Admissions Policy

1 Introduction

1.1 The Governing Body of Broomgrove Junior School (pupils from 7-11 years), applies the regulations on admissions fairly and equally to all those who wish to attend the school.  The School Standards and Frameworks Act 1998 introduced a new framework for school admissions as of September 2000.  This policy conforms to the regulations that are set out in that Act and also further explained in the statutory School Admissions Code of Practice and the statutory appeals Code of Practice.

2 Aims and objectives

2.1 We are an inclusive school that welcomes children from all backgrounds and abilities.  We have policies for
o Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
o Children with English as an Additional Language (EAL)
o Children who are able, gifted and talented (AGT)

2.2 All applications will be treated sensitively and in line with the criteria set out in this policy.

2.3 The only restriction we place on entry is that of number.  If the number of children applying for entry exceeds the number of places available, we enforce the procedure set out below (see appendix) in order to determine whether a child is accepted or not.  It is our wish to allow parents the right to have a place at the school of their choice.  However, this is not always possible, due to the excess demands on the school places available.

2.4 The level of ability of a child or any special needs which s/he may have plays no part in the admissions policy of this school.

3 How parents can apply for their child to be admitted to our school

3.1 As our school is a community school, the school determines the admission arrangements in agreement with the Local Authority (LA).  The LA is therefore the “Admissions Authority” for our school.  The regulations for entry to each school, where the admissions authority is the LA, are published each year by the LA.  Parents can receive a copy of these regulations directly from the LA.

3.2 The LA publishes a composite admissions prospectus each year, which gives information about how parents can apply for a school of their choice.  Parents have a right to express a preference for the school of their choice and they should do so on the application form.  Expressing a preference does not, in itself, guarantee a place at this school.  Parents of children in Year 2 and attending Broomgrove Infant School may sign a form provided by the Education Department of the LA indicating a preference for their child to attend Broomgrove Junior School by a specified date in the Autumn Term of Year 2.  If this is correctly completed in time, then this will guarantee a place at this school.  For entry to all other Year Groups, whether mid year or in September, application will need to be made to the LA.  Application forms are available at the school office, and advice can be taken at the school about the availability of places.  Parents and children are also welcome to visit prior to an application, or whilst waiting for the result. 

4 Admission appeals

4.1 If we do not offer a child a place at the school, it is because to do so would prejudice the education of other children by allowing the numbers in the school to increase.

4.2 If parents wish to appeal against a decision to refuse entry, they can do so by applying to the LA.  An independent appeals panel then meets to consider all appeals by parents who have been refused a place at our school and who wish to appeal against this decision.  An appeal panel’s decision is binding for all parties concerned.  If the appeals panel decides that we should admit a child to our school, then we will accept this and continue to do all we can to provide the best education for all the children at our school.  (Details of appeal arrangements are set out in the Code of Practice on School Admission Appeals which came into force in September 1999.)

5 The standard number

5.1 The standard number is the number of children the school can accommodate.
The standard number for our school is 60 per year group.  We keep this number under review and the governors will apply to change this number if circumstances allow.

6 Age of pupils on admission

6.1 Children can be admitted on or after the 1st September following their 7th birthday. 

7 Staggered admission

7.1 Where the school and parents feel it appropriate, but specifically in the case of children who have little or no English, we request that they start at school on the Wednesday of their first week, completing half days only.  Over the following week, half days should continue, possibly rising to two full days by the end of the week, and commencing full days during their third week.  This is to ease the transition for children who may find the process of listening and learning in a new language very arduous.

8 Review

8.1 This policy will be reviewed annually with the Admissions Authority in the light of any changed circumstances in our school or the local area.

Appendix A

Currently, these are the admissions criteria for Broomgrove Junior School.  They are in order of importance.  There is no guarantee of a place for children living in the priority admission area.

Children Looked After and children attending Broomgrove Infant School who request a place at Broomgrove Junior School will be allocated a place providing an application is received by the closing date.

In the event of oversubscription any remaining places will be allocated using the following criteria in the order given*:

1. Children living in the priority admission area with a sibling attending the school or Broomgrove Infant School.
2. Other children living in the priority admission area.
3. Children living outside the priority admission area with a sibling attending the school or Broomgrove Infant School.

4. Remaining applications.

In the event of oversubscription within any of the above criteria, priority will be determined by straight line distance from home to school, those living closest being given highest priority.

Exceptional medical circumstances (supported by medical evidence) may override the above.

• For applications received after the start date of Year 3 Children Looked After will be given priority ahead of all other applicants.