The Head is responsible for decisions relating to the admission of pupils into his school. Parents or guardians may apply at any time to register children for entry to the school and will be invited to arrange an appointment with the Head to view the school. The usual point of entry is the Nursery, where pupils can join after their third birthday. However, places may be available at other ages and at other times during the academic year.

On completion of an application form and payment of a registration fee, pupils will be registered for entry at a particular date. This fee is only returnable if the school is unable to offer the child a place. If no place is currently available, a child may be placed on the waiting list.

Children entering the Nursery are invited to spend a morning prior to entry and children from Reception to Year 6 are invited to spend a day. Following the visit, a place may be offered if the informal assessment of the child reveals that the school can meet his/her needs. A report is also requested from the child's previous school.

If it is felt the school is unable to provide the level of support necessary for a child with specific learning difficulties, this will be discussed with the parents/guardians. It may be appropriate for parents/guardians to find another school more able to cater for the needs of that child. The school is proud of the help it is able to give to pupils with Special Needs/Specific Learning Difficulties, but the number of children who can be given such assistance is necessarily limited.

Available places are offered to pupils in registration order, irrespective of gender, race, ethnic group and religion. The range of food available would meet the needs of most religious/ethnic groups. If a pupil is unable to take school lunches for a valid medical or religious reason, the school lunch portion of the fees may be waived on receipt of appropriate written verification.

Due to the nature of the geographical location (ie a very sloping site and a listed building with many steps and staircases), wheelchair access is severely limited. (However, parents /guardians with impaired mobility have easy access to the Assembly Hall for functions and meetings with staff.) Parents/guardians with any concerns about the nature of the site are advised to assess for themselves whether the school is equipped to satisfy the needs of their children.

The school aims to provide places for siblings, although early registration is recommended. Sibling discounts are offered. Discounts will apply right across the Foundation, so that families with, say, a child at the College and one at The Paragon will qualify. The entitlement starts in the term when the second or subsequent child becomes full-time.

Whether or not a place is offered rests with the Headmaster: his decision is final, and when applicants exceed the available number of places it is inevitable that some candidates have to be disappointed. All offers of places are made in writing, by the Headmaster.

A term's notice is required. If this is not provided, a term's fees will be payable.

March 2007