September 2016 entry For children born between 1 September 2004 and 31 August 2005 Admission to

A guide for parents and carers Important dates:

Medway Test registration: Mon, 8 Jun to Fri, 3 Jul, 2015

Secondary school applications: Mon, 7 Sept to Mon, 2 Nov, 2015 Secondary school offer day: Tue, 1 Mar, 2016

www..gov.uk/onlineadmissions apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions

Online admissions The quickest, easiest and safest way to apply for your secondary school place.

If you give us your email address when applying you will: I receive confirmation your application has been received; Admissions Transfer Application I receive details of the school offered on offer day, without having to wait for your offer letter.

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G Medway Council Student Services Welcome ...... 4 Admissions Team Key dates for the secondary transfer 2016 ...... 5 The Admissions Team, based at Gun Wharf in Chatham, co- ordinates all Year 6 transfers to secondary school and organise Section one Introduction and general information ...... 6 the Medway Test (11+). Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Section two The Medway Test and other testing arrangements ...... 8 ME4 4TR Phone: 01634 331110 Email: Section three The school application process ...... 13 [email protected] G Medway Council Student Services Section four The online admissions process ...... 16 Operations Team Section five The school offer process and next steps ...... 17 This Operations Team deals with free school meals, transport to school (except for those attending special schools) and casual admissions. Section six Free school meals and home to school transport ...... 20 Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Section seven Common oversubscription criteria Kent ME4 4TR Phone: 01634 331155 and other useful information ...... 22 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Section eight The schools ...... 24 G Medway Council Initial Contact ...... 2 Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm. Location and access areas of schools 5 Calls to Initial Contact may be recorded or monitored for ...... 26 security and staff development purposes. How to use the school pages Phone: 01634 333333 Medway DFE numbers ...... 48 Text relay: 18001 - 01634 333333 Nearest qualifying school confirmation request ...... 49 G Kent County Council

Kent County Council Admissions and Transport Room 2.24, Sessions House, County Hall, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XQ Phone: 03000 412121 The information given in this booklet relates to the academic year, September 2016 to August 2017. Email: Disclaimer [email protected] Details are correct at the time of going to print.

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 3 Welcome

Dear parent/carer,

The transfer from primary to secondary education is an exciting time for young people and their families. There is a wide range of opportunities available to your child as we have a diverse mix of schools open to all children, these include grammar schools, academies, single sex schools and faith schools. All of these schools have a single aim, which is to ensure that all young people have a happy and successful time at their secondary school.

All of our schools are committed to providing high quality teaching and learning for all students, to make the best use of technology available and provide young people with a full education experience. Whilst we all want young people to achieve the best exam results that they can, we equally want young people to build on their talents, skills and interests to ensure that they leave education as capable and confident young adults.

I would actively encourage you to go along to all the secondary schools you are interested in during their organised open sessions to ensure that you have as much knowledge of the schools when you are deciding which to name as preferences on your application.

I would also encourage you to attend one of the presentations being offered by the Student Services Admissions Team to hear about the admissions process first hand and to ask any questions you may have. This information booklet will give you all of the information you need for the admissions process and I encourage you to read it carefully. The Student Services Admissions Team is also available to offer you the help or support you need and to guide you through the whole process, so please contact them if you have any questions or need any advice.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your child all the best for their secondary school career.

Barbara Peacock Director of Children’s and Adult Services

4 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions Key dates for the secondary transfer 2016

Registration for the Medway Test opens. Online registrations open at 9am Monday, 8 June 2015 Student Services admission presentations for Year 5 parents/carers Tuesday, 9, Wednesday, 10 and Thursday, 11 June 2015 Closing date and time for Medway Test registration 4pm - Friday, 3 July 2015 Deadline for special arrangements requests from schools 9am - Friday, 10 July 2015 Secondary applications open. Online application open at 9am Monday, 7 September 2015 Medway Test date Tuesday, 15 / Wednesday, 16 September, 2015 The Medway Test is for admission to Medway grammar schools only. (in school for children in Medway primary/junior schools)

For grammar schools in another local authority, children must Saturday, 19 September 2015 sit that local authority’s test. (in school for Medway schools that opt for Saturday testing and in test centres for children not in Medway primary/junior schools) Assessment Decision Letters posted to parents/carers Friday, 2 October 2015 (emails sent after 4pm to those who registered online)

Deadline for Medway Test Review Requests Friday, 9 October 2015 Deadline for primary and junior schools to submit review work to the council 10am - Tuesday, 13 October 2015 Medway Test Reviews Between Wednesday, 14 and Friday, 16 October 2015 Review decisions posted to parents/carers By Friday, 23 October 2015 Closing date and time for applications (online and SCAFs) - National closing date 4pm - Monday, 2 November 2015 (as 31 October 2015 is a Saturday) Offer emails and letters sent to parents/carers - National offer day Tuesday, 1 March 2016 (emails sent after 4pm to those who applied online) Places must be accepted/refused and requests to go on a waiting list and By Thursday, 31 March 2016 appeals must be submitted The council re-allocates any places that have become available to those who From Monday, 11 April 2016 have asked to go on the waiting lists for each school

5 Introduction and general information Section one

Making the right decision about which secondary Department for Education. Details of the School The presentations will take place at two venues on school is right for your child can be an anxious time Admissions Code can be found at each date with two sessions at each venue. for families. Medway Council’s Student Services Team www.education.gov.uk is here to help you understand and guide you If you are unable to attend one of these sessions through the process. and have any questions, please contact Student Where can I hear about the admissions Services or speak to your child’s primary school. It is very important that you read carefully, and process? Student Services is giving all parents of children in understand, the information in this booklet regarding Q Year 5 the opportunity to attend a presentation how the admissions process works, and how school Can I visit the secondar y schools I’m session. These sessions are designed to go through places are allocated, before you submit ur school yo interested in? the admissions process from start to finish and give application. QIn addition to the presentations being offered by you the chance to ask any questions you may have. Student Services, each school will hold their own Throughout this booklet we have provided useful open sessions. These are an opportunity for you to The table below provides details of the dates, times information to help you make the most informed tour the school, speak to staff and students, listen and venues for these presentations. They are drop in decisions possible. We encourage you to use this to presentations about the school and ask any sessions so there is no need to book an appointment. information, do your own research on schools and questions you may have. visit all of the schools you are interested in during Summary of Student Services admissions presentations their open sessions. Most importantly, please discuss your decisions with your child to ensure that they Date Area Venue Time are fully involved and happy about the transition Chatham and Fort Pitt , 4.30pm from primary to secondary education. Tuesday, Rochester Fort Pitt Hill, Chatham ME4 6TJ and 6.30pm 9 June 2015 Greenacre , 4.30pm If you have any questions, please contact Student 157 Walderslade Road, Chatham ME5 0LP and 6.30pm Services or speak to your child’s primary school. , 4.30pm Gillingham Third Avenue, Gillingham ME7 2LX and 6.30pm Student Services Admissions Team Wednesday, 10 June 2015 Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Cedar Primary School, 4.30pm Chatham ME4 4TR. Cedar Road, Strood ME2 2JP and 6.30pm Phone: 01634 331110 Email: The Hundred of Hoo Academy, 4.30pm [email protected] Peninsula and 6.30pm Thursday, Main Road, Hoo, Rochester ME3 9HH Medway Council works within the guidelines set out 11 June 2015 Rainham Mark Grammar School, 4.30pm in the School Admissions Code published by the Rainham Pump Lane, Gillingham ME8 7AJ and 6.30pm

6 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions These are a valuable opportunity for parents and What does it mean? School status children. We encourage you to visit as many A guide to the terms used in the summary over the All schools have a particular status which describes schools as you can to help you make the most page and in the admission process. the type of school it is. informed decisions when applying for schools. School type You will hear about academies, community schools, Selective schools foundation schools, voluntary aided schools and For details of these open sessions please voluntary controlled schools. refer to the individual school’s pages in These are grammar schools. To meet the entry requirements of the school, a child must be section 8 and from the schools directly. They are all secondary schools but offer different assessed as selective (grammar) under the Medway opportunities for learning and deliver these in Test procedures. different ways. What happens if my child has a Non-selective schools Statement of Special Educational The status of each school will be shown on its Needs (SSEN) or Education, Health and Children are not required to be assessed for entry individual page. Q to these schools. Care Plan (EHCP)? If your child has one of these, they will not go Please speak to the school to find out more about Please be aware that , Strood through this admission process. You will discuss what they can offer your child. Academy and The Robert Napier School operate your school preferences with the Special a Fair Banding test - this is not a pass or fail test, Published Admission Number (PAN) Educational Needs Team to determine which it is to ensure that children across the ability range secondary school is right for your child. are admitted. This is the number of places available to be allocated in 2016. If you wish your child to be considered for selective (grammar) schools, you will need to ensure that they have gone through the Medway Summary of Schools Type Status PAN 1 Brompton Academy Academy Academy 210 Test process (see section 2). 2 Chatham Grammar School for Boys Grammar Academy 120 3 Chatham Grammar School for Girls Grammar Academy 142 For more information, please contact the Special 4 Grammar Academy 120 Educational Needs Team on 01634 337170 5 Academy Academy 200 or . 337175 6 The Howard School Bi-lateral Foundation 250 7 The Hundred of Hoo Academy Academy Academy 270 8 Rainham Mark Grammar School Grammar Academy 205 9 Academy Academy 270 10 The Robert Napier School Academy Academy 180 11 The Grammar Academy 205 12 Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School Grammar Academy 168 13 St John Fisher Catholic School Comprehensive Voluntary Aided 180 14 Academy Academy 240 15 The Thomas Aveling School Academy Academy 190 16 (formerly Bishop of Rochester Academy) Academy Academy 240 17 Walderslade Girls School Academy Academy 160 Details for all Medway Secondary Schools can be found in section 8.

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 7 The Medway Test and other testing arrangements Section two

The first thing you need to think about is Which schools does the Medway Test The Medway Test is for Medway grammar whether you want your child to be apply to? schools only. The Kent Test is for Kent considered for admission to a Medway QIn Medway, we have six selective (grammar) grammar schools only. selective (grammar) school. If you do, then secondary schools. These are: they will need to sit the Medway Test (also Chatham Grammar School for Boys What does the Medway Test referred to as the 11 plus). Chatham Grammar School for Girls consist of? Three separate papers: Your child’s primary school teacher and headteacher Fort Pitt Grammar School Q will be able to help you decide if a selective school is Rainham Mark Grammar School 1 An extended writing exercise right for your child, and advise you on whether they Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School 2 A mathematics paper feel your child is best suited to sit the Medway Test. The Rochester Grammar School 3 A verbal reasoning (VR) paper However, it is ultimately your decision whether you register your child to sit the test or not. In add ition to these, The Howard School will also These tests are specifically written for Medway and provide places for children assessed as suitable for are designed to select 23 per cent of children in We do not advise that children sit the test who are admission to a Medway grammar school. These the year group as assessed suitable for grammar not working consistently at the levels required or children will be placed into the grammar stream school education. Up to a further two per cent are who will not be considering applications to Medway after places have been allocated. selected through the review process. grammar schools. We also advise against children sitting the test as an ‘experience’ or to help measure . them against their peers. Further details can be found on page 33 When and where is the Medway Test being held? Medway operates a testing before preference Can I use my child’s Medway Test result QThis depends which school your child currently system. This means that your child will sit the for a grammar school in another area? attends. The table on page 12 lists the dates and Medway Test and receive their result before the QThe Medway Test result can only be used for venues for each Medway primary/junior and closing date for secondary school applications. entrance to one of the Medway grammar schools, independent school. Each Medway school decides This is to help you make the most informed decision as listed above. where and when to undertake the testing for you can when selecting which schools to name on their children. If you have any questions regarding your application. If you are considering grammar schools in another your school’s decision, please speak with the area (for example, Kent), then you will need to school directly. You must ensure that your child is registered to sit contact them directly to find out what their testing the Medway Test. More details on how and when to Children, who live and/or attend primary/junior and do this are listed on page 9. arrangements are. If your child sits a selective test for another area, you cannot use that result for independent schools outside of Medway (for Medway grammar schools (unless it is stated in the example, Kent schools) will be invited to sit the test schools’ oversubscription criteria). in a test centre on Saturday, 19 September 2015.

8 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions Test invitation letters will be sent to all children who wish if you are considering schools in more than one special arrangements process. You may ask your have registered to sit the Medway Test to confirm the area. We advise that you contact the local authorities child’s headteacher to submit a special venue and other details by the end of August 2015. concerned to register your child for their tests. arrangements request.

As all selection tests are specifically written for that A panel of specialist advisors will consider all How do I register my child to sit the Medway Test? local authority, we do not advise that children sit requests received and will determine what the QRegistration is open from Monday, 8 June 2015 until multiple tests as practice tests. appropriate arrangements should be for your child. 4pm on Friday, 3 July 2015. Please be advised that special arrangements are not granted if the panel does not feel it would be My child has a Statement of Special You can register your child online at Educational Needs or EHCP. Can they appropriate. There is no opportunity to appeal against the panel’s decisions as this is not a www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions Qsit the Medway Test? The Medway Test is open to all children currently in statutory process. Alternatively you can complete a registration form Year 5 who wish to be considered for a Medway and return it to your child’s primary school (if a grammar school place. All special arrangements requests with evidence must Medway school) or to the Student Services be submitted by 9am on Friday, 10 July 2015. The Admissions Team details can be found on page 3. If your child is statemented or has an EHCP you panel will consider them, and we will write to parents Please note: Paper registration forms will not be will have already started discussions with the and schools by the beginning of the autumn term. acknowledged over the phone or in writing. Special Educational Needs Team regarding which schools you wish your child to be considered for. If Any requests made after 10 July 2015 may not these include Medway grammar schools, then you be processed. I live outside Medway. How do I will need to ensure that you register your child to register? If you live in another area but wish your child to sit sit the test in the same way as other applicants. I need to advise you of special access Qthe Medway Test , then you can register your child in Your child will not go through the main admissions arrangements for the day. What do I do? either of the ways previously mentioned. process, but their assessment decision will be taken QIf you or your child has a disability that may affect into account when being considered for schools access to the test centre please contact the student If you complete a paper registration form it must be through the special educational needs process. services programme officer by email returned to the Medway Council Student Services as soon as [email protected] Admissions Team by the closing date. I feel my child needs special possible after registration. arrangements for testing. Is this Qpossible? How is the Medway Test marked? I live in Medway, but want my child to If a child has a disability, health condition or learning Each paper is marked based on the number of sit a selective test in another area. need that may affect how they perform under correct answers (for maths and verbal reasoning) and QWhat do I do? Qagainst specific criteria (for extended writing). These You must contact the local authority concerned to testing conditions, we have a process that allows marks provide the raw scores. find out how and when to register for their test. for this to be considered.

Firstly, you will need to register your child to sit The raw scores are then standardised. This means Can my child sit selective tests in more the Medway Test in the normal way. You will then that the scores are weighted to reflect the child’s than one area? need to discuss with your child’s headteacher age at the time of taking the test. It enables a child’s You can register your child for as many tests as you Q whether they feel you child’s needs fall under the scores to be compared with those achieved by

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 9 other children taking the Medway Test and The panel will review this academic work to When will I receive my child’s test allowance made for age, so that the youngest decide if it demonstrates that your child is of results? children are not at a disadvantage. QFor children who registered on time to sit the selective ability. Medway Test, assessment decision letters will be The minimum standardised (weighted) score for posted by 1st class post on Friday, 2 October, 2015. Each year a number of children are found to be each paper is 70 and the maximum is 140. These letters will provide full details of your child’s selective as a result of the review process. result and what to do next. Depending on the size of the year group and the Each year, a minimum weighted score is set to number of children taking the test, two per up to determine those assessed as selective. This score is Those parents who registered their child online, cent of children in each year will be successful. set to select 23 per cent of the children in the year and provided an email address, will also be sent an group and differs from year to year dependent on email after 4pm on Friday, 2 October 2015. This When do I need to request a review by? the size of the year group and the number of email will advise you of your child’s assessment Full details of how to request a review will be children taking the test. Medway Council will not decision, and you will also receive a letter with full Qincluded with your child’s assessment decision letter. know what this score will be for 2016 admissions details of your child’s result and what to do next. Review requests will need to be submitted to the until after all test papers have been marked and Student Services Admissions Team by Friday, 9 We cannot give results out over the phone. standardised. October 2015.

If I’m not satisfied with my child’s For 2015 admissions, the minimum weighted score The reviews will take place between Wednesday, 14 result, what can I do? was 525. QIf your child has not been assessed as selective and Friday, 16 October 2015. following the Medway Test, and you feel that your For 2014 admissions, the minimum weighted score child is of selective ability, you can request a review When will I know the review decision? was 528. of your child’s academic work by a panel. The result of the reviews will be posted to Qparents by Friday, 23 October 2015. This is before the For 2013 admissions, the minimum weighted score All the information you need on how to do this closing date for school applications, which is Monday, 2 required was 509. will be included with your child’s assessment November 2015. decision letter. To calculate the total weighted score, the following Do I have to request a review? calculation is used: We strongly advise you to discuss your decision on This is a parental decision. Even if you do not whether to submit a review request with your child’s Qrequest a review, you will still be able to appeal for a Extended writing exercise = standardised score x 2 school. However, it is ultimately a parental decision. Medway grammar school place, as long as you have Maths = standardised score x 2 named Medway grammar schools on your application Verbal reasoning = standardised score x 1 What is the review? for schools. Once you have submitted your review request, your child’s school will be asked to provide work in The minimum total weighted score that can be Qthree areas (English, maths and science). The rev iew is achieved is 350 and the maximum is 700. of academic work only and any comments made by parents or schools are only for context.

10 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions If your child has not been through the review If I am not happy with the review Are there any other testing pro cess, the independent appeal panel will consider decision or I did not request a review, arrangements for Medway Qwhat else can I do? all the factors you put forward in your appeal case. Qsecondary schools? If your child is not assessed as selective as a result Brompton Academy, Strood Academy and The of the Medway Test or the review process, or you What happens if I miss the closing date Robert Napier School require all applicants to sit a did not request a review, you will need to wait until for Medway Test registration? Fair Banding Test. after the allocation of school places on 1 March QLate registrations to sit the Medway Test will only 2016 before you can lodge an admissions appeal. be allowed in exceptional circumstances or for This test is to assess a child’s level of ability and good reason (for example, serious illness, is used to help the school ensure that they admit You can only appeal for a school if you have been bereavement, late move to the area, etc). A letter an all ability intake of pupils. It is not a pass or fail refused admission, so you will need to ensure that explaining the reasons for the late registration must test and is used to ensure that students from your have named Medway grammar schools on accompany any late registration request. across the ability range are admitted. your application in order to allow you to appeal for a place after 1 March 2016. Late registrations for good reason and for families If you are considering naming Brompton Academy, who have just moved into the area will be accepted The Robert Napier School or Strood Academy as The appeal will be heard by an independent appeal up until Friday, 7 August 2015. one of your preferences on your school panel. You can appeal for more than one school, but application, you will need to register your child to they must have been named on your application. enable them to sit the Fair Banding Test. The decision on whether a reason for late registration is acceptable will be at the Full details of how to appeal will be included with You will need to contact the schools directly for discretion of the Student Services your child’s school offer letter. more information. Medway Council is not involved Management Team. Any late registrations in these Fair Banding Tests. received after the above dates may not be Will the appeal panel know if my child able to be teste d until after the allocation has had a review or not? of places on 1 March 2016. QThe panel will be made aware if you have had a review or not. This is because it will affect the way they consider the appeal. Fair Banding testing across Medway 2015 If your child has gone through the review process then the independent appeal panel will consider if Brompton Academy Saturday ,12 September and Saturday, 17 October the review was carried out in a fair, consistent and objective manner for all children and for your child The Robert Napier School Saturday, 5 September and Saturday, 10 October in particular. Only if they feel there is evidence to prove that the review was not carried out in a fair, Strood Academy Saturday, 26 September and Saturday, 10 October consistent and objective manner can they then consider all the factors you put forward in your Medway Test Tuesday, 15 and Wednesday, 16 September or Saturday, 19 September appeal case that may have affected your child’s performance and why you wish them to attend the school you are appealing for.

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 11 Medway Test dates September 2015 Test invitation letters will be sent our at the end of August 2015, this will confirm your child’s test location and date. Testing is in schools unless otherwise stated. The test centres for out of area children will be advised nearer the time.

School name Test date School name Test date All Faiths’ Children’s Academy Tues 15 / Wed 16 Miers Court Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 All Saints CE Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Napier Primary School Sat 19 Allhallows Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 New Road Primary School and Nursery School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Balfour Junior School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Oaklands School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Barnsole Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Oasis Academy Skinner Street Tues 15 / Wed 16 Bligh Federation - Juniors Tues 15 / Wed 16 Park Wood Junior School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Brompton-Westbrook Primary School Sat 19 Phoenix Junior Academy Tues 15 / Wed 16 Bryony School Tues 15 / Wed 16 The Pilgrim School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Burnt Oak Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Riverside Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Byron Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Saxon Way Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Cedar Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 St Andrew’s School Sat 19 The Cedars School (independent) * St Augustine of Catholic Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Primary School Sat 19 St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School Sat 19 Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 St Helen’s CE Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Community Junior School Tues 15 / Wed 16 St James’ CE Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Deanwood Primary School and Children’s Centre Tues 15 / Wed 16 St Margaret’s at Troy Town CE Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Delce Junior School Tues 15 / Wed 16 St Margaret’s CE Junior School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Elaine Primary Academy Tues 15 / Wed 16 St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Sat 19 English Martyrs’ Catholic Primary School Sat 19 St Mary’s Island CEA Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Fairview Community Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 St Michael’s RC Primary School Sat 19 Featherby Junior School Sat 19 St Thomas More RC Primary School Sat 19 The Gordon School - Juniors Sat 19 St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Halling Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 St William of Perth RC Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Hempstead Junior School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Stoke Community Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Swingate Primary School Sat 19 Hilltop Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Temple Mill Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Primary School and Marlborough Centre Tues 15 / Wed 16 Thames View Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Horsted School - Juniors Sat 19 Primary School Nursery and Children’s Centre Tues 15 / Wed 16 Kingfisher Primary School Sat 19 Wainscott Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Kings School Rochester Sat 19 (test centre) Walderslade Primary School Sat 19 Lordswood School Sat 19 Warren Wood Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Luton Junior School Tues 15 / Wed 16 Wayfield Primary School Sat 19 Maundene Primary School Sat 19 The Academy of Woodlands Tues 15 / Wed 16 Meredale Independent Primary School Tues 15 / Wed 16 * Not confirmed at time of going to print

12 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions The school application process Section three

When can I apply for school places? I live in Medway. What schools can I I live outside Medway. How do I apply? Medway Council’s secondary school applications If you live in another area you must submit your apply for? Qare open from 9am on Monday, 7 September 2014 until QDetails of the Medway secondary schools are Qschool application through the relevant authority. You 4pm on Monday, 2 November 2015. provided in section 8. can still name schools in Medway, but the application must go through your home local authority. If you require information on their schools, please contact Medway residents can also apply for schools Who do I apply to? the relevant local authority to ask for a copy of the You must submit your school application to outside Medway, but these must be named on your secondary admissions booklet or visit their website. your home local authority. This is the local authority Medway application. Qwhere the child lives and is the local authority to which applications must be made for school places. You can name any school you wish your child to be My child has a Statement of Special considered for. Medway invites parents to name up Educational Needs or EHCP. Can I apply? If your child lives in Medway, and you pay your to six schools on the Medway application. If your child has one of these you will have QNo. council tax to Medway Council, then you submit already had discussions with the Special Educational your school application to Medway Council. You do not have to name six, but it is important to Needs Team regarding which schools you wish your understand that naming only one school does not child to be considered for. Your child will not If your child lives in Kent, and you pay your council give you a stronger claim to a place. go through the main admissions process. tax to one of the 12 district councils of Kent, then you must submit your school application to Kent Please only name each school once. If you name a If you have any questions regarding the special County Council. If your child lives in any other local school more than once it will only be considered as educational needs admissions process, please authority area and you pay council tax to them, then one preference. contact the Special Educational Needs Team on you submit your application to that local authority. or . 01634 337170 337175 If your child has been assessed as non-selective, but How do I apply for secondary schools? you wish to pursue a place at a Medway grammar My child has a medical or health You can apply online at school at appeal, then you must name the Medway condition or disability. What should I do? Qwww.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions grammar school on your application. If you do not QAt the time of application, you need to provide Medway name the school, you will not have the right of appeal Council with details of the diagnosis and a supporting Alternatively, you can complete a secondary after the school offers are made on 1 March 2016. letter from the GP or consultant which demonstrates a common application form (SCAF) and return it to specific link between your child’s needs and how the your child’s primary school (if a Medway school) or named school can meet these needs. to the Student Services Admissions Team details I live in Medway, but want to apply for schools outside Medway. What do I do? can be found on page 3. QYou must submit your school application to Please note that not all schools use health medical Medway Council. You can name schools outside needs or disability in their oversubscription criteria. Please note: Paper applications will not be Medway and we will liaise with the relevant local acknowledged over the phone or in writing. authority to see if a place can be offered.

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 13 It is important that the address you provide is your 1 The child’s main address to be used for the Why is the order that I name schools child’s main place of residence. This means that they application. important? QMedway operates an equal preference scheme, this must live at this address permanently, or, in the case 2 The schools to be considered on the application. means that the prioritisation of school place offers is not of separated families, it must be the address where 3 The preference order of the schools to be based on which preference you name a school. Your your child spends the majority of the school nights. considered. application will be considered and ranked against the Please be aware that only one address can be used schools oversubscription criteria. When allocating places, on the application. We can send duplicate Whilst awaiting written agreement from both Students Services will look to offer your child a place at correspondence to another address as long as all parties, the applications will be removed from the the highest named school where a place can be offered. parties are in agreement. process and held pending. It is important to list the schools in your preferred order. The schools that you name will not be told by Student Once written agreement is received from both Services which preference you name them. The order of How do you define the majority of parties, your child’s application will be included in your preferences is between you and Student Services school nights? the process with the agreed details. only for the purposes of allocating places. QFor the purposes of the admissions process, school nights are defined as Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. This is because children If written agreement from both parties is not What are the oversubscription criteria? will be going to school on the following morning. received your child’s application will continue to This is a set of criteria that details the order To determine how many school nights your child be held pending until the matter is resolved. In priority in which places will be offered. Each school spends with each parent, please use this definition. these situations parents may wish to seek their Qhas its own criteria, details of these can be found in own independent legal advice on how to resolve section 8. For example, if your child sleeps Sunday, Monday, the situation. Tuesday at your address and Wednesday, Thursday I need to apply for more than one at their other parent’s address, the admission It is important to understand that, if both parties child, or children of multiple birth for process would determine that your address is cannot reach agreement and the situation remains Qexample twins, what do I need to do? where your child spends the majority of the school unresolved, your child may not be offered a school You will need to complete a separate application nights. This is because they will be going to school place on 1 March 2016 or until the matter is for each child. from your address on three school days and from settled. This means that your child could be their other parent’s address on two school days. disadvantaged because agreement on the If you are applying online, please ensure that you application has not been reached. start a fresh application for each child and do not If you are unsure of the address to be used in your overwrite one child’s application with the other circumstances, please contact the Student Services I am moving shortly. What address do child’s details. If you do this, the first application will Admissions Team who will be happy to help you. I use? become invalid. QYou must use the address you are living at on the closing date for school applications My child comes from a separated Why is my address important? family. What happens if you receive an (2 November 2015). The address you give on your secondary school application from me and one from my application is very important and will be used to Q Q child’s other parent? If you are moving after you have submitted your calculate the home to school distance for the schools If Medway Council receive two applications for your application, you will need to provide the Student you have named. This will have an effect on your child (one from each parent), we will contact both Services Admissions Team with proof of your move. child’s application when it is considere d against the parties to seek written agreement on the following: This proof can be in the form of a copy of your school’s oversubscription criteria.

14 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions exchange of contracts, completion documents or • A copy of your child’s medical card showing the The decision on whether a reason for late signed tenancy agreement. address they are registered at with their GP. application is acceptable will be at the • A copy of your most recent council tax bill. discretion of the Student Services Any request for a change of address can be Management Team. If it is decided that accepted up until 4pm on Friday, 13 November Copies of any letters or bills provided must be the reason for late submission is not 2015 if accompanied by sufficient evidence. dated during the application period. Bank exceptional, the application will be held After this date, changes of address are for statements, driving licenses, utility bills etc are not until after allocation on 1 March 2016 and correspondance only. acceptable evidence. Any evidence provided dated will be considered at re-allocation. outside the application period may not be accepted as you wil be requested to prove your child’s G What happens if I give false After Friday, 13 November 2015 All applications received after this date r(fo information? address at the time of application QIf you deliberately provide false information on your (7 September to 2 November 2015). whatever reason) will not be considered for places school application, such as an address, and a place is on 1 March 2016. granted on the basis of this information that would What happens if I miss the closing date not have otherwise been offered, we can and will They will be held pending and included in the withdraw the offer of a school place. for applications? QThe closing date for applications is Monday, 2 ongoing reallocation of vacant places after November 2015. Late applications cannot be made 11 April 2016 and after consultation with the If you believe that someone has provided false online. All late applicants must complete a secondary relevant admission authority for the named information on their school application, we ask that common application form (SCAF) and return it schools/academies. you contact the Student Services Manager at direct to the Student Services Admissions Team. Medway Council. All such contacts will be treated The child’s name will automatically be placed on in confidence and we will not disclose any of your G the waiting list for any schools/academies they By Friday, 13 November 2015 personal information. As far as reasonably practicable, late applications will named that are unable to offer a place. be accepted to be processed on time, provided they If any part of your application is thought to are received by Medway Council by the above date. Can I change my preferences after the be false we will investigate, and the emphasis closing date? will be on parents to provide satisfactory Such applications must be accompanied by a written QChanges to preference are not allowed after the evidence proving the point being queried. explanation of the reasons for late submission. Only closing date for applications (2 November 2015) exceptional circumstances can be considered by the other than in exceptional circumstances. If you feel What do Medway Council accept as Student Services Management Team. that your circumstances fall into this category, proof of address, if required, for the please submit your request in writing to the Qadmissions process? Exceptional circumstances may include serious Student Services Management Team for If Medway Council request you to provide proof of illness, bereavement, late move to the area, etc. consideration. However, no changes can be made to the address where your child is living for the your application after 13 November 2015. admission process, a copy of one of the following Late applications received from families that have will be acceptable: just moved into the area must be accompanied by • A Child Benefit letter sufficient proof of move. This can be a copy of a • A Child Tax Credits award letter signed tenancy agreement, exchange of contracts or completion documents.

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 15 The online admissions process Section four

Parents who register their child online to sit the We strongly advise you to wait for your Medway Test Medway Council would like to encourage Medway Test, and provide us with an email address, will result before submitting your school preferences. all parents/carers of children resident in be sent an email after 4pm with their child’s results. Medway to submit their Medway Test registration and secondary school Will I still receive a Medway Test application online. Applying online offers What are the benefits of applying online? results letter? You can submit your application at a time that you a quick, easy and secure option for . All applicants receive a formal results letter. suits you, anytime, day or night, during the periods QYes submitting your application. Qshown above. What do I need to do to register You can apply online at The online system provides a secure, fast and easy and/or apply online? Firstly, you will need to register with the website. www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions method of sending us your application and provides Q You will be asked to create a username and you with email confirmation that it has been received. When can I register or apply online? password for yourself. We suggest that you make You can access the online admissions system these easy to remember and keep a note of them After 4pm on the offer day, 1 March 2016, Medway during the following periods: (space is provided on the inside front cover of this Q Council will send details by email, of which school booklet), as you will need these in the future to To register your child to take the Medway Test – has been offered to parents who successfully access your application. from 9am on Monday, 8 June 2015 until 4pm on submitted an online application and provided an Friday, 3 July 2015. email address. You will then need to enter your details and your child’s details if you are registering for the Medway To submit your child’s secondary school application Can I submit an online request for my Test – you will need to submit at this stage. You can – from 9am on Monday, 7 September 2015 until child to sit the Medway Test? add your school preferences later, then re-submit 4pm on Monday, 2 November 2015. You can submit your Medway Test QYes. your application during the periods shown above. registration online. We cannot accept any online applications made If you provide an email address in your information, outside these periods. Online test registration is open to everybody, you will receive email confirmation. This will be a whether you live in Medway or not. copy of the information you have provided. Are there any benefits to registering If you live in Medway and pay your council tax to online for the Medway Test? Medway Council and have registered for the QYou can register at any time during the dates Medway Test online, your username and password Can I change my application or my shown above. When registering online, you will will allow you to update your information with your information after I have submitted it? You can make changes to your application up receive an email confirmation that your registration school preferences, and re-submit the application QYes. until the closing date for the relevant submission has been received. during the application period as shown above. (3 July for Medway Test registration and 2 November for secondary school applications).

16 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions You will need your username and password to form must be completed in addition to an Will I still get a letter telling me my re-enter your application and make any changes. application. Forms can be obtained from the relevant child’s school offer? All applicants receive the formal offer letter. school and must be returned to the school by the QYes. closing date for applications (2 November 2015). It is vitally important that you remember to re-submit your application after you Can I register/apply online and submit have made your changes as we can only a paper application? How do I register for the Kent Test or We can only process one application for each apply for schools because I live in Kent? process the last submitted application as at QNo. the closing date. pupil. If you have applied online, do not complete a QYou will need to apply directly to Kent County paper application as well and vice versa. Council. This can be done online at or by obtaining a paper If you make changes and do not re-submit www.kent.gov.uk/ola form from Kent County Council. Phone the application for processing your Do I need to complete supplementary . changes will not be included when the information forms (SIF) for any 03000 412121 application is processed. QMedway secondary schools? Please read the school information carefully Yes. and if a supplementary information is required the

The school offer (allocation) process and next steps Section five will still receive a formal letter and will need this to When will I find out my child’s school Why does it take so long from applying take the next steps. offer? for schools to receiving the school offer? QSecondary school places across are offered QThe closing date for school applications on 1 March 2016. This is a national date. We cannot give offer details out over (2 November) and the offer date for school places the phone. (1 March) are national dates set by central All parents will be sent a formal offer letter advising government. There are many procedures that need them of the school offered and what to do next. Who will I receive my offer from? to be undertaken to process applications, including These letters will be posted by Medway Council by You will receive your school offer letter from your exchanging data with other councils and schools 1st class post on 1 March 2016 to be received in home local authority. This means, if you live in Medway and working with schools to prioritise applicants. Qand pay your council tax to Medway Council you will the following few days. receive your letter from Medway Council. If you apply online, and provide an email address, If you live in Kent and pay your council tax to one of you will also receive an email after 4pm on 1 March the 12 district councils of Kent then you will receive 2016 advising you of your child’s school offer. You your offer letter from Kent County Council.

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 17 How does Medway Council work out What about children with a Statement What happens if you can’t offer my what priority my child has for a place at of Special Educational Needs or EHCP? child a place at a school named on Qthe schools I have named? QChildren with a Statement of Special Educational Qmy application? All school places are allocated in accordance Needs or EHCP do not go through this admissions Medway Council has a duty to ensure that a school with the individual school’s published process and any places being offered to a place is offered on 1 March 2016 to every child oversubscription criteria. Full details of each statemented child at a school will be allocated who has applied for a school place. school’s criteria can be found on the individual before all other places. school information pages in section 8. If we are not able to offer a place at one of your The school’s published admission number preferences, we will look to allocate a place at the Student Services Admissions work in partnership (PAN) will be adjusted to take account of any nearest appropriate school to your home address with each school to ensure that all applicants are statemented children offered, and Student Services that has a place available. prioritised (ranked) correctly against the published Admissions Team will offer up to the remaining oversubscription criteria. number of places available at the school. Appropriate school means a Medway grammar school for children assessed as selective and a How does Medway Council work out Am I guaranteed to get one of the Medway non-selective school for children assessed which school is to be offered to my child? schools named on my application? as non-selective. QMedway operates an equal preference scheme, this QUnfortunately, we cannot guarantee that we can means that the prioritisation of school place offers offer a place at one of your named schools. It will If my child is assessed as selective, will I is not based on which preference you name a depend on how oversubscribed the named schools definitely be offered a grammar school? school. Your application will be considere d and are and where your child is prioritised against the QAlthough the vast majority of selective assessed ranked against the school’s oversubscription school’s over subscription criteria. children are offered places at a grammar school, criteria. When allocating places, Medway Council’s sometimes we offer them a place at a non-selective Student Services look to offer your child a place at We strongly advise you to name more than one school because it is named as a higher preference the highest named school (preference) where a school on your application to give you the best on the application. place can be offered. It is important to list the opportunity to receive the offer of a place at a schools in your preferred order. school you are satisfied with. Medway residents can If I am not happy with the school place list up to six preferences. offered, what can I do? The schools that you name will not be told which QFull details of the next steps you can take following preference you named them. The order of your For 2015 admissions, 94.6 per cent of children the school offer made on 1 March 2016 will be preference is between you and Medway Council received the offer of a place at a school named on with the offer letter. You have a number of options, only for the purposes of allocation places. their application form on 2 March 2015. including requesting to be placed on a waiting list 80.74 per cent of children received the offer of a to be considered at re-allocation and lodging a What happens if more than one of place at their first preference school. school admission appeal. Brief details of some of the schools I name can offer my child these options are listed on the next page: Qa place? You will only receive the offer of one school place on 1 March 2016 and Medway Council will look to offer your child a place at the highest named school where a place can be offered.

18 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions Vacant places will be re-allocated after 11 April 2016. Appeal requests must be lodged by 31 March 2016. Waiting lists / Re-allocation: You will be sent a waiting list request form along Please note: If you are offered a school place at one with your school offer letter on 1 March 2016. Can I go on the waiting list and lodge Using this form you can request to be placed on of the schools you have named on your waiting list an appeal fo r the same school? the waiting list for any of the schools you originally request, any other school offer will be You can submit a waiting list form and lodge an QYes. to be re-allocated to named on your application* and/or any other automatically withdrawn appeal for the same school. The two processes are Medway secondary school* another child. You will not have a claim on the independent of each other, and being on the waiting original place offered if you change your mind and list will not affect your appeal and vice versa. Your child will only be added to a waiting list if you will need to be added to that school’s waiting list for consideration at future re-allocation. have submitted a request form. The only exception How do I accept or refuse the school to this is where an appeal has been lodged. place offered? Children who have appealed will also be added to Appeals: QYou will receive an acceptance/refusal form with the relevant school’s* waiting list. You have the right of appeal to any of the schools your school offer letter on 1 March 2016. You will you have named on your application that has not need to complete this form and return it to the been able to offer your child a place. This can *Please note that you can only request to school being offered with your decision. include grammar schools, even if your child has not go on the waiting list for a Medway been assessed as selective, as lon g as you named grammar school if your child has been Acceptance/refusal forms must be returned to the them on your application. Your child, however, assessed as selective under the Medway schools by 31 March 2016. would be expected to have taken the Medway Test. test procedures. If I refuse the place offered, do I have Student Services Admissions will then collate all You cannot lodge an appeal for a school a better chance of being offered a waiting list requests and look to re-allocate (offer) you have not named on your application. place from the waiting list or being any vacant school places that may become available Q successful at appeal? to children who have requested to be placed on Full details of how to appeal and an appeal form Vacant places are only offered from waiting No. the waiting list. will be included with your school offer letter on lists in accordance with the school’s 1 March 2016. oversubscription criteria. They are not dependent A child’s position on a school’s waiting list will be on whether or not you are holding the offer of a decided in accordance with the school’s published You can submit more than one appeal at the school place or not. In a similar way, appeal oversubscription criteria. same time. Places are not held on decisions are based on the cases heard by the a first come, first served basis. independent appeal panel and not on whether you Who you submit your appeal request to will are holding a school place or not. We recommend It is important to understand that a child’s place on depend on the school being appealed for, and that you accept your offer of a place in the first the waiting list may change (up or down) details of where you need to send your form will instance to ensure you have a place secured. dependent on the eligibility of other children who be included with your letter on 1 March 2016. have requested to be on the waiting list. An independent appeal panel will hear admission Waiting list requests must be submitted by appeals. They are independent of the school and 31 March 2016. Medway Council and their decision is binding on the school and Medway Council.

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 19 Section six Free school meals and home to school transport

The following information on free school How do I apply for free school meals? Do I need to complete the application You will need to complete the free school meals meals and home to school transport is form for all Medway schools? correct at the time of going to print. Qapplication form. QA number of academies in Medway are now processing their own free school meals and Please check the Medway Council website - If applying during the school holidays, you will need for the most up-to-date therefore Medway Council are unable to deal with www.medway.gov.uk to send the completed form to the freepost address information nearer the time of your child starting your entitlement. Please contact the school direct on the bottom of the form. If applying at any other secondary school. to make your application. For a list of schools and time, as well as this option, you can also take your academies please visit and www.medway.gov.uk completed form into your child’s school office. search free school meals. Free school meals You can obtain an application form by calling the Student Services Operations Team on Do I have to renew my application for 01634 free school meals and if so, when? Will my child be entitled to free school , or collecting one from your child’s 331155 No, you do not have to renew your application if all meals? school office, Medway Council’s Community Hubs Q Your child may qualify to receive free school meals your details have remained the same. Q in Chatham, Gillingham and Rochester, Strood and if you receive certain qualifying benefits. Rainham Contact Points and Rainham library. The Student Services Operations Team will carry At the time of printing this booklet, these are: out regular reviews and contact you for further G Income Support; Do I need to provide proof of benefit proof of benefit, if required. G Jobseeker’s Allowance (income based); with my application? G Employment and Support Allowance QYou do not need to provide proof of benefit at this time. By signing the form you are allowing the Who do I contact if any of my and/or (Income related); my child’s personal details change, or I G Student Services Operations Team to verify your The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit; Qstop receiving benefit, once I am receiving G claim, for initial and ongoing entitlement to free Support under part VI of the Immigration free school meals? and Asylum Act 1999; school meals as well as entitlement to free home to Please contact the Student Services Operations G Child Tax Credit, but not entitled to Working school transport. Team on to update your details. 01634 331155 Tax Credit, and whose annual income (as assessed If you have moved address, you will be asked to by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) does If free school meals cannot be verified, the team complete a new application form. not exceed £16,190. will ask for an up to date, full copy of the proof of G Universal Credit. benefit you are receiving, to reassess your claim. If you do not notify the team, it could result in you having to repay the cost of any free school meals that your child has received.

20 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions Home to school transport A nearest qualifying school form is If my child does not qualify for free available at the back of this booklet for home to school transport, are there How do I know if my child is eligible for you to request details of the schools Qany other schemes available in Medway? (young persons half-price free home to school transport? deemed the nearest qualifying from your M edway Youth Pass QFollowing the offer of a school place on 1 March home address. Please note, these forms bus fare scheme) - this entitles all young people 2016, the Student Services Operations Team will cannot be responded to prior to the who live in Medway to pay half the adult fare at all automatically assess all Year 6 pupils to see if they beginning of September 2015. times when travelling on any local bus service. Full are eligible for free home to school transport to details of the terms and conditions and how to the school they have been offered. Can I still apply for home to school apply can be found on the Medway Council website transport if my child attends a private by searching ‘Medway Youth pass’ and following the Letters will be sent to all parents at the beginning Qindependant school? appropriate link. Medway Council do not provide home to of July 2016, confirming if free home to school No. school transport for children attending private or transport has been granted. Yellow Bus Scheme independant schools. Medway Council provides the Yellow Bus Scheme, which supplies school buses for pupils living in What if I don’t agree with the decision? If you feel that the decision that your child is not certain parts of Medway to travel to specific How do I find out what bus routes and eligible for free home to school transport is incorrect, schools. If you are interested in this service, please companies cover the journey to my Qor that your child’s circumstances warrant an contact Medway Council on . Qchild’s chosen school? 01634 333455 exception to be made, you can submit an application Arriva Bus Company operates the majority of bus form enclosing a letter explaining the reason whyu yo routes in Medway. You can contact them for advice Vacant Seat Payment Scheme wish your child’s case to be looked at further. The on or visit their website Children who do not qualify for free home to 01634 283600 Student Services Management Team will look at this. to find out the service school transport may apply for a vacant seat on a www.arrivabus.co.uk numbers, times and boarding points. hired school vehicle, if one operates on the route required, at a cost. It is important to understand What is the current transport policy? The basic qualifying criteria to be eligible for free Tenders for bus services are often renewed, so at that the seat on the transport may be withdrawn at Qhome to school transport is that you must live more the time of printing this booklet, the following bus any time if it is required by a child eligible for free than three miles from the secondary school your child companies also operate in certain parts of Medway. home to school transport or if the transport is will be attending it must be deemed as the and withdrawn. Further information on this scheme can nearest qualifying school to your home address. Full To find out if they operate near you, please contact be obtained from Medway Norse Transport on details of the current policy can be found on the them on the numbers below: . Medway Council website by searching ‘getting to 01634 283210 school’ and following the appropriate link. G Nu Venture Bus Company 01622 882288 G Farleigh Coaches 01634 201065 G Red Route If you express a preference for a school that is not 01474 353896 G ASD Coaches the nearest qualifying school and you are offered a 01634 726412 place, you qualify for free transport, even G Chalkwell Coaches will not 01795 423982 if the school is more than three miles from your home address.

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 21 Common oversubscription criteria and other Section seven useful information

G G Further information can be found at Individual school’s published Choosing to educate at home You may choose to educate your child at home. oversubscription criteria/admission www.medway.gov.uk/schoolsandeducation/s If you elect to do this, the council has a duty to arrangements choolsandcolleges/gettingtoschool.aspx The oversubscription criteria detailed in section 8 of ensure that your child is receiving suitable and this booklet are the published determined admission effective full time education. arrangements for each school/academy. If you wish to consider educating your child at If any party feels that the published admission home, please contact the Inclusion Team on arrangements are unlawful or are not compliant with for more information. 01634 332572 the provisions of the School Admission Code, they may make a referral to the Office of the Schools You will be asked to provide full details on the Adjudicator www.schoolsadjudicator.gov.uk arr angements you are making. Any such referral must be made by 30 June 2015. G School term dates Please be aware that if any referrals have been made, Full details of term dates for the academic year and dependent on the outcome of such referrals, a September 2016 to July 2017 can be found at school’s arrangements may be subject to change. www.medway.gov.uk Medway Council will publish details of any changes on the website Please be aware that some schools may operate www.medway.gov.uk different term dates to the Medway Council defined G Independent an d impartial advice ones and you will need to speak to individual schools Medway Council’s Student Services Admissions Team about their arrangements. is able to offer you impartial advice on the admissions process, Medway schools and academies. G Sustainable School Travel Strategy You can contact the team on or 01634 331110 Medway Council is keen to ensure that their own email [email protected] plans support school travel plans (STP), so that the schools can develop a long-term commitment to If you want specific detail on what an individual implementation, monitoring and development. school/academy can offer your child, please contact Working with schools, Medway Council has them directly. Contact details can be found for every developed a number of initiatives. Medway school and academy in section 8.

22 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions This table provides some of the most common oversubscription criteria used by schools. The definitions quoted are those of Medway Council and may be different for an individual school. Please ensure you read each individual school’s information page to ascertain exactly what their over subscription criteria are and what these mean for your child.

Criteria Definition who are (i) in the care of a local authority, or (ii) being provided with Children in public Looked after children are children accommodation by a local authority in the exercise of their social services functions (as defined in Section 22(1) of the care/looked after Children Act 1989) at the time of making the application for a school. children and are childre n who were looked after, but ceased to be so because they were adopted previously looked Previously looked after children (under the terms of the Adoption and Children Act 2002, Section 46) or became subject to a residence order or special after children guardianship order (under the terms of the Children Act 1989, Section 8 and Section 14A). Please note that Medway Council will ask for evidence of looked after or previously looked after status and a copy of the adoption/residence/special guardianship order to validate this criterion. Sibling means children who live as brother/sister in the same house and includes natural siblings, adopted siblings, foster siblings Current family and step siblings. Extended family, for example cousins, living in the same house do not qualify as siblings. The sibling must be association/sibling attending the named school at the time of application and at the time the younger child would start (September 2016).

Medical evidence from a GP or consultant must be provided to Student Services Admissions Team. This evidence must Child’s health demonstrate a specific link between the child’s medical conditions and needs, and how the named school can meet these needs. reasons Please note not every school/academy has this as a criterion. If a school operates an access area, children living within the area receive a higher priority for a place than other applicants Residence in an from a lower listed criterion and those living furthest from the school within the access area receive higher priority than access area those that live closest.

Applicants are prioritised in order of nearness to the school. The distance calculated is the shortest available safe walking Nearness of child’s route known to the geographical information software (GIS) used by Student Services Admissions Team. This software may home/distance* not know all footpaths that are in existence and certain new roads may not be known. Where a footpath or new road is not known to the software an alternative route will be used. Where a child’s home is situated on a new road the distance calculation will begin from the nearest available known road plotted in the software. New developments may be subject to this. In certain cases it may not be possible to calculate a distance where the entire route is deemed as a safe walking route. In these circumstances the distance calculated is used purely to prioritise an application for admission. There is no expectation that the walk should be taken.

Some grammar schools elect to prioritise applicants based on their test scores. This means that all applications will be Score prioritised from highest score to lowest score. It is important to understand that these schools are not permitted to give any priority to siblings.

*Please note that, at the time of going to print, Student Services Admissions are researching the use of new distancing software. Please check the website and look at ‘Co-ordinated www.medway.gov.uk Admission Scheme for Secondary Admissions – September 2016’ for the most up to date information on how distances are calculated.

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 23 The schools Section eight

Location and access areas of schools

What is an access area? Medway secondary schools Six Medway schools include an access area within their Page Qadmissions criteria. Applications received for pupils that reside within the school’s access area will receive a higher 1 Brompton Academy 27 priority for a place at that school than applicants that do not reside in the access area. Those applicants that live furthest 2 Chatham Grammar School for Boys 29 from the school within the access area receive higher 3 Chatham Grammar School for Girls 30 priority than those that live closest within the access area. Please note that applicants residing in an access area with 4 Fort Pitt Grammar School 31 valid sibling links or higher criterion will be prioritised under 5 Greenacre Academy 32 the higher criteria. 6 The Howard School 33

If you are unsure if you live in an access area for one of 7 The Hundred of Hoo Academy 34 these schools, please contact Student Services Admissions 8 Rainham Mark Grammar School 35 who will be able to help you. You can either phone on or email 9 Rainham School for Girls 36 01634 331110 [email protected] 10 The Robert Napier School 37 G Access areas 11 The Rochester Grammar School 39 The following schools have access areas, shown on the map opposite: 12 Sir Joseph Williamson’s A- The Hundred of Hoo Academy Mathematical School 40 13 St John Fisher Catholic School 41 - The Thomas Aveling School B 14 Strood Academy 43 C - Walderslade Girls’ School 15 The Thomas Aveling School 45 and Greenacre Academy 16 The Victory Academy 46 D - Rainham School for Girls 17 Walderslade Girls’ School 47 E - The Howard School

24 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions Cliffe Allhallows Grain

B2000 River Thames

B2000 River Medway A2287 A226 Hoo

Strood Medway A2 Jct 1 Tunnel A2 MedwayA289A 289289 14 Medway Park M2 Rochester Gillingham

1 B2004 Jct 2 A2 4 10

Motorway Chatham A289 Rainham Bridge A2 13 3 Splashes 11 8 Leisure 12 Tesco Centre 2 16 Superstore 6 9 A2 15

M2 17 5

Asda Superstorestore Canterbury/Dover Jct 3 Jct 4 M2

Maidstone How to use the school pages School type (grammar, Area of Medway Department for Education Published admission number high, academy etc) unique school number for 2016 School status (academy, foundation, community, Map reference number, voluntary aided) see page 25

School contact details School specialist status

Open sessions, times and dates

Introduction to school by headteacher/principal

Criteria for admission and oversubscription

Total number of preferences expressed for Expected school roll the school for September 2016 Furthest distance or lowest score offered as applicable. If Access area Number of places Preferences breakdown the school was see page 25 for 2015 offered on the offer day undersubscribed (not full) on of relevant year offer day this section will show N/A

26 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 1 Brompton Academy DFE number: 887 6906 PAN: 210 Type: Academy Area: Gillingham Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Mixed Status: Academy

Brompton Academy is an all ability, dynamic 11-18 school, with specialisms in science and arts, and a grammar stream, Admission and oversubscription criteria Principal: Judy Rider BA (Hons) , MA under the leadership of the University of Kent. Marlborough Road, Gillingham ME7 5HT The academy delivers high quality education leading to Admission: All applicants for a place at the academy, including those with a 01634 852341 university entrance and equivalent progression routes. SEN statement or EHCP, will be required to take the Fair Banding Email: [email protected] Entry to the academy is via a Fair Banding Test. The test. See page 28 for details. academy offers a vibrant learning environment, where all www.bromptonacademy.org.uk students have the opportunity to study a core academic Fair Banding test dates: English Baccalaureate curriculum, consisting of English, Saturday, 12 September, 2015 maths, sciences (physics, chemistry and biology), languages, Saturday, 17 October, 2015 Open sessions history, geography plus a range of other subject Thursday, 1 October, 5.30 - 8pm qualifications leading to GCSE and A level. Many learning See page 28 for further details of oversubscription criteria and Open evening: Principal’s presentation at 5.45pm programmes are enhanced by curricular inputs from the fair banding test. University of Kent. Saturday, 3 October Open morning: Students in Year 7 undertake a foundation programme to 10am - 12noon support their academic and personal development in Principal’s presentation at 10.15am becoming skilled, confident, happy, robust and successful young people with a passion for learning. Tuesday, 6, Wednesday, 7 and Thursday, 8 Morning tours: The academy boasts high standards of behaviour. October *Please phone to book an appointment If you are looking for a highly effective all ability academy that will offer the best educational opportunities for a For admission enquiries please contact the Admissions young person together with wrap around care, support and Manager on 01634 583512 guidance, then the future has to be Brompton Academy. The academy resides in a state-of-the-art new building with brand new Apple learning technologies, including a student one to one iPad Mini scheme, to support student motivation and learning. Further information is available on our website.

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 761 669 351 216 101 58 19 16 240 210 Allocation criteria - Fair Banding plus criteria no 1200

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 27 Oversubscription: Fair Banding Test academy is named in the statement who must always be Places are first offered to students with a Statement of Brompton Academy is an all ability school, and in order to given priority) will be considered after children who have sat Special Educational Needs or EHCP, where Brompton secure an all ability intake that is representative of the the banding test. Academy is named on the statement and after agreement national ability range, all applicants for admission must take a All applicants who register for the test will be offered fair with the academy. Fair Banding test which is prescribed by National Foundation access to the test and reminded of the dates and times of If the number of applications for admission to the Academy for Educational Research (NFER). This is not a pass or fail test the test. received via the Medway Council Co-ordinated Scheme is this is just to ensure that young people across the ability greater than the published admission number, applications will range are admitted. be considered against the criteria set out below. All applicants All applicants for places in the academy will be banded who have taken the NFER Fair Banding tests will be split into according to the principles of fair banding, using the one of five ability bands based on their scores achieved within national profile. the national profile range. Medway operate an equal preference system which means Within each band the criteria will be applied in the order in that parents/carers who intend to put Brompton Academy which they are set out below: down on the preference form either first, second, third, a) Children in public care or previously looked after, but fourth, fifth or sixth choice will need to take the Academy ceased to be so because they were adopted (or became Fair Banding test, which will determine what banding group subject to a resi dence order or special guardianship order). their child should be placed in should they gain a place at b) Current family association (i.e. elder brother or sister in the academy. the Academy at time of application who will still be The test will be administered during September/October attending when the applicant child is admitted). In this – a year ahead of entry. Parents and Carers can access the context, brother or sister means: a. A natural brother or test for their child by filling in and returning a test registration sister (including adopted siblings) b. Step brother or form which will be available via the academy website at sisterc. Foster brother or sisterd. Those who live as www.bromptonacademy.org.uk and from the Academy brother or sister in the same house. reception from Monday, 8 June until Friday, 17 July 2015. The c) Children of staff (where the member of staff has been test registration form should be returned within the employed for two years or more at the time at which the prescribed deadlines as indicated on the registration form application for admission to the Academy is made and/or together with the preferred test date. where the member of staff is recruited to fill a vacant post A second registration period will be available from Monday, 7 for which there is a demonstrable skill shortage). September until Friday, 9 October 2015. All applicants for an d) Nearness of children’s homes Academy place, including those with a SEN statement, will be e) Random selection within bands required to take the Fair Banding test. Following the test, applicants will be split into five bands based on their NFER scores within the national profile, including those with SEN statements or EHCP and Looked After Children and children who were looked after, but ceased to be so because they were adopted (or because they were subject to a residence order or special guardianship order). There are two opportunities to take the Fair Banding tests – either Saturday, 12 September or Saturday, 17 October 2015. Students who have not taken the banding test (apart from children in care and statemented students where the

28 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions Chatham Grammar School for Boys

DFE number: 887 4068 PAN: 120 Type: Grammar Area: Chatham Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Boys Status: Academy

At Chatham Grammar School for Boys (CGSB) our aim 2is that students develop into successful, well rounded, Admission and oversubscription criteria Executive Principal: Mr Stuart Gardner Entry is with testing (either the Medway Test or confident young men who are equipped with the academic Admission: Kent Test or after 2 March, other nationally recognised entrance Head of School: Mrs Juliet Diaz and life skills necessary to thrive in the modern world. test). Students at CGSB are given the academic and intellectual Holcombe, Maidstone Road, Chatham ME4 6JB Where the number of applicationsr fo tools to help them structure their thinking and learning Oversubscription: 01634 830083 admission is greater than the published admission number, effectively thus enabling them to successfully engage in applications will be allocated in the priority order set out below: Email: [email protected] their academic studies. The school is committed to 1 Children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs or becoming a Thinking School, accredited by Exeter www.cgsb.co.uk EHCP where the Chatham Grammar School for Boys is named University, and passionately believes in providing students on the statement. with the appropriate learning tools to be successful. 2 Children in public care as defined in the Medway Council Every individual at CGSB is encouraged to achieve their Open sessions co-ordinated admission scheme. personal best and there is an emphasis on celebrating 3 Current family association (i.e. elder brother or sister in Tuesday, 6 October, 5.30 student progress as well as outright attainment. Whilst Open evening: Chatham Grammar School for Boys or Chatham Grammar many students go on to achieve places at Oxford, School for Girls) at time of application who will still be Monday, 12 to Thursday, 22 October by Cambridge and other Russell Group universities we also Open mornings: attending when the applicant child is admitted. In this context, appointment 01634 830083 support able students with Additional Educational Needs brother or sister means: to successfully engage with an academic curriculum and i) A natural brother or sister (including adopted siblings); For admission enquiries please contact Mr Richard Gardner find a successful independent path beyond school. ii) Step brother or sister; We offer a very successful and diverse range of sports with iii) Foster brother or sister; football teams regularly reaching Kent cup finals and the iv) Those who live as brother or sister in the same house. 1st XI winning their league title. In addition we regularly There will be a right of appeal to an Independent Appeals 4 Child’s health re asons. Written medical evidence from a win local athletics meetings and successfully participate in Panel for any pupils refused admission. Any decision made by General Practitioner or hospital consultant must be provided rugby, hockey and cricket fixtures and tournaments. an Independent Appeals Panel will be binding on the academy which demonstrates a specific health reason which requires the CGSB has an outstanding sense of community with each and over-rides the admissions number of 120 child to attend Chatham Grammar School for Boys. student taking an active part within the House system. The in Year 7. 5 Nearness of children’s home measured by the shortest available House system is central to the school’s pastoral system From the 1 March (National Offer Day), any available spaces safe walking distance between the home address and CGSB as which provides continuity of care and support for students remaining will be allocated on the basis of results of nationally measured by the Medway Council Geographical Information throughout their time here at CGSB. recognised selection tests taken, including th e Medway or System and de termined by Medway Local Authority. Kent Test.

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 482 426 100 192 123 54 10 3 81 81 n/a n/a no 900

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 29 Chatham Grammar School for Girls High Performing School for Modern Foreign Languages

DFE number: 887 5429 PAN: 142 Type: Grammar Area: Chatham Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Girls Status: Academy

At CGSG we provide a friendly and supportive environment 3where able students can achieve their academic potential Admission and oversubscription criteria Headteacher: Mrs Christine Probin and develop a range of skills that will equip them effectively Entry is with testing (either the Medway Test Rainham Road, Chatham ME5 7EH for the future. Our record of high academic achievement Admission: or Kent Test) 01634 851262 and our success in guiding students to higher education are due to the expertise of our well qualified and experienced Email: postbox@chathamgirlsgrammar. teaching staff and the care, guidance and support provided Oversubscription: medway.sch.uk After the admission of pupils with statements of Special by our dedicated pastoral team. www.chathamgirlsgrammar.medway.sch.uk Educational Needs or EHCP where Chatham Grammar School for Girls is specifically named, the following over-subscription Our broad and balanced curriculum provides numerous criteria will be applied in the order in which they are set opportunities for students to develop the knowledge, skills Open sessions out below: and understanding that will enable them to access a wide a) Children in public care or children who have previously been in Tuesday, 13 October, 6- 8.30pm range of opportunities in the future. It ranges from the Open evening: public care. traditional to the modern, such as latin and three foreign b) Current family association (i.e. elder brother or sister in Saturday, 17 October, 10am - 1pm languages to GCSE Computer Science. Open morning: Chatham Grammar School for Girls or Chatham Grammar School for Boys at the time of application or who will be still Monday, 19 to Friday, 23 October* The curriculum is designed to develop responsible citizens Daytime tours: attending when the applicant is admitted. In this context, *tours start at 9.15am of the future who will contribute actively to the brother or sister means: communities in which they live and work. - A natural brother or sister (including adopted siblings); For admission enquiries please contact - Step brother or sister; Mrs D Simmonds, PA to Headteacher While we encourage our students to aim for high - Foster brother or sister; academic achievement, it is equally important to us that - Those who live as brother and sister in the same house. they enjoy their experience at CGSG. To this end, our c) Distance from the pupil’s home as determined using Medway curriculum is complemented by a wide range of extra- Council’s GIS. curricular opportunities designed to provide rich experiences and to inspire a life-long passion for learning.

, Headteacher Mrs Christine Probin

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 469 453 103 145 138 50 23 10 66 74 n/a n/a no 800

30 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions Fort Pitt Grammar School

DFE number: 887 4069 PAN: 120 Type: Grammar Area: Chatham Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Girls Status: Academy

Fort Pitt is an Ofsted ‘outstanding’ grammar school with academy4 status. Admission and oversubscription criteria Headteacher: Carol Winn Entry is with testing via the Medway Test Admission: Fort Pitt Hill, Chatham ME4 6TJ We are an innovative school and have a very clear vision of Oversubscription: 1. Looked After Children / Children in Local Authority Care - 01634 842359 what we want to achieve; this we do through our four as defined in the Medway Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme. “excellences”: academic excellence, excellent community, Email: [email protected] y.sch.uk 2. Students having an agreed Statement of Special Education excellent appearance and excellent environment. www.fortpitt.medway.sch.uk Needs that names Fort Pitt Grammar School as the appropriate school. There is no doubt that our main focus is academic 3. Siblings - The sister of a girl who will still be attending the Open sessions excellence but we also encourage our students to develop Thursday, 8 October, 6 - 9pm school at the time the student would be admitted. In this Open evening: their full potential in their employability skills and in other context “sibling” means children who live as sisters in the same Headteacher talks at 6.45 and 7.45pm areas such as art, music, drama and sport. We are proud of Monday, 19 to Thursday, 22 October, house, including natural sisters, adopted sisters, stepsisters and Open mornings: the accomplishments of all of our students and we foster sisters. 9 - 11am acknowledge and reward excellence in all fields. 4. Students who attend a school or who have a sibling in a school Last tour 10.15am within the Fort Pitt Academy Trust. In this context “sibling” For admission enquiries please contact Mrs Jeffreys, Our belief that students flourish and succeed when they means children who live as siblings in the same house, including Admissions Officer feel happy and secure means that we place great emphasis natural siblings, adopted siblings, step siblings and foster siblings. on community and support. Relationships throughout the 5. Children of staff (where the member of staff has been Please note that the prospective student’s address must be school are based on mutual respect and focus firmly on the employed for three years or more at the time at which the where they are living at the time of the application and this will learning process. application for admission is made and/or where the member of be checked. If the address is not the student’s normal place of staff is recruited to fill a vacant post for which there is a residence and an offer of a place has already been made, it will We are a forward thinking and fast moving community but demonstrable skill shortage). be withdrawn. have a real commitment to traditional values and beliefs. 6. Girls residing within two miles of the school measured the 8. All other eligible girls seeking a school place and these will be Medway Council Geographical Information System We look forward to welcoming you to Fort Pitt on our 7. Girls residing in one of the named parishes below. Should it be allocated according to nearness of home to school, using the open evening or during one of our open mornings. necessary these places will be allocated according to nearness shorte st, safe walking distance, measured by the Medway of home to school, using the shortest, safe walking distance, Council Geographical Information System. measured by the Medway Council Geographical Information Tiebreaker - In the unlikely event that two or more children in all Carol Winn Headteacher System: Allhallows; Cliffe and Cliffe Woods; Cooling; Cuxton; other ways have equal eligibility for the last available place at the Extra; Halling; High Halstow; Hoo St Werburgh; St school, the names will be issued a number and drawn randomly James, ; ; Stoke. to decide which child should be given the place.

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 480 463 129 220 77 40 68 112 120 n/a 9.04km no 800

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 31 Greenacre Academy A High Performing Specialist Academy with Sports College and Raising Achievement Skills for Life

DFE number: 887 4174 PAN: 200 Type: Academy Area: Walderslade Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Boys Status: Academy mixed Greenacre is an oversubscribed, well equipped academy set 5in extensive grounds. Amongst recent improvements to the Admission and oversubscription criteria Head of School: Mrs K Edge Entry is without testing buildings include an all weather sports pitch and a food Admission: After the admission of pupils with 157 Wald erslade Road, Chatham ME5 0LP technology hall. Oversubscription: statements of Special Educational Needs or EHCP where 01634 861593 Greenacre Academy is specifically n amed, the following over- In February 2014 Ofsted inspectors concluded that the Email: [email protected] subscription criteria will be applied in the order in which they are academy was GOOD in all areas. The report states www.greenacre.medway.sch.uk set out below: Where applications for admission exceed the “Students in the academy make good number of places available, the following criteria will be applied in progress at all key stages, from lower than average starting the order set out below: points, and achieve well. Students behave well, say they 1. Children in public care - (as defined in the Medway Council Open sessions enjoy being at the academy and feel safe”. Co-ordinated Scheme) Tuesday, 13 October, 5.45pm 2. Sibling - (a brother attending Greenacre Academy or a sister Open evening: The maximum number of boys in a teaching group is 30 Headteachers talk at 7.30pm attending Walderslade Girls School at the time of application with many operating at 15 or less. In academic subjects, and who will still be attending in September 2016. Sibling boys are placed in sets of similar ability in English and Monday, 5 to Friday, 9 October 2015, 9.15am means children who live as brother/sister in the same house Daytime tours: mathematics throughout the academy and learning and includes natural siblings, adopted siblings, foster siblings and mentors work with small groups or individuals as required. For admission enquiries please contact Main Office step siblings. Extended family, for example cousins, living in the Strategies such as these are ensuring that GCSE results same house do not qualify as siblings). continue to improve year on year. 3. Historical Sibling – To give priority to boys with an older sibling 6. Nearness of children’s home – (as defined in Medway who attended Greenacre Academy but who has now left. This In partnership with Walderslade Girls’ School, the view of Council’s Co-ordinated Scheme using Medway Council’s GIS. situation to remain until the older sibling has been left for 5 Ofsted is ‘The sixth form is good, as the academy’s Tiebreaker – in the unlikely event that two or more children in years. Sibling means children who live as brother/sister in the students progress well from their starting points and their all other ways have equal eligibility for the last place at the same house and includes natural siblings, adopted siblings, achievement is good’. school, the names will be issued a number and drawn randomly foster siblings and step siblings. Extended family, for example to decide which child should be given the place. cousins, living in the same house do not qualify as siblings). Kerri Edge Head of School 4. Child’s health reasons – Medical evidence must be provided to Medway Council. This evidence must demonstrate a specific link between the child’s medical condition and needs and how the named school can meet these needs. 5. Residence in the Greenacre Academy access area.

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 268 280 131 60 33 24 11 9 160 160 3.55km 6.1km yes 840

32 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions The Howard School

DFE number: 887 5457 PAN: 250 Type: Bi-lateral* Area: Rainham Age range: 11 – 19 Single sex/mixed: Boys Status: Academy

The Howard School is unique to Medway and one of just 6five 11-19 bilateral schools in the UK. We are able to admit Admission and over subscription criteria 2016. Headteacher: The Hon Paul Morris : Entry is without testing. both grammar and high school students. Students have Admission After the admission of pupils with BA (Hons), PGCE, DipEd, NPQH, LLE genuine opportunities to achieve success and we are able Oversubscription: statements of Special Educational Needs or EHCP where The to offer the flexibility for promotion for high school Derwent Way, Rainham ME8 0BX Howard School is spec ifically named, the following over- students into our grammar school. 01634 388765 subscription criteria will be applied in the order in which they are set out below. Email: [email protected] We are a top performing, extremely popular and successful If the number of preferences for The Howard School received via school. This was clearly recognised in a tremendous Ofsted www.thehowardschool.co.uk the Medway coordinated scheme is more than the number of report in November 2013. Attainment and achievement places available, places are allocated in the following priority order: levels are impressive at all key stages. i) Looked After Children as defined in the Medway coordinated admission scheme. We have an open and mixed sixth form which includes a Open sessions ii) Where a child has a natural brother (including adopted significant number of girls. The majority of our students siblings), stepbrother, foster brother and those who live as a Tuesday, 6 October, 5.30 - 8pm progress to university and places of higher education. Success Open evening: brother in the same house currently attending the school and extends beyond the classroom; we regularly dominate will still be on roll at the time of entry. Thursday, 15 and Friday, 16 October Medway, county and national sporting competitions in an Open mornings: iii) Child’s health reasons. Medical evidence must be provided 8.35 - 10.30am incomparable range of sports including soccer, rugby (union which demonstrates a specific health reason which requires a and league), table tennis, basketball, badminton, athletics and child to attend the preferred school. For admission enquiries please contact cricket. Achievement in drama and music are second to none iv) Where the child resides within the access area. Priority given Mr P Cottam, Vice Principal in the area. Our pastoral care is excellent and we have to those nearest the school. effective partnerships with the community. v) Proximity of child’s home. Distance will be measured by the * Following the allocation of places, children who have shortest available safe walking route between home and We offer an incredible range of extra-curricular activities, a been assessed as selective under the Medway Test process school as measured by Medway Council’s GIS. most able programme, and an elite athletes group. The will be placed in the grammar stream. school was a training base for the 2012 Olympics. ICT provision is impressive and our learning support department is excellent. The atmosphere is friendly and links with parents/carers are strong. We work together to encourage students to succeed socially and academically.

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 480 480 234 104 84 38 14 6 255 255 4.99km 4.83km yes 1550

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 33 The Hundred of Hoo Academy

DFE number: 887 4000 PAN: 270 Type: Academy Area: Hoo Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Mixed Status: Academy

The Hundred of Hoo is a proud member of The 7Williamson Trust. We promote outstanding educational Admission and oversubscription criteria Executive Principal: Dr G Holden Entry is without testing. experiences that Inspire all learners to set their sights high, Admission: After the admission of pupils with Headteacher: Mr G Vyse to achieve to the best of their abilities, and to excel in all Oversubscription: statements of Special Educational Needs or EHCP where The Main Road, Hoo, Rochester ME3 9HH that they do in order to prepare them for the next stage Hundred of Hoo Academy is specifically named, the following of their education. 01634 251443 over-subscription criteria will be applied in the order in which Email: [email protected] they are set out below: Where applications for admission Our aim is to support all children in becoming happy, www.hundredofhooacademy.co.uk received via Medway Council’s Co-ordinated Scheme exceed the confident and active citizens, ready to play a leading role in number of places available, the following criteria will be applied, in whatever walk of life they choose, and, to do this, we are the order set out below to decide which children to admit: passionate about promoting: Open sessions a) Children in public care, as defined in the Medway Council Co-ordinated Scheme. Saturday, 10 October, 10am - 1pm • The highest standards of achievement; Open morning: b) Children who at the time of application have a brother or • Excellent teaching and learning; sister (including children living as siblings* in the same family Monday, 28 September to Friday, 2 October • A challenging, enjoyable and tailored learning journey for all; Daytime tours: unit) on the roll of the Academy and who will still be on roll at Please contact the Academy to make an • Participation, personal development and well-being; the time of the sibling’s admission. appointment for a tour • Courtesy, respect and self-discipline; *Sibling means brother or sister, step brother or sister, foster • Partnership with parents and the wider community. brother or sister and those who live as brother or sister in the For admission enquiries please contact the Main Academy Office same house. Pupils are supported by teaching and learning that is c) Child’s health reasons. Medical evidence must be provided stimulating; of a high quality engaging challenging which demonstrates a specific health reason which requires a curriculum, delivered by well-prepared and committed child to attend the preferred school. teachers, and underpinned by effective pastoral care. d) Residence within the access area (see page 25). Our mission is to ensure that all children enjoy their e) Nearness of children’s homes to The Hundred of Hoo learning, succeed beyond their expectations, and develop Academy. Nearness to The Hundred of Hoo Academy will be the attitudes, skills and knowledge they need to take their measured using Medway Council’s GIS based on the shortest place in a rapidly changing global society. distance from home to school.

Mr G Vyse Local Leader of Education Headteacher of the Hundred of Hoo Academy

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 425 414 207 111 45 28 19 15 271 270 n/a n/a yes 1385

34 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions Rainham Mark Grammar School

DFE number: 887 5420 PAN: 205 Type: Grammar Area: Rainham Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Mixed Status: Academy

At Rainham Mark Grammar School (RMGS) we provide a 8co-educational selective education of the highest quality. Admission and oversubscription criteria Headteacher: Mr S Decker MSc, MSc(Ed) Entry is with testing via the Medway Test Pump Lane, Gillingham ME8 7AJ Ofsted report in June 2014 graded RMGS as “outstanding Admission: 01634 364151 in all areas”. “Students make excellent progress from their After the admission of pupils with Oversubscription: Email: [email protected] starting points because teachers have very high statements of Special Educational Needs or EHCP where expectations of them. Teachers use their exceptionally Rainham Mark Grammar School is specifically named, the www.rainhammark.com good subject knowledge to stimulate students’ interest and following oversubscription criteria will be applied in the order in to inspire them to learn.” which they are set out below: (i) If the number of RMGS preferences received, via the Medway Open sessions Council Co-ordinated Scheme, from parents of children Excellent facilities include: Thursday, 8 October, 5 - 7.30pm • A new sports hall, comprising a dance studio, fitness suite achieving selective standard exceeds the number of places Open evening: Headteacher talks at 6.45pm and main hall with three full-length cricket nets. available, places will be allocated in the following priority order. Children in Public Care, as defined in the Medway Coordinated • Specialist teaching suites for all subject areas. Saturday, 10 October, 10am - 12noon Admissions Scheme to include children who are adopted and Open morning: • A purpose-built music block with a recital hall, recording Headteacher talks at 11.30am studio and new Sixth Form study suite. were previously looked after. (ii) Children who are designated as receiving ‘Free School Meals’. Tours of the school during a working day can be taken from Applicants under this criterion must complete a 9am to 3pm from Monday, 12 October to Friday, 16 October. Our strengths: Supplementary Information Form so that checks can be made • Outstanding pastoral care and careers guidance. We are unable to offer additional tours after 16 October. to determine eligibility. • Excellent relationships between staff and pupils with Please contact the school to make an appointment. discipline firmly based on a tradition of mutual care (iii) In rank order of score as determined by Medway’s Selection Procedures. and respect. For admission enquiries please contact the school office • Boys and girls make exceptional progress in a caring, (iv) In the event of two or more pupils having equal ranking for the last place the deciding factor will be the shortest available co-educational and academically rigorous environment. safe walking distance between the home address and RMGS as • Broad curriculum choice and sensible acceleration for the measured by the Medway Council GIS and determined by most gifted students. Medway Local Authority. • A strong tradition of extra-curricular activities and trips • Over 20 “Good Schools Guide” Awards.

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 650 595 264 177 111 74 13 11 205 205 530 535 no 1250

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 35 Rainham School for Girls An academy as part of The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT)

DFE number: 887 4199 PAN: 270 Type: Academy Area: Rainham Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Girls Status: Academy

Do you want your daughter to be happy, develop her 9interests, talents and achieve academic success? Then look Admission and oversubscription criteria Executive Headteacher: Ms K Roberts no further than Rainham School for Girls. Entry is without testing Associate Headteacher: Mrs H Burkett Admission: We pride ourselves on offering an education that balances Derwent Way, Rainham, Gillingham ME8 0BX academic challenge, support for each individual and an Oversubscription: 01634 362746 After the admission of pupils with statements of Special innovative and exciting curriculum. Our students develop Educational Needs or EHCP where Rainham School for Girls is Email: [email protected] their talents in creative and academic areas and we cater specifically named, the following over-subscription criteria will be for students of all abilities, from those who lack confidence www.rsg.org.uk applied in the order in which they are set out below: If the to the highest achievers who remain in our sixth form and number of preferences for the school, in any year, is more than progress to university. the number of places available, places will be allocated in the Open sessions following priority order: In Year 7, classes are organised to support students’ Wednesday, 7 October, 6 - 8pm • Children in public care, and those who have been in care and Open evening: abilities, including fast track “Stellar” groups aimed at the Headteacher talks at 6 and 7.45pm have been subsequently adopted or have been made subject of a most able and following an accelerated curriculum. Our residence order or special guardianship. transition arrangements are second to none. Before Saturday, 12 September, 10am - 12noon • Children who at the time of application have a sibling (including Open morning: transferring we liaise closely with primary schools to Headteacher talks at 10 and 11.45am children living as siblings in the same family unit) on the roll of ensure students are placed appropriately for their the school and who will be on roll at the time of the siblings individual development. Our well qualified, experienced Monday, 5 to Friday, 16 October, admission, or were on roll in the preceding five years. Daytime tours: staff and excellent facilities support your daughters in 9 and 11.15am by appointment • Child’s health reasons. Medical evidence must be provided developing their potential. which demonstrates a specific health reason which requires the For admission enquiries please contact Mrs Lee, Executive child to attend the preferred school. Pastoral care is equally important to us. Relationships Administration Support. • Children of a member of staff working at this school for two or within school are very good with high expectations of more years at time of application for admission, or appointed to behaviour firmly based in a tradition of mutual respect. a skill shortage subject. Tiebreaker – in the unlikely event that two or more children in We are committed to ensuring success for all and very • Residence in an access area. all other ways have equal eligibility for the last available place at much value partnership with parents. • Nearness of student’s home. The distance calculated is the the school, the names will be issued a number and drawn shortest available safe walking route between the child’s home randomly to decide which child should be given the place. and the school using roads and footpaths known to the mapping layer used by the Medway Council GIS.

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 513 528 259 117 89 25 16 7 270 270 4.94km 4.98km yes 1600

36 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions The Robert Napier School

DFE number: 887 4001 PAN: 180 Type: Academy Area: Gillingham Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Mixed Status: Academy

The Robert Napier School is a friendly co-educational 10academy committed to academic excellence for all Admission and oversubscription criteria Headteacher: Mr Andrew Minchin BA (Hons) students. Everything we do is about ensuring students’ Entry is without testing. Third Avenue, Gillingham ME7 2LX experiences at school help them develop into the best Admission: 01634 851157 they can be in a caring, supportive environment with a strong pastoral structure at the centre of their educational Fair Banding test dates: Email: [email protected] Saturday, 5 September, 2015 experience. We have high expectations and high aspirations www.robertnapier.org.uk Saturday, 10 October, 2015 for every one of our students and our vision is excellence in all we do. See page 40 for further details on oversubscription criteria and fair banding test. Open sessions Our school’s ethos is about developing students as Thursday, 16 July, 6 - 8.30pm individuals and not just learners. We believe that every Open evening: child matters and deserves a happy first class education. Tuesday, 6 to Thursday, 8 October, Everyone has hidden potential to be uncovered and Open mornings: nurtured and together, as a learning community, we can 9am - 12noon unlock this potential. We have an exciting and broad curriculum as well an extensive range of extra-curricular For admission enquiries please contact Mrs K Johns sports and clubs. This includes the very successful Basketball Academy, which has won three titles across three year groups this year.

In the Sixth Form, we have many students taking advantage of subjects offered here and at Fort Pitt Grammar School. Many of our students progress to University or obtain apprenticeships. Prospective parents are encouraged to visit our website to get a flavour of the school, and are very welcome to visit the school to experience the happy and caring environment.

, Headteacher Andrew Minchin

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 376 373 87 145 76 22 29 17 180 187 n/a n/a no 1240

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 37 Oversubscription: Fair Banding Test After the admission of pupils with statements of Robert Napier accepts students of all abilities, and in order to Special Educational Needs or EHCP where The Robert secure an all ability intake, all applicants for admission should Napier School is specifically named, the following take a Fair Banding test which is prescribed by NFER. over-subscription criteria will be applied in the order (National Foundation for Educational Research). This is not a in which they are set out below: pass or fail test. It determines which band each child will be If the number of applications for admission to the school placed in, should they be successful in gaining a place at received via Medway Council’s Co-ordinated Scheme is Robert Napier. All applicants for places in the school will be greater than the published admission number, applications banded according to the principles of Fair Banding, using the will be considered against the criteria set out below. national profile. Children in public care (Looked After a. Children in public care, or previously looked after. Children) including those with a SEN statement, will be b. Current family association (i.e. elder brother or sister in required to take the Fair Banding test. the school at time of application who will still be Medway operate an equal preference system which means attending when the applicant child is admitted. that parents/carers who intend to put Robert Napier down This means: on the preference form as either first, second, third, fourth, • A natural brother or sister (including adopted siblings) fifth or sixth choice will need to take the school Fair • Step brother or sister Banding test. • Foster brother or sister The test will be administered during September/October – • Those who live as brother or sister in the same house a year ahead of entry. Parents and Carers can access the test c. Children of staff (where the member of staff has been for their child by filling in and returning a test registration employed for three years or more at the time at which form which will be available via the school website the application for admission to the school is made http://portal.robertnapier.medway.sch.uk and from the and/or where the member of staff is recruited to fill a school reception from Wednesday, 10 June to Friday, 17 July vacant post for which there is a demonstrable skill 2015. This test registration form should be returned by the shortage). deadlines indicated on the registration form together with d. Nearness of children’s homes the preferred test date. All applicants will be offered fair e. Random selection within bands access to the test, and reminders of when and where the Students who have not taken the banding test (apart from tests are being held. children in care and statemented students who must always The applicants will be split into five equally sized bands based be given priority) will be considered after children who on their NFER results. Within each band places will be have sat the banding test. They will be prioritised on the offered in the following order: basis of criteria a to e above. a. Children in public care or previously looked after, but no longer so because they have been adopted (or become subject to a residence order or special guardianship order). b. Statemented children. Then the order will be as described in the oversubscription criteria.

38 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions The Rochester Grammar School A designated National Teaching School, Lead School in the Thinking Schools Academy Trust and National Support School

DFE number: 887 5445 PAN: 205 Type: Grammar Area: Rochester Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Girls Status: Academy

Ofsted Outstanding: “A key feature of this school and its 11success is the ethos for learning” – Ofsted. Our students Admission and oversubscription criteria CEO: Ms D Shepherd, MA, NPQH, NLE are happy and feel supported; they love to learn and want Entry is with testing via the Medway Test Principal: Mr G Bassan, BA(Hons), NPQH to think and discover for themselves. Admission: Maidstone Road, Rochester ME1 3BY After the admission of pupils with The Rochester Grammar School (RGS) is committed to Oversubscription: 01634 843049 statements of Special Educational Needs or EHCP where the highest standards in education. Our academic results The Rochester Grammar School is specifically named, the Email: [email protected] are outstanding and we consistently appear in The Times following over-subscription criteria will be applied in the order in top 30 State Schools. We provide a world-class education www.rochestergrammar.medway.sch.uk which they are set out below: including a world qualification – International If the number of RGS preference selective girls received via Baccalaureate. The RGS is the lead school in a growing and Medway Council’s Co-ordinated Scheme exceeds the number of successful family of Thinking Schools that share a places available at the school, places will be allocated in the Open sessions commitment to the development of cognitive education. following priority order: Saturday, 10 October, 9am - 1pm (a) Children in public care – as defined in the Medway Council Open morning: We celebrate the achievements of all our pupils Co-ordinated Scheme. in a wide range of enrichment activities, with numerous Monday, 12 to Friday, 16 October, (b) Where a pupil can demonstrate a specific musical aptitude, as Daytime tours: clubs and educational visits both nationally and at 9, 11.15am and 2pm assessed by graded examinations. Parents/carers should write internationally. Our students regularly undertake World Please contact the school to book to the Chair of Governors using the Expression of Interest Challenge and we are one of the largest Duke of Edinburgh form with details. Two places annually will be awarded, given Award centres. For admission enquiries please contact Mrs K Davidson, eligible candidates. Principal’s PA (c) In rank order based on the scores achieved in the tests. We have high expectations of all of our pupils and we In the event that two pupils have equal ranking for the last believe that each girl has a particular talent to offer. Our place, priority will be given to the pupil whose permanent mission statement is a testament to transforming life chances address is the nearest to The Rochester Grammar School, as our ambition and dedication to every one of our children measured by using Medway Council’s GIS. and young people.

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 515 479 245 129 79 47 78 205 175 535 529 no 1190

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 39 Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School A member of The Williamson Trust

DFE number: 887 4530 PAN: 168 Type: Grammar Area: Rochester Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Boys Status: Academy In our most recent inspection, we received our second 12‘outstanding’ judgement from Ofsted, with the lead Admission and oversubscription criteria Executive Principal: Dr G Holden inspector noting in her report that ‘a buzz of excitement Entry is with testing via the Medway Test Headteacher: Mr E Hodges pervades the school.’ Admission: Maidstone Road, Rochester ME1 3EL If the number of preferences for the Five core values underpin our work: Oversubscription: 01634 844008 school exceeds th e number of places available at the school, the • We ensure the highest standards of achievement. LA will allocate places in the following priority order: Email: [email protected] • We provide all students with an exciting, challenging and • Looked after children (children in public care) and previously enjoyable curriculum that will prepare them for a rapidly [email protected] looked after children. changing, technology dominated world. • Children who at the time of application have a brother or sister • We promote courtesy, tolerance and respect for others. (including children living as siblings in the same family unit) on • We place great emphasis on personal development and Open sessions the roll of the school at the time of the sibling’s admission. well-being. • Child’s health re asons, supported by medical evidence, which Thursday, 22 October, 6 - 9pm • We work in partnership with parents and the wider Open evening: requires the child to attend this school. Headteacher talks at 6 and 7pm community. • Children who at the time of application have a parent who is a member of staff at the school (where the member of staff has Monday, 12 to Friday, 16 October, We have excellent facilities. The school has been extended Open days: been employed for three years or more at the time at which tour times 9.15am and 2.15pm over the years by the provision of a sixth form centre, the application for admission is made and/or where the member mathematics block, a larger music suite, a new building for of staff is recruited to fill a vacant post for which there is a For admission enquiries please contact design technology and art and a refurbished English block. demonstrable skill shortage). Mrs Jacqueline Harrison, PA to Headteacher • Nearness of children’s homes. With highly-qualified teaching staff, responsive pupils and Distance will be measured by the shortest available safe walking supportive parents, we believe we can develop the young last place the deciding factor will be the shortest available safe route between home and school as measured by the council’s people in our care into young adults of whom both the walking distance between the home address and the school as geographical information system. Those living closer to the school parents and the school can be justifiably proud. measured by the Medway Council Geographical will receive the higher priority. Medway Council’s GIS measures Information System and determined by Medway Local the start point, end point and distance of each route. Authority. Where this cannot be determined, the available In the event of two or more pupils having equal ranking for the place(s) will be allocated by drawing lots.

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 475 515 216 141 71 33 11 3 169 168 8.31km 6.1km no 1215

40 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions St John Fisher Catholic School

DFE number: 887 5436 PAN: 180 Type: Comprehensive Area: Chatham Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Mixed Status: Voluntary Aided

St John Fisher has a strong Christian ethos and seeks to 13develop the whole child as well as enabling them to reach Admission and oversubscription criteria Headteacher: Mrs C L Burnett their full academic potential. The school mission statement Entry is without testing. Lower school: 79 Maidstone Road, Chatham amplifies this further as we seek to encourage students to Admission: develop individually and collectively a way of life modelled ME4 6DP Please note that applicants should complete a Supplementary on Christ. In July 2014 the school received an outstanding 01634 335787 Information Form (SIF) as w ell as the application. This is available judgement in all categories for section 48. from and must be returned to the school by the closing date for Upper school: Ordnance Street, Chatham applications. The SIF is also available on the Medway Council ME4 6SG Students of all faiths are welcomed into our school. website at www.medway.gov.uk/admissions 01634 335757 All children in our school are safe, happy and successful. See page 42 for further details on oversubscription criteria. Email: [email protected] We have a dedicated Lower School for years 7 and 8 only. This creates a caring and nurturing small school which www.st-johnfisher.medway.sch.uk makes transition from primary to secondary much easier for children. Open sessions

St John Fisher Catholic School is within a selective area, Saturday, 10 October, 9am - 12noon Open morning: which caters for all abilities including the more able within Headteachers address at 10am and 11.15am a Christian ethos. Wednesday, 13 to Friday, 23 October, 10am Daytime tours: All prospective parents need to complete both the Please phone the school to book Medway form and the St John Fisher supplementary admission form. For admission enquiries please contact Mrs A Bovis

C L Burnett Headteacher

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 336 299 84 100 62 44 30 16 184 178 n/a n/a no 1050

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 41 Oversubscription: 8. Any other children. After the admission of pupils with statements of Special The following order of priorities will be applied when Educational Needs or EHCP where St John Fisher Catholic applications within any of the above categories exceed the places School is specifically named, the following over-subscription available and it is necessary to decide between applications. criteria will be applied in the order in which they are set I. A brother or sister on the school roll at the time of out below: admission. Evidence of the relationship may be required. Where the number of applications exceeds (n) the See note b. Governors will offer places using the following criteria in the II. Social, pastoral and medical needs which make the school order stated: particularly suitable for the child in question. Strong and 1. Looked after Catholic children or looked after children in relevant evidence must be provided by an appropriate the care of Catholic families and previously looked after professional authority (eg qualified medical practitioner, Catholic children who have been adopted or who have education welfare officer, social worker or priest). become the subject of a residence or guardianship order. III. Proximity to the School from the child’s home address. 2. Catholic children, a baptismal certificate or evidence of See note c. reception into the Catholic Church must accompany the Notes supplementary information form. See note a. a. Catholics include members of the Ordinariate and the Latin 3. Children enrolled in the catechumenate. Evidence of and Oriental Rite Churches that are in union with the enrolment in the catechumenate will be required. Bishop of Rome. Reference to other Christian 4. Other looked after children and other previously looked denominations refers to denominations that are full after children who have been adopted or who have become members of Churches Together in England. the subject of a residence or guardianship order. b. A “brother or sister” means children who live as brother 5. Non Catholic children who have attended a Catholic and sister including natural brothers or sisters, adopted primary partner school, that is: siblings, stepbrothers or sisters and foster brothers or • English Martyrs’, Strood sisters. It would not include other relatives eg cousins. • St Augustine of Canterbury, Rainham c. Home refers to the permanent home address at which the • St Benedict’s, Lordswo od child lives for the majority of his/her time and with the • St Edward’s, Sheppey parent who is in receipt of child benefit. The distance • St Mary’s, Gillingham calculated is the shortest available safe walking route • St Michael’s, Chatham known to Medway Council’s GIS. • St Peter’s, Sittingbourne d. Looked after children are those in the care of a public • St Thomas More, Walderslade authority and are in public care. Applications made under • St Thomas of Canterbury, Rainham this criterion must be accompanied by details of • St William of Perth, Rochester. circumstance and professionally supported evidence 6. Children of families who are members of other Christian (eg from an appropriate social worker). denominations that are part of Churches Together in England. Evidence of Baptism (or dedication) provided by a priest or minister of a designated place of worship will be required. 7. Children who are members of other faiths. Evidence of membership of the faith provided by a priest, minister or religious leader of a designated place of worship will be required.

42 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions Strood Academy

DFE number: 887 6905 PAN: 240 Type: Academy Area: Strood Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Mixed Status: Academy

Strood is the first of Medway’s new academies 14with new buildings that opened September 2012, providing Admission and oversubscription criteria Principal: Mrs Kim Gunn BA (Hons), MBA exceptional accommodation for teaching and learning. All applicants for a place at the academy including Carnation Road, Strood, Rochester ME2 2SX Admission: Our lead sponsor is the University for the Creative Arts those with an SEN statement or EHCP will be required to take 01634 717121 and our specialist subjects are mathematics and business the Fair Banding Test. and enterprise. These compliment our existing strengths in Email: [email protected] English, science, sports and the arts, providing outstanding www.stroodacademy.org Fair Banding test dates: opport unities for young people. Saturday, 26 September 2015 Saturday, 10 October 2015 Our academy is for children of all abilities, providing a safe Open sessions and well managed learning environment. Since opening, After the admission of students with Wednesday, 30 September, 6 - 8pm Oversubscription: Open evening: academic performance has been on an upward trend at Statements of Special Educational Needs where Strood Academy GCSE and A Level. Our sixth form continues to grow year Tuesday, 6 to Thursday, 8 October, 10.45am is named on the statement, the oversubscription criteria shall be Open mornings: on year with students progressing to university, college or applied in the order in which they are set out below. Within each employment. All children are monitored closely with band the criteria will be applied in the following order: For admission enquiries please contact Reception or the PA to reports to parents every six weeks and an open door a) Children looked after (in the care of, or accommodated by, the the Principal policy to meet with our staff. local authority) or previously looked after who immediately after being looked after were adopted or subject to a We set high standards for academic performance and have residence or special guardianship order(as further defined in equally high expectations for positive attitudes and paragraph 1.7 of the School Admissions Code). c) Nearness of children’s homes to the school. behaviour. Prospective parents are very welcome to visit b) Current family association (i.e. elder brother or sister in the d) Random allocation will be used as a tie-break in category c the academy in session. Academy at time of application who will still be attending above to decide who has highest priority for admission if when the applicant child is admitted. In this context, brother or the distance between two children’s homes and the school sister means: is the same. This process will be independently verified. 1. Natural brother or sister (including adopted siblings). 2. Step brother or sister. 3. Foster brother or sister. 4. Those who live as brother or sister living together as a family unit at the same address.

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 Allocation criteria - Fair Banding and criteria 500 524 259 105 65 37 19 15 240 240 no 1400

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 43 Fair Banding: the academy is named in the statement who must Strood Academy is an all ability school, and in order to always be given priority) will be considered after secure an all ability intake that is representative of the children who have sat the banding test. national ability range, all applicants for admission must All applicants who register for the test will be offered take a fair banding test which is prescribed by National fair access to the test and reminded of the dates and Foundation for Educational Research (NFER). This is times of the test. not a pass or fail test this is just to ensure that young people across the ability range are admitted. All applicants for places in the academy will be banded according to the principles of fair banding, using the national profile. Medway operate an equal preference system which means that parents/carers who intend to put Strood Academy down on the preference form either first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth choice will need to take the Academy Fair Banding test, which will determine what banding group their child should be placed in should they gain a place at the academy. The test will be administered during September/ October – a year ahead of entry. Parents and Carers can access the test for their child by filling in and returning a test registration form which will be available via the academy website at www.stroodacademy.org and from the Academy reception during term 6 of year 5.This test registration form should be returned within the prescribed deadlines as indicated on the registration form together with the preferred test date. All applicants for an Academy place, including those with a SEN statement, will be required to take the Fair Banding test. Following the test, applicants will be split into five bands based on their NFER scores within the national profile, including those with SEN statements and Looked After Children and children who were looked after, but ceased to be so because they were adopted (or because they were subject to a resident order of special guardianship order). Students who have not taken the banding test (apart from children in care and statemented students where

44 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions The Thomas Aveling School An academy for success

DFE number: 887 5451 PAN: 190 Type: Academy Area: Rochester Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Mixed Status: Academy

Thomas Aveling is a popular and consistently over- 15subscribed school with outstanding facilities and resources, Admission and oversubscription criteria Headteacher: Mr P Jackson Entry is without testing. offering an excellent education for all, including the most Admission: After the admission of pupils with Arethusa Road, Rochester ME1 2UW able. We provide exciting and challenging learning Oversubscription: statements of Special Educational Needs or EHCP where The opportunities in a creative and happy environment, with 01634 844809 Thomas Aveling School is specifically named, the following over- the highest expectations for children in every aspect of Email: [email protected] subscription criteria will be applied in the order in which they are school life. Our broad curriculum provides a smooth set out below: www.thomasaveling.co.uk transition from primary school, with most students Where applications for admission received via Medway Council’s following a three-year , leading to the widest Co-ordinated Scheme exceed the number of places available, the possible choice at age 16 and beyond. Our results have following criteria will be applied, in the order set out below, to risen steeply over the past eight years and our last Ofsted Open sessions decide which children to admit: inspection recognised us as a good school with a happy a) Children in public care. As defined in the Medway Council Thursday, 9 July, 6 - 8pm and lively atmosphere and a sense of shared purpose. We Open evening: Co-ordinated Scheme. Headteacher will speak: 6.15 and 7pm offer a wide and exciting range of out-of-hours activities, b) Current Family Association, ie. an older sibling who is on the fully utilising our purpose built sports hall, performing arts roll of the school when the application is made, living in the Tuesday, 6, Wednesday, 7 and Thursday, 8 centre, sixth form suite, science laboratories and Open mornings: same household, and who must still be attending at the point October, 9.15 - 10.45am community library. of entry. Sibling means an older brother or sister, step-brother Headteacher will speak: 9.15am or sister, foster brother or sister, or those who live as brother We believe that partnership with parents is pivotal for the or sister in the same house. In all cases, children must reside in For admission enquiries please contact Mrs Y Akrill success of our students, and regular opportunities are the same household. provided for parental participation. Staff and students are c) Residence within an access area. As defined in the Medway justifiably proud of their school and prospective parents Council Admission to Secondary School booklet and as and children are very welcome to visit during any of our published on the school website. in the Medway Local Authority Admission to Secondary open sessions. d) Nearness of children’s homes. The Governors of The Thomas School booklet. Aveling School have adopted Medway Council’s criteria for Tiebreaker – in the unlikely event that two or more children in Paul Jackson all other ways have equal eligibility for the last place at the Headteacher measuring the nearness of children’s homes to the school when allocating places. Distance will be measured by the school, the names will be issued a number and drawn randomly shortest available safe walking route between home and to decide which child should be given the place. school, as measured by Medway Council’s GIS and as defined

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 627 550 237 151 124 54 35 26 190 190 1.9km 2.6km yes 1110

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 45 The(formerly Bishop Victory of Rochester Academy, name Academysubject to consultation)

DFE number: 887 6907 PAN: 240 Type: Academy Area: Chatham Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Mixed Status: Academy

The Victory Academy is now part of The Thinking Schools 16Academy Trust and is, therefore, part of a family of schools Admission and oversubscription criteria Principal: Ms Mandy Gage including local schools such as New Horizons Children’s Entry is without testing Magpie Hall Road, Chatham ME4 5JB Academy, Chatham Grammar School for Boys and The Admission: Rochester Grammar School. 01634 303005 Oversubscription: Email: [email protected] At The Victory Academy we are committed to ensuring that There will be two broad groups: 120 open places and up to 120 all of our students are supported and encouraged to achieve foundation places. Open places will be open to anyone; www.boracademy.org their personal best. We aspire for our students to develop foundation places will be for students from three local Church of their academic and life skills so that they are equipped and England primary schools. These are All Saints’ C of E Primary ready to be successful when they leave school. School, Chatham, St Mary’s Island C of E Primary School, Open sessions Chatham and St Margaret’s C of E Junior School, Rainham. If there The school has a caring and compassionate ethos so that Thursday, 8 October, 5 - 8pm were not enough students applying for the foundation places, Open evening: students are able to grow in a supportive atmosphere then any left will become open places. conducive to their development. Where students need Tuesday, 13, Wednesday 14, Thursday 15 Wher e the Academy is oversubscribed, places will be allocated to Open mornings: Tuesday, 20, Wednesday 21 and Thursday, additional support we will look to meet their needs through applicants in the following priority order: 22 October, from 9am by appointment. our well-resourced pastoral system and in partnership with 1. Looked after children (as defined in the Medway co-ordinated our local schools can offer a bespoke programme for any admission scheme). pupil with specific aptitudes and interests. 2. Siblings (pupils living as brothers and sisters, etc). For admission enquiries please contact [email protected] At The Victory Academy we believe that students need the 3. Child’s health reasons. Medical evidence must be provided right tools to be successful at school and in life. Therefore, which demonstrates a specific health reason which requires the we are becoming a Thinking School, accredited by Exeter child to attend the preferred school. University, which means that students learn how to use a 4. Those living nearest the academy based on the measured variety of thinking structures to support their learning. distance using Medway Council’s GIS system and procedure. 5. Children of a member of staff working in the Academy for two The school has a thriving extra-curricular programme with or more years at time of application for admission or many opportunities for students to grow their talents. In appointed to a skill shortage subject. the sporting arena the school has a wide range of very successful teams ranging from Football to Basketball to weight lifting. We are working towards becoming a specialist Performing Arts School and regularly have outstanding student productions, dance shows and exhibitions.

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 267 250 82 72 56 27 15 15 169 146 n/a n/a no 980

46 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions Walderslade Girls’ School

DFE number: 887 4167 PAN: 160 Type: Academy Area: Walderslade Age range: 11 – 18 Single sex/mixed: Girls Status: Academy Walderslade Girls’ School (WGS) is a small traditional 17and successful high school, providing a vibrant, purposeful Admission and oversubscription criteria Headteacher: Mrs Louise McGowan and secure environment where the highest standards of Entry is without testing BMUS (Hons) MA NPQH FRSA Admission: achievement and behaviour are expected. Our committed Bradfields Avenue, Walderslade, Chatham ME5 0LE and long serving staff share their passion and excitement After the admission of pupils with Oversubscription: 01634 861596 for education and our girls are encouraged to take statements of Special Educational Needs or EHCP where responsibility for their learning and their conduct. We place Walderslade Girls’ School is specifically named, the following Email: [email protected] emphasis on developing well educated young women of over-subscription criteria will be applied in the order in which www.waldersladegirls.org.uk the future through a wide curriculum with ample they are set out below: Where applications for admission exceed opportunities for students to develop their creativity the number of places available, the following criteria will be through our arts specialism as well as achieve success applied in the order set out below: Open sessions across academic subjects. 1. Children in public care - (as defined in Medway Council’s Tuesday, 13 October, 6 - 8.30pm Open evening: Co-ordinated Scheme). Headteacher’s presentation at 6.15 and 7pm Ofsted reported in March 2014 “All groups of students 2. Sibling - (a sister attending Walderslade Girls School or brother achieve well. High expectations are the norm. Students’ attending Greenacre Academy at the time of application and Wednesday, 14 to Friday, 16 October, Open mornings: conduct and behaviour, both within class and around the who will still be attending in September 2016. Sibling means 9am - 12noon school, is impressive. Students are proud of their school. children who live as brother/sister in the same house and Relationships are supportive, harmonious and respectful.” includes natural siblings, adopted siblings, foster siblings and For admission enquiries please contact Mrs Maher, step siblings. (Extended family, for example cousins, living in the Admissions Officer: [email protected] As an 11-18 school, we offer a strong and varied same house, do not qualify as siblings). curriculum in the sixth form which works in close 3. Historical Sibling – girls with an older sibling who attended partnership with Greenacre Academy, sharing strengths Walderslade Girls School but who has now left. This applies to link between the child’s medical condition and needs and and subject expertise to ensure our students receive the girls whose older sibling left up to five years prior to how the named school can meet these needs. highest quality specialist teaching. September 2016. Sibling means children who live as 5. Residence in the Walderslade Girls’ School access area. brother/sister in the same house and includes natural siblings, 6. Nearness of children’s home – as defined in the Medway adopted siblings, foster siblings and step siblings. (Extended Council Co-ordinated Scheme using Medway Council’s GIS. family, for example cousins, living in the same house, do not Tiebreaker – in the unlikely event that two or more children qualify as siblings). in all other ways have equal eligibility for the last place at the 4. Child’s health reasons – Medical evidence must be provided to school, the names will be issued a number and drawn Medway Council. This evidence must demonstrate a specific randomly to decide which child should be given the place.

Total number of prefs 2015 Preference breakdown Places allocated (on offer day) Furthest distance offered (on offer day) Access area Expected roll 2015 2014 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 2015 2014 2015 2014 313 314 143 51 50 32 18 19 160 160 3.05km 2.53km yes 920

apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions 47 Medway Primary School DFE numbers

School name Number School name Number School name Number All Faiths Children’s Academy 887 2600 High Halstow Primary School 887 2421 St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School 887 3752 All Saints Church of England Primary School 887 3093 Hilltop Primary School 887 2499 St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School 887 3753 Allhallows Primary Academy 887 2005 Hoo St Werburgh Primary School St Helen’s Church of England Primary School 887 3096 Balfour Junior School 887 2214 and Marlborough Centre 887 2213 St James Church of England Primary Academy 887 2002 Barnsole Primary School 887 2396 Horsted School - Juniors 887 2506 St Margaret’s CE Junior School 887 3195 Bligh Federation - Juniors 887 2492 The Hundred of Hoo Primary Phase 887 9968 St Margaret’s at Troy Town CE Primary school 887 3293 Brompton-Westbrook Primary School 887 2646 Kingfisher Primary School and Children’s Centre 887 2003 St Mary’s Catholic Primary School 887 3755 Bryony School 887 6001 King’s School Rochester 887 6000 St Mary’s Island CEA Primary School 887 3756 Burnt Oak Primary School 887 3760 Lordswood School 887 2007 St Michael’s RC Primary School 887 3712 Byron Primary School 887 2644 Luton Junior School 887 2199 St Thomas More Catholic Primary School 887 3736 Cedar Primary School 887 2469 Maundene School 887 2580 St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School 887 3732 The Cedars School (independent) 887 6003 Meredale Independent Primary School 887 6007 St William of Perth Catholic Primary School 887 3746 Chattenden Primary School 887 2209 Miers Court Primary School 887 2623 Stoke Community School 887 2194 Cliffe Woods Primary School 887 2588 Napier Community Primary and Nursery School 887 2012 Swingate Primary School 887 2549 Cuxton Community Junior School 887 2013 New Horizons Children’s Academy 887 2008 Temple Mill Primary School 887 2685 Deanwood Primary School and Children’s Centre 887 2684 New Road Primary School 887 2202 Thames View Primary School 887 2592 Delce Academy 887 2413 Oaklands School 887 2433 Twydall Primary School Nursery Elaine Primary Academy 887 2000 Oasis Academy Skinner Street 887 2006 and Children’s Centre 887 2754 English Martyrs’ Catholic Primary School 887 3729 Park Wood Junior School 887 2493 Wainscott Primary School 887 2210 Fairview Community Primary School 887 3759 Phoenix Junior Academy 887 2001 Walderslade Primary School 887 2203 Featherby Junior School 887 2400 The Pilgrim School 887 3758 Warren Wood Community Primary School and Language Unit 887 2640 The Gordon School - Juniors 887 2009 Riverside Primary School & Children’s Centre 887 3757 Wayfield Primary School 887 2668 Halling Primary School 887 2211 Saxon Way Primary School 887 2004 The Academy of Woodlands 887 2412 Hempstead Junior School 887 2403 St Andrew’s School 887 6002

48 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions Nearest qualifying school Transfer to secondary school - September 2016 confirmation request for home Nearest qualifying school confirmation request to school transport purposes Medway residents only (Only complete this form if you pay your council tax to Medway Council) Please also read the information in section six of this booklet. This is not an application for a school place If you would like your nearest qualifying school(s) for the purposes of home to school transport, please complete the request form opposite and submit to If you would like your nearest qualifying school confirmed for the purpose of free home to school Student transport, please complete your child’s details below in BLOCK CAPITALS and send the whole Services Operations Team, Gun Wharf, Dock form to . Student Services Operations Team, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent Road, Chatham ME4 4TR before 9 October 2015. Forms received after this date may not be processed before the ME4 4TR Forms must be submitted by to ensure closing date for preferences. 9 October 2015 a response before the closing date for school applications (2 November 2015). Child’s name: Please note that responses cannot be provided prior to September 2015, even if you have submitted your request Child’s date of birth: Male: Female: before then. Home address: Student Services Operations Team will respond to your request and provide you with the details of the three nearest non-selective and selective schools to the address you provide. Postcode:

The minimum statutory walking distance will still apply Parent/carer’s name: and, therefore, does not mean that you are guaranteed free home to school transport if your child attends any of the Phone number home: Work: schools listed.

The distances provided in the response will only be an Mobile: indication of the home to school distance and may not be the final distance used for home to school transport Email address: purposes. Please provide if you would like a response by email Also, there are no guarantees that a place will be able to be offered at any of the schools named in the response. Please note: There is no guarantee that a place at a school named in the response can be offered. School places are only offered against the published oversubscription criteria for the individual school(s). 50 apply online www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions Join your local library, it’s free. knowledgeableg e free to use discoverscofriendlyo staff staf f computers booksboo trusted study low-cost printing fornd homework

and pleasure resources To find out more visit www.medway.gov.uk/libraries or 01634 337799 Find out about Medway Council services in your language

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To find out more information on Medway Council services phone 01634 333333 or visit www.medway.gov.uk

G9472 Designed by Medway Council’s Communications Team. www.medway.gov.uk/communications