Admissions Policy

Policy Statement

Caterham School welcomes pupils of all faiths, cultures, races and family backgrounds. We are happy to admit a pupil with a disability as long as both parents and school conclude that we can provide appropriately for the child's specific needs. The school seeks to ensure that disabled prospective pupils are not treated less favourably or unfairly in the admissions process. Caterham welcomes applications for admissions from all sections of society and are non-discriminatory in line with the Equality Act (2010) and Equal Opportunities Policy.

Admission is based on

• A satisfactory report from the prospective pupil's previous school from Year 1 upwards.
• The successful completion of entry assessments for all pupils entering Reception to Year 13
• The completion of a signed declaration by all parents of the prospective pupil, which informs the school of all known special educational needs of the prospective pupil concerned
• Where applicable overseas students are required to undertake a language proficiency assessment before a place is offered. This includes a written assessment and an interview in person or via electronic media
• Completion of the entrance procedure, as set out below, for each year group of entry

On taking up a place an entry is made in the school's admission register (in line with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006)

Caterham School reserves the right to refuse entry and progress into any year from Reception to Year 13 if the school's structure, in the opinion of the relevant Headmaster and teachers does not meet the educational, pastoral and social needs of the pupil concerned.

Parents have the right to appeal against an unsuccessful application using the school's Complaints Procedure. The way in which Caterham School deals with pupil exclusion and removal is set out in the Exclusions Policy.

Admissions Register (for school use)

• On taking up a place at the school an entry is made in the Admissions Register.
• The Admissions Register is held in both paper (the paper copy is not hand written) and electronic format
• The Admissions Register is stored on the computer, copied electronically to a back up memory device and copied onto paper and kept in the school safe in the School Office at least once a month
• The person responsible for the administration of the Admissions Register is The School Secretary at the Senior School and The Admissions Officer at the Prep School
• The following items are recorded in the register
  • Full Name
  • Gender
  • Name and address of all parents/guardian with an indication of the parent/guardian with whom the pupil normally resides
  • At least one telephone number at which the parent can be contacted in an emergency
  • Date of Birth
  • Date of Admission / Readmission
  • Name and address of previous school
  • Whether the pupil is a day pupil or boarding
• Copies of the Admissions Register are held at the school for a minimum of 3 years
• The Admissions Register allows for the inclusion / deletion from the register and is done in line with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006
• The Admissions Register is printed from the electronic format once a month and backed up to a memory device once a month.

Caterham Senior School Admissions Procedure

Academic standards are high and the intake is selective at all ages. All candidates must sit our examinations. For day pupils the main intake ages are 11+ years, 13+ years and for the Sixth Form. All day pupil candidates are required to attend an interview and a report from the pupil's current school will be required prior to an offer of a place being made.

International applicants can enter at varying ages. All international applicants for boarding places must pass our examinations which are usually taken at the offices of the British Council or one of our overseas agents. For all international applicants we require a school report prior to registration.

Entrance Examinations

All applicants must register with the School prior to sitting the examinations.

Day pupils: The closing date for registration is mid November of the year prior to entry (see website for details).

Entry at 11+: All registered candidates are interviewed in November. The entrance examinations are held in January of the year of entry. There are papers in English, Mathematics and Verbal and Numerical Reasoning. All papers are designed to bring out the skills and potential of the candidates, whatever they may have covered in the past.

Entry at 13+: All registered candidates are invited to the school in January of the year of entry to take our examinations in English, Mathematics and Verbal and Numerical Reasoning. All candidates will also be interviewed. Common Entrance results from Preparatory Schools are used for setting purposes.

Offers of places and scholarships are based upon performance in our examinations, interview assessment and the report from the Head Teacher of the candidate's current school. Offers are despatched in late February with acceptances required in early March. Pupils joining the school will receive detailed information in May/June.

Sixth Form Entry: Places are offered subject to a minimum of six GCSE passes (or equivalent) at Grade A. Additionally, pupils will be expected to meet the specific subject entry requirements for their AS and A Level choices. This is a pass at grade A or B (or equivalent) depending on the subject. International applicants for A Level entry must pass our examinations.

Boarding pupils: We do not have set examination dates for boarding candidates but they must pass our examinations. For pupils entering up to Fourth Year these examinations are in English and Maths. For boarding pupils seeking Sixth Form entry we usually require the candidate to take examinations in three of the subjects to be studied at A Level. For all international applications we must see a school report prior to registration.

Scholarships and Bursaries

About a third of our parents benefit from reduced fees, either through scholarships or bursaries.

Bursaries

We wish to ensure that Caterham School is accessible to talented students, irrespective of parental income. Therefore, any prospective pupil from a low-income family is eligible to apply for a Caterham Bursary to obtain means-tested financial support in respect of day fees. Bursaries do not preclude pupils from holding a scholarship award.

Bursaries can be offered to new pupils and those who are already in the school and whose families have suffered sudden and unexpected financial hardship.

When applying, parents must indicate in a separate letter to the Registrar that a bursary may be needed. The Bursar will provide an application form which should be completed and returned in strict confidence. For new pupils the award of bursarial support is subject to qualifying in the entrance examination and, if, as is likely, the demand exceeds the number available, bursaries will be awarded with reference to performance in the entrance assessment.

The granting of a bursary is discretionary. In making its decisions, the School considers a wide range of appropriate matters including, but not limited to, parental/guardian income (from all sources), assets (including personal property) and other matters that are particular to the pupil such as family circumstances. All Bursaries are reassessed annually.

Bursaries are also available for the sons and daughters of URC Clergy, Regular Forces and FCO personnel.

Scholarships

Scholarships are assessed with a view to encouraging pupils. The breadth and depth of the awards can vary each year depending on the quality of applicants. All 11+ and 13+ day pupil candidates are automatically considered for Academic Scholarships but specific application forms are required for other scholarships.

• Scholarships are available to registered candidates and are all based on assessment. In the event of there being no outstanding candidates for a particular award the money may be allocated to another category.
• The awards are made without regard to parental income and are usually worth a percentage of the school fees but may also be a fixed amount. The scholarship will remain throughout a pupil's school career provided they maintain the expected standards (detailed in the Terms and Conditions of Award).
• Candidates in receipt of a specific scholarship award, eg Art, Music, Science, Sport, Drama must play an active part in these areas throughout their school life to retain their award.
• Even if a bursary is awarded as a percentage of the annual fee, a scholarship may also be given.

Academic Scholarships

These are awarded at 11+, 13+ and 16+ and can represent up to 50% of the fees.

At 11+ and 13+: All external candidates who have registered, and those pupils progressing from Caterham Preparatory School, are automatically considered for an Academic Scholarship. The scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of our entrance examinations, interviews and Head Teacher reports.

At 16+: Candidates applying for Academic Scholarships are required to sit a general paper and two other papers in subjects of their choice that they will be studying at A Level. Examinations and interviews take place in the November preceding entry the following academic year. These scholarships are available to all external candidates, and to internal candidates not already holding an award. Candidates must still satisfy the entry requirement for Sixth Form.

In addition to Academic Scholarships, awards may be made for specific subjects, eg languages
.
All Rounder Scholarships

These are awarded at 11+ and 13+ and can represent up to 25% of the fees. These scholarships are awarded to candidates who are academically sound and achieve scholarship standard in two of the following subjects: Art, Drama, Music or Sport. They should be a genuine 'all-rounder' with real evidence of potential leadership.

Art Scholarships

These are awarded at 11+, 13+ and 16+ and can represent up to 25% of the fees. Candidates wishing to be considered for a scholarship will initially be asked to submit a portfolio of their work for assessment by the Director of Art & Design. The portfolio should reflect the breadth and depth of personal interest and may include paintings, prints, drawings and photographs of three-dimensional work. Portfolios will be returned. Successful candidates will be invited to attend a scholarship interview and to undertake a still life drawing. Sketchbooks and a selection of the work from the portfolio should be made available at the interview. All Art Scholars are expected to be fully committed to the school's Art programme.

Music Scholarships & Awards

Music Scholarships are awarded at 11+, 13+ and 16+ and can represent up to 25% of the fees. In addition, up to four exhibitions may be offered, each to the value of free instrumental music tuition on one or more instruments in school. These awards are made on the basis of musical potential as well as actual achievement. As a guide we would expect students to have achieved grade 4 or above aged 11+; grade 5 or above at 13+ and grade 7/8 at 16+ on their principal instrument. Auditions take place early in the Spring Term during which candidates are required to perform one substantial piece (or two shorter pieces) on their principal instrument, and one piece on a second instrument (if studied). There are also sight-reading, aural tests and an informal viva voce with members of the Music department.

All Music award holders are expected to be ambassadors for the music department taking part in the annual music award holders concert and playing active roles in the co-curricular music programme.

Sports Scholarships

These are awarded at 11+, 13+ and 16+ and can represent up to 25% of the fees. Candidates are expected to show exceptional promise in at least one sport and have an established record of achievement in one of Caterham School's major sports at their current school, and at club/county level. Candidates will be required to take part in drills and game situations to show evidence of their positional and tactical awareness as well as skill, agility and fitness level. Records of achievement and school recommendations will be taken into consideration. All Sports Scholars are expected to be fully committed to the School's annual sports programme.

Boarding/International Scholarships

We are prepared to consider awarding a scholarship of up to 25% of the fees to a pupil who is judged to have the potential to make a significant contribution to the boarding community. If applicable at 16+, arrangements can be made for Academic Scholarship assessments to take place overseas. Please contact the Registrar for details.

Science Scholarships

These are awarded at 16+ and can represent up to 25% of the fees. Candidates are expected to show exceptional promise in at least two subjects (chosen from Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Maths) and have an established record of achievement in the subjects at their current school. The Head of Science will interview candidates. All Science Scholars are expected to be fully committed to the School's curricular and co-curricular science activities.

Drama Scholarships

These are awarded at 16+ and can represent up to 25% of the fees. Candidates will be required to perform and discuss two contrasting monologues, one of which must be from the classical repertoire. They will be required to attend an interview to which they should bring a portfolio of their experiences and achievements.

Offer of a Place and Deposits

If, in due course, a place is offered by way of a formal letter from the School, the deposit will be payable when parents accept the offer. Details of deposits are set out in the Fees List as varied from time to time. The deposit will be repaid by means of a credit without interest to the final payment of fees or other sums due to the School after the pupil leaves the School. Until credited, it will form part of the general funds of the School.

Progression through the School

First Year

It is assumed that a pupil in Year 6 of Caterham Preparatory School will continue into the Senior School (and parents must in every case give a term's notice if that is not the pupil's and their intention). All pupils progressing to the Senior School must also have demonstrated good work habits, willingness and ability to contribute positively to the life of the School, and an ability to benefit from the educational opportunities on offer.

Sixth Form

It is assumed that a pupil will continue into the Sixth Form (and parents must in every case give a term's notice if that is not the pupil's and their intention). All pupils progressing to the Sixth Form must also have demonstrated good work habits, a willingness and ability to contribute positively to the life of the School, and have been able to satisfy the Sixth Form GCSE entry requirements (currently six B grades).

Caterham Preparatory School
Admissions Procedure

Admission and entry to Caterham Preparatory School is subject to the availability of a place and the prospective pupil satisfying the academic admission requirements necessary for entry to the School. With regards to admission for disabled pupils, reference should also be made to the Caterham School Disability Policy. The School also operates an Equal Opportunities Policy.

Registration

Prospective pupils will be considered as candidates for admission and entry to the School when the Registration Form has been completed and returned to the School and the non-refundable registration fee has been paid. All prospective parents are offered an appointment to meet the Head Teacher and to receive a tour of the School. Registrations are considered in the order that they are received however priority is given to siblings of existing pupils.

An Admissions Register is kept by the Admissions Officer of all registrations received by the School for the current academic year and also future academic years.

Assessment

All prospective pupils (excluding entry to the Nursery Year) are assessed for entry in accordance with the admission requirements of the School and the criteria relevant to the particular Year Group for which the registration is being made. In evaluating the completed assessments, the Head will be seeking evidence to support the view that the prospective pupil will be able to develop and prosper in the academic and social environment of the School.

There is currently no formal assessment for children entering the Nursery, and the pupil's progress will be monitored carefully throughout the Nursery Year and therefore progression into the Reception Year is not necessarily guaranteed. It is taken into account that assessment at such an early age can be difficult in particular as children develop at different rates throughout their early school days. If it is discovered that a pupil is finding it difficult to cope with the curriculum, discussion with the pupil's parents are entered into in order to advise alternative future schooling arrangements.

As part of the entrance assessment procedure, with the prior permission of the prospective pupil's parents a letter is sent to the Head Teacher at the child's current school to request a confidential pupil report.

Offer of a Place and Deposit

An offer of a place at the School will be made by way of a formal offer letter from the Head to the prospective parents, which may be subject to such conditions as specified in the letter. Accompanying the offer letter will be two copies of the Acceptance Form together with the current edition of the Caterham School Terms and Conditions. In order to accept the place, the Acceptance Form must be completed and signed (signatures are required from each of those with parental responsibility). One copy of the Form must be returned to the Head together with the deposit cheque, the other copy of the Acceptance Form, together with the Terms and Conditions are to be retained by the prospective parents for their information. Direct Debit Forms for the payment of School Fees will also accompany the formal offer letter.

Details of the deposit and the notice requirements are set out in the Acceptance Form and Terms and Conditions and may be increased by the School from time to time. The deposit will be refundable and will be repaid by means of a credit without interest to the final payment of fees or other sum due to the School after the pupil has left. Until credited, the deposit will form part of the general funds of the School.

Acceptance of a Place

A place is reserved for a prospective pupil when the Acceptance Form has been completed and returned to the School together with the required deposit payment.

A formal letter is sent from the Head to the prospective parent acknowledging receipt of the Acceptance Form and deposit payment and confirming that the place has been reserved.

After the Acceptance Form has been returned, prospective parents who cancel their acceptance of a place less than a term prior to the date on which the pupil was due to join the School, will be liable for the payment of a term's fees (less the deposit held) to the School.

Offer of a start date is subject to IAPS agreement criteria whereby parents of new pupils are required to have discharged all obligations at their existing school.

In the Summer Term prior to the pupil taking up their place at the start of the next Academic Year, the new Pre-Prep pupils are invited to attend the School for an afternoon in order to meet their new Form Teacher, the Teaching Assistant and also their new class mates, thus starting the induction process.

For the September intake of pupils, prospective parents will be invited to attend an Information Evening which is specifically for parents of new children entering the School and the provision of an opportunity for new parents to meet the School staff.

A School Induction Pack and Information Book will be available to new parents providing general information, curriculum information, a parents' guide to reading skills and information regarding the curriculum and preparation for entry to the Early Years (Nursery and Reception).

There is a School Uniform Shop on site and the School also operates a Second Hand Uniform facility.

Early Years Foundation Stage
Admissions Procedure

Nursery

• New pupils are admitted to Nursery in the September after their third birthday.
• At present there is no formal assessment for entry to Nursery Class.
• Children are registered on a first come first served basis.
• The Head of Pre-Prep does not see children until their afternoon visit in June prior to starting in September. First observations are recorded on this visit.
• The progress of each child is monitored closely during Nursery Year through incidental and focused observations, systematic 'tracking' and focus group assessments linking with the Surrey Early Years Profile.
• Natural progression to Reception is not necessarily guaranteed, although great care is taken in making a judgement at this early age.

Reception

• Pupils are admitted to Reception in September after their fourth birthday.
• In October prior to this The Head of Pre-Prep starts to see all children registered. This takes place in groups of 5, as part of the afternoon Nursery session. The parents are able to stay with their children but are encouraged to go and have a cup of tea. Some parents prefer to leave their child on their own.
• A place is not offered until assessment has taken place.
• Great care is taken to make the child feel at home in an unfamiliar situation.
• During the assessment visit the Head of Pre-Prep or the Nursery Co-ordinator or a member of the Nursery staff ask the child to complete several appropriate tasks.
• Activities include counting, sorting, puzzles, colouring.
• The children take part in a story time at the end of the session.
• Careful observation by Head of Pre-Prep during this time. Much is gained from talking to the child.
• Range of vocabulary, awareness of rhyme, ability to listen and carry out instructions and concentration span are noted.
• The children are encouraged to join in with a range of activities and careful observation of their behaviour and ability to interact with their peers is made.
• Head of Pre-Prep makes notes and recommends offering or refusing a place. If there is a doubt then discussions take place with Prep Head.

Policy Updated September 2011
Tracy Ridge - Deputy Head
Howard Tuckett – Prep School Head