ST BRIDES MAJOR CHURCH IN WALES V.A. PRIMARY SCHOOL

POLICY STATEMENT NO. 28

ADMISSIONS

1.       The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and Education Act 2002 requires the Governing Body to publish its arrangements for the admissions of pupils to the school. The Standard Number for St Brides Major C/W Primary School is 28. Under the Code of Practice on School Admissions 1995, and The Education (Determination of Admission Arrangements)(Wales) Regulations 2006, the Governing Body, who is the admission authority for St Brides Major C/W Primary School, will consult with the admission authorities of other schools in the area i.e. St David’s Colwinston and Wick and Marcross C/W Primary Schools, Bridgend LA and Vale of Glamorgan LA..

2.       The aim of this policy is to set out the procedures for parents applying for a place at the school in 2009/10 and for the consideration of these applications by the Governing Body.

3.       During the Autumn Term 2008, admission forms will be sent to parents who have requested a place in Reception in September 2009 and have not already completed an admission form. All completed forms are requested to be returned to the school by 31^st January 2009.

4.       The Governing Body will consider applications received by this date and in the event of more applications being received, than places available, places will be allocated strictly according to the Admission Policy categories, as follows:

i).      Children whose parents,  guardians or carers (in the case of Looked After Children) are communicant members of the Anglican Church and are living within the ecclesiastical parish of St Brides and Ewenny.

ii)       Children who will have a brother or sister attending the school at the time of the actual enrolment at school.

iii).     Children whose parents, guardians or carers (in the case of Looked After Children) are living within the ecclesiastical parish of St Brides Major and Ewenny.

iv).     Children whose parents or guardians are communicant members of the Anglican Church living outside the ecclesiastical parish of St Brides Major and Ewenny.

v)       Children whose parents and guardians are members of non-Anglican churches and chapels living beyond the ecclesiastical parish of St Brides Major and Ewenny.

5.       Places will be offered to those in Category 1, any remaining places to those in Category 2, then 3, 4, 5 and 6. Should there be insufficient places to accommodate all applicants who qualify under any one of the categories listed, places will be considered according to the order in which applications were made.

6.       Firm offers of places for the 2009/10 intake will be sent to parents/guardians by 13^th February 2009. Parents/guardians whose applications are unsuccessful are urged to visit the school to discuss this with the Headteacher. Applications for any year group, at any time of the year (e.g. families who have recently moved into the catchment area) will be considered by the Governors for any available places. Appeals against the Governors’ decision not to admit a child should be sent to the Clerk of Governors, c/o the school, within 21 days of the date of the letter of refusal. Where an appeal is unsuccessful, for any reason,  further applications for a place will not be considered during the same academic year unless there are significant and material changes in circumstances of parents or the school.

7.       The Governing Body will be responsible for the implementation of this policy. As outlined by legislation, WAG Circular 09/2006, it will be reviewed annually. This policy has been accepted by the Governing Body, as outlined in the minutes of the meeting of the full Governing Body.

8.       Further information on admissions is available from www.learningwales.gov.uk

December 2008