Your Child Is About to Make the Important Transfer from Primary To

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Children & Learning

Secondary School Admissions 2009/10

September 2008

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions This booklet gives information for parents who live in Southend whose children were born between 1st September 1997 and 31st August 1998 and are due to transfer to a secondary school in September 2009. Information is also included about applying online for a secondary school place.

If you have any difficulty understanding this information in English or would like any part of this document, or the application form, translated please contact the Borough Council Customer Contact Centre on 01702-215000.

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You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Contents

Page number Applying for school places on-line Foreword by the Director of Children & Learning Introduction and contact arrangements Admissions legislation Co-ordinated admissions scheme Schools Transition Support Officer Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Different types of secondary schools in the Borough Information meetings for parents & checking of Single Application Forms Important dates in the transfer process School open evenings and open days Statistical information about secondary schools in the Borough Secondary school catchment area map Frequently asked questions about secondary school admissions Completion of the Single Application Form Information about individual schools Applying for a school place outside the normal round of admissions Schools in Essex or elsewhere Contact points within Southend Council Glossary of abbreviations and terms

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Applying for school places on-line

It is hoped that as many parents as possible will apply on-line for secondary school places for September 2009. For the September 2008 round of admissions over 50% of parents applied on line and found it easier and quicker to complete the Single Application Form electronically using the on-line facility.

The website address is

www.southend.gov.uk/admissions

The advantages of applying on-line are:

 the system is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week from Monday 8th September 2008 until midnight on the closing date of Monday 3rd November 2008;  links to school websites so you can find more information about the school before deciding on your preferences.  you will get an e-mail confirmation that your application has been received;  we will let you know by e-mail at which school your child has been offered a place during the late afternoon of 2nd March 2009, in advance of when you are notified by post;  you can accept the offer of a school place on-line.

Where can I access the website to apply on line?

It is possible to access the website from anywhere with internet access. Free internet access is available at any Library in the Borough and at the Borough Council Contact Centre on the ground floor of the Civic Centre.

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Your child is about to make the important transfer from primary to secondary school and we hope that this will be a genuine opportunity for you to make decisions that will be in your child’s best interest. We obviously all want children to be happy throughout their secondary school life in Southend and hope that you will include your child in your discussions and decision making. Each secondary school produces a prospectus which includes details of the school’s admission criteria and holds open evenings and open days where you can view the facilities and talk to members of the school staff. Detailed information about each school in Southend and details of the arrangements for visiting schools in the Borough are shown later in this booklet.

Southend Borough Council is keen to ensure that the transfer of pupils from primary to secondary schools will be as straightforward as possible. To ensure this smooth transition we are working closely with local headteachers, the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex and Essex County Council. In addition it has been agreed with Essex County Council that there will be a fully co-ordinated admissions scheme between the two authorities which will enable all Southend residents to apply for schools in both Southend and Essex on one application form (the Single Application Form). Furthermore you will be able to identify in priority order up to 5 secondary schools that you would wish your child to attend and every effort will be made to meet your highest preference.

As shown on the previous page of this booklet we are recommending that parents apply online for a secondary school place. Over 50% of parents used the on-line facility very successfully during the 2008 round of admissions.

The Pupil Access team within the Department of Children & Learning will be pleased to answer any questions you may have regarding catchment areas, completion of the Single Application Form, the allocation of places and the appeals process. Details of all of the relevant contact points and telephone numbers are shown later in this booklet.

Finally if you feel there is any way that we can improve our service to support parents / carers and the community, please let us know by writing to:

Pupil Access Team Southend on Sea Borough Council Department of Children & Learning 5th Floor, Civic Centre Victoria Avenue Southend on Sea SS2 6ER

Paul Greenhalgh Director of Children & Learning

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Introduction:

The information in this booklet details the transfer process between primary and secondary and is relevant to your child’s first year in secondary education, but we hope that it will also be a valuable source of reference in future years (although we obviously cannot guarantee that the information will remain unchanged)

Starting secondary school is a major event for all children and we hope that this booklet will answer most of your questions. If, however, there is anything further you need to know or if you are unsure what to do at any stage please contact us:

Telephone:

01702-215000 Borough Council Contact Centre 01702-215914 Pupil Access Team 01702-215942 Pupil Access Team

Fax:

01702 – 432273

E-mail:

[email protected]

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions What legislation and guidance covers school admission arrangements?

The School Standards & Framework Act 1998 and the School Admissions Code of Practice make it clear that admission authorities should aim to ensure that:

 the arrangements enable parents’ preferences for the schools of their choice to be met to the maximum extent possible;

 admission criteria are clear, fair and objective, for the benefit of all children including those with special educational needs, disabilities or in public care;

 local admission arrangements contribute to improving standards for all pupils;

 local admission authorities consult each other and co-ordinate their arrangements, including over the rapid re-integration wherever sensible, of children who have been excluded from other schools;

 parents / carers have easy access to helpful admissions information;

 local admission arrangements achieve full compliance with all relevant legislation and guidance - including equal opportunities - and take full account of the guidance in the code of practice.

In addition, it is intended that parents / carers have an effective right of appeal if dissatisfied.

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions What are the aims and key aspects of the co-ordinated admissions scheme that will operate in Southend?

 There will be a co-ordinated scheme with Essex County Council to ensure the offer of one and only one secondary school place is made to each pupil on national offer date  (2nd March 2009).

 Southend on Sea Borough Council will co-ordinate admissions to all state funded secondary schools for all potential year 7 pupils living in Southend. This includes foundation and voluntary aided schools.

 To simplify the admissions process to secondary schools through the use of a Single Application Form on which a maximum of 5 schools may be indicated in priority order. These may include schools in Southend, Essex or elsewhere.

 To provide the opportunity for applications to be made on-line.

 To provide the opportunity for school places to be accepted on-line.

 Only Southend Council will know the ranking of parental preferences. Where schools in Essex County Council or elsewhere are indicated, the ranking order will be shared with the other authorities in so far as it relates to their schools. Essex or any other local authority will not share the ranking with their schools.

 Both Southend and Essex will communicate directly with the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex in relation to the selection test procedure (the 11+).

 Foundation and Voluntary Aided schools will continue to be their own admission authorities. They will use their own criteria to decide which pupils should be offered places and will be responsible for the organisation of admission appeals. Nevertheless all applications and offers must be made through Southend Council.

How does the co-ordinated system work?

The Southend scheme operates according to the order in which you select your preferences. However, you are not disadvantaged by the order in which you put your preferences. Clearly your order of preferences should reflect the order you wish to be offered a place, but if for example you are unsuccessful in gaining a place at your first preference school you are not disadvantaged in obtaining your second preference. Schools do not receive details of the preference and have to put pupils in order of their admission criteria without knowing the preference,

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Schools Transition Support Officer

The Education and Inspections Act 2006 confirms that Local Authorities are required to provide independent assistance to parents whose children are transferring from primary to secondary school.

In Southend we have a School Transition Support Officer who is part of the Family Information Service. This officer is a designated person in the Borough who is available to support parents and carers with impartial information and advice at the time of transition to secondary school to ensure a smooth transfer for your child.

Changing schools is an important time in your child’s life: the purpose of the School Transition Support Officer’s role is to help and support those parents and carers who may struggle with the admissions system.

If your child is about to move from primary to secondary school and you feel unable to engage with the process for whatever reason – why not contact the School Transition Support Officer to see whether they are able to help.

Support may be offered at:

 group sessions in schools or locations in the community;  one to one meetings with families;  home visits;  group training sessions;

We envisage that the parental groups who will benefit from this service could:

 find it difficult to engage with the current primary school;  experience problems with their own reading and writing;  be parents of children in care;  have English as an additional language;  be new arrivals to this country;  be frequent movers;  live in areas of deprivation and self-refer for help;

This role is independent of the Borough Council’s Pupil Access Team and the type of queries that might be dealt with include:

 how the admissions system works;  admissions policies for different types of schools;  performance and value-added data;  school OfSTED reports;  over subscription criteria;  school’s profile, ethos, special facilities etc.

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions  special needs policy and provision - if applicable;  school curriculum - including details of the school's specialism, if a specialist school;  travel details;  uniform policy;  completing the application form - online or paper copy.

How to contact the School Transition Support Officer

This officer can be contacted through the Southend-on-Sea Family Information Service on 01702 392468 or by email [email protected]

So if you need any help, even if it’s just a chat to re-assure you that you’ve completed the right form, contact this service.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Southend is committed to educating as many children with special educational needs as possible in mainstream schools. All secondary schools have money delegated to them by the local authority to enable them to make provision to support pupils with a wide range of needs and the vast majority of children will have their needs met in a mainstream school. Information from your child’s primary school will be shared with the receiving secondary school, in order for appropriate provision to be made. The local authority, school staff and governors are committed to ensure that the needs of children who require greater help than others are identified at the outset and will work closely with parents / carers.

If my child has a statement of special educational need do I need to complete the Single Application Form?

If your child has a statement of special educational need, you will already have received information from the Special Educational Needs team regarding the secondary transfer process and you must not complete the Single Application Form. If you require any further information please contact the Special Educational Needs team on 01702-215868.

What if I think my child has a disability?

Some children may have a disability within the meaning of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. From September 2002, it became unlawful for a school in relation to certain activities to treat a disabled child less favourably than a non-disabled child, without justification. The activities where a school must take care not to discriminate unfairly concern admissions, exclusions, and the provision of education and related services. A school must make reasonable adjustments to ensure that it does not treat a disabled child less favourably although reasonable adjustments do not extend to physical adaptations or the provision of equipment. A school is able to justify its actions where it can demonstrate that the adjustments required are unreasonable.

A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long term

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions adverse effect on the person’s ability to carry out day to day activities. There will be some children who have Statements of SEN who do not fit this definition but, equally, there will be some children who do not have Statements of SEN who are considered to have a disability. If you think your child has been discriminated against on the grounds of a disability in relation to the arrangements made for his or her admission, you have a right of appeal. Advice is provided in the booklet “Disability Discrimination in Schools. How to Make a Claim”. You can obtain a copy of this booklet:

 By post from: SENDIST, Procession House, 55 Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 7JW  By telephone: 0870 606 5750 (from 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday)  By fax: 020 7029 9726  By email: tribunalqueries@sendist

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions How and where can I find more information about the admission process for September 2009?

Three information meetings are being held during the week commencing 15th September 2008 where details of the process will be further explained. You will also be given the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the process.

Date Time Location *** September 7pm to 8.30pm

*** September 7pm to 8.30pm

These information sessions run by the Council will be followed, later in September and during October, by open evenings and open days at the individual secondary schools

If I decide to complete the paper application form can I have it checked to make sure that it has been completed correctly?

Members of the Customer Contact Centre and the Pupil Access Team will be available to check paper application forms in the Customer Contact Centre on the ground floor of the Civic Centre from 10am to 12pm (Monday to Friday) from 8th September 2008 to 3rd November 2008. However, any forms brought into the Civic Centre outside these times will not be able to be checked individually.

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions What are the important dates in the secondary transfer process

Date Event 5th September 2008 You will receive, via your child’s primary school, a package of information regarding the transfer procedure. 8th September 2008 On-line application forms will be available on the Borough Council website 15th September Information meetings will be held at a number of 2008 onwards locations throughout the Borough. (see page *****) *** September to *** Secondary school open evenings & open days. (see November 2008 page **) 3rd November 2008 Closing date for completed application forms to be received by the Pupil Access Team. The website for on-line applications will close at midnight 22nd November Selection test to be taken by those pupils whose parents 2008 wish them to secure a school place as a result of the selection procedure organised by CSSE and who have indicated a school offering selective places as one of their five preferences. 2nd March 2009 “National offer day”. 1. E-mails will be sent during the late afternoon to all parents that have applied on-line confirming at which school your child will be offered a place. 2. Parents that applied on-line can accept the offer by e-mail. 3. Letters will be sent by 1st class post advising you at which school your child will be offered a place. Parents should receive letters on 3rd / 4th March. March to Waiting lists are maintained by the Council for all September 2009 schools in the Borough and any places that become available are filled by the Council. May to June 2009 Admission appeals will be held during this time. 6th July 2009 All admission appeals for on-time applications must be heard by this date *** July 2009 Secondary school induction day for all new year 7 pupils. 4th September 2009 Waiting lists for foundation and voluntary aided schools in the Borough become the responsibility of the individual schools.

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Open evenings and open days. All the schools in the Borough hold special open evenings and open days for prospective parents / carers and pupils. The dates and times for each school are listed below. If you have any enquiries about the arrangements for open days or open evenings these should be directed to the school(s) concerned.

We advise parents to visit as many schools as possible, obtain their prospectus and to read the admission criteria before completing the Single Application Form.

Belfairs High School

Cecil Jones College

Chase High School

Futures Community College

St Bernards High School and Arts College

St Thomas More High School Shoeburyness High School Southend High School for Boys Southend High School Tuesday 30th September from 6pm to 8pm for Girls Wednesday & Thursday 8th and 9th October from 9.30am – 11am The Eastwood School

Westcliff High School for Boys Westcliff High School for Girls

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Statistical information about schools in Southend

The following table gives information regarding the number of pupils on roll, admission limits, preferences received and places offered at each school for September 2008 (as at 30th June 2008) together with the number and outcome of appeals lodged by parents.

School Total roll Admission Number of Number of Total Number Number Number January limit preferences 1st number of of of of 2008 2009/10 received for preferences places appeals appeals appeals (including admission offered lodged heard upheld 6th form) in September 2008 Belfairs High 219 School

Cecil Jones 280 College

Chase High 196 0 0 0 School

Futures 168 0 0 0 Community College St Bernards 145 High School and Arts College

St Thomas More 150 High School

Shoeburyness 280 High School

Southend High 150 School for Boys

Southend High 150 School for Girls

The Eastwood 168 School

Westcliff High 154 School for Boys

Westcliff High 154 School for Girls

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Secondary school catchment areas

The map on the following page of this booklet shows the layout of the catchment area for all non-selective schools in the Borough.

If you are still unsure which school serves your home address you can either:

 refer to the Borough Council website at www.southend.gov.uk  contact the Pupil Access Team;  contact the individual secondary school(s)

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Map showing all non selective Secondary Schools with catchment area boundaries

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Frequently asked questions about Secondary school admissions

 What different types of secondary school are there in the Borough?

There are 2 community schools in the Borough (Chase and Shoeburyness High Schools) where the Council is the admissions authority and eight foundation and two voluntary aided schools where the individual school governing bodies are the admissions authority.

 What information is taken into account in deciding the “home” address of a pupil?

In all cases the use of any particular address as a pupil’s “home” would be made on the basis that this is the child’s normal place of residence and is the address that the child resides at during the majority of the school week and is the address where the Child Benefit would be payable.

 If I live in the Southend Borough but my child attends a primary school outside of the Borough, to which Council do I apply to for a secondary school place?

If you live in the Southend Borough you must complete the Southend application form and not the form of the Local Authority where your child’s primary school is located.

 Am I guaranteed a place at the secondary school serving my home address?

There is no guarantee of a place at any school even if you live in the catchment area. Although most schools give a high priority to pupils living in their area, if you wish to be considered for a place at your catchment school you must indicate the school as one of your preferences on the Single Application Form.

 What happens if I change my address?

The catchment area used will be that applicable at the closing date for admission applications. Changes of address after that date will be slotted into the system where possible. However, the changes may not be able to be considered until after the initial allocation of places is made on 2nd March 2009. It should also be noted that the criteria relating to admissions to selective schools applies to the primary school, attended immediately prior to the date the selection test is taken.

 What happens if parents / carers provide false information in support of their application for a school place?

In any situation where there is doubt that a family actually lives at the address indicated on the Single Application Form, evidence of utility bill payments will be requested. Checks will also be made with other Borough Council departments and, where it is suspected that the family actually live outside of Southend, contact will be made with the appropriate Council. If it is established that false or misleading information has been provided in order to gain a place at a secondary school, the Council will withdraw any school place offered.

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions If the child has already started at the school and it is found that false information has been provided consideration will be given to removing the child from the school concerned.

 What is a Supplementary Information Form (SIF)?

This is a form on which parents are asked to provide additional information in support of their applications. A SIF is not an application form and parents must always complete the Council’s Single Application Form.

 Will I need to complete a SIF for every school?

No, SIFs are only needed if you are applying for places as follows: a) for any school that admits pupils as a result of the CSSE (11+) procedure. These schools are listed earlier in this booklet; b) for non-selective places at either St Bernards or St Thomas More High Schools; c) for a specialist place at The Eastwood School.

SIFs may also be required to apply for places at schools outside the Borough. The individual schools concerned will be able to advise you whether a SIF will be needed.

 What is the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE)?

The following schools have combined as a consortium to keep one common selection test and will allocate selective places strictly according to pupils’ positions within the selection procedure. Their position is based on three papers taken at one time; in verbal reasoning, mathematics and english.

School Type of places available Cecil Jones College selective & non-selective places

Shoeburyness High School selective & non-selective places

Southend High School for Boys selective only

Southend High School for Girls selective only

St. Bernards High School and Arts selective & non-selective places College (Girls) St. Thomas More High School selective & non-selective places (Boys) Westcliff High School for Boys selective only

Westcliff High School for Girls selective only

Chelmsford County High School selective only – Essex Local Authority

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions (Girls)

King Edward VI th Chelmsford selective only – Essex Local Authority (Boys)

Colchester County High School selective only – Essex Local Authority (Girls)

Royal Grammar School Colchester selective only – Essex Local Authority (Boys)

Further information regarding the selection test arrangements may be obtained from the consortium office. at:  CSSE Administrative Office, PO Box 3087, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3SY  Telephone 01245-348257.  Fax 01245-350522  Website www.csse.org.uk

You will need to complete a Supplementary Information Form in order to register for the selective test. These can be completed on-line at www.csse.org.uk or are obtainable from the CSSE or any school offering selective places.

If you are only applying for a non-selective place at either Cecil Jones College or Shoeburyness High School you do not need to complete a Supplementary Information Form (unless you are applying for a selective place at another school).

 Will my child have to take any other tests (apart from the 11+)?

If you wish to apply for a specialist place at The Eastwood School, your child will need to undertake an audition in the latter part of the autumn term. Some schools in Essex may also have tests eg King John School, and you will need to contact the school for further information.

 Will schools be aware of the order of my preferences?

No, this information will not be shared with the schools concerned. Details of the order of preferences will be shared with Essex Council as far as they relate to Essex schools. Essex Council will not share the ranking with Essex schools.

 What happens if my application is received after the closing date?

Applications received from parents after the closing date and who, in the view of the Pupil Access Team, could normally have completed an application on time will be treated as “late”. Such applications will only be considered after all on time applications have been considered and the initial allocation of places has been made on 2nd March 2009. Parents moving into the

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Borough who, in the view of the Pupil Access Team, could not have made an application on time will have their application slotted into the system where possible. This will also apply to parents who move within the Borough where the change of address would alter their ranking at a school. However these applications may not be able to be considered until after the initial allocation of places, especially if they are applying to a school where there is a selective test, aptitude test or religious criterion and it is not possible for the admission authority to rank the pupil in the time available prior to 2nd March 2009.

 What happens if I change my mind about either the schools I want my child to attend or the order of my preferences?

If you wish to change the order of your preferences ie same schools but a different order, then these will be accepted until the end of the working day on 17th November 2008. Alterations to preferences will only be accepted if they are made in writing ie by letter, fax or email. Alterations will not be made on the basis of a telephone call.

Alterations to the order of preferences received after 17th November together with any new school preference will be considered once all offers have been made on 2nd March 2009.

 How and when will I receive an offer of a school place?

If you made an on-line application we will let you know by e-mail during the late afternoon of 2nd March at which school your child has been offered a place. On 2nd March admission packs will also be sent by first class post to all parents confirming which school your child has been offered a place. Admission packs should be received on 3rd or 4th March. The Pupil Access Team will not answer any telephone enquiries regarding the allocation process until 4th March and secondary school allocation lists will not be sent to your child’s primary school until 2nd March.

 Can I accept the offer of a school place on-line?

Parents who applied on-line and who are notified by e-mail at which school the child has been offered a place, can accept the offer on-line.

 Can I be told my child’s 11+ test results?

On 2nd March the CSSE will send 11+ test results to the parents of all pupils who sat the 11+ test.

 If all of my preferences are refused will a place be allocated to my child?

If it has not been possible to allocate your child a place at any of your preferences the Pupil Access Team will allocate a place to your child at the nearest school in the Borough to your home address that has vacancies.

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions  If I am refused a place at a school of my choice how do I ensure that my child is kept on the waiting list?

If you wish your child’s name to be kept on a waiting list at any school where your preference has been refused you will need to return to the Pupil Access Team the waiting list form that will be sent to you on 2nd March.

 How do waiting lists operate after 2nd March?

Once places have been offered, waiting lists will be produced that will include both pupils that were refused a place on 2nd March together with pupils whose applications were received after the closing date and who could not be considered at that time. Waiting lists will be regularly updated after 2nd March to take into account any new places that have been offered together with any other late applications and pupils who have moved into the Borough. At all times waiting lists will be maintained in the order that relates to the schools admissions criteria.

As waiting lists will include, for example, pupils who have moved into the area more recently, the position of any pupil on the waiting list may change. The position on the waiting list is in accordance with the admission criteria and is not on a “first come first served” basis.

 How do I apply for a secondary school place outside the normal round of admissions?

Parents wishing to apply for a year 7 place at a school once the academic year has already started or for a place in years 8-11 can either contact the school direct or contact the Pupil Access Team who will advise parents of where there are school places. Applications for places at the 2 community schools (Chase High School and Shoeburyness High School) and for Futures Community College must be made to the Council. Applications to voluntary aided and the other foundation schools are made to the individual schools.

 What are In-year Fair Access Protocols?

In-year Fair Access Protocols (formerly referred to as Hard to Place protocols) exist to ensure that access to education is secured quickly for children who have no school place, and to ensure that all schools in an area admit their fair share of children with challenging behaviour. This includes admitting children above the school’s admission limit to schools that are already full. In this situation children who met the criteria to be admitted under an In-year Fair Access protocol must take precedence over any other children on a waiting list for a school that is already full.

 If I am refused a place at a school of my choice how do I appeal against this decision?

If your child is refused a place at any school you have put as a preference, you have the right to appeal against the decision to an independent admission appeals panel.

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions In considering whether to appeal please refer to page *** of this booklet as this will give you details of how many appeals were made to each school and the number of successful appeals. Please consider carefully all relevant information before you decide to appeal. For example how far you live from the school or how well your child did in the selection test. The school, the CSSE or the Pupil Access Team may be able to provide you with additional information to assist you in deciding whether or not to appeal. Even if you are intending to appeal we always advise parents to accept the place currently being offered. Most parents are not successful in their appeal and accepting a place now gives you the security of a school place. It should be noted that in all cases the decision of the admission appeals panel is final and binding on all parties.

Appeals for places at Community schools are organised by the Local Authority and appeal forms will be sent to parents, on request, by the Pupil Access Team. Appeals for places at Foundation or Voluntary Aided schools are organised by the school and further information may be obtained from the school concerned.

 When will my appeal be heard?

The recently issued School Admission Appeals Code of Practice sets out a strict timetable for the hearing of appeals. For secondary admissions, appeals resulting from applications made before the closing date, all appeals must be heard by 6th July. Appeals resulting from late applications should ideally be held at the same time as on-time applicants but if this is not feasible they must be heard within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged.

 Where can I find out more information about the appeals process?

Detailed information about the appeals process is shown in the booklet “School Admission Appeals”. Copies of this booklet are available on the Borough Council website or from the Pupil Access Team.

 Is any help available towards the cost of school uniform?

For pupils living in Southend, a grant towards the cost of school uniform is available under certain circumstances to those on low incomes. The grant is payable when the child is in years 7 or 8. Children joining a school from year 9 onwards are eligible for a grant if they have not previously received a grant from Southend Council. Application forms and details about how to apply for a uniform grant are available from either the Customer Contact Centre or the Department of Children & Learning. It should be noted that the uniform grant policy is kept under constant review.

 Will my child be eligible for free travel?

Free transport will only be provided for secondary age pupils (Year 7 to Year 11) who:

 live at least 3 miles from, and attend, their nearest non selective secondary school or,

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions  are unable to be offered a place at their nearest non selective school and who live at least 3 miles from, and attend, the next nearest non selective school with vacancies in the appropriate year group or  are studying for GCSEs, move home during year 10 or 11, and attend a school at least 3 miles from their new home address;  have been awarded a place at a selective school provided that: (a) they have sat the selection test, and (b) the nearest selective school is at least 3 miles from the child’s home; and (c) the pupil’s parents are in receipt of the appropriate benefits.

Families on low income (those entitled to free school meals or who are in receipt of working tax credit) are entitled to receive free travel in the following additional circumstances 1) to one of the three nearest secondary schools between 2 and 6 miles from the home address; 2) to enable a pupil to attend the nearest suitable school preferred on grounds of religion or belief within 2 to 15 miles from the home address.

In all cases: 1. pupils attending mainstream secondary schools who are entitled to “free travel” would normally receive a bus or train pass for public routes; 2. pupils must be resident in the Borough; 3. the appropriate distance is measured by the “nearest available” walking route between the front gate of the pupils home and the nearest available school gate.

It should be noted that the transport policy is kept under constant review.

Enquiries about transport to any school in the Borough should be made in writing to Passenger Transport & Haulage Group, Tickfield Industrial Estate, Tickfield Avenue, Southend on Sea SS2 6LL. Alternatively you can telephone the helpline on 01702-215841 between 10am and 4pm or email [email protected] . Outside of these times you can leave a message on the answerphone.

Enquiries regarding bus services should be made to Essex Travel Line on 08770 6082608 (local rate between 7am and 11pm daily).

 Are school meals available?

For pupils attending a Southend secondary school, lunch is available in schools for those children who want it. Application forms and details about how to apply for free meals are available from the school concerned. Supervised facilities are also available in all Southend secondary schools for children to eat packed lunches.

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions  What are the school term and holiday dates for the academic year 2009/10?

Autumn Term: Wednesday 2nd September 2009 to Friday 18th December 2009 Half term 26th to 30th October 2009

Spring Term: Monday 4th January 2010 to Thursday 1st April 2010 Half term 15th to 19th February 2010

Summer Term Monday 19th April 2010 to Thursday 22nd July 2010 Half term 31st May to Friday 4th June 2010

These dates are for community schools. They are generally followed by foundation and voluntary aided schools in Southend but you should check with the individual school. All schools will also have a number of non-pupil days when children will not be expected to attend. These vary from one school to another. The day when certain schools begin a new term may also vary. Please contact the school office for more details.

These dates are the same as those agreed by Essex County Council.

 Who monitors my child’s attendance at secondary school?

All Southend schools promote high levels of attendance and punctuality, and parents have a responsibility to ensure that their child attends school regularly and arrives punctually. The School Attendance & Child Employment Service works with parents of young people who are having difficulties that may affect their school attendance and have been referred by their school to the service. In the first instance, in all cases of difficulty around attendance at school, parents should work closely with the school to support their child’s attendance using the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) to access further support. The Council may take legal proceedings against parents who persistently fail to ensure regular school attendance.

 Am I allowed to take my child out of school during term time for a family holiday?

You should avoid taking your child out of school for holidays, as this will inevitably disrupt the child’s education. Absence without the approval of the headteacher is regarded as unauthorised absence. Parents should be aware that unauthorised absence may lead to Fixed Penalty Notices (£50), and prosecution at Magistrates Court.

 Where can I find more information about the admissions and appeals process?

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has recently published a new guide for parents on school admissions and appeals. The guide outlines the school admissions and appeals processes: what parents can expect from the admissions system, how to object to unlawful arrangements, and how to find further information and support. Copies of the guide can be downloaded or ordered from the URL below:

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=productdetails&PageMode= publications&ProductId=DCSF-00160-2008&

Or alternatively, to order to order copies you should email [email protected] with 'Guide for parents' as the subject.

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions  Completion of the Single Application Form

It is hoped that as many parents as possible will complete the form on-line. The on-line facility will include detailed instructions to guide you through the process. However if you intend to complete the paper form this should be completed in black ink and in block letters. Once completed the paper form must be returned by the closing date of 3rd November 2008 to:

Pupil Access Team Department of Children & Learning Southend on Sea Borough Council 5th Floor, Civic Centre Victoria Avenue Southend on Sea SS2 6ER It is not sufficient for the paper form to be posted on 3rd November 2008 as it must be received by the Council by 3rd November 2008. Please read the following notes of guidance carefully before completing the paper copy of the Single Application Form. Section 1 1. You should indicate in this section information about the child transferring to secondary school. If the child’s address is different to that of the adult in Section 2 a separate sheet should be attached explaining the reasons why. 2. The current primary school address and postcode details are required as there are a number of primary schools in both Southend and Essex that share the same name. 3. If the child is “looked after”, by a Local Authority eg lives with a Foster Carer, details of that Local Authority are required as it may be necessary to liaise with them regarding any school placement. Section 2 4. You should indicate in this section basic information relating to the adult that is responsible for applying for a secondary school place for the child concerned. 5. If there is an additional adult who shares a responsibility for applying for a school place, but who lives at a different address, please attach to the form a note explaining the circumstances and confirming that the preferences shown on the form reflect the wishes of both adults. 6. In all cases the use of any particular address when deciding on the allocation of school places would be made on the basis that this is the child’s normal place of residence and is the address that he /she resides at during the majority of the school week and is the address where any Child Benefit would be payable. 7. Telephone numbers are requested in order that we may quickly contact you to resolve any queries.

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Section 3 8. Make sure that the preferences you indicate reflect your wishes. You can express a preference for up to 5 schools but you can indicate fewer if you wish. Places will be allocated strictly in the order of the preferences you indicate. It is strongly recommended that the preferences shown in this section include at least one non selective school and ideally your local non-selective catchment area school. Schools will not know the order of your preferences and your chance of securing a place at a non selective school are not reduced by putting a selective school as a higher preference. 9. For each of the schools you indicate in Section 3 you must also complete a separate preference sheet (please refer to section 6).

Section 4 10.You only need to complete this section if you wish your child to take the selective test for a selective place at any school in either Southend or Essex that is a member of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE). If you do wish your child to take the selective test you will need to obtain a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) from either the CSSE office (Tel: 01245-348257) or from any school that offers selective places. SIFs can also be completed on line at www.csse.org.uk You will also need to ensure that you tick the “Selective school place” box in Section 6 for any school where you wish to apply for a selective place. Section 5 11.The declaration should be signed by the adult(s) responsible for applying for a secondary school place and whose details are shown in Section 2. Section 6 - Preference sheets (numbered 1st to 5th Preference school) 12. You must complete a separate page for each of the schools you have indicated in Section 3 (and in the same order). 13. If any of the schools you wish to name are not situated in either Southend or the Castle Point & Rochford area of Essex please show the full address of the school and the postcode. 14. The “tick boxes” should be used to show any of the reasons why you wish to apply for a place at the school concerned. Remember that you will also need to ensure that you tick the “Selective school place” box for any school where you wish to apply for a selective place. 15. Medical or social criteria only appear in the admission criteria for certain secondary schools - the individual school pages later in this booklet provide details of the proof that will be required to support your application. Any documents you wish to be taken into account must be attached to the application form. 16. Catchment areas are a defined geographical area served by a particular secondary school. However, there is no guarantee of a place at any school even if you live within the catchment area. If you wish to apply for a place at the school serving your catchment area you must indicate this school as one of your preferences.

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions 17. In addition to the Single Application Form, if you wish to apply for a specialist place at The Eastwood School you must clearly indicate this by completing the tick box for “specialist school place” on the preference sheet. You will also need to complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF). SIFs are obtained from the school and returned to the school, you will need to check in the school prospectus for the closing date. However, they are not application forms and you must still complete and return the Single Application Form to Southend Borough Council by 3rd November 2008. 18. If you are intending to apply for a non-selective place at either St Thomas More High School or St Bernards High School and Arts College (Girls) you will also need to complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF). SIFs are obtained from the school and returned to the school, you will need to check in the school prospectus for the closing date. However, they are not application forms and you must still complete and return the Single Application Form by 3rd November 2008. If you are also applying for a selective place at St Bernards or St Thomas More you must also complete the CSSE SIF in order to register for the selective test. 19. There are no primary schools in the Borough that act as a “Feeder” to a particular secondary school. However, part of the admissions criteria for both St Bernards and St Thomas More do have a “link” in that they will consider as siblings the brother or sister of an applicant who attends the other school. 20. If you wish to write anything further in support of your application this should be indicated within the space provided. You may wish to explain the “other reason” if you have ticked that box. This section is entirely optional. 21. If the pupil transferring to secondary school has an older brother or sister at the school you are naming at the top of the form you will need to complete the section at the foot of the appropriate preference sheet. The individual school pages later in this booklet include information regarding the definition of a sibling that will generally be used. 22. Individual schools will receive all of the details relevant to your application but will not be told which preference they have been put. 23. You will receive a receipt for your application. If you have not received a receipt within 10 working days please contact the Pupil Access Team.

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Secondary Schools in Southend on Sea

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Belfairs High School

Headteacher: John Duprey Address: Highlands Boulevard, Leigh on Sea SS9 3TG Tel: 08444 772555 Fax: 08444 772556 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.belfairs.southend.sch.uk

Admission limit: 219

Belfairs High School is an 11-19 Co-educational Foundation School which has been designated by the DCSF as a Media Specialist School as well as a Training School. Belfairs is a wholly inclusive school working towards ensuring all students achieve their best regardless of starting points.

Admission Criteria 1. Children in public care 2. Pupils who at the time of admission are living in the catchment area served by the school, whose parents have submitted an application form by the appropriate closing date and who will have brothers or sisters attending the school at the time of admission. 3. Pupils who at the time of admission are living in the catchment area served by the school and whose parents have submitted an application form by the appropriate closing date. 4. Pupils outside the catchment area whose parents have submitted an application form by the appropriate closing date and who will have brothers or sisters attending the school at the time of admission. 5. Pupils living outside the catchment area whose parents have submitted an application form by the appropriate closing date.

Pupils are considered to be siblings if: a) They are full or half brother or sister living together at the same address; b) They are adoptive brother and sister living at the same address. There are no special conditions that apply to twins or triplets other than to say that we would wish to keep these youngsters together. When determining the 'home' address we check the information provided by the Applicant with the Local Authority data and the feeder primary school records where concerns exist.

Students will be admitted without reference to aptitude or ability to Year 7 and by appropriate prior academic qualifications to Year 12.

In the case of over subscription the shortest walking distance using public highways will be used to measure the distance between the student’s home and the student entrance at the front of the school, as measured by a commercial ICT system, with those living the closest being given priority.

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Pupils in Public Care are those who are looked after by a local authority in accordance with section 22 of the Children’s Act 1989(b) at the time an application for their admission to a school is made, and who the local authority has confirmed will still be looked after at the time when they are admitted to the school. Admission Arrangements

Prospectuses are available from the school. The application form used relating to entry to the school is the Single Application Form used across the Local Authority. Parents wishing for their child to be considered for entry to Belfairs High School must name the school as one of their preferences on the form, which will be returned to the Local Authority by 3rd November 2008. The Local Authority will make offers of places on the National Offer Day, 2nd March 2009. Appeals are held in May and June. Information on admission to the school will also be available from the Borough of Southend annual publication to parents on Secondary School Admissions.

Number of preferences received for admission in September 2008: Total number of places offered to: Pupils with statements of SEN Catchment area siblings Catchment area Out of catchment siblings Out of catchment

Number of appeals lodged: Number of appeals heard: Number of successful appeals:

Open evening:

Transport: Buses 1, 2, 5, 21, 21a, 26, 26a, 27 & 27a serve the school.

You can apply online for a school place at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions Cecil Jones College

Headteacher: Mr D Nichols Address: Eastern Avenue, Southend on Sea SS2 4BU Tel: 01702-440000 Fax: 01702-463724 Email: [email protected] Website: ceciljones.net

Admission limit: 280

Cecil Jones is a very popular two-site 11-18 specialist Business and Enterprise College with selective places. This new designation was awarded in 2005 following years of improving examination results and positive Ofsted inspections. Visitors invariably comment on the relaxed, friendly yet purposeful atmosphere in the school resulting from the mutual respect developed between staff and students. This is especially apparent during our wide range of extra-curricular activities; sport, drama, and a weekly music school. Our philosophy is simple: to provide a wide range of learning opportunities so that all students develop their full potential. A high percentage of our students gain places at a range of universities that has included Cambridge. There are opportunities to excel in performance arts and sport (for which the school holds national awards) alongside practical, academic and vocational subjects. From the protected environment of the Lower Site to the new Sixth Form Centre, the high quality environment provides for learners of all ages. Facilities include modern business centres, equipped with the latest technology, a theatre, dance studio, recording studio, sports hall and all-weather pitch. Rooms are well equipped and lessons are well- resourced. Students progress is monitored constantly with frequent reports to parents with whom a partnership is encouraged. Expectations are high and both students and their parents are expected to support the College in providing a first class education for all its students.

Admission criteria: The admission criteria to be used to determine which pupils will be admitted in September 2009 are as follows:

1) Pupils in Public Care

2) Selective places

Twenty-eight places will be available to pupils who pass the selection procedure as administered by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (of which the College is a founder member).Places will be awarded by reference to the order of merit list, with preference given to pupils with highest scores. In the event of 2 or more pupils achieving the same mark for the last place available preference will be given as follows

1 Where the child has a sibling currently attending the College; 2 Proximity of the child’s home to the College, with those living nearer being accorded the higher priority.

3) Borderline Selective places

If any selective places remain unfilled, the Governors will consider whether any of the remaining applicants who took the selection test are eligible to be awarded a borderline selective place. The Governors will consider the following information in respect to possible borderline candidates: The scores obtained in the selective test with places being awarded by reference to the order of merit list with preference given to pupils with highest scores.

4. Non Selective places:

The remaining 252 places (plus any unfilled selective places) will be allocated without reference to ability or aptitude. Where applications for admissions exceed the number of places available, the following criteria will be applied, in the order set out below, to decide which children to admit:

a) where the child has a sibling attending the College b) where the child lives within the catchment area served by the College; (should the College be over-subscribed on the application of this criterion, then straight-line distance, measured from the East Gate at the Upper Site will be used, with those living nearest being given preference) c) The remaining places will be allocated by random allocation (an independently supervised lottery will take place for each round of allocation).

Explanatory Notes

The Governing Body (the College Admission Authority) is committed to providing the highest quality education to members of the College’s local community. In this way community links are strengthened and the College provides a central focus of learning for those in its locality.

A sibling is a brother or sister, step brother or step sister, adopted brother or adopted sister, living at the same address, who attends the College at the time of application with a reasonable expectation that he or she will still be attending at the time of the proposed admission.

All admission criteria for pupils applying at the start of year 7 refer to the status and circumstances of the child on the closing date for applications. For all other applications the criteria will be applied on the date the application is received.

If the College is oversubscribed, any applications that are received after the identified closing date will be slotted into the waiting list in the appropriate position (according to the admission criteria) after the initial offers of places have been made. Where random allocation comes into play, a fresh allocation will take place each time a vacancy occurs, ensuring an equal chance for all who may be given a place by this means.

Random allocation as the third criterion ensures that the College retains a commitment to its catchment area, maintaining a community dimension whilst offering some places to parents living further afield who wish their children to have the benefits of an education at a Specialist Business & Enterprise College.

The award of selective places at this specialist Business and Enterprise 11-18 College provides the college with a more balanced intake allowing us to offer a broader curriculum and a viable programme for our gifted and talented students. Other able students, who enter without having taken the selective test will still be placed in high sets so that their talents and abilities are fully developed.

Arrangements for appeals: Parents are asked to indicate their intention to appeal within 3 weeks of receiving notification that they have failed to secure a place for their child. Letters of appeal should be sent to the clerk to the Governing Body and addressed to the school.

Number of preferences received for admission in September 2008: Total number of places offered to Pupils with statements of SEN Selective, including Borderline selective pupils Siblings Catchment area Outside catchment area

Number of appeals lodged: Number of appeals heard: Number of successful appeals:

Open evening:

Open days:

Transport: Buses 13, 24, 27, & 27a serve the upper school site and 61& 69 serve the lower school site.

Chase High School

Headteacher: Mrs D Allen Address: Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff on Sea SS0 0RT Tel: 08444 773566 Fax: 08444 778907 Email: [email protected]

Admission limit: 196

Chase High School opened in September 2006. It is a community school for 1200 boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 18. Our first post-16 students will begin from September 2008. In addition to traditional subjects in the curriculum, the school will offer a range of vocational courses at different levels.

Chase High School’s aim is to provide an inspirational and supportive learning, working and social environment, where everyone strives to achieve their full potential and where excellence is encouraged, valued and respected by all.

The Head Teacher, her staff and the Board of Governors are fully committed to providing a stimulating and varied education for all of the pupils; we want to engage every student for every day at their time at Chase High. We are confident that, with the introduction of Chase High's specialism in sport and enterprise, our optimism for the future will be shared by all. With state-of-the-art facilities and a committed, dynamic team of teachers and support staff, we aim to help our students receive a high quality education, allowing them to achieve their full potential as responsible adults. Life at Chase High School is an important part of every student's education. Whether you are in Year 7 or Year 11, there is a clear structure to each day, helping all students to fulfil their potential within a supportive and understanding environment. Our commitment to every student's well-being - educational, physical, social - is something we take very seriously as part of our responsibility to our students and their parents. From September 2007 to August 2008 the school will be extended, considerably increasing the internal space available. This will allow for more flexible classroom use and create an independent learning centre, new art, dance, drama, music and media facilities and a new cafeteria. A new Sixth Form will open at Chase High in September 2008. We are committed to students, parents and the wider community and invite you all to support us as we help our students take the vital steps from childhood to young adulthood.

Admission criteria

1. Pupils in public care 2. Pupils who have an exceptional medical reason for attending the school. 3. Pupils who live in the catchment area served by the school and who have an older

sibling attending the school. 4. Pupils who live in the catchment area served by the school. 5. Pupils who live outside the catchment area served by the school and who have an older sibling attending the school. 6. Pupils who live outside the catchment area served by the school.

Pupils with Statements of Special Educational Needs that name a particular school are required to be admitted and the admission authority does not have the right to refuse admission.

In the case of over subscription in any one category “straight line” distance will be used to measure the distance between the pupil’s home and the nearest pupil entrance to the school. The pupils living closest will be given priority.

All admission criteria for pupils applying for the start of year 7 refer to the closing date for admission applications. For all other applications the criteria will refer to the date the application is received by the Council.

In accordance with the School Admissions Code of Practice, if the school is over subscribed any application received after the identified closing date will be slotted into the waiting list in the appropriate position (according to the admissions criteria) once the initial offers of places have been made.

Parents wishing to apply for the admission of a child under the exceptional medical criteria must submit by the appropriate closing date for admission applications a letter from a health authority representative (or hospital). The information will need to specifically explain the medical reasons why the school in question is the most suitable school and the difficulties that would be caused if the child had to travel to another school.

Siblings are considered to be an older brother or sister, half-brother or half-sister, step-brother or step-sister, adopted brother or sister, living at the same address, who attends the school at the time of application with a reasonable expectation that he or she will still be attending at the time of the proposed admission.

In the exceptional situation where one twin or one or two triplets are refused a place, in order to keep family members together the additional pupil(s) will be admitted even if this results in the admission limit for the year group being exceeded.

Arrangements for appeals:

If it is not possible to offer you a place at the school you will be given the opportunity of having your case considered by an independent admission appeal panel. Details of the appeals process will be forwarded to you by the Pupil Access Team.

Number of appeals lodged: Number of appeals heard: Number of successful appeals:

Open evening:

Transport: Buses 20, 21 & 21a serve the school.

Futures Community College

Headteacher: Mrs J Alder Address: Southchurch Boulevard, Southend on Sea SS2 4UY Tel: 01702-586123 Fax: 01702-584611 Email: [email protected]

Admission limit: 168

Futures College is a new 11-19+ self-governing foundation school, offering a unique blend of academic and vocational education. The new college will open in September 2007, on the site of the former Thorpe Bay School. The college already has a new self-contained classroom block for the new Year 7 students, which will enable them to make the transition from primary to secondary more easily, and a modernised PE block with upgraded showers and changing facilities and a new fitness suite. The school offers a wide range of opportunities including sports, music and drama.

At the end of 2007, work will begin on a £20 million, state of the art new school and college - the new building work will not disrupt pupils’ learning, as the new college is being developed on a separate part of the site. Apart from all that should be expected of a new educational facility, the new combined school and college will give students a wide range of opportunities to excel in traditional academic subjects, as well as a choice of vocational pathways leading to qualifications and employment. Futures is at the forefront of a whole new vision for education in Southend. It is anticipated that the new building will open in September 2009.

The Upper school, in Key Stage 4 has an exciting choice of “pathway options” and specialist diplomas that will prepare students for their chosen careers. Many of these pathways involve liaison with outside agencies, and all pupils have the opportunity to complete work experience and training placements with local employers.

The school sixth form will offer a range of advanced vocational further education programmes, and students will also be able to take up apprenticeships. This will be a very different approach to that of a traditional sixth form, and there will be close links with local commerce to ensure that young people coming through the college will be equipped with the skills that businesses need. The new Upper College will be a centre of excellence for training in careers such as construction, engineering, hair and beauty, and sports and leisure.

Admission criteria:

Students will be admitted from age 11, whatever their ability, up to the number of places available. Where applications for admission exceed the number of places available, priority will be given to the following: 1. Pupils in Public Care;

2. Pupils who will have siblings at the school; 3. Pupils with exceptional medical or exceptional social reasons for attending the school; 4. Pupils living in the catchment area of the school on the basis of closeness to the school; 5. Pupils living outside the catchment area of the school on the basis of closeness to the school;

In the case of over subscription in any one category, “straight line” distance will be used to measure the distance between the pupil’s home and the nearest pupil entrance to the school. The pupils living closest will be given priority.

Parents wishing to apply for the admission of a child under point 3. above must submit the following independent supporting evidence by the appropriate closing date for admission applications:

Exceptional medical reasons – a letter from a health authority representative (or hospital), explaining the medical reasons why the child needs to attend Futures College.

Exceptional social reasons – a similar letter from an independent and professional source, such as a social worker or a health visitor,

In respect of both exceptional medical and exceptional social reasons evidence received after the closing date for admission applications will not be taken into account when the decisions are made.

In exceptional cases, Futures College can decide to refuse admission. This will only happen outside of the normal round of admission and if it is believed that a particular pupil would seriously prejudice the efficient education of others. Similarly, the duty to comply with parental preferences does not apply where a child has been permanently excluded from two or more schools (for period of up to two years following the second exclusion).

Arrangements for appeals:

If it is not possible to offer your child a place, details of the appeals process will be forwarded to you by the school.

Total number of preferences received for admission in September 2008: Total number of places offered Pupils with statements of SEN Catchment area siblings Catchment area Out of catchment siblings Out of catchment

Number of appeals lodged: Number of appeals heard: Number of successful appeals:

Open evening:

Transport: Buses 1, 4, 4a, 20c, 26, 26a and 408 serve the school.

St Bernards High School and Arts College

Headteacher: Mrs P M Barron B.A.Hons, MBA (Edu) Address: Milton Road, Westcliff on Sea SS0 7JS Tel: 01702-343583 Fax: 01702-390201 Email: [email protected]

Admission limit: 145

St Bernard’s High School and Arts College is a five form, 11-18 bi-lateral school for girls with a co-educational Sixth Form. The school serves the Catholic community of Southend and South East Essex. The partnership between home, parish and school is the basis of the school’s existence as a centre for the education of all Catholic girls of secondary age in the area. The aim of the school is to recognise and develop the potential of each student. The school provides a full and balanced curriculum which encourages the intellectual and personal development of all students. The staff are committed to the progress of all students, setting targets with them and supporting achievement through active learning and teaching. Students are encouraged to enter wholeheartedly into the life of the school; to work hard, to respect the needs of others; and develop those skills and competencies that will be essential in their future lives. St Bernard’s is a forward looking school with a strong and successful tradition of Christian education.

THE ALLOCATION OF PLACES.

SELECTIVE PLACES

Sixty three places will be available to students through the selective procedure as administered by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex. These places are awarded to students who exceed the pass mark and are offered in order of merit until the sixty three places are filled. The pass mark is adjusted annually and is referenced to the top 24% of the ability range in the Southend priority area. If two or more students tie for the final selective place then it will be awarded using the over subscription criteria.

NON-SELECTIVE PLACES Non-Selective places will be offered to bring the total intake for the year to 145.

Over-Subscription Where applications for admission exceed the number of places available the following criteria will be applied, in the order set out below, to decide which children to admit. a) Catholic children in public care i.e. Looked After Children b) *Practising Catholic girls living in the following parishes, whose application is supported in writing by their Parish Priest: Our Lady of Lourdes, Leigh-on-Sea; St. Helen’s, Westcliff-on-Sea; Sacred Heart, Southend-on- Sea; St. Teresa’s, Rochford; St. George’s, Shoebury; St. Peter’s, Eastwood; St. John Fisher, Prittlewell; Holy Family, South Benfleet; Our Lady of Ransom, Rayleigh and our Lady of Canvey, Canvey Island. c) Other practising Catholic girls whose application is supported in writing by their Parish Priest. d) Baptised Catholics whose application is not supported in writing by their Parish Priest. e) Other children in public care i.e. other Looked After Children f) Practising Christian girls living in the South East Essex area attending Catholic Primary schools, whose application is supported in writing by their Minister. g) Practising Christian girls living in the South East Essex area, whose application is supported in writing by their Minister. h) Non-Christian girls living in South East Essex whose application is supported in writing by their local religious leader. i) Other girls who do not fall into the above categories

Note: Preference will be given within each of the above categories according to the following criteria:- i) in categories b & c above priority will be given to students’ applications according to the strength of their proof of practice of Catholicity as determined by their Parish Priest. ii) girls with a sibling** at the school or at St. Thomas More High School, Westcliff at the time of admission. iii) *** proximity of the child’s home to the school, as measured by the shortest route. Those living closest to the school being accorded the highest priority.

Definition: *Practising – to meet the term practising the minister who supplies the letter in support of the application must indicate that the child is practising her faith. **A sibling includes full, half, step, adopted and long term fostered siblings at St. Bernard’s High School or St. Thomas More High School. ***Where a child resides at more than one address the distance will be measured using the address where they reside for the majority of the time. Shortest distance is measured by using the Local Authority's ICT software.

Proof of Baptism – in order to apply the admissions criteria fairly proof of baptism will be required.

Catholic children baptised in parishes other than the named parishes (criteria b) and all other Christian children will be required to include a copy of their Baptismal Certificate, if appropriate, with their application. In the named parishes confirmation of Baptism will be sought from the Parish Priest at the same time as a Priest’s reference.

ADMISSION AT AGE 16 Admission to the Sixth Form is by individual application using the School’s Sixth Form application form. Details of the entry requirements and the courses on offer are fully detailed in the Sixth Form Prospectus which is available from the school. Applications are welcomed from students from outside the School. Interviews take place to discuss option choices and course availability. Following the interview, places are offered to girls and boys who meet the entry requirements.

Waiting Lists: Waiting lists: Lists for each intake year are kept for students wishing to remain on our waiting list. Admission, if a vacancy becomes available, is strictly by criteria order.

APPEALS AGAINST NON-ADMISSION Appeals against a decision of the Governors should be addressed to the Correspondent to the Governors within 2 weeks of the receipt of the decision. These appeals will be considered by the Independent Appeal Committee, before which parents are entitled to attend.

Total number of preferences received for admission in September 2008: Total number of places offered Selective pupils Catholic pupils Christian pupils

Number of appeals lodged: Number of appeal withdrawn: Number of appeals heard: Number of successful appeals:

Open Evening:

Open Day:

Transport: Buses 1, 2, 5, 26, 26a, 27, & 27a serve the school.

St Thomas More High School

Headteacher: Mr Peter Travis Address: Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff on Sea SS0 0BW Tel: 01702-344933 Fax: 01702-436990 Email: (general enquiries) [email protected] Email: (admissions enquiries) admissions @st-thomasmore.southend.sch.uk Website: www.st-thomasmore.southend.sch.uk

Admission limit: 150

Admissions Policy The school is a five form entry, boys’ bi-lateral school, designed to serve the Roman Catholic community of South East Essex, admitting 150 pupils annually, into Year 7.The governors place particular emphasis on the commitment of pupils and their families to the expectations and opportunities of St. Thomas More High School, and seek those who demonstrate that they will support the school and enhance its reputation. Consideration will only be given to boys whose parents have completed the Single Application Form (SAF) and a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) and where the application is supported by a completed form of reference from the applicant’s Parish Priest (or another Priest who knows the family well). Children in public care from Catholic families will have priority overall. Other children in public care will have priority over the non-Catholic categories overall. The governors will adopt the following criteria to decide which children to admit to the school.

Selective Places 30 places will be offered to boys who have passed the selection procedure as administered by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (of which the school is a founder member). Practising Roman Catholic boys will be given priority and any remaining selective places will be filled by non-Catholic selective boys, priority being given to practising Christians. The following criteria will be used, in order, to decide which boys to admit should there be more than 30 Catholic boys who pass the selection procedure: a) The commitment of the family to the practice of the faith. b) Where an older sibling* will be on roll at the time of the child’s admission. c) Where the boy has a sister currently attending St. Bernard’s High School. d) Stated preference for single sex education. e) Proximity of the child’s home from school, measured by the shortest walking route, with those living nearer having the higher priority.

*The definition of sibling in this document being: Siblings are considered to be an older brother or sister, half-brother or half-sister, step-brother or step-sister, adopted brother or sister, living at the same address, who attends St. Thomas

More High School at the time of application with a reasonable expectation that he or she will still be attending at the time of the proposed admission.

Non Selective Places The next 120 places (plus any that are not filled by selective pupils) will be allocated as follows: 1) Practising Roman Catholic boys living in the parishes of Our Lady of Lourdes, Leigh on Sea; St. Helen’s, Westcliff; Sacred Heart, Southend; St. Teresa’s, Rochford; St. George’s, Shoebury; St. Peter’s, Eastwood; St. John Fisher, Prittlewell; Holy Family, South Benfleet; Our Lady of Ransom, Rayleigh and Our Lady of Canvey. Should it be necessary to distinguish between applicants, the criteria (a) to (e) above will be used. 2) Practising Catholic boys in other parishes outside the South East Essex area. Should it be necessary to distinguish between applicants, the criteria (a) to (e) above will be used. 3) Practising Christian boys within the South East Essex area whose parents desire for them a Roman Catholic education. In filling places, the governors will consider applications only from practising Christians as verified by a Church Minister. Should it be necessary to distinguish between applicants, the criteria (a) to (e) above will be used. 4) Should any places still remain, the governors will consider applications from families who desire a Roman Catholic education for their son, even though they are not themselves practising Christians. Should it be necessary to distinguish between applicants, the criteria (a) to (e) above will be used.

Appeals In the event that an applicant should be refused admission by the Governors’ Admissions Committee, parents will be given details in writing of the procedures to follow if they should wish to appeal against the decision to the Governors’ Appeals Committee.

Number of preferences received for admission in September 2008: Total number of places offered : Pupils with statements of SEN Selective pupils Practising Catholics from within the area Practising Catholics from outside the area

Number of appeals lodged: Number of appeals heard: Number of successful appeals:

Open evening:

Transport: Buses 21, 21a, 29, 821 & 822, serve the school.

Shoeburyness High School

Headteacher: Mrs S Murphy Address: Caulfield Road, Shoeburyness SS3 9LL Tel: 01702-292286 Fax: 01702-292333 Email: [email protected] Website: www.shoebury.energise.com

Admission limit: 280

Shoeburyness High School is a successful learning community which values all individuals and celebrates the contributions they make towards the achievement of excellence. Our school values its place at the heart of the local community. We are an 11-18 mixed comprehensive school, with 1,540 pupils. As a member of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex, our school is the first choice for some parents whose children take the 11+ examination because of the quality of our Year 7 curriculum and the dedication of our pastoral support team. In recent years the school has been greatly over subscribed which has now resulted in a 10 form entry. We are a member of Southend Excellence Cluster and this has given us access to a wider variety of services, resources and expertise. We are a Full Service Extended School, and Advanced Healthy School, a Training School and the hub site for the Schools Sport Co-ordination Project. We are also the first school in Southend-On-Sea to be awarded Basic Skills status. We believe this demonstrates our enthusiasm in creating the very best opportunities for each of our pupils and their families in areas of academic, cultural, social, artistic and sporting development. Performing arts and music, in particular, play a very significant part in the life of the school. Our art work is renowned and we are delighted to receive the ‘Best in Show’ award at the recent Southend Schools’ Art Exhibition. We encourage pupils to take a pride in themselves, their work and their school. This is done by creating a positive environment in which good achievement, effort and behaviour are rewarded and pupils are presented with a range of opportunities through which they can explore their potential. We are committed to achieving a high level of academic success appropriate to each individual pupil. We have high expectations and aim to see pupils excelling. We are therefore proud of our students and proud of our school. Shoeburyness is a very special school that offers a wide range of opportunities for pupils to achieve. We are:  child centred;  keen to meet the needs of each pupil;  experienced at working in partnership with parents;  inclusive;  eager to show respect to our students;  team workers.

Admission Criteria:

1. Up to 28 pupils granted preferential admission on the basis of their performance in the selection test procedure organised by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex. 2. Pupils in public care 3. Pupils who have an exceptional medical reason for attending the school. 4. Pupils who live in the catchment area served by the school and who have an older sibling attending the school. 5. Pupils who live in the catchment area served by the school. 6. Pupils who live outside the catchment area served by the school and who have an older sibling attending the school. 7. Pupils who live outside the catchment area served by the school.

Where the number of pupils seeking a selective place exceeds the number of places available, provided that the pupil has met the required pass mark, a pupil in public care will be considered ahead of any other pupil.

Pupils with Statements of Special Educational Needs that name a particular school are required to be admitted and the admission authority does not have the right to refuse admission.

Siblings are considered to be an older brother or sister, half-brother or half-sister, step-brother or step-sister, adopted brother or sister, living at the same address, who attends the school at

the time of application with a reasonable expectation that he or she will still be attending at the time of the proposed admission.

Arrangements for appeals: If it is not possible to offer you a place at the school you will be given the opportunity of having your case considered by an independent admission appeal panel. Details of the appeals process will be forwarded to you by the Pupil Access Team.

Number of preferences received for admission in September 2008: Total number of places offered to: Pupils with statements of SEN Pupils as a result of the selection test procedure Catchment area with siblings Catchment area Out of catchment area siblings Out of catchment area

Number of appeals lodged: Number of appeals heard: Number of successful appeals:

Open evening:

Transport : Buses 1, 7, 8, 9 & 408 serve the school.

Southend High School for Boys

Headteacher: Mr R M Bevan Address: Prittlewell Chase, Southend on Sea SS0 0RG Tel: 08444 771752 Fax: 01702-300028 Email: [email protected] Website: www.shsb.essex.sch.uk

Admission limit: 150

Southend High School for Boys is a selective grammar school and a member of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE). For entry at the beginning of Year 7, the CSSE administers a single set of selective tests for the 12 Southend and Essex schools with selective places. Southend High School for Boys is also a Language College and offers particular opportunities to study modern foreign languages inside or outside the curriculum. The school’s key aims, simply put, are:  The pursuit of academic excellence;  The personal and social development of the individual pupil;  The fostering of a positive set of values, such as integrity, tolerance and compassion for others;  The preparation of pupils for a responsible and enriching role within society. We received the Government’s School Achievement Award in three consecutive years (the maximum) for the quality of our examination results. The school has held several national sporting titles and competed in three world schools’ championships. We are also the first secondary school in Essex to be awarded the Challenge Award for our provision for able, gifted & talented pupils. Our last OFSTED report in February 2006 described us as an “outstanding school” (the highest grade available) “with a very strong ethos and a distinctive character”. They went on: “Its pupils are justifiably proud to belong to it, make very good progress and achieve exceptionally high standards. The school successfully balances an emphasis on academic achievement with a concern for pupils’ personal development and well being. This ensures that pupils are well equipped for their place in society.” The school is still expanding. A spacious Languages Centre was added in 2003 and a Sports and Music Centre opened in September 2005. The provision of other new or enhanced specialist facilities is in progress.

Admission Criteria

1. Southend High School for Boys is a selective boys’ school. Admission to the school at age 11 is determined through a selection procedure administered by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE). Parents must express a preference for this school on the Common Local Authority (LA) application form in order for their child to be

considered for a place. For the September 2009 intake and subsequent years, the school’s published admission number is 150. 2. Tests in English, mathematics and verbal reasoning will be taken in November 2008. 3. The offer of a place is dependent upon passing the examination. A pass mark for the examination is set annually, which ensures that the entrance standard remains comparable to that obtaining in the period 1990 to 1994. The school determines admission in the order of priority set out below. 4. Priority is given to those boys attending local primary and junior schools within a defined area, subject to their passing the entrance examination. A copy of a map indicating the defined area is available from the school. A maximum of 125 places is reserved at this school for children in this category. Places are allocated in order of the mark achieved, higher passing candidates first. The school is ‘full’ within the priority area when it has taken its full quota of 125 pupils or when there are no more passing candidates who have listed the school as a preference. In 2007, 122 pupils were admitted to the school from primary schools within the priority area.

The existence of reserved places does not affect parents’ right of appeal.

5. Priority will be given thereafter to those boys from primary and junior schools outside the defined area. There is a minimum of 25 places at this school reserved for those from outside the defined area. In the case of children applying in this category, places will be offered according to the order of merit of those who sit and pass the entrance examination. The candidates who score higher marks will be allocated places before those who pass at a lower level. This process will continue until all available places have been filled. In 2007, 28 pupils were admitted to the school from primary schools outside the defined area. 6. In the event of pupils achieving the same mark for the last available place, preference will be given on the following basis: a) Where the candidate is a child in public care, his case will be considered ahead of candidates not in public care. b) Where a child is not in public care preference will be given to the pupil who lives closest to the school as measured in a straight line between the pupil’s home and the nearest pupil entrance to the school. (If a child lives with different parents for part of a week, the ‘home’ address will be deemed to be the child’s residence for the major part of that week, and in the event of this being equal, the deciding factor will be the address to which child benefit would be payable.)

Admission Arrangements

Prospectuses are available from the school. Parents should express a preference for the school on the common LA application form, which should be returned to the LA by the date on the application form. Parents applying for a place at this school must also complete the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) (copy available from the school), which must be returned to the CSSE by the beginning of November 2008. Details of the test and practice papers are available from the CSSE. The test will be held on a Saturday in November 2008. The LA will make offers of places on the national offer day, 2nd March 2009, and parents will have three weeks to accept the offer in writing.

Waiting list In effect the CSSE Order of Merit represents a waiting list for places at the school. Children are ranked in the same order as the published oversubscription criteria. This Order of Merit/waiting list applies until the end of the first week in September of Year 7.

Entry higher up the school Places do become available higher up the school and parents should write to the Headteacher if they are interested in gaining admission for their son. Testing takes place in English, mathematics, science and a modern foreign language (French, German or Spanish). Tests are held throughout the year as places become available.

Sixth Form Entry Applications are also welcomed for entry into the school at Sixth Form level. Enquiries should be made to the Leader of the Sixth Form; details of the entry requirements and courses on offer are outlined in the Sixth Form Prospectus which can be obtained from the school office.

Arrangements for appeals Any parent whose child is refused a place has the right to appeal to an independent appeal panel. Parents are asked to indicate their intention to lodge an appeal within three weeks of receiving the test results. Advice is given on completion of the appeals paperwork. The appeal hearings are usually in May/June. Appeals should be addressed to the Clerk to the Governors, c/o the school.

Number of preferences received for admission in September 2008: Total number of places offered to: Pupils applying from within the priority area Pupils applying from outside the priority area

Number of appeals lodged: Number of appeals heard: Number of successful appeals:

Open evenings:

Transport: Buses 7, 8, 20, 21, 21a, 25, 821 & 822 serve the school. In addition buses from many parts of Essex are arranged by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex. Further details are available from Mrs G Coe, CSSE Administrative Office, PO Box 3087, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3SY.Tel: 01245-348257 Fax 01245 350522. The school is also conveniently situated for travel by train (Prittlewell station on the Southend Victoria to Liverpool Street line)

Southend High School for Girls

Headteacher: Mrs Alison Clewlow Address: Southchurch Boulevard, Southend on Sea SS2 4UZ Tel: 01702-588852 Fax: 01702-587181 Email: [email protected] Website: www.shsg.essex.sch.uk Admission limit: 150 Southend High School for Girls is a selective Grammar school for students from 11-18. In 1957 the school moved to its present buildings in Thorpe Bay. There are 1020 students, 260 of whom are in the sixth form. Each year a number of students join the school for their A level studies. There are currently 25 boys in the sixth form. Admission to the school at the age of 11 is by means of selection tests administered by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex, though places are allocated by the Local Authority under the co- ordinated admissions arrangements. A new Reception area, Office spaces, Kitchen, Cafeteria, new Sports Hall and Art & Technology centre have recently been opened. The February 2007 OFSTED inspection described the school as “outstanding”. They said “students enjoy school, attend well and behave impeccably in lessons and around the school”. In 2007 at GCSE 58% of grades were at A*/A. The school received a School Achievement award in 2004, also gaining Language College status in September of that year. The school regained Investors In People status in 2007 and IIP Leadership and Management in 2004. In 2005 Ofsted found the Maths department to be ‘outstanding’ and in 2006 the school was designated a High Performing Specialist School with the role of School Mentoring. Process:  SHSG is a selective school; hence admission to the School at the age of 11 is determined through a selection procedure, which is administered by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE).  Exceptionally those under the age of 11 on 31st August in the year of admission are allowed to sit the test (and if successful enter) at the discretion of the Governors of the school of first preference. The CSSE will provide details of requirements of under-age entry. Over-age entry is equally at the discretion of the Governors of the school.  The Application process: Two forms need to be completed by parents. 1. First, the Single Application Form. This is used across the Local Authority (LA) and parents wishing their daughters to be considered for entry to Southend High School for Girls must name the School as one of five Schools on the form. 2. Secondly, the CSSE Supplementary Information Form (SIF). This is essentially an application form for the 11+ Testing process. The CSSE uses the SIF to register, coordinate testing and provide the results of the Order of Merit for all

candidates taking the tests. The LEA then uses the results of these tests to allocate selective places.  Further explanatory information relating to the selection system for both parents and pupils is available from the CSSE Office in Chelmsford and practice test papers may also be purchased for a reasonable fee. Completed application forms must be returned to the Local Authority no later than 3rd November 2008.  Full details of the Coordinated Admission process will be found in information disseminated by Southend Borough Council and/or Essex County Council.  There is the statutory right of Appeal to an independent Appeals Panel available for all those whose application is unsuccessful. TESTING:  Pupils seeking entry to the School (and other Grammar Schools) will take tests on Saturday 22nd November 2008 in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning at a school to which they have been allocated. The results of the tests will determine whether pupils do or do not receive an offer of a place at the School from September 2009.  It is the Local Authority, which will identify those to whom places are to be offered taking into consideration both a pupil's performance in the entrance examination and the expressed sequence of parental preferences.  Under the Coordinated Admissions procedures, offers of places will be made on 2nd March 2009 and parents will have until 23rd March 2009 to accept in writing any places offered. Appeals are held in May/June. Precise details of the arrangements for testing will be distributed to parents by the CSSE in November. ADMISSION NUMBERS:  The Standard Number for admission at age 11 for the year commencing 1st September 2009 is 150. Normally some 700 pupils apply for a place at SHSG.  Under local requirements placed upon us by the Secretary of State, priority is given to Year 6 pupils attending schools within a defined local geographical area of the Southend conurbation (please see attached map). A score (‘pass mark’) will be determined annually after the testing date below which pupils will not be admitted. This pass mark is standardised against benchmarked figures for results in the period 1990-94.  Up to an agreed maximum 115 places will be available to pupils attending local schools provided they have satisfied the minimum test score (ie ‘passed’).  Pupils attending schools outside the local area are, however, encouraged to apply as the School always admits significant numbers from outside the local area, especially from Essex. If fewer than 115 ‘Southend’ girls ‘pass’, these additional places will be offered based on position on the Order of Merit, irrespective of postal address. CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION:  Once places have been allocated in accordance with the Southend priority ruling, where application for admissions exceed the number of places available the following criteria will apply in the sequence presented. 1. The girl’s position on the Order of Merit ranking based on the number of marks awarded in the selection process; the girl with higher mark being accorded the higher priority.

2. When the lowest score securing admission to the School has been given to more than one candidate, priority will be given to a girl in public care (Looked After Child). 3. In the event of a tie, where (2) does not pertain, priority will be given based on the proximity of the girl's home to the School; those living closest to the Front Entrance of the School, as measured by a straight line on the map, will be awarded the higher priority. (If a child lives with different parents for part of a week, the ‘home’ address will be deemed to be the child’s residence for the major part of that week, and in the event of this being equal, the deciding factor will be the address to which child benefit would be payable.)

ENTRY HIGHER UP THE SCHOOL  Places do become available higher up the School (Y8-11) and parents should write to the Headteacher if they are interested in gaining admission for their daughter. A list of those wishing to be admitted is kept and when a place becomes available (ie when numbers drop below the Standard Number for admission), we will test all girls on the list who still wish to be considered. Places are then offered to the highest scoring students until the Standard Number is again reached.  If the School is full in the required year group, a letter explaining this and the procedure of holding a list of names & contacts of applicants will be sent.  No more than one application can be made in any one academic year. We require parents wishing to carry an application over from one year to the next to make an explicit request for this. They will be written to in July to confirm this or withdraw. All parents not replying will be considered to have withdrawn their daughter’s name from the list. Parents of Y7 students unsuccessful in the initial 11+ may express their desire for a place, should one become available, from October of that year.  In-Year application Testing is done in English, Maths and Science. The testing of pupils takes place throughout the year as places become available.  At all stages in the process parents/guardians have the statutory right of Appeal to an independent Appeals Panel.  Students interested in joining the Sixth Form should contact the School Office for further information and an Application Form. The Headteacher is happy to give more information to parents who wish to send their daughters (or sons in the 6th Form) to the School. Appointments can be made through the School Office.

Arrangements for appeals: Where candidates are unsuccessful in their application parents should contact the Clerk to the Independent Appeal Panel via the school.

Number of preferences received for admission in September 2008: Total number of places offered: Pupils applying from within the priority area Pupils applying from outside the priority area

Number of appeals lodged: 20 Number of appeals heard: 15 Number of successful appeals: ***

Open evening: Tuesday 30th September from 6pm to 8pm

Open mornings: Wednesday & Thursday 8th and 9th October from 9.30am – 11am

Transport: Buses 1, 4, 4a, 14, 20c, 26, 26a & 408 serve the school. Transport arrangements are also arranged through the CSSE Transport office (01245-348257)

The Eastwood School

Headteacher: David Penketh Address: Rayleigh Road, Leigh on Sea SS9 5UU Tel: 01702-524341 Fax: 01702-512181

Admission limit: 168

The Eastwood School is Southends first dual designated Arts and Sports Technology College. The school has a central focus on the examination performance of its pupils. Eastwood has won Specialist School Trust awards for the fastest improving schools and the highest value added schools awards for the last four years. Eastwood’s distinctive approach to secondary education features the longest school day in the area, class sizes restricted to 24 pupils and single sex teaching groups for English, Mathematics and Science. A powerful ICT system and strong links with private sector educational providers underpin the school’s daily operation. The sense of community and order in the school is enhanced by a pastoral system based on a House system. Pupils generally remain with the same Form Tutor and Head of House throughout their school career. Children are expected and encouraged to represent their House in a wide variety of activities. The staff aim to ensure that there is something for everybody to be successful at, and that all pupils emerge with the self-belief and social skills to succeed in adult life. Eastwood is a foundation school and is located on a single secure site within extensive and attractive grounds.

Admission criteria:

The Governors will adopt the following criteria to decide which children will be admitted to the school: 1) Pupils in Public Care 2) Pupils who will have a sibling on roll at the school in September 2009. 3) Pupils who are granted preferential admission up to a limit of 10%. 4) Pupils living inside the schools priority admissions area. 5) Pupils living outside the priority admissions area.

To apply for a place at the school, parents must complete the Single Application Form and return it to the Council by 3rd November 2008. Places will then be allocated using the above criteria. Should the school be over subscribed applications will be ranked at random within the admissions criteria in which the oversubscription has first occurred.

Preferential Admissions: a) The Eastwood School offers excellent sporting facilities. Therefore, the school wishes to offer parents the right to apply for a place at the school for their child if they are of the view

he/she would benefit from the schools facilities and tuition from its qualified PE staff. Parents should refer to Section 6 of the Council’s application form and contact The Eastwood School directly to request a Supplementary Information Form. Further details will be sent to you. Please note prospective students may be asked to undergo an assessment of their aptitude for a particular discipline. A maximum of 8 students will be offered a place under this category. b) Eastwood has a purpose built Performing Arts centre on its site. To support this facility the school is fortunate to have appointed a number of well-qualified staff to its Performing Arts Department. It is our intention to offer places to children who have the greatest potential to excel in their chosen discipline, or in a combination of Art skills and who would benefit from using our facilities and receiving guidance from our staff. c) Those children who wish to apply for a place under the Performing Arts criteria should refer to Section 6 of the Council’s application form and contact The Eastwood School directly to request a Supplementary Information Form. Further details will be sent to you. Children who apply under this section may need to take part in an audition to assess their aptitude for one or more of the performing arts. The audition process will consist of a group workshop and for those considered worthy of further consideration an individual audition will also be held. A maximum of 9 students will be offered a place under this category. d) The total number of places allocated for entry under Sport and / or the Performing Arts will not exceed 10% of the Approved Admission Number for the relevant year of entry. e) Please be aware that at the request of Southend Borough Council the governing body has agreed for September 2008 to make a minor alteration to the school catchment area. Further details are included in the Borough Council’s Secondary Admissions Booklet 2009/2010 and are also available from the Department of Children & Learning at Southend Borough Council offices in the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend on Sea.

The governing body considers siblings to indicate a brother or sister who will be attending the Eastwood school in September 2009 and whom also resides at the same address as the applicant.

The random allocation is administered by a member of staff employed by Microsoft

The school does not operate a waiting list system (this is only applicable after September 2009 once the admissions process is transferred to the school)

Arrangements for appeals Independent Admission appeals should be addressed to the Appeals Committee Clerk c/o The Eastwood School.

Number of preferences received for admission in September 2008: Total number of places offered to: Pupils with statements of SEN Pupils with siblings Pupils granted preferential admission

Pupils living in zone A Pupils living in zone B

Number of appeals lodged: Number of appeals heard: Number of successful appeals:

Open evening:

Transport: Buses 20, 25 & 35 serve the school.

Westcliff High School for Boys

Headmaster: Mr Andrew J Baker Address: Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff on Sea SS0 0BP Tel: 01702-475443 Fax: 01702-470495 E mail: [email protected]

Admission limit: 154

Westcliff High School for Boys is a selective Grammar school. It was founded in 1920 and moved to its present spacious site in 1926. It has established a reputation as a centre of excellence and has three times been designated outstandingly successful by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED). In September 2001 the quality of the school's work and breadth of its achievements were recognised in the award of “Beacon” status. The school became a Specialist Humanities College in September 2005. The school has about 1010 boys on roll and draws from the Borough of Southend as well as districts further afield. Most boys entering at 11 remain at Westcliff for seven years before moving on to Higher Education. For a number of years the school has used its greater independence to improve substantially its facilities. The Headmaster and Governors have been pleased to implement a series of ambitious development plans which have given the school modern and attractive facilities for both learning and recreation. The school cares about its traditions but is responsive as well to new ideas and perspectives. It is also concerned to inculcate in those who come to the school a coherent system of values and a willingness to be of service to the wider community.

MAKING AN APPLICATION 1. Westcliff High School for Boys is a selective School, admission to which at the age of 11 is determined through a selection procedure, which is administered by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE). 2. Exceptionally those under the age of 11 on 31st August in the year of admission are allowed to sit the test at the discretion of the Governors of the School of first preference and, if successful, enter. Westcliff High School for Boys does not encourage such early entry. 3. Two forms need to be completed by parents on behalf of applicants * The Single Application Form is used across the Southend Local Authority (LA) and parents wishing their sons to be considered for entry must name the School as one of five Schools on the form. * The CSSE Supplementary Information Form (SIF) must also be completed and is essentially an application for the 11+ Testing process. The CSSE uses the SIF to register, to co-ordinate testing and to provide the resulting Order of Merit for all candidates. The LA then uses the results to allocate selective places.

4. Further explanatory information relating to the selection system for both parents and pupils is available from the CSSE Office in Chelmsford and practice test papers may also be purchased for a reasonable fee. Completed application forms must be returned to the Local Education Authority no later than 3rd November 2008. 5. Full details of the Co-ordinated Admission process will be found in information disseminated by Southend Borough Council and Essex County Council.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR TESTING 6. Pupils seeking entry to the School (and other Grammar Schools) will take tests on Saturday 22nd November in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning at a School to which they will be allocated. The results of the tests will determine whether pupils do or do not receive an offer of a place at the School of their first preference or at another School from September 2009. 7. The Local Authority will identify those to whom places are to be offered taking into consideration both a pupil's performance in the entrance examination and the expressed sequence of parental preferences. 8. Under Co-ordinated Admissions procedures, offers of places will be made on 2nd March 2009 and parents will have until 23rd March 2009 to accept in writing any places offered. Precise details of the arrangements for testing will be distributed to parents by the CSSE in November.

ADMISSION NUMBERS 9. The School's Standard Number for admission at the age of 11 for the year commencing 1st September 2008 is 154. In the first year of Co-ordinated Admissions over 700 pupils applied for a place at Westcliff High School for Boys. 10. Under local requirements placed upon us by the Secretary of State, priority is given to Year 6 pupils attending Primary and Preparatory Schools within a defined local geographical area (please see attached map). A score will be determined each year after the testing date below which pupils will not be admitted. This score is intended to enable places to be offered to those within the top 24% of the ability range. 11. Up to an agreed maximum 115 places will be available to pupils attending local Schools provided they have satisfied the minimum test score. 12. Pupils attending Schools outside the local area are encouraged to apply as the School always admits significant numbers from outside the local area.

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION 13. Where applications for admission exceed the number of places available the following criteria (subject to provisions in paragraphs 10 and 11 above) will apply in the sequence presented. a) Provided a candidate has met the required level of performance to secure entry to the School, a candidate in public care will be considered ahead of any other candidate. b) The number of points awarded to a boy in the selection process; the boy with higher points being accorded the higher priority.

c) The proximity of the boy's home to the School by the shortest walking distance using trunk and secondary roads with those living nearer being awarded the highest priority. Where a pupil lives with parents with shared responsibility the home address will be regarded as the address to which Child Benefit is payable. d) The last criterion applies when the lowest score securing admission to the School has been given to more than one candidate.

ENTRY HIGHER UP THE SCHOOL 14. Places do become available higher up the School (Years 8-11) and parents should write to the Headmaster if they are interested in gaining admission for their son. Students interested in joining the Sixth Form should contact the School Office for further information. 15. Testing generally takes place in English, Mathematics, Science and French. The testing of pupils takes place throughout the year as places become available.

Arrangements for appeals: Parents wishing to appeal against non-admission to year 7 are able to make their case at hearings of the Independent Appeal Panel that generally take place in June.

Number of preferences received for admission in September 2008: Total number of places offered: Pupils applying from within the priority area Pupils applying from outside the priority area

Number of appeals lodged: Number of appeals heard: Number of successful appeals:

Open evening:

Transport: Buses 21, 21a, 29, 821 & 822 serve the school. The Transport Office of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex also administers travel arrangements for pupils at Westcliff and other Grammar schools.

Westcliff High School for Girls

Headteacher: Dr P B Hayman Address: Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff on Sea SS0 0BS Tel: 01702-476026 Fax: 01702-471328 Email: [email protected] Website: www.whsg.co.uk

Admission limit: 154

Westcliff High School for Girls is a selective, girls’ school with a Sixth Form of 250 students. We are one of only two Science and Engineering Specialist Colleges in the country and have twice been awarded the School Achievement Award. Our latest Ofsted Report (January 2004) stated that “this is a very good school which has many outstanding features including very high standards in academic work” and identified that “the school’s performance in external examinations is outstanding”. The school has a purposeful and happy atmosphere, high academic achievement and a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, in particular music, art, sport and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Many improvements have been made to the school buildings over the last ten years including a nine laboratory Science Block, new Music facilities, a modern dining hall and a sports hall, six ICT rooms, well equipped Art rooms, an excellent library and a drama studio. Our most recent addition has been four new Science and Technology rooms to support our teaching of Science and Engineering. The school places great importance on the security, happiness and wellbeing of its pupils. The Form Tutors are supported by Learning Managers who take a more formal role regarding pastoral care, discipline, attendance, special educational needs and monitoring each pupil’s achievement. Ofsted said that “The school provides very good pastoral care; it supports and guides girls very well in all aspects of school life so that all are given every opportunity to succeed”

Admission criteria:

Westcliff High School for Girls is a selective, girls’ school. Admission to the school at the age of 11 is determined through a selection procedure administered by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE). Parents must express a preference for this school on the single LA application form in their Local Authority in order for their daughter to be considered for a place. The school’s published admissions number is 154.

The offer of a place is dependent on passing the examination, which comprises tests in English, mathematics and verbal reasoning. A pass mark for the examination is set annually which ensures that the entrance standard remains comparable to that obtaining in the period 1990 to 1994. The School determines admission in the order of priority set out below.

Priority is given to those attending local primary and junior schools within a defined area (a copy of the map may be viewed in our Prospectus Supplement 1, available on the school’s website, www.whsg.info ) subject to their passing the entrance examination. Each year a maximum of 115 places is reserved at this school for children in this category. Places are allocated in order of the mark achieved, higher passing candidates first. The School is “full” within the priority area when it has taken its full quota of 115 pupils or when there are no more passing candidates who have listed the school as a preference. In 2007, 85 pupils were admitted to Westcliff Girls from primary schools inside the priority area.

The existence of reserved places does not affect parents’ rights of appeal.

Priority will be given thereafter to those candidates from primary and junior schools outside the defined area. There is a minimum of 35 places at this school reserved for those from outside the defined area. In the case of children applying in this category, places will be offered according to the order of merit for those who sit and pass the entrance examination. The candidates who score higher marks will be allocated places before those who pass at a lower level. This process will continue until all available places have been filled. In 2007, 69 pupils were admitted to Westcliff Girls from primary schools outside the priority area.

In the event of pupils achieving the same mark preference will be given on the following basis in this sequence: a) where the candidate is a child in long term public care, b) where there are more applicants than there are places available, preference will be given to the pupil who lives closest to the School as measured in a straight line between the pupil’s home and the nearest pupil entrance to the school. The pupil living closest will be given priority. (If a child lives with different parents for part of the week, the “home” address will be deemed to be the child’s residence for the major part of that week, and in the event of this being equal then the address to which child benefit would be payable.)

Admission Arrangements

Parents wishing their daughters to be considered for entry to Westcliff High School for Girls must name the school as one of their preferences on the common LEA application form and return it to the LEA by the date on the application form. Parents applying for a place at this school must also complete the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) Supplementary Information Form (SIF) which must be returned to the CSSE by the date specified on the form. Details of the test and practice papers are available from the Consortium. The test will be held on a Saturday in November 2008. The LEA will make offers of places on the National Offer Day, 2nd March 2009 and parents will have until 23rd March 2009 to accept the offer in writing. Appeals are held in May or early June.

Our Prospectus is available to view on the school’s website, www.whsg.info . Information on admission to the school will also be found in the Southend Borough Council booklet on Secondary School Admissions.

Number of preferences received for admission in September 2008: Total number of places offered: Pupils applying from within the priority area Pupils applying from outside the priority are

Number of appeals lodged: Number of appeals heard: Number of successful appeals:

Open evening:

Schools in Essex or elsewhere

The following table shows details of schools in the Castle Point & Rochford area of Essex which are within a reasonable travelling distance of Southend. In addition to these schools there are a considerable number of other schools in Essex that are much further away from Southend. Details about any school in Essex can be obtained either from the school or Planning & Admissions, Learning Services Department, Essex County Council, PO Box 4261, Chelmsford CM1 1GS (telephone 0845 6032200). If you live in Southend and you wish to apply for a place at a school in Essex or any other authority you will need to ensure that the school(s) is included as one of your preferences on the Southend Single Application Form.

School name & address Phone number Type

Castle View School, Meppel 01268-696811 Comprehensive Avenue, Canvey Island SS8 Foundation 9RZ Furtherwick Park School, 01268-682157 Comprehensive Furtherwick Road, Canvey Foundation Island SS8 7AZ The Appleton School, Croft 01268-794215 Comprehensive Road, South Benfleet SS7 5RN Foundation The Cornelius Vermuyden 01268-685011 Comprehensive School & Arts College, Dinant Foundation Avenue, Canvey Island SS8 9QS The Deanes School, Daws 01268-773545 Comprehensive Heath Road, Thundersley, Foundation Benfleet SS7 2TD The FitzWimarc School, 01268-743884 Comprehensive Hockley Road, Rayleigh SS6 Foundation 8EB Greensward College, 01702-202571 Comprehensive Greensward Lane, Hockley SS5 Foundation 5HG The King Edmund School, 01702-545771 Comprehensive Vaughan Close, Rochford SS4 Foundation 1TL The King John School, 01702-558284 Comprehensive Shipwrights Drive, Thundersley Foundation SS7 1RQ The Sweyne Park School, Sir 01268-784721 Comprehensive Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh Community SS6 9BZ

Contact points for parents / carers

Enquiries about all Southend Borough Council services should be made to the Borough Council Contact Centre

01702 215000

Details of all Southend Borough Council services are also available on the Council website

www.southend.gov.uk

Specific enquiries should be referred to the following telephone numbers

Admissions – Primary 01702 215901 Admissions – Secondary 01702 215914 Education other than at school / Home Education 01702 215972 Educational Psychologists 01702 215075 Exclusions (fixed period & permanent) 01702 215546 / 215943 Parent Partnership Service 01702 215658 School Attendance & Child Employment Service 01702 215909 School Transition Support Officer 01702-392468 Social Inclusion team 01702 215907 Special Educational Needs 01702 215868 Transport (for pupils) 01702 215841 Uniform grant 01702 215953 Work Permits / Performing Licences 01702 215942

You may also contact the Department of Children & Learning by

Email [email protected]

Fax 01702 432273

Glossary of abbreviations and terms:

Admission authority - The official body that decides how pupils will be admitted to a school.

Catchment area - A defined geographical area served by a particular school.

Community schools - Schools wholly funded by the Council, where the Council employs the staff and is the admissions authority.

Council - Southend on Sea Borough Council who are the Local Authority. In most cases the function of the Council will be undertaken by the Pupil Access team within the Department of Children & Learning.

CSSE - The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex - a group of schools that are responsible for the selection test (11+) arrangements. The 12 schools operate a consortium whereby only one test needs to be taken even though an application is being made to several schools.

DCSF - Department for Children, Schools and Families - Central government department responsible for education matters.

Essex - Essex County Council who are the local authority. In most cases the function of the Council in relation to school admissions will be undertaken by the Planning & Admissions Team.

Foundation schools - Schools funded by the Council, where the Governing body employs the staff and is the admissions authority.

Independent appeal panel - A group of 3 or 5 people who decide whether a child that has already been turned down for a school place by the admission authority should be given a place.

National Offer Day - The day (2nd March 2009) on which all offers of places will be made.

Non-selective places - school places offered without reference to the selective (11+) procedure.

Normal round of admissions - Under the Southend Co-ordinated Secondary Admissions Scheme, the normal round of admissions refers to admissions to year 7 up to the end of the first week of the autumn term. The Council co-ordinates all admissions during this period.

Published admission number - the number of pupils that the admission authority has decided it can admit.

Selective places - school places offered at certain schools as a result of the pupils performance in the selection (11+) procedure.

SIFs - Supplementary Information Forms - forms on which parents are asked to provide additional information in support of their applications in order to provide more information to enable the school to apply their admission criteria. It is not an application form and parents must always complete the Council’s Single Application Form.