Admissions 2012

Tollbar Academy

Admissions Policy For September 2012

The Academy Ethos

Tollbar makes no excuses for its insistence on the highest possible standards. We expect the very best behaviour and work ethic from students and full compliance with the Academy uniform policy to instil pride in themselves and the Academy. Students are expected to take personal responsibility, have consideration for others, be polite and courteous and pursue the goal of maximising their potential.

The Governors welcome applications from parents who fully subscribe to our ethos and are prepared to support us in our drive for ever improving standards.

Tollbar Academy is a Comprehensive Academy. The Governing Body is the Admissions Authority with responsibility for admissions and administering appeals.

The Governing Body welcomes children regardless of aptitude or ability.

1. We will always give priority to those who have actually applied for a place over those who fulfil any of the criteria but have not actually applied.
2. If the number of applications for places at the Academy is higher than the admission number set for that year group, we will use the following factors, in priority order, to decide which students will be given places. After the admission of pupils with statements of Special Educational Needs where Tollbar Academy is named in Part 4 of the statement, we will use the following factors, in priority order, to decide which pupils will be given places.
1. (i) Looked after children (children in public care).
2. (ii) Having brothers or sisters who are already at the Academy when you child is due to start there.
3. (iii) Living in the catchment area.
4. (iv) Geographical. We will give priority to those living nearer to the Academy unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Criteria (iv) is also used as a tie-breaker. Whenever two people have the same priority based on criteria (ii) or (iii) then the child who lives closest to the Academy will be given the higher priority.

B-Notes

1. Looked after children

   The definition of a 'looked after child' is a person under the age of 18 who is provided with accommodation by a local authority, acting in its social services capacity, for a continuous period of more than 24 hours, by agreement with the parents or is the subject of a relevant court order under Part IV of the Children's Act 1989. Children looked after under an agreed series of short term placements (respite care) are excluded.

2. Children who have a statement of special education needs where the school is named in Part IV of the statement

   Those children will have undergone a statutory assessment of their special educational needs. Where a school is named in the statement the school must admit the child.

3. Rules for Siblings

   Included in this factor are stepbrothers and sisters and half-brothers and sisters living at the same address and who will be attending the school at the expected time of admission.

   The special cases of twins and triplets will be referred to the allocation panel if one is eligible for a place and other(s) is/are not. Generally the eldest will be given the place if a choice has to be made.

   A sibling in Year 11 will be presumed to continue their education in the Sixth Form. It should be noted that there are entry requirements for the Sixth Form.

4. Rules for Residence

   We have the right to investigate whether you live at the address you say you do and we may change any offer if incorrect information has been given.

5. Distance

   Distance will be measured by the shortest walking route from the front door of the child's home address (including flats) to the main entrance of the school, using the Local Authority's computerised measuring system, with those living closer to the school receiving the higher priority.

Appeals against a decision not to admit a child to the school

Parents have a legal right to appeal against a decision not to admit a child to the Academy. The Academy will be happy to provide information about this on request.