form? Yes School start and finish times: 8.45am-3.45pm Accessibility: Please refer to our website for further information
42 Section 4: Islington’s schools
Section 5: Sixth Form options
43 Section 5: Sixth Form options
City and Islington Sixth Form College Fact file With over 20 years of long-standing history within London for delivering post 16 education, each centre is focused on running study programmes in particular courses and qualifications and each has its own community of students, teachers and support staff. As part of the overall study programme, your child will participate in work-related learning, extracurricular activities, English and/or maths support, giving them an independent learning experience in a supportive environment. Your child will have a seamless journey through education with a high quality of care throughout. Our students achieve excellent A-Level results. Last year the overall pass rate was 97%, and 70% of students achieved A* to C grades and 37% A* to B grade. A 100 per cent pass rate was gained in several subjects, including Computing, English Language and Literature, Fine Art, Music French, German and other languages. The five centres are: • Sixth Form College • Centre for Health, Social and Child Care • Centre for Applied Sciences • Centre for Lifelong Learning • Centre for Business, Arts and Technology
Contact person: Course Information Team (see telephone and email below) Address: The college has five centres in North London. Find out morehere .
For more information: Website: www.candi.ac.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7700 9200 Bus routes: 4, 17, 19, 29, 30, 38, 43, 56, 73, 91, 106, 153, 205, 210, 214, 236, 253, 254, 259, 271, 274, 279, 341, 393, 394, 476, W3, W7 Nearest station: Finsbury Park, Angel, Holloway Road Curriculum offer: A-levels in over 30 different subjects BTEC, UAL Diplomas, Apprenticeships and vocational courses Admissions policy: A-level places are in high demand and we encourage you to apply in November/December. It’s unlikely you’ll be offered an interview if your application is received later than 31 January. We will consider applications received after this date but only if there are places available for the subjects you have applied for. For all other courses we continue to take applications until May. Visiting dates: Visit www.candi.ac.uk/opendays for our open day dates 44 Section 5: Sixth Form options
City of London Academy, Islington Sixth Form Fact file At City of London Academy, Islington our aim is to provide our students with an outstanding academic experience, that will prepare them exceptionally well for higher education and the career path of their choosing. We offer a friendly and supportive learning environment, with a strong focus on academic rigour, self-discipline and the highest educational aspirations. Our primary focus is on providing a highly academic curriculum, with the majority of courses on offer being A-levels. However, we also offer a vocational pathway for students who would benefit from this style of learning and assessment.
Contact person: Ms L Woodham - Head of Sixth Form Address: Prebend Street, London N1 8PQ Map: click here
For more information: Website: www.cityacademyislington.org.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7226 8611 Bus routes: 4, 19, 30, 38, 43, 56, 73, 76, 141, 271 Nearest station: Angel, Essex Road, Highbury and Islington
Curriculum offer: A-level, Level 3 BTEC courses and retakes in Mathematics and English GCSE Admissions policy: Applications for admission to the City of London Academy - Islington are welcomed from all students who either currently attend the Academy, or from external candidates. Open evening: 1 November 2017 at the Academy Accessibility: Wheelchair access, lift, accessible toilets
45 Section 5: Sixth Form options
Islington Sixth Form Consortium (IC6) Fact file IC6 was established in 2004 and is the joint sixth forms of Central Foundation Boys’ School, City of London Academy, Highbury Grove, Highbury Fields School and St Aloysius’ College. At IC6 we ensure excellent results and an outstanding sixth form education in a friendly, supportive and productive learning environment. In 2016 students across IC6 achieved a 98% pass rate in A level/BTEC with 52% achieving A*-B grades. The IC6 umbrella enables our students not only to progress academically but also, and most importantly, to become equipped to contribute to their communities. All IC6 schools’ sixth forms have received Good or Outstanding ratings from Ofsted.
Contact person: Poppy Ben-David (IC6 Co-ordinator) Address: Islington Sixth Form Consortium, c/o Central Foundation Boys’ School, Cowper St, London EC2A 4SH Map: click here
For more information: Website: www.ic6.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7017 3040 Bus routes: 43 (Old Street station for Central Foundation Boys’ School and Highbury and Islington station for Highbury Grove and Highbury Fields Schools) 271 (Old Street for Central Foundation Boys’ School and Highbury and Islington for Highbury Grove, Highbury Fields Schools and Hornsey Lane for St Aloysius’ College) Nearest station: Old Street (Central Foundation Boys’ School), Archway (St Aloysius’ College), Highbury and Islington (Highbury Grove and Highbury Fields)
Curriculum offer: A Level courses BTEC courses (Level 2 and Level 3) Cambridge Technical Qualifications (Level 3 Foundation and Extended Diploma) Retakes in GCSE Maths and English Admissions policy: Applications for admission to IC6 are welcomed from all students who either currently attend one of the four IC6 partner schools and wish to continue their education at IC6, or from those students attending an external school and who wish to join IC6. Open evening: 2 October 2017, 5-7pm, Business Design Centre
46 Section 5: Sixth Form options
St Mary Magdalene Sixth Form
Fact file Happy successful students are important to us. Our priority is to ensure that all Sixth Formers reach their potential and leave us in the best position to be highly successful adults. For young people to reach their potential, we believe they need high quality academic teaching and a creative, dynamic and supportive pastoral programme. These ingredients mean that all our learners become reflective and skilled students who organise themselves superbly and are well prepared to meet the challenges of A Levels and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Our students benefit from an exceptional range of personal and professional opportunities: all participate in professional mentoring with Deloitte Consulting, UCAS workshops and intensive study skills sessions that help them to develop as adults as well as learners. We provide a wonderful hub for students to engage with new opportunities. Students join us from all over the world, including a cohort of 20 Swiss students who provide new friendships and global insights every year.
Contact person: Director of Sixth Form Address: Liverpool Rd, London N7 8PG Map: click here
For more information: Website: www.smmacademy.org Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7697 0123 Bus routes: 17, 19, 30, 43, 91, 153, 259, 271, 274, 277 Nearest station: Highbury and Islington and Holloway
Curriculum offer: A Level: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Drama, Economics, English Language and Literature, English Literature, French, Geography, German, History, Mandarin (Cambridge Pre-U), Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Music, PE, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish and the extended project qualification (QPQ). Admissions policy: Seven 9-4 (or A*-C) grades including English and mathematics at GCSE with higher grades required in selected A Level subjects. Please see website and prospectus for full details. Open evening: 15 November 2017 at the Academy Accessibility: Wheelchair access, lift, accessible toilets 47 Section 5: Sixth Form options
Tech City College
Fact file Tech City College is a brand new Aspirations Academies Post-16 STEM specialist College. We are committed to raising students’ aspirations so that all young people reach their fullest potential and achieve the success they desire. Tech City is a small and friendly College with big ambitions. We aim to educate and train the next generation of scientists, engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs and innovators. Ofsted praised us for our highly innovative and effective strategies to develop employability skills and the welcoming inclusive environment. Our students will have the opportunity to follow their areas of interest in state of the art environments. They will gain invaluable practical, professional and personal skills through working in close partnership with the best in the industry, working on live briefs and solve real-life industrial and community problems. We are confident that students who attend Tech City will develop a great foundation for their future with a variety of progression routes into employment and further or higher education.
Contact person: Nasrin Farahani Address: 263-269 City Road, London ECIV 1JX Map: click here
For more information: Website: www.techcity-aspirations.org Email: [email protected] Tel: 0203 301 3620 Bus routes: 4, 30, 43, 205, 214, 274 Nearest station: Angel, Old Street, King Cross Curriculum offer: A levels Science, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Psychology, Economics, Product Design and Computer Science BTEC Diploma and extended Diploma in Engineering with four pathways: General, Mechanical, Electronics and Aerospace Engineering BTEC Applied Science Level 2 BTEC Foundation with three Pathways: IT, Science and Engineering, GCSE Maths and English Admissions policy: If you are interested in joining us apply as soon as you can. Students from across London can apply. Please complete our online application form. On receipt of your application form we will send you an acknowledgement and then invite you for an interview. You will receive a personal laptop when you start your course and may also be eligible for bursary funding. Feel free to call for a chat before completing the application form. 48 Section 6: Useful information and contacts
49 Are you 16-19 and living in Islington? Need help to get into education, training or employment? ISLINGTON’S PROGRESS PLEDGE
We pledge to help you by offering… Careers guidance with our qualified advisers Job coaching Mock interviews Support in English and maths up to Level 2 One-to-one support to help you into education, a traineeship or apprenticeship, or employment Up to 100 hours of work experience or volunteering Help to access other support services Contact the Progress team on 0207 527 7031 or email [email protected] Are you 16-19 and living Section 6: Useful information and contacts in Islington? Need help Financial assistance to get into education, Free school meals Credit, The Guarantee Element of training or As you begin to prepare for your State Pension Credit Support under child’s move to secondary school in Section VI of the Immigration and September, we would like to remind Asylum Act 1999. employment? you about the benefit of free If you receive Working Tax school meals. If you are eligible Credit you are not eligible to claim ISLINGTON’S to claim for free school meals we for free school meals unless: you encourage you to apply. Applying for PROGRESS have stopped working in the last free school meals means that you PLEDGE four weeks; or you have reduced save on lunch costs and at the same your hours to less than 16 hours a time raise additional funding for week (single parents) or 24 hours a your child’s school. There is no week (couples) in the last four commitment for children to eat a weeks. If you also have younger school meal every day but for every We pledge to help you by offering… children don’t forget that all pupils child eligible the school will receive attending an Islington primary school Careers guidance with our qualified advisers £935 of extra funding. This helps are eligible for free school meals. Job coaching schools to provide valuable support such as extra tuition, learning Mock interviews Uniform grant assistants and after-school clubs. Support in English and maths up to Level 2 The council offers £150 to One-to-one support to help you into education, Your child may be eligible if you eligible Islington parents to help a traineeship or apprenticeship, or employment receive any of the following meet the cost of school uniforms Up to 100 hours of work experience or volunteering benefits: Income Support, at secondary transfer and covers Help to access other support services Income-based Jobseeker’s children transferring to an Islington Allowance, Income-based or out of borough secondary school. Contact the Progress team on 0207 527 7031 Employment and Support The grant is available to Islington or email [email protected] Allowance, Child Tax Credit if your residents whose children are eligible taxable income is less than £16,190 for free school meals under the and you do not receive Working Tax national criteria.
51 Section 6: Useful information and contacts
For more information on Free School Meals and Uniform Grant: www.islington.gov.uk/ freeschoolmeals [email protected] 020 7527 5483 020 7527 3196 020 7527 7815
Islington year 12 bursary Young people going into year 12 could be eligible for a £300 bursary to help them start further education. The council is topping up the financial support offered through sixth form schools and colleges by the Education Funding Agency to students who might otherwise have to drop out of education due to lack of funds. To qualify, students must be an Islington resident, have received free school meals in year 11, have moved immediately into post 16 education and training without taking a break and be studying full time. Find out more.
52 Section 6: Useful information and contacts
Additional educational needs
Our secondary schools welcome and provide for all children so, whatever your child’s needs, they can fully participate in school life.
We believe that all our students that their language development are entitled to a rich and diverse needs are met with high quality curriculum that is tailored to meet language-rich classroom practice, each child’s individual needs. effective induction systems and targeted interventions. This work For Islington’s high achieving is supported by trained specialist students, our schools develop teachers, teaching assistants and children’s aptitudes, skills and bilingual parent support assistants attainment through a varied who ensure these high achieving programme of advanced learning, students are able to access the competitions and challenges. curriculum. For those with special educational The best way to find out whether needs, schools encourage and a particular school would suit your support children to become child is to visit the school and see confident learners and celebrate for yourself. their achievements as valued members of the school community. Please see Islington’s Local Offer for more information. For children with English as an additional language, schools ensure
53 Section 6: Useful information and contacts
School attendance: every day counts! We know that good attendance and Legal action punctuality can lead to good exam As you will know, parents have a results. If you want to give your child legal duty to ensure their child’s the best chance of achieving their regular attendance at school. Failure full potential, make sure they get to to do so is an offence under section school on time every day. Research 444 (1) of the Education Act 1996 shows that every lesson, every day, and could result in a penalty notice really does count! or prosecution. One of the most important ways All Islington schools follow the local in which you can help your child to authority’s policy on attendance achieve success is to ensure they which includes fines and statutory attend school on time every day. enforcement. Punctuality is just as important as attendance; arriving late disrupts not only your child’s learning but the learning of other students. Holidays, trips and special leave in term time Term-time holidays will not be authorised by any school and Head teachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.
54 Section 6: Useful information and contacts
School transport - getting to school Islington has a great network of bus, promote safety through education tube and rail links making it easy to and training get to any of Islington’s schools. promote the health benefits of Transport for London (TfL) issues walking and cycling free bus passes for under-16s, promote sustainable travel although there is an administration choices by ensuring any new charge of £10 for first time schools are accessible by walking, applicants. Find out more here. cycling and public transport. The main way we do this is through Sustainable travel the creation of school travel plans. Islington Council is working with A school travel plan will look at the schools to promote safer, healthier journeys pupils make to get to, and and more environmentally friendly home from, school and why they ways to travel. make certain travel and transport We want to: choices. With this information we make cycling and walking safer can work with schools to find and more attractive practical solutions to encourage safe, increase the number of school healthy and environmentally-friendly pupils using local bus services travel choices. reduce traffic congestion around For more information on schools School Travel Plans, please develop partnerships with schools, contact the Traffic and Safety Team: their communities and other [email protected] organisations or 020 7527 2513. promote the development of school travel plans
55 Section 6: Useful information and contacts
Glossary
Academies a child arrangements order or special Academies are independently managed, guardianship order) immediately all-ability schools. The governing body following having been looked after. sets its own admissions criteria, in line with the statutes laid down in the School Community schools Admissions Code. There are two types Community schools are run by the local of academies. ‘Type 1’ academies are authority which employs the staff and set up by sponsors from business, faith owns the land and buildings. Islington or voluntary groups, funded by the Council sets the admissions criteria for Department for Education (DfE) and community schools. independent of local authority control. ‘Type 2’ academies are stand-alone Cut-off distance converter schools funded directly by the The last pupil admitted under the DfE and are also independent of local distance criterion. Maps are authority control. available at www.islington.gov.uk/ admissionsDistance Admission Authority Distances for Islington’s community The body responsible for deciding the schools will be measured in a straight admission criteria and for allocating line (as the crow flies) from the home school places. In the case of community address to the midpoint of the school schools, this is the local authority and in grounds, using the local authority’s the case of voluntary aided schools, Free computerised measuring system. Those Schools and Academies it is the school’s living closer to the school will receive governing body. higher priority. Children looked after Children who are in the care of local Family Information Service authorities (councils) as defined by The Family Information Service (FIS) section 22 of the Children Act 1989. gives free, impartial information, In relation to school admissions’ advice and guidance about services for legislation a child is considered to be a children, young people and ‘looked after child’ if the local authority families in Islington. Find out about confirms he or she will be in public care childcare, employment, benefits, when they are admitted to a school. support for disabled children and more. This criterion also applies to children who have been adopted (or subject to
56 Section 6: Useful information and contacts
Free schools Parents and family members Free schools are independently A parent is any person who has managed, all ability schools funded parental responsibility or care of the by the government. They are run on a child. Where admission arrangements not-for-profit basis and can be set up refer to parent’s attendance at church, by charities, universities, independent it is sufficient for just one parent to schools, community and faith groups, attend. Family members include single teachers, parents and businesses. Free parents and siblings. schools can change the length of school terms and the school day and do not Private fostering need to follow the national curriculum. Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled) is Foundation schools cared for by someone who is not their Foundation schools are run by their own parent or a ‘close relative’. This is a governing body, which employs the private arrangement made between staff and sets the admissions criteria. a parent and a carer, for 28 days or Land and buildings are usually owned more. Close relatives are defined as by the governing body or a charitable step-parents, grandparents, brothers, foundation. sisters, uncles or aunts. Private foster carers have a duty to inform their Home local authority home local authority of such A child’s home local authority (local arrangements. This must also be council) is the local authority where they declared on the admissions live, i.e. the council you pay your council application form. Please see the back tax to. page of this brochure for further information. PAN (Published Admission Number) The number of school places that the admission authority must offer in each relevant age group.
57 Section 6: Useful information and contacts
Sibling A supplementary information form Sibling refers to a brother or sister, half- may also be required for applicants brother or sister, adopted brother or considered under the criteria of faith sister, step-brother or sister, or the child schools, for boarding school and for of the parent or carer’s partner, selective schools. Please check the living in the same family at the school’s fact file for details. same address. Trust schools Statement of Special Educational A Trust school is a type of foundation Needs (SEN) or Education, Health school which forms a charitable trust and Care Plan (EHCP) with an outside partner. For example, These are legal documents issued by the a business or educational charity aiming local authority detailing the particular to raise standards and explore new needs, resources and provision required ways of working. to support the child, and can include a named school that is suitable for Voluntary-aided schools providing education for that child. Voluntary-aided schools are mainly Education, Health and Care Plans religious or ‘faith’ schools, although will replace SEN Statements from 1 anyone can apply for a place. As with September 2014. EHCPs will continue foundation schools, the governing into further education body employs the staff and sets the and training, and for some young admissions criteria. School buildings people, in order to complete a course or and land are normally owned by a qualification, up to the age of 25. charitable foundation, often a religious organisation. The governing body Supplementary Information contributes to building and Form (SIF) maintenance costs. All parents who list their preferred schools on the local authority’s online admission application are regarded as having made a valid application.
58 Secondary Transfer 2018 School Key Dates
Test Dates - for times please refer to school website
Dame Alice Owen’s School* 01-Sep 04-Sep 05-Sep
Central Foundation Boys School 28-Sep 29-Sep 04-Oct 11-Oct
St Mary Magdalene Academy 14-Oct
Central Foundation Boys School 18-Oct
St Aloysius' College 21-Nov 22-Nov
City of London Academy, Islington 09-Dec 06-Jan
*Registration required by 14 June 2017
Open Days and Evenings - for visits and tours, please refer to school website
Dame Alice Owen's, Hertfordshire* 20-Jul 2-4.30pm
Central Foundation Boys School 21-Sep 6-8pm
City of London Academy, Islington 26-Sep 4.30-8pm
City of London Academy, Highgate Hill 27-Sep 5-7pm
City of London Academy, Highbury Grove 27-Sep 6-8pm
Highbury Fields School 28-Sep 5.30-7.30pm
Holloway School 03-Oct 6pm
St Aloysius' College 04-Oct 5pm
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School 04-Oct 6-8pm
St Mary Magdalene Academy 05-Oct 5.30-8pm
Arts and Media School, Islington 10-Oct 5.30-7.30pm
* Tours of the building at 9.15am: Tuesday 3rd October 2017, Wednesday 4th October 2017, Thursday 5th October 2017
59 Do you know someone who is under 16 and not living at home?
“My mother recently had an operation so I’m going to be staying with family “friends for the next 3 months” “Things got really bad at home, I would argue with my parents all the time. Now “I live with my friend ”and her parents”
“I came to the UK on holiday but ended up living with my cousins. I’ve been” in the UK for over 5 years now”
If you know a child in this situation“ or would like more information please call the Islington Children’s Services Contact Team on 020 7527 7400 or [email protected] ”