Schools: A Great Place to Learn

Your guide to the school application process for children born between: 1 September 2005 and 31 August 2006. Offer day: Closing date: 31 October 2016 1 March 2017

www.islington.gov.uk/admissions Location map

Key

Secondary schools Rail stations 9 Underground stations Haringey Parks and open space 3 Major roads Minor roads 1 Rail lines

1. Arts and Media School, Islington 2. Central Foundation Boys’ School 3. City of Academy, Hill 4. City of London Academy, Islington 5. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School 6. Fields School 7. Highbury Grove School 8. Holloway School 9. St Aloysius’ College for Boys 10. St Mary Magdalene Academy 8 Hackney

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7 10

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Camden

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City of London 2 Welcome

Welcome

We have much to be proud of in Islington to consider when making your preferences when it comes to our secondary schools – for example, ensuring you refer to the and I am particularly delighted that all our admission criteria. secondary schools have once again been rated good or outstanding by Ofsted. If you do need further help or advice, our School Admissions team is on hand It is vital that children and young people to guide you through each stage of the have every opportunity to reach their full application process. potential in schools and we make sure this is achieved through excellent leadership, Finally, may I take the opportunity to wish high expectations and rigorous standards. your child every success as they continue Our teachers always go that extra mile their school journey into the secondary to make sure they provide creative and phase. inspirational classes that challenge our students appropriately, in line with their strengths and abilities. If any students need extra help or support, they will receive this in a nurturing and stimulating Councillor Joe Caluori environment, and equally, those needing Executive Member for Children to be stretched further are encouraged to and Families deepen their learning and understanding through extension activities. Our schools work closely with parents every step of the way to ensure your child can thrive, and we are confident you will find the right school for your child here in Islington. You may prefer for your child to attend a single-sex or mixed school, or you may wish to consider faith schools and academies. This brochure provides a flavour of what is on offer in Islington. The brochure also provides details of how to make your online application and what

3 Contents

Section 1: Before you apply Section 4: Islington’s schools About schools in Islington 6 Arts and Media School, Islington 32 Dates to remember 7 Central Foundation Boys’ School 33 Top tips before you apply 8 City of London Academy, Highgate Hill 34 City of London Academy, Islington 35

Section 2: How to apply Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School 36 Our pledge to you 11 37 Apply online 12 Highbury Grove School 38 About school applications 14 Holloway School 39 Admission criteria for community schools 18 St Aloysius’ College for Boys 40 Multiple births 21 St Mary Magdalene Academy 41 Criteria flowchart 22 Dame Alice Owen’s School, Potters Bar 42 Table of school places 23

Section 5: Sixth Form options Section 3: What happens next City and Islington Sixth Form College 44 What happens to your application? 25 City of London Academy, Islington Sixth Form 45 (COLAI-6) Waiting lists and appeals 26 Islington Sixth Form Consortium (IC6) 46 University Technical Colleges and Studio Schools 28 St Mary Magdalene Sixth Form 47 Applying during the school year 29 48

Section 6: Useful information and contacts Things to do for young people 50

Financial Assistance 51 Additional educational needs 53 Don’t forget - School attendance: every day counts! 54

apply online by School transport 55 31 October 2016 Other local authority contact details 56 Glossary 57

4 Section 1: Before you apply

5 Section 1: Before you apply

About schools in Islington

Good to outstanding! Islington’s Community of Schools Did you know that Islington’s Islington’s Community of Schools secondary schools are among the work closely with one another to best in the country as judged by meet the diverse needs of children Ofsted? 100% of our schools living or going to school in the are good or outstanding – an borough. achievement we are extremely The Community of Schools is made proud of and determined to improve up of academies, community, still further through our ambition foundation, free, trust, and to ensure outstanding teaching and voluntary–aided schools. For details learning in all our secondary schools. of how these schools operate, please The aim of this brochure is to help refer to the glossary. you make an informed decision about which school will best suit your child. If you do need any extra information, please email us with your query at [email protected] or call us on 020 7527 5515.

6 Section 1: Before you apply

Dates to remember

Date What happens?

September 2016 You can apply online from 1 September 2016 to 31 October 2016

21 October 2016 Recommended application return date: submit your online application by this date. If you miss the deadline, your application will not be processed until after all on time applications

31 October 2016 Application deadline: this is the final date for you to submit your application online. We strongly recommend that you submit your application by

21 October 2016

30 November 2016 Exceptional social/medical application deadline: you must submit your application and supporting documentation by this date in order for it to be considered alongside all on time applications

1 March 2017 Offer day: you will receive your result by email in the evening of 1 March 2017

15 March 2017 Acceptance deadline: you must accept (or decline) your school place by this date. You can do this online.

1 April 2017 Appeal deadline: submit your online appeal for an Islington community school by this date. For other types of schools, please refer to the school’s website. Remember, you can still appeal, even if you have accepted the school place offered.

7 Section 1: Before you apply

DO:

1. Apply on time – only 40% of applicants who applied late were offered one of their preferred schools compared to 96% of on time applicants

2. Check the school website – there is a wealth of useful information available

3. Visit schools – this is the best way to get a ‘feel’ for the school. You can meet a member of the leadership team, ask questions and see the school in action

4. Think about what is right for your child – don’t rely on what others tell you, visit the school and see first-hand

5. Talk to your child – involve them as much as you can 6. Think about the journey – how easy will it be to get to the school? Some schools may be further away but are easier to get to

7. Check the admission criteria and cut-off distance – how likely is it that your child will be offered a place? You can check this by clicking on the link in the school fact file

8. Use all six preferences – make sure you include at least one local school

9. Ask the School Admissions team for advice – they can’t tell you which schools to apply for, but they can explain the admission criteria and check whether you would have got a place last year

10. Make sure you press ‘submit’ when you finish your online application. You should then receive a reference number confirming safe receipt. 8 Section 1: Before you apply

DON’T:

1. List private schools on your application – you should apply directly to the private school

2. Wait till the last minute to apply – you may have a problem getting online or logging on. Give yourself plenty of time to think things through carefully

3. List only one school – your application will not be treated more favourably and you could lose out on another school you like.

Don’t forget - apply online by 31 October 2016

9 Section 1: Before you apply

Our pledge to you

Islington Council is committed to providing quality customer service. We make the following promise to everyone who lives, works in, or visits the borough:

We will be fair in the way we deliver services and treat everyone equally, with courtesy and respect We will provide polite, welcoming and efficient services that are accessible to all We will provide helpful information and secure transactions on our website We will answer our phones quickly and endeavour to deal with your enquiry or issue during your first call. If we can’t we will call you back the next working day We will respond to your emails and letters in plain English within ten working days We will respond to your complaints within 21 days We will seek your feedback on the services we provide and publish the results on our website.

10 Section 2: How to apply

11 Section 2: How to apply

Apply online

If you live in Islington, you need to apply using Islington’s online application form. When can I apply? 5. There is no need to pay for You can apply from 1 September postage. 2016 until 31 October 2016. Applications made by the deadline How do I get started? are ‘on time’ and will be processed You will need an email address. before ‘late’ applications made after You can register for a free email this deadline. account with a number of providers. The London e-Admissions system We strongly recommend that you recommends Gmail. Click here to submit your application by Friday create an account. 23 October 2016 (the week before half term) in case there are I have an email address, what any issues with submitting your next? application (e.g. problems with Click here to access the London internet access, forgotten e-Admissions system and register user-name or password etc.). your email address. Once you have done this, you will receive an Why apply online? email explaining how to make your 1. You can do your application in application. stages. You can review the order of schools listed, and other When do I find out which school information as many times as has been offered? you want before you submit the National Secondary Offer Day is 1 online application. March 2017. In the evening: 2. The online system checks for you will receive an email telling errors or missing information. you which school has been 3. The system is secure and your offered information is safe. OR you can log on to the London 4. A reference number is sent to e-Admissions system to view your registered email confirming your offer online. safe receipt of your application. 12 Section 2: How to apply

Who can help me with the online ParentComms application? Why not sign up for ParentComms? The School Admissions team can Using the app, you will be able offer telephone advice and talk you to receive the outcome of through the online application. your application on your mobile The team also offers one to one device. You can download the free support from 222 . ParentComms app from the Apple Please call 020 7527 5515 to AppStore, Google Play or Windows arrange an appointment. Phone Store by registering your username and password. You will For technical queries and assistance, receive reminders about the closing please contact the London date and any pending applications e-Admissions helpdesk: that need to be submitted by the E: [email protected] deadline. T: 020 8255 5555 (Option 1)

Make a note

Please make a note of the following details as you will need this information to access your application, and offer in March:

Application Reference Number:

Username:

Password:

13 Section 2: How to apply

About school applications

1. You must apply to the local 6. As well as the main online authority where your child admissions application, you may lives. Islington residents should need to complete a supplementary apply online here. information form (SIF) for some schools. This information is 2. You can list up to six schools included in the fact file. The SIF on your application. The must be sent directly to the schools can be in Islington or school. You must still complete in another local authority. There the online application. is no advantage in listing only one or two schools. We highly 7. You must submit your application recommend that you list six online by 31 October 2016 schools, and include at least one for it to be on time. If it is late school near to where you live. your chances of getting a place at your preferred school may be 3. List the schools in the order you reduced. prefer, with your favourite school first. Your preference order is not Application address disclosed to the schools. The address that we will use to process your application will be your 4. It is a good idea to list your child’s current permanent address nearest schools. If you do not on 31 October 2016. We can only apply for any of the schools use one address. This must be the close to you, there is a risk that if official address where your child you do not secure a place at one spends most of their time Monday of your preferences, local schools to Friday. may already be full, and your Please note that we may not accept child could end up having to a temporary address if you still travel further away to get to possess a property that was school. previously used as a home address; nor accept a temporary address if it 5. Do not list private schools. You is used solely or mainly to obtain a need to apply directly to school place. fee-paying schools. 14 Section 2: How to apply

We may also carry out additional If you know someone who intends to checks with the new school to see use, or has used, a false address to whether the child’s home address obtain a school place, you can report has changed since the application this confidentially to the Islington was completed and will investigate School Admissions team on all applications where: 020 7527 5515 or email there are any doubts about the [email protected] information originally provided Shared parental responsibility information has been received If parents live separately, but the from a member of the public to child lives equally with both, then it suggest misleading information is the parents’ responsibility to has been provided and a make this clear at the time of the fraudulent application made application and to provide the council tax account is in a supporting evidence in respect of different name from the both addresses, for example, a applicant’s. Residency Order from a court. The provision of false or Please note that only one address misleading information will can be used for school admission result in the school place purposes and the final decision will being withdrawn, and may rest with the Islington School lead to prosecution. Admissions team.

Whistleblowing Proof of address Islington Council takes a firm stand In order for us to verify your against any attempt to obtain a address, please provide your school place by fraud. If you provide council tax reference number false or deliberately misleading (you can find this on your council information whilst completing a tax bill). If you cannot provide this, school admissions application, or use please provide a copy of your most a temporary address intentionally for recent rent, mortgage statement or the purpose of gaining an advantage tenancy agreement. over other applicants, your application will become void. 15 Section 2: How to apply

If you cannot obtain these Change of address documents, please provide at least If your child moves after 31 two alternative documents. For October 2016, then please example: utility bill; bank statement; provide a copy of the documents GP, hospital, dentist or optician listed above. This is to ensure your letter. application is handled correctly. We also require proof that the Children of UK service personnel child you are applying for lives or crown servants with you. Therefore, please provide If you, or your partner, are a a copy of your most recent child serving member of UK forces with benefit or family tax credit letter a confirmed posting to Islington, which clearly states your child’s or a crown servant returning from name and address. overseas, we will use the posting If you do not receive child benefit or address provided by your family tax credit, please provide at employer as long as you provide least two alternative documents to us with documentary supporting prove your child lives with you. For evidence of your relocation date and example: a letter from your child’s Islington address. GP, dentist, hospital, optician; NHS There is no guarantee that a place Medical Card; child trust fund will be available at your preferred document; or the page within your school; each application will be child’s health record book that has considered in line with the school’s his/her name and address. admission criteria. If an offer can be Please ensure that copies of made, then that place may be held documents provided are not older for a reasonable period, depending than 12 months. Documents on individual circumstances. can be uploaded with your online If we cannot offer your child a admissions application. If we require place at your preferred school, further information, we will contact then we will in advance of your you. Do not delay submitting return, allocate the nearest Islington your application if you do not community school to your home have the appropriate proofs of address that has a place available. address as we can offer advice on Where your child is first on the 16 what to do next. Section 2: How to apply

waiting list, we will ask the school data held about you or your child. to go over number and admit your Islington has a duty under the child as an ‘excepted’ pupil in line Children’s Act 2004 to work with with provisions in the School partners to provide and improve Admissions Code. services to children and young people in the area. Therefore Late applications Islington may also use this If we receive your application information for other legitimate after 31 October 2016 then your purposes and may share this application will be late. This means information where necessary it will not be considered until we with other bodies responsible have allocated school places for all for administering services to be applications received on time. This shared with the Department of could reduce your chances of getting Communities and Local Government a place at the school you want. as part of the Troubled Families Scheme. Further information can If there are exceptional reasons why be found here. it was not possible to make your application by the deadline, please Islington also has a duty to protect email us at admissions@islington. the public funds it administers, gov.uk providing any supporting and to this end it may use the documentation. information you have provided on this form for the prevention and Privacy Notice detection of fraud. London Borough of Islington will For more information please contact handle the information you have the School Admissions team on provided in line with the provisions 020 7527 5515, email of the Data Protection Act. Any [email protected] or go personal information will be held in online. confidence with only the necessary people able to see or use it. Under the Data Protection Act you have the right to make a formal request in writing for access to personal

17 Section 2: How to apply

Admission criteria for community schools Children with a Statement of brother or sister, whose main Special Educational Needs or residence is at the same address. Education, Health and Care Plan This criterion will apply to applicants (EHCP) with a sibling living at the same If your child has a Statement of address who is on the roll of the Special Educational Needs or EHCP, preferred school (years 7 to 11), they will be admitted to the school or co-located Special School, at the named in the Statement or EHCP. time of the proposed admission in the new academic year. Oversubscription criteria 3. Exceptional social/medical When more applications are received needs than there are places available, the The Director of Children’s Services, following criteria will be used to on an individual basis, may give decide which pupils are offered a priority to applicants who can place at an Islington community demonstrate that admission to a school in the order listed below: particular school is necessary on the 1. Children looked after grounds of professionally supported This refers to children who are in the exceptional medical, social or care of a local authority and children special educational needs. Parents who have been adopted (or made must supply details of any such subject to a child arrangements special factors at the time of the order or special guardianship order) original application (together with immediately after being looked after. recent supporting documentation), to enable these factors to be 2. Siblings considered. A sibling is defined as a brother or sister, half-brother or sister, If your child has an exceptional social step-brother or sister or adopted (for example child protection/safe-

18 Section 2: How to apply

guarding issues) or medical need 4. Distance (for example if your child requires Applicants will be prioritised by wheelchair access) to attend a distance (starting with the nearest). specific Islington community school, Nearness to schools is measured on then please provide professional a computerised mapping system evidence (e.g. from a doctor or using a straight line distance educational psychologist) and measurement. Routes will be complete our social/medical calculated from the home address application explaining why this is (as defined by the Land and the only school that can meet your Property Gazetteer) to the child’s needs. The form is available midpoint of the school grounds (as for download here. determined by the London Borough of Islington). Your case will be considered by a panel comprising a senior admissions Please note distance will be used officer, educational psychologist and as a tiebreaker for criteria 1, 2 senior social worker. The panel will and 3. consider the evidence presented and consult relevant professionals as How we calculate home to school necessary to determine: distances a. whether your child has an We use the Capita ONE system to exceptional social or medical need calculate the distance from your and child’s home (the start point) to the b. that this need can only be met by school (the end point). This system a specific school. calculates the distance in miles to three decimal places. The routing Please note late applicants database system uses two applying under social/medical dimensional maps. This means it criterion can be prioritised only does not take into account any on the waiting list. contours or terrains.

19 Section 2: How to apply

The start point (applicant’s home) Please note that you cannot For calculation purposes, Islington compare distances produced on Council uses the National Land and Islington’s Capita ONE system to Property Gazetteer (NLPG) those calculated using any personal database to determine the start or online geographical information point for Islington addresses. The system software you may have starting points for other addresses access to such as satellite are provided by your home local navigations systems or Google authority. Calculations are based on maps. the assumption that the child’s home Islington residents can obtain an address is classified at the point of approximate distance measurement application as a residential property. to any Islington school by clicking If you live in a block of flats where here. you use a communal entrance, we Alternatively, you can call the School will use the NLPG point for the Admissions team for an approximate block and not the centroid of your measurement on 020 7527 5515. individual flat for the distance calculation.

The end point (school) The centre of the school grounds is used as the end point for home to school distance as defined by Islington Council.

20 Section 2: How to apply

Multiple births

If only one place is available at the school and the next child who qualifies for a place is one of multiple birth siblings, we will ask community schools to admit the siblings and go over their published admission number to support the family.

Tie break If only one place is available and two or more children qualify for that place, the child who is offered the place will be determined by random allocation using a computerised system.

21 Section 2: How to apply

Criteria flowchart

SEN: Does your child have a Statement of Special Educational Please contact the SEN Needs or Education, Health and Care Plan? YES team on 020 7527 5860.

NO

1) Children looked after: Is your child looked after by a Your application will be local authority or was adopted (or made subject to a child YES considered under this arrangements order or special guardianship orders) immediately criterion and will have the after being looked after? highest priority. Please provide a letter from your child’s social worker to confirm that your child NO is or was looked after.

2) Siblings: Does your child have a brother or sister who will be Your application will be attending the school in September 2017? See p18 for a full YES considered under this definition of this rule. criterion, which has priority over applications considered under criteria 3 and 4. NO

3) Social/medical: Does your child have an exceptional social or If the panel agrees your medical need to attend a specific school? If yes, then please provide: case is strong enough to professional evidence (eg from a doctor or educational meet the requirements of psychologist) and YES this rule, your application  an explanation outlining why this is the only school that can meet will be considered under your child’s needs using our social medical application form. this criterion which has See p18 for a full definition of this rule. priority over applications considered under criterion 4. NO

4) Distance: All remaining applications will be considered under the distance criterion, with priority given to those children who live closest to the school. Please see p19-20 for an explanation of how we measure distances.

22 Table of school places The table below provides a summary of information for Islington secondary schools for last year’s admission round (admission in September 2016).

Name of school number admission Published of school Type Number of applications received preference Number of first received applications offered Number of places via the SEN Number admitted process under Children Number offered criterion After Looked under sibling Number offered criterion under Number offered Social/Medical criterion under other Number offered criteria under Number offered criterion distance in 2016 Cut-off distances (in miles) lodgedNumber of appeals upheld Number of appeals Arts and 150 Mixed 351 79 122 2 1 25 0 N/A 94 Does not apply 0 0 Media, Trust Islington Central 150 Boys 582 196 150 3 0 42 0 N/A 105 Band 1: 1.392 6 0 Foundation Voluntary Band 2: 1.253 8 3 Boys’ -Aided Band 3: 1.073 7 0 School Band 4: 1.485 6 0 City of 125 Mixed 621 166 125 5 1 39 0 City of London 76 Band 1: 0.602 6 1 London Academy resident: 4 Band 2: 0.707 5 2 Academy Attending Band 3: 0.491 10 1 Islington Richard Band 4: 0.665 3 1 Cloudesley: 0

Elizabeth 180 Girls 463 185 180 0 1 41 0 N/A 138 1.209 14 1 Garrett Community Anderson School Highbury 140 Girls 419 100 140 2 2 25 0 N/A 111 1.618 1 1 Fields Community School Highbury 210 Mixed 863 170 210 3 0 53 0 N/A 154 1.001 6 1 Grove Community School Holloway 180 Mixed 411 118 156 4 2 40 0 N/A 110 Does not apply 0 0 School Community Mount 140 Girls 157 39 52 1 0 N/A 0 Faith: 9 42 Does not apply 0 0 Carmel Voluntary- College Aided for Girls Catholic St Aloysius’ 180 Boys 449 138 180 1 1 N/A 0 Faith: 143 31 Band 1: 3.488 0 0 College Voluntary- for Boys Aided Band 2: 1.408 0 0 Catholic Band 3: Does 0 0 not apply Music: 4 Band 4: 1.149 0 0 St Mary 180 Mixed 832 252 180 2 2 58 N/A Primary School: 13 Open: 61 Open: 0.435 10 1 Magdalene Church of Language: 18 Foundation: Foundation: 0 0 Academy 26 1.053 Academy

*Mount Carmel will continue admitting girls during 2016-17, and will re-open in September 2017 as a mixed non-denominational academy.

23 Section 3: What happens next?

24 Section 3: What happens next?

What happens to your application? Section 3: All London boroughs and some councils bordering London What are part of the pan-London school admissions scheme. This makes applying for school places in the capital fairer happens and simpler. How does it work? available (i.e. it is oversubscribed) next? A secure computer system is used its published admission criteria will to exchange information between be used to decide which pupils will councils when residents apply for be offered the places – the school’s schools outside the borough where fact file provides a link to the they live. admission criteria. A summary of last year’s results is provided in the table Every school you apply for is of school places. considered at the same time and your order of preference is kept If you are an Islington resident and confidential. we cannot offer your child a place at any school listed on your If your application meets the criteria application, we will keep you for more than one school, you will informed of vacancies and offer be offered the highest preference you the opportunity to make possible and all lower preferences further preferences. If a place will be withdrawn and released to does not become available, we other children. So, make sure you will allocate a place at the put the school you really want first. nearest Islington community school Each school has a set number of to your home address that has a available places – check the school’s place available. fact file for details. Where a school receives more applications than there are places

25 Section 3: What happens next?

Waiting lists and appeals

Waiting lists Right of appeal Your child’s name will automatically You have the right of appeal under be placed on the waiting list of any the School Standards & Framework school listed as a higher preference Act 1998 against the refusal of a on your original application than the place at any of the schools listed on school place offered. your application. Your child will remain on the waiting An independent panel will hear your list until the end of the autumn term appeal and their decision is binding (December 2017) unless we receive for both the Admission Authority and written confirmation that you wish the school(s). The panel will be made to extend this further. up of people who have experience in education and lay members Please note: (people without personal experience being on a waiting list will not of school management or the guarantee a place at your provision of education). preferred school How do I lodge an admission your child’s waiting list position appeal? can go down as well as up For Islington community schools, you waiting list positions are can appeal online here by 1 April considered strictly in accordance 2017. with the school’s admission criteria and are not affected by For other schools, contact the acceptance of a lower preference school directly to obtain an appeal offer. form. The completed form should be returned to the school by the date You can accept the place offered, given to you. remain on the waiting list of any higher preference school and lodge an appeal all at the same time.

26 Section 3: What happens next?

When will the appeal take place? Provided you lodge your appeal for an Islington community school by the deadline above, your appeal will be heard in May or June 2017.

What does the appeal panel consider? The appeal panel can only uphold an appeal (i.e. offer a school place) where: 1. The admission arrangements do not comply with legal requirements set out in the School Admissions Code and the School Standards and Framework Act (SSFA) 1998 2. The admission arrangements were not correctly or impartially applied 3. The decision to refuse admission was unreasonable given the circumstances of the case. The panel must then decide whether the admission of additional children would prejudice the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources. More information about appeals can be found here.

27 Section 3: What happens next?

University Technical Colleges and Studio Schools You can apply for a place at either a University Technical College (UTC) or a Studio School if your child is born between 1 September 2002 to 31 August 2003. University Technical Colleges (UTCs) You must submit your application are technical academies for 14- to form online by 31 October 2016 19-year-olds. They have university for it to be on time. If it is late, your and employer sponsors and chances of getting a place at your combine practical and academic preferred school may be reduced. studies. UTCs specialise in subjects You will be notified of the result of that need modern, technical, your application in the evening of industry-standard equipment – 1 March 2017. such as engineering and construction – which are taught Please contact the School alongside business skills and the Admissions team on use of ICT. 020 7527 5515 for further advice. Studio Schools are innovative schools for 14- to 19-year-olds, backed by local businesses and employers. They often have a specialism, but focus on equipping young people with a wide range of Don’t forget - employability skills and a core of academic qualifications, delivered in apply online by a practical and project-based way. 31 October 2016 If you would like to apply for a UTC or Studio School, then you will need to complete an online UTC/Studio School application with your home local authority. Islington residents can apply online here.

28 Section 3: What happens next?

Applying during the school year

If you are an Islington resident applying for a secondary school place and your child is not due to start Year 7 in September 2017, you will need to complete Islington’s online In-Year School Admissions Application. As Islington schools will be 1. Children from the criminal justice responsible for making offers and system or Pupil Referral Units holding waiting lists, an individual who need to be reintegrated into application must be made to each mainstream education; preferred school. 2. Children who have been out of If you live in another borough, you education for two months or can also apply for an Islington school more; using our online form. 3. Children of Gypsies, Roma, Travellers, refugees and asylum Fair access seekers; All local authorities are required to have a ‘Fair Access Protocol’ to 4. Children who are homeless; ensure that children without a school place are found suitable education 5. Children with unsupportive provision as quickly as possible. family backgrounds for whom a If there are no vacancies in any place has not been sought; Islington schools, we may ask 6. Children who are carers; and schools to go over their published admission number. 7. Children with special educational needs, disabilities or medical Children without education provision conditions (but without a who also fall into one of the statement or Education, Health following categories may be eligible and Care Plan). for admission under Islington’s Fair Access Protocol:

29 Section 3: What happens next?

Applications for school places under For further information, please Islington’s Fair Access Protocol are contact the School Admissions team considered by a multi-agency panel on 020 7527 5515 or view the Fair which decides whether pupils should Access Protocol. be admitted under the protocol, and which schools should be allocated. Waiting lists Please note that your child will Schools are allocated on a ‘fair share’ remain on the waiting list until the basis to ensure no individual school end of the academic year in which takes a disproportionate number the application is made unless you of children under the protocol. contact the relevant school to Therefore, parental preference may extend this further. not always be met.

30 Section 4: Islington’s schools

Section 4: Islington’s schools

31 Section 4: Islington’s schools

Arts and Media School, Islington

Fact file

Head Teacher: Susan Service Address: Turle Road, London N4 3LS Map: click here Type of School: Mixed trust Specialism: Performing arts Age range: 11-16 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/4325

For more information: Bus routes: W3, 91, 210 or any bus Website: www.artsandmedia.islington.sch.uk from Park station then a ten minute walk Email: [email protected] Nearest station: Tel: 020 7281 5511

Number of places available in year 7: 150

Open mornings: Every Thursday at 9.30am Open evening: 11 October 2016, 5.30pm Does the school have a sixth form? City and Islington College School start and finish times: 8.50am-3.20pm Accessibility: Fully accessible including lifts Support for your child at secondary transfer: Induction day and summer school Last pupil admitted under distance criterion: Does not apply Click here to calculate your home to school distance

32 Section 4: Islington’s schools

Central Foundation Boys’ School

Fact file

Head Teacher: Jamie Brownhill Address: Cowper Street, London EC2A 4SH Map: click here Type of School: Boys voluntary-aided Age range: 11-19 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/4614

For more information: Bus routes: 5, 43, 55, 76, 141, Website: www.centralfoundationboys.co.uk 214, 243, 505 Email: [email protected] Nearest station: Old Street, Liverpool Street, Moorgate Tel: 020 7253 3741

Number of places available in year 7: 150

Open mornings: 29 and 30 September 2016, 9.30-10.30am Open evening: 22 September 2016, 6-8pm

Test dates: Please refer to the school’s website for further details Does the school have a sixth form? Islington Sixth Form Consortium School start and finish times: 8.55am-3.15pm Accessibility: Partial lift and wheelchair access, accessible toilets Support for your child at secondary transfer: Full induction programme Last pupil admitted under distance criterion: Band 1: 1.392 miles / Band 2: 1.253 miles Band 3: 1.073 miles / Band 4: 1.485 miles Click here to calculate your home to school distance

33 Section 4: Islington’s schools

City of London Academy, Highgate Hill Fact file

Head Teacher: Ms N Haynes Address: Holland Walk, Duncombe Road, London N19 3EU Map: click here Type of School: COLA Highgate Hill is a new academy in the north of the borough, located on the former Mount Carmel site, and will open in September 2017 as a mixed, all-ability academy. Specialism: STEM, Enterprise, Creative Arts and Music Age range: 11-18 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/4704

For more information: Website: www.mountcarmel.islington.sch.uk Email: Tara Habbershaw at [email protected] Tel: 020 7281 3536 Bus routes: 4, 10, 41, 43, 91, 134, 135, 143, 149, 210, 263, C11, C12 Nearest station: Underground (Archway) London Overground ()

Number of places available in year 7: 140 Open mornings: 30 September to 7 October and 14 to 21 October 2016, 9-10.30am Open evenings: 29 September 2016, 5-8pm and 13 October 2016, 5-8pm School start and finish times: 8.40am-3.10pm Accessibility: Fully accessible buildings Support for your child at secondary transfer: Our Saturday School offers booster lessons in English, Maths and Science as well as other subjects. Your child will also meet our students and staff. Saturday School dates for September/October 2016: 24 September and 1, 8 and 15 October.

Click here to apply for a place 34 Section 4: Islington’s schools

City of London Academy, Islington

Fact file

Head Teacher: Miss C Verga Address: Prebend Street, London N1 8PQ Map: click here Type of School: Mixed academy / all abilities Age range: 11-19 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/6906

For more information: Bus routes: 4, 19, 30, 38, 43, 56, Website: www.cityacademyislington.org.uk 73, 76, 141, 271 Email: [email protected] Nearest station: Angel, Essex Road, Highbury and Islington Tel: 020 7226 8611

Number of places available in year 7: 125

Open mornings: 29 September; 6, 13 and 20 October 2016, 9-10.30am. Please book in advance for either a 9am or 9.30am arrival time.

Open evening: 27 September 2016, 4.30-8pm

Test dates: 3 December 2016 and 7 January 2017 Does the school have a sixth form? COLAI-6 School start and finish times: 8.30am-4pm (until 3pm one day a week) Accessibility: Wheelchair access, lift, accessible toilets Support for your child at secondary transfer: Primary school visits to aid transition, taster day and parents evening for all new students, induction programme in September.

Last pupil admitted under distance criterion: Band 1: 0.602 miles / Band 2: 0.707 miles Band 3: 0.491miles / Band 4: 0.665 miles Click here to calculate your home to school distance

35 Section 4: Islington’s schools

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School

Fact file

Head Teacher: Jo Dibb Address: Donegal Street, London N1 9QG Map: click here Type of School: Girls community Specialism: National Leader of Education, Teaching School Age range: 11-16 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/4324

For more information: Bus routes: 4, 19, 30, 38, 43, 43x, 56, 73, Website: www.egaschool.co.uk 153, 214, 341 Email: [email protected] Nearest station: Angel, Kings Cross Tel: 020 7837 0739 Number of places available in year 7: 180

Open mornings: Daily from 26 to 30 September; 11 and 13 October 2016, 9.15am Open evening: 5 October 2016, 6-8pm Does the school have a sixth form? City and Islington College School start and finish times: 8.50am-3.25pm Accessibility: Fully accessible Support for your child at secondary transfer: Admissions interview in June to meet all girls and parents. Taster morning in July. Summer school. On the first day of term, Year 7 will be the only students in school so we will be able to help them settle into their new routines. We work very closely with primary schools so that we are aware of any particular needs. Last pupil admitted under distance criterion: 1.209 miles

36 Click here to calculate your home to school distance Section 4: Islington’s schools

Highbury Fields School

Fact file

Head Teacher: Gladys Berry Address: Highbury Hill, London N5 1AR and 34 Aberdeen Park, N5 2BL Map: click here and here Type of School: Girls community Age range: 11-18 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/4307

For more information: Bus routes: 4, 19, 30, 43, 43x, Website: www.highburyfields.islington.sch.uk 236, 271, 277, 279, 341 Email: [email protected] Nearest station: Drayton Park, Arsenal, Highbury and Islington Tel: 020 7288 1888

Number of places available in year 7: 140

Open mornings: 27 and 29 September; 4-6 October and 11-13 October 2016, 9.30am Open evening: 22 September 2016, 5.30-7.30pm Does the school have a sixth form? Islington Sixth Form Consortium School start and finish times: 8.50am-3.20pm Accessibility: Lifts to all curriculum areas, accessible toilets Support for your child at secondary transfer: Primary school visits with year manager, transition event, new Year 7 welcome evening. Last pupil admitted under distance criterion: 1.618 miles Click here to calculate your home to school distance

37 Section 4: Islington’s schools

Highbury Grove School

Fact file

Head Teacher: Tom Sherrington Address: 8 Highbury Grove, London N5 2EQ Map: click here Type of School: Mixed community Specialism: Specialist music school Age range: 11-18 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/4108

For more information: Bus routes: 4, 19, 30, 43, 236, Website: www.highburygrove.islington.sch.uk 271, 277, 393 Email: [email protected] Nearest station: Highbury and Islington, Tel: 020 7288 8900

Number of places available in year 7: 210

Open mornings: 27, 28, 29 September 2016, 9am Open evening: 20 September 2016, 6-8pm Does the school have a sixth form? Islington Sixth Form Consortium School start and finish times: 8.45am-3.25pm Accessibility: Fully accessible Support for your child at secondary transfer: One-to-one transition interview, school visits, induction week, British Museum transition project Last pupil admitted under distance criterion: 1.001 miles Click here to calculate your home to school distance

38 Section 4: Islington’s schools

Holloway School

Fact file

Head Teacher: John Dixon Address: Hilldrop Road, London N7 0JG Map: click here Type of School: Mixed community Specialism: Specialist sports college Age range: 11-16 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206/4112

For more information: Bus routes: 29, 253, 259, 279, 390 Website: www.holloway.islington.sch.uk Nearest station: Finsbury Park, Email: [email protected] Caledonian Road and underground. Kentish Town and Camden Twitter: @holloway_school Town rail. Tel: 020 7607 5885

Number of places available in year 7: 180

Open mornings: 26-28 September 2016, 9am-10.45am Open evening: 3 October 2016, 6pm Does the school have a sixth form? City and Islington College School start and finish times: 8.30am-3pm Accessibility: Wheelchair access, lift, accessible toilets Support for your child at secondary transfer: Year 6 Information Evening in June; induction day in July; individual intake meetings for all families; additional visits to the school if needed. Last pupil admitted under distance criterion: Does not apply

Click here to calculate your home to school distance 39 Section 4: Islington’s schools

St Aloysius’ College for Boys

Fact file

Head Teacher: Tom Mannion Address: 30 Hornsey Lane, London N6 5LY Map: click here Type of School: Boys voluntary-aided Catholic Specialism: Maths and computing Age range: 11-19 Admissions criteria: click here for more information Supplementary Information Form: click here DfE Code: 206/4651

For more information: Bus routes: C11, W5, 10, 43, 91, Website: www.sta.islington.sch.uk 134, 143, 210, 263, 271 Email: [email protected] Nearest station: Archway Tel: 020 7561 7800

Number of places available in year 7: 180 Open mornings: 8 October 2016, 9.30-11am; 11-13 October 2016, 9.15-10.30am Open evening: 5 October 2016, 5-7pm Does the school have a sixth form? Islington Sixth Form Consortium School start and finish times: 8.45am-3.05pm Accessibility: Fully accessible buildings Support for your child at secondary transfer: Induction day, 1:1 parent/child meetings, summer school (budget permitting) Last pupil admitted under distance criterion: Band 1: 3.488 miles / Band 2: 1.408 miles Band 3: n/a / Band 4: 1.149 miles 40 Click here to calculate your home to school distance Section 4: Islington’s schools

St Mary Magdalene Academy

Fact file

Head Teacher: Victoria Linsley Address: 475 , London N7 8PG Map: click here Type of School: Mixed Church of England Academy Specialism: Humanities and Global Citizenship Age range: 5-19 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 206//6905

For more information: Bus routes: 17, 19, 30, 43, 91, 153, 259, Website: www.smmacademy.org 271, 274, 277 Email: [email protected] Nearest station: Highbury and Islington Tel: 020 7697 0123 Number of places available in year 7: 180 Open mornings: 19, 21, 26 and 28 September; 3, 5, 10, and 12 October 2016, 9am

Governors’ Aptitude Place information evening: 26 September 2016, 6-7pm Open evening: 6 October 2016, 5.30-8pm 18 Governors’ Aptitude Places: (Year 7) test date: Saturday 15 October 2016 School start and finish times: 8.45am-3.30pm (KS3 Mondays 4.30pm) Sixth Form: The Academy Sixth Form offers a full range of A levels Accessibility: Fully accessible Support for your child at secondary transfer: Induction Day and Off-site Team Building Day Last pupil admitted under distance criterion: Open: 0.435 miles Foundation: 1.053 miles Click here to calculate your home to school distance 41 Section 4: Islington’s schools

Dame Alice Owen’s School, Potters Bar Fact file Each year a small number of places at Dame Alice Owen’s School in Hertfordshire are offered to Islington residents. If you are considering applying to Dame Alice Owen’s School, please visit the school website which contains detailed information. You can also telephone the school or Hertfordshire County Council on 0300 123 4043.

Head Teacher: Mrs H Nemko Address: Dugdale Hill Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 2DU Type of School: Academy Specialism: Languages, science Age range: 11-18 Admissions criteria: click here for more information DfE Code: 919/5407

For more information: Website: www.damealiceowens.herts.sch.uk Tel: 01707 643441 Email: [email protected] Nearest station: Potters Bar

Number of places available in year 7: 200 Test dates: 1 September – English and Maths tests 2 September – Musical Aptitude tests 3 September – Verbal Reasoning tests Visiting dates: Please refer to our website for further information Does the school have a sixth form? Yes School start and finish times: 8.45am-3.45pm Accessibility: Please refer to our website for further information

42 Section 4: Islington’s schools

Section 5: Sixth Form options

43 Section 5: Sixth Form options

City and Islington Sixth Form College Fact file With over 20 years of long-standing history within London for delivering post 16 education, each centre is focused on running study programmes in particular courses and qualifications and each has its own community of students, teachers and support staff. As part of the overall study programme, your child will participate in work-related learning, extracurricular activities, English and/or maths support, giving them an independent learning experience in a supportive environment. Your child will have a seamless journey through education with a high quality of care throughout. Our students achieve excellent A-Level results. Last year the overall pass rate was 99%, and 70% of students achieved A* to C grades and 40% A* to B grade. The five centres are: • Sixth Form College • Centre for Health, Social and Child Care • Centre for Applied Sciences • Centre for Lifelong Learning • Centre for Business, Arts and Technology Contact person: Course Information Team (see telephone and email below) Address: The college has five centres in North London. Find out more here.

For more information: Website: www.candi.ac.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7700 9200 Bus routes: 4, 17, 19, 29, 30, 38, 43, 56, 73, 91, 106, 153, 205, 210, 214, 236, 253, 254, 259, 271, 274, 279, 341, 393, 394, 476, W3, W7 Nearest station: Finsbury Park, Angel, Holloway Road Curriculum offer: A-levels in over 30 different subjects BTEC and vocational courses Admissions policy: A-level places are in high demand and we encourage you to apply in November/December. It’s unlikely you’ll be offered an interview if your application is received later than 31 January. We will consider applications received after this date but only if there are places available for the subjects you have applied for. For all other courses we continue to take applications until May. Visiting dates: Sixth Form College and Centre for Applied Sciences: Saturday 12 November 2016 Other dates TBC – visit www.candi.ac.uk/opendays 44 Section 5: Sixth Form options

City of London Academy, Islington Sixth Form (COLAI-6) Fact file At COLAI-6 our aim is to provide our students with an outstanding academic experience, that will prepare them exceptionally well for higher education and the career path of their choosing. We offer a friendly and supportive learning environment, with a strong focus on academic rigour, self-discipline and the highest educational aspirations. Our primary focus is on providing a highly academic curriculum, with the majority of courses on offer being A-levels; however, we also offer a vocational pathway for students who would benefit from this style of learning and assessment.

Contact person: Louisa Woodman - Head of Sixth Form Address: Prebend Street, London N1 8PQ Map: click here

For more information: Website: www.cityacademyislington.org.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7226 8611 Bus routes: 4, 19, 30, 38, 43, 56, 73, 76, 141, 271 Nearest station: Angel, Essex Road, Highbury and Islington

Curriculum offer: A-level, Level 3 BTEC courses and retakes in Maths and English GCSE

Admissions policy: Applications for admission to COLAI-6 are welcomed from all students who either currently attend City of London Academy Islington and wish to continue their education at COLAI-6, or from those students attending an external school who wish to join COLAI-6. Open evening: 1 November 2016 at the Academy Accessibility: Wheelchair access, lift, accessible toilets

45 Section 5: Sixth Form options

Islington Sixth Form Consortium (IC6) Fact file IC6 is an ‘Outstanding’ post-16 provider. IC6 was established in 2004 and is the joint sixth forms of Central Foundation Boys’ School, Highbury Grove School, Highbury Fields School and St Aloysius’ College. At IC6 we ensure excellent results and an outstanding sixth form education in a friendly, supportive and productive learning environment. Our main focus is the monitoring, support and guidance provided under the IC6 umbrella enabling our students not only to progress academically but also, and most importantly, to become equipped to contribute to their communities.

Contact person: Poppy Ben-David (IC6 Co-ordinator) Address: Islington Sixth Form Consortium, c/o Central Foundation Boys’ School, Cowper St, London EC2A 4SH Map: click here

For more information: Website: www.ic6.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7017 3040 Bus routes: 43 (Old Street station for Central Foundation Boys’ School and Highbury and Islington station for Highbury Grove and Highbury Fields Schools) 271 (Old Street for Central Foundation Boys’ School and Highbury and Islington for Highbury Grove, Highbury Fields Schools and Hornsey Lane for St Aloysius’ College) Nearest station: Old Street (Central Foundation Boys’ School), Archway (St Aloysius’ College), Highbury and Islington (Highbury Grove and Highbury Fields)

Curriculum offer: AS/A2 courses Applied A-level courses BTEC courses (Level 2 and Level 3) Retakes in GCSE Maths and English Admissions policy: Applications for admission to IC6 are welcomed from all students who either currently attend one of the four IC6 partner schools and wish to continue their education at IC6, or from those students attending an external school and who wish to join IC6. Open evening: 28 September 2016, 5-7pm, Business Design Centre

46 Section 5: Sixth Form options

St Mary Magdalene Sixth Form

Fact file At St Mary Magdalene Sixth Form, our focus is on ensuring that all of our students reach their potential and leave us in the best possible position to be highly successful adults. For young people to reach their potential, they first have to understand it and through our highly supportive pastoral programme and high quality academic teaching, we ensure that all of our learners are reflective and skilled students who organise themselves superbly and are well prepared to meet the challenges of our A-level programme. Our students benefit from an exceptional range of personal and professional opportunities with all of our students participating in professional mentoring with Deloitte Consulting, UCAS workshops and intensive study skills sessions that help them to develop as adults as well as learners. We provide a wonderful hub for students to engage with new opportunities and have students join us from all over the world, including a cohort of 20 Swiss students who provide new friendships and insights to those who join us every year.

Contact person: Steven Sumner - Director of Sixth Form Address: Liverpool Rd, London N7 8PG Map: click here

For more information: Website: www.smmacademy.org Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 7697 0123 Bus routes: 4, 19, 30, 38, 43, 153, 271 Nearest station: Holloway or Highbury and Islington

Curriculum offer: A-levels Admissions policy: Applications for admission to St Mary Magdalene Sixth Form are welcomed from all students who either currently attend St Mary Magdalene and wish to continue their education in the Sixth Form, or from those students attending an external school who wish to join us. Open evening: 1 November 2016 at the Academy Accessibility: Wheelchair access, lift, accessible toilets

47 Section 5: Sixth Form options

Tech City College

Fact file Tech City College is a brand new Aspirations Academies Post-16 STEM specialist College. We are committed to raising students’ aspirations so that all young people reach their fullest potential and achieve the success they desire. Tech City is a small and friendly College with big ambitions. We aim to educate and train the next generation of scientists, engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs and innovators. Our students will not only have the opportunity to follow their areas of interest in state of the art environments in science, computing, design and engineering but they will gain invaluable practical, professional and personal skills through the bold new curriculum called Aspirations Portfolio. In close partnership with the best in the industry, students work on live briefs and solve real-life industrial and community problems. We are confident that students who attend Tech City will develop a great foundation for their future with a variety of progression routes into employment and further or higher education. Contact person: Nasrin Farahani Address: 263-269 City Road, London ECIV 1JX Map: click here

For more information: Website: http://www.techcity-aspirations.org Email: [email protected] Tel: 0203 301 3620 Bus routes: 4, 30, 43, 205, 214, 274 Nearest station: Angel, Old Street, King Cross Curriculum offer: A levels BTEC courses GCSE Maths and English Admissions policy: If you are interested in joining us apply as soon as you can. Students from across London can apply. Please complete our online application form. On receipt of your application form we will send you an acknowledgement and then invite you for an interview. Your offer of a place is likely to be conditional on achieving certain GCSE grades. In order to gain entry, you must have passed English and maths at grade A*-C. To be admitted to complete A-Levels and Level 3 vocational courses you will normally need to achieve 5 GCSEs at A*-C. You may also be eligible for bursary funding. If you’d like to discuss anything before completing the application form, please email [email protected] or call 0203 301 3620.

48 Visiting dates: Any time by appointment Section 6: Useful information and contacts

49 Section 6: Useful information and contacts

Things to do for young people

Places to go There are youth hubs and clubs around the borough that offer a range of activities and services for young people. Check out the full list of venues and find out more here.

Your online destination izzy-info is the go-to online destination for Islington’s young people. The site is full of useful advice and information on topics such as career planning, staying safe and managing money.

Islington’s youth council Islington’s youth councillors represent the views of young people in the borough. Get in touch with them to have your say on the issues that matter to you.

Family Information Service The Family Information Service (FIS) gives free, impartial information, advice and guidance about services for children, young people and families in Islington. Find out about childcare, employment, benefits, support for disabled children and more.

50 Section 6: Useful information and contacts

Financial assistance

Free school meals and you do not receive Working Tax As you begin to prepare for your Credit The Guarantee Element of child’s move to secondary school in State Pension Credit Support under September, we would like to remind Section VI of the Immigration and you about the benefit of free Asylum Act 1999. school meals. If you are eligible If you receive Working Tax to claim for free school meals we Credit you are not eligible to claim encourage you to apply. Applying for for free school meals unless: you free school meals means that you have stopped working in the last save on lunch costs and at the same four weeks; or you have reduced time raise additional funding for your hours to less than 16 hours a your child’s school. There is no week (single parents) or 24 hours a commitment for children to eat a week (couples) in the last four school meal every day but for every weeks. If you also have younger child eligible the school will receive children don’t forget that Islington £935 of extra funding. This helps Council funds free school meals for schools to provide valuable support all nursery and primary pupils aged such as extra tuition, learning three and above. assistants and after-school clubs. Your child may be eligible if you Uniform grant receive any of the following The council offers £150 to benefits: Income Support eligible Islington parents to help Income-based Jobseeker’s meet the cost of school uniforms Allowance Income-based at secondary transfer and covers Employment and Support children transferring to an Islington Allowance Child Tax Credit if your or out of borough secondary school. taxable income is less than £16,190 The grant is available to parents

51 Section 6: Useful information and contacts

whose children are eligible for free school meals under the national criteria. For more information on Free School Meals and Uniform Grant: www.islington.gov.uk/ freeschoolmeals [email protected] 020 7527 5483 020 7527 3196 020 7527 7815

Islington year 12 bursary Young people going into year 12 could be eligible for a £300 bursary to help them start further education. The council is topping up the financial support offered through sixth form schools and colleges by the Education Funding Agency to students who might otherwise have to drop out of education due to lack of funds. To qualify, students must be an Islington resident, have received free school meals in year 11, have moved immediately into post 16 education and training without taking a break and be studying full time. Find out more.

52 Section 6: Useful information and contacts

Additional educational needs

Our secondary schools welcome and provide for all children so, whatever your child’s needs, they can fully participate in school life.

We believe that all our students that their language development are entitled to a rich and diverse needs are met with high quality curriculum that is tailored to meet language-rich classroom practice, each child’s individual needs. effective induction systems and targeted interventions. This work For Islington’s high achieving is supported by trained specialist students, our schools develop teachers, teaching assistants and children’s aptitudes, skills and bilingual parent support assistants attainment through a varied who ensure these high achieving programme of advanced learning, students are able to access the competitions and challenges. curriculum. For those with special educational The best way to find out whether needs, schools encourage and a particular school would suit your support children to become child is to visit the school and see for confident learners and celebrate yourself. their achievements as valued members of the school community. Please see Islington’s Local Offer for more information. For children with English as an additional language, schools ensure

53 Section 6: Useful information and contacts

School attendance: every day counts!

We know that good attendance and Legal action punctuality can lead to good exam As you will know, parents have a results. If you want to give your child legal duty to ensure their child’s the best chance of achieving their regular attendance at school. Failure full potential, make sure they get to to do so is an offence under section school on time every day. Research 444 (1) of the Education Act 1996 shows that every lesson, every day, and could result in a penalty notice really does count! or prosecution. One of the most important ways All Islington schools follow the local in which you can help your child to authority’s policy on attendance achieve success is to ensure they which includes fines and statutory attend school on time every day. enforcement. Punctuality is just as important as attendance; arriving late disrupts not only your child’s learning but the learning of other students. Holidays, trips and special leave in term time Term-time holidays will not be authorised by any school and Head teachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

54 Section 6: Useful information and contacts

School transport - getting to school Islington has a great network of bus, promote safety through education tube and rail links making it easy to and training get to any of Islington’s schools. promote the health benefits of Transport for London (TfL) issues walking and cycling free bus passes for under-16s, promote sustainable travel although there is an administration choices by ensuring any new charge of £10 for first time schools are accessible by walking, applicants. Find out more here. cycling and public transport. The main way we do this is through Sustainable travel the creation of school travel plans. Islington Council is working with A school travel plan will look at the schools to promote safer, healthier journeys pupils make to get to, and and more environmentally friendly home from, school and why they ways to travel. make certain travel and transport We want to: choices. With this information we make cycling and walking safer can work with schools to find and more attractive practical solutions to encourage safe, increase the number of school healthy and environmentally-friendly pupils using local bus services travel choices. reduce traffic congestion around For more information on schools School Travel Plans, please develop partnerships with schools, contact the Traffic and Safety Team: their communities and other [email protected] organisations or 020 7527 2513. promote the development of school travel plans

55 Section 6: Useful information and contacts

Local authorities

Barking and Dagenham Hammersmith and Newham 020 8215 3004 Fulham 020 8430 2000 020 7745 6434 Barnet Redbridge 020 8359 7651 Haringey 020 8708 3562 020 8489 1000 Bexley Richmond upon 020 8303 7777 Harrow Thames 020 8901 2620 020 8891 1411 Brent 020 8937 3110 Havering Southwark 01708 434 600 020 7525 5337 Camden (Ext: 4) 020 7974 1625 Sutton Hillingdon 020 8770 5000 City of London 01895 556 644 020 7332 1750 Tower Hamlets Hounslow 020 7364 5006 Croydon 020 8583 2711 020 8726 6400 Waltham Forest Kensington & Chelsea 020 8496 3000 Ealing 020 7745 6432 020 8825 5511 Wandsworth (primary) Kingston 020 8871 7316 020 8825 5522 020 8547 4610 Westminster (secondary) Lambeth 020 7745 6432/6434 Enfield 020 7926 9503 020 8379 5501 Lewisham Greenwich 020 8314 8282 020 8921 8043 Merton Hackney 020 8274 4906 020 8820 7150/7401

56 Section 6: Useful information and contacts

Glossary

Academies ‘looked after child’ if the local authority Academies are independently managed, confirms he or she will be in public care all-ability schools. The governing body when they are admitted to a school. sets its own admissions criteria, in line This criterion also applies to children with the statutes laid down in the School who have been adopted (or subject to Admissions Code. There are two types a child arrangements order or special of academies. ‘Type 1’ academies are guardianship order) immediately set up by sponsors from business, faith following having been looked after. or voluntary groups, funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and Community schools independent of local authority control. Community schools are run by the local ‘Type 2’ academies are stand-alone authority which employs the staff and converter schools funded directly by the owns the land and buildings. Islington DfE and are also independent of local Council sets the admissions criteria for authority control. community schools.

Admission Authority Cut-off distance The body responsible for deciding the The last pupil admitted under the admission criteria and for allocating distance criterion. Maps are available at school places. In the case of community www.islington.gov.uk/admissionsDis- schools, this is the local authority and in tance the case of voluntary aided schools, Free Distances for Islington’s community Schools and Academies it is the school’s schools will be measured in a straight governing body. line (as the crow flies) from the home address to the midpoint of the school Children looked after grounds, using the local authority’s Children who are in the care of local computerised measuring system. Those authorities (councils) as defined by living closer to the school will receive section 22 of the Children Act 1989. higher priority. In relation to school admissions’ legislation a child is considered to be

57 Section 6: Useful information and contacts

Free Parents and family members schools A parent is any person who has Free schools are independently parental responsibility or care of the managed, all ability schools funded child. Where admission arrangements by the government. They are run on a refer to parent’s attendance at church, not-for-profit basis and can be set up it is sufficient for just one parent to by charities, universities, independent attend. Family members include single schools, community and faith groups, parents and siblings. teachers, parents and businesses. Free schools can change the length of school Private fostering terms and the school day and do not Private fostering is when a child under need to follow the national curriculum. the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled) is cared for by someone who is not their Foundation schools parent or a ‘close relative’. This is a Foundation schools are run by their own private arrangement made between governing body, which employs the a parent and a carer, for 28 days or staff and sets the admissions criteria. more. Close relatives are defined as Land and buildings are usually owned step-parents, grandparents, brothers, by the governing body or a charitable sisters, uncles or aunts. Private foster foundation. carers have a duty to inform their home local authority of such Home local authority arrangements. This must also be A child’s home local authority (local declared on the admissions council) is the local authority where they application form. live, i.e. the council you pay your council tax to. Sibling Sibling refers to a brother or sister, PAN (Published Admission Number) half-brother or sister, adopted brother The number of school places that the or sister, step-brother or sister, or the admission authority must offer in each child of the parent or carer’s partner, relevant age group. living in the same family at the same address.

58 Section 6: Useful information and contacts

Statement of Special Educational Trust schools Needs (SEN) or Education, Health and A Trust school is a type of foundation Care Plan (EHCP) school which forms a charitable trust These are legal documents issued by the with an outside partner. For example, a local authority detailing the particular business or educational charity aiming to needs, resources and provision required raise standards and explore new ways of to support the child, and can include a working. named school that is suitable for providing education for that child. Voluntary-aided schools Education, Health and Care Plans Voluntary-aided schools are mainly will replace SEN Statements from 1 religious or ‘faith’ schools, although September 2014. EHCPs will continue anyone can apply for a place. As with into further education foundation schools, the governing and training, and for some young body employs the staff and sets the people, in order to complete a course or admissions criteria. School buildings qualification, up to the age of 25. and land are normally owned by a charitable foundation, often a religious Supplementary Information Form organisation. The governing body (SIF) contributes to building and maintenance All parents who list their preferred costs. schools on the local authority’s online admission application are regarded as having made a valid application. A supplementary information form may also be required for applicants considered under the criteria of faith schools, for boarding school and for selective schools. Please check the school’s fact file for details.

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