Procedure for Entrance to Secondary Education P. E. S. E. 2017/18

Objectives Understand the procedure & deadlines Inform parents of any changes Help parents make an informed preference Welcome & thank you for supporting your children & the school this evening. Just thought I’d share something that I heard in a homily just recently. It was given by the priest of St. Michael’s in Chatham to Catholic teachers of the Deanerythe Testing, tracking, coaching etc……which school is better/has better results etc. tables of the top schools but….. There are no league tables in heaven. Catholic school has a distinct role in the community. To provide a catholic education. Teach the children about their faith, how to grow up to become well adjusted, intelligent but loving people who witness to the love of God by what they do and say throughout their lives. To be the best they can be. Issues particular to St. Peter’s concerning distance to Catholic schools. But travel should not be a barrier if you wish to continue providing a Catholic ed for your child. Many have done it in the past. Children have been to the taster day. Just had a successful Ofsted.

Parental Role Importance of knowing your child Spiritually Socially Emotionally Academically Important to know child’s preference Visit the schools & ask questions See the school at work

School Role Inform you of your child’s progress to date Give you results of tests & teacher assessment Discuss your child’s social & emotional development Help by providing information & guidance as appropriate Provide support with on-line applications

Key Dates for Parents 7th September 2017 Kent Test September/October 2017 Schools hold open events also consult Admission to Secondary School in Kent 2018 booklet – www.kent.gov.uk/secondaryadmissions After 4pm 12th October (email) or by post to arrive 13th October 2017 Kent Test (11+) assessment decisions sent to parents and Highsted test results 31st October 2017 Closing date for applications www.kent.gov.uk/ola Church schools have their own form for you to complete as well as the Kent on line application Use all 4 preferences to increase your chances of getting one of your preferred schools

Key Dates for Parents 1st March 2018 Offer of one school place sent to parents – email after 4pm and letter posted on the 1st March 2nd March - 16th March 2018 (deadline) Date by which you should ask to go on a school’s waiting list and accept (or refuse) the place offered. 2nd March - 29th March 2018 (deadline) 25th April 2018 Date by which you should lodge any appeal Vacant places reallocated by KCC April - June 2018 Admissions appeals held Online applications. Results online 1st March. Will check this out with admissions. May give parents results on that day to be fair to everyone. Scores available from me.

Online Admissions Parents to apply online at www.kent.gov.uk/ola Register with the website before submitting their application Parents who registered for Kent Test do not need to register again but just update with preferences Name up to 4 schools You will receive email confirmation that application has been received Please print off the application and return/email to school for school’s information School will make the IT Suite available for parents.

Appeals Parents have the right to appeal for any school which refuses them a place. Can ask for the child’s name to go on the waiting list Details of appeals and waiting list procedures will be enclosed with offer letters School can support parents with writing an appeal letter

Finally School is here to help: Give you advice as you make your choice Answer any queries you may have Support any appeals you may make Reassure you if you are finding the process difficult Question time