Admissions policy 2011- 2012

The main principle of admission to Stockwell Park High School is to secure and maintain the character of the school as a comprehensive school, providing for the needs of young persons within the 11 – 16/19 age range.  In order to achieve this, the admissions criteria have been designed to produce an intake that is representative of the national ability range.  Pupils will, therefore, be admitted according to a banding system.  Three ability bands will be determined by the results of Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT scores) and the school will admit approximately 20% of pupils from the top band, 60% of pupils from the middle band and 20% of pupils from the lower band.

The number intended to be admitted in September 2011 will be 210.

The school participates in the Local Authority co-ordinated scheme and all deadlines within that should be adhered to by applicants.

As required by the Regulations of 2005, the school will give top priority to applications on behalf of children in public care (looked after children) residing with the primary carer as evidenced by the child benefit allowance in the admission area.  Children with statements of special educational needs naming the school will also be admitted.

With the exception of these two categories, priority will be given to children residing within the Priority Admission Area which includes the following postcodes:  SW2, SW4, SW8, SW9, SW12, SW16, SE1, SE5, SE11, SE19, SE21, SE24 and SE27.

There is no guarantee of a place for children living in this admission area.

The school will endeavour to provide places for pupils who live outside this area whose parents wish them to attend Stockwell Park High school provided that they can be accommodated within the agreed admission limits.

Oversubscription

In the event of oversubscription in any ability band, admissions will be determined using the following criteria:

1. Children in the care of a Local Authority.
2. Children with exceptional medical circumstances supported by written medical evidence.  The evidence should come from at least two registered health professionals and should set out the particular reasons why Stockwell Park High School is the most suitable school and what difficulties would occur if the child had to go elsewhere. Any such applications will be considered by the Admissions Committee of the school.
3. Siblings of pupils whose home address is within the Priority Admission Area who are attending the school at the time of the applicant’s admission.
4. Siblings of pupils whose home address is outside the Priority Admission Area who are attending the school at the time of the applicant’s admission.
5. Proximity of the child’s home to Stockwell Park High School using a straight-line distance from the front door of the child’s home address (including flats) to the main entrance of the school (Clapham Road) with those living nearest to the school receiving the higher priority.

Definitions

‘Sibling’ refers to brother or sister, half brother or sister, adopted brother or sister, step brother or sister, or the child of the parent/carer’s partner where the child for whom the school place is sought is living in the same family unit at the same address as that sibling.

‘Home address’ is the address at which the pupil should live permanently and full time as the principal residence.  It does not include accommodation occupied on a short-term rental basis.

In all the above criteria, documentary proof of residence will be required.

Late applications

Late applications may be made to the school and will be maintained in order of the over-subscription criteria. Any pupil not offered a place will be placed on the Waiting List and will have the statutory right of appeal.

Appeals

Appeals against an admissions decision are heard by an impartial panel in line with the Department for Education Code of Practice. An appeal against a refusal of a place must be made within 14 days of the date of the refusal letter.  An Appeals Panel will hear appeals for admission in March and at such other times as the Governing Body shall determine.

Year 12

The maximum proposed admissions number into Year 12 is 100.  If the year group is over-subscribed, external places will be allocated to students according to the same criteria as for Year 7 above.  Transfer is normally conditional upon a satisfactory report from the applicant’s present school, the ability of the student to benefit from courses offered by the school and the viability of any courses required.

Additionally, courses may have individual entrance requirements.