The Academy Grimsby TAG Admission Policy 2016-2017

Admissions Policy
(TAG -14-16 year olds)
Admissions Policy (TAG -14-16 year olds)
Change Control
Version:
5
New or Replacement:
Replacement
Approved by:
Headteacher
Date approved:
1st October 2015
Name of author:
Headteacher
Name of responsible committee:
TAG
Name of Corporation committee:
N/A
Date issued:
1st November 2015
Review date:
June 2016
Document Reference:
TAG-Pol-LS-Admis01
Revision History
Version
Type
Date
V4
Revision
19 June 2014
V5
Revision
1st October 2015
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History
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Admissions Policy (TAG -14-16 year olds)
Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 4
Scope ................................................................................................................................... 4
The Academy Grimsby Ethos .............................................................................................. 5
Published Admission Number (PAN) .................................................................................. 5
Special Educational Needs .................................................................................................. 6
Oversubscription Criteria ................................................................................................... 6
Applying for a place at The Academy Grimsby ................................................................... 6
Late applications ................................................................................................................ 8
Appeals................................................................................................................................ 8
Waiting List ......................................................................................................................... 8
Notes ................................................................................................................................... 9
Random Selection Procedure ............................................................................................. 10
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Admissions Policy (TAG -14-16 year olds)
1. Introduction
The Academy Grimsby (14-16) is part of the Grimsby Institute Group. The Grimsby Institute
Group offers a high quality learning experience to young people residing within a radius of
the four main college sites based in Grimsby, Louth, Skegness and Scarborough. The
provision of excellent opportunities to learn is of paramount importance to The Grimsby
Institute Group and this will be underpinned by outstanding student support within the
purpose built facilities of the Academy Grimsby at the Westward Ho site.
The Grimsby Institute Group, through its core education operations aims to offer a broad
range of courses to a varied student population, and to ensure that students are
appropriately matched to a programme of study and can make informed choices about
their future direction. Where the Grimsby Institute Group currently delivers provision to
14-16 year olds through indirect activities such as work experience, School Partnership
working etc, these 14-16 year olds will not constitute a student of the Academy or be
included within the scope if this admissions policy.
Admissions arrangements must be published in an accessible manner for parents/carers/
applicants and relevant stakeholders. The Group will apply the principles in this policy to
all of its 14-16 students studying in The Academy Grimsby (The Academy).
Whilst the admissions laws, and the DfE Codes of Practice as they apply to maintained
schools, including SEN codes, do not apply to colleges post-16, the School Admission Code
is acknowledged within this policy.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all applicants for full-time 14-16 education qualifications at The
Academy. The Academy’s admissions policy is managed by the Academy Head.
Widening Participation - The Academy is committed to increasing and widening
participation in education and training. Applications to attend full-time 14-16 courses are
actively encouraged from all interested individuals in the local community and beyond.
Guidance - The Academy is committed to providing impartial guidance in the admissions
process to help applicants to choose the GCSE pathway and vocational course which is right
for them.
Confidentiality - The Grimsby Institute Group is committed to ensuring confidentiality
during the admissions process to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act
1998.
Equality of Opportunities - The Grimsby Institute Group is committed to ensuring that the
admissions process is open and transparent and that no individual or group receives less
favourable treatment by virtue of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, disability,
religion/belief, gender re-assignment, social background, nationality/citizenship or any
personal characteristic of the individual(s). The Academy will actively combat discrimination
in all its forms by implementing effective policies and empowering staff and students to
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Admissions Policy (TAG -14-16 year olds)
take appropriate action.
The Academy is committed to ensuring those with disabilities, (including learning
difficulties), are treated fairly. All reasonable adjustments to provision will be made to
ensure that no applicants and children are substantially disadvantaged.
Looked after Child - 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
in accordance with section 22 of the Children’s Act 1989.
Previously Looked After Child - Refers to all those children who immediately after being
looked after became subject to an adoption order, child arrangements order (under the
provisions of the Children and Families Act 2014), or specialist guardianship order (under
Section 14A of the Children Act 1989). Children looked after under an agreed series of short
term placements (respite care) are excluded.
3. The Academy Grimsby Ethos
 The Academy Grimsby makes no excuse for its insistence on the highest possible
standards which includes mutual respect, pride and positive student-teacher
relations.

The very best behaviour and work ethic is expected from all Academy students.

The Academy will expect students to take responsibility for maximising their
progress and success.

Academy students will be expected to focus on progress with basic skills in English
and mathematics plus other skills relevant to the world of work.

Students of the Academy will be expected to demonstrate a positive attitude to
learning, punctuality and attendance.

Parents/carers should consider whether a more vocational curriculum aligned with
academic GCSEs will best meet the needs of their child and that current attendance,
behaviour and achievement is not put at risk through transfer to The Academy
Grimsby. At least one meeting with a parent/carer/ child and the Grimsby Institute
Group is advised. An employer may be present at this meeting.
4. Published Admission Number (PAN).
In academic year 2015/16 the PAN for year 10 entry is 100. There will only be places for
year 11 students where space exists.
In academic year 2015/16 at full capacity The Academy will have 135 students. The PAN is:
• 30 students for year 10 on the Health and Social Care Pathway.
• 40 students for year 10 on the Engineering Pathway.
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•
35 students for year 10 on the Digital Pathway.
In academic year 2016/17 the PAN for year 10 entry is 150. There will only be places for
year 11 students where space exists.
In academic year 2016/17 at full capacity The Academy will have 250 students. The PAN is:
• 40 students for year 10 on the Health and Social Care Pathway.
• 45 students for year 10 on the Engineering Pathway.
• 35 students for year 10 on the Digital Pathway.
• 35 students on the Performing Arts Pathway
The Academy’s ‘Priority Admission Area’ will be from within a radius of 30 miles.
5. Special Educational Needs
All children with an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) where the Academy is named in the
Statement (part 4)/EHCP will be accepted without reference to the following oversubscription criteria.
Students with other Special Educational Needs or who have issues with health will, where
their needs can be met, be accepted as per the admission guidelines. Failure to disclose this
information may result in a place being withdrawn.
6. Permanent Exclusion/BAC/Attendance
Students who have been permanently excluded, gone through the local BAC (Behaviour and
Attendance Collaborative) or who have attendance issues will be considered on a case-bycase basis. Failure to disclose this information may result in a place being withdrawn.
7. Oversubscription Criteria
Over-subscription criteria must be set and published by 1st September. Where the number
of applications for admission is greater than the Published Admission Number (PAN), the
following oversubscription criteria for admission will apply to each assessment band in the
order set out below:
1. Children in public care. (‘Looked After’ Children and previously Looked After
Children). Any application submitted for a child who is looked after by a Local
Authority should be supported by the authority’s Children’s Services department.
2. Young Carers - meaning children who have been assessed by the Local Authority and
who have the responsibility of helping to care for a parent or significant adult in their
lives.
3. Children who at the expected time of admission will have a sibling on the roll of The
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Admissions Policy (TAG -14-16 year olds)
Academy Grimsby. Included in this factor are brothers and sisters, half brothers or
sisters, adopted brothers or sisters, stepbrothers and sisters or the child of the
parent/carers partner living at the same address and who will be attending The
Academy Grimsby at the expected time of admission.
4. Children whose home address is in ‘The Academy Priority Admission Area’ (see
section 4)- if there is oversubscription in this category The Academy will apply
independently scrutinised random selection (A member of the Local Authority will be
present during random selection).
5. Children whose home address is outside The Academy’s priority area – if there is
oversubscription in this category The Academy will apply straight line distance such
that those living nearer the Academy will have priority over those living further
away. In the event of two applicants living exactly the same distance from the
Academy, independently scrutinised random selection will be applied (A member of
the Local Authority will be present during random selection).
7. Applying for a place at The Academy Grimsby.
Applications to The Academy Grimsby should be made directly to the admissions team in
accordance with the application periods. Online application forms can be found at
www.academy.grimsby.ac.uk
For Academic Year 2015/16 entry:
Application Stages
Deadlines
Confirmation
Deadlines
Parents/carers submit an application.
By 31 May 2015
By 31st July 2015.
Meetings with Academy Staff
(Parents/Carers/Child/Employer)
By 16th July 2015
By 31st July 2015.
Oversubscription criteria banding
NA
By 31 July 2014
Application Stages
Deadlines
Prospectus available for
parents/carers
September 2016
Confirmation
Deadlines
NA
Parents/carers submit an application.
31st March 2016
30th April 2016
Meetings with Academy Staff
(Parents/Carers/Child/Employer)
By 30 April 2016
08 May 2016
Oversubscription criteria banding
By 15 May 2016
22 May 2016
For Academic Year 2016/17 entry:
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Admissions Policy (TAG -14-16 year olds)
Parents/carers who have expressed an interest in making an application to The Academy
Grimsby will be invited to a meeting with their child to discuss individual applications and
this will take place when the deadline is reached. Consideration to offer a place at the
Academy will only be given to children following an application form being received and
signed by a parent/carer; there is an expectation that the prospective student will have
attended at least one meeting with their parent/carer and The Headteacher from The
Academy.
When applying for a place in Year 10, parents/carers should express a preference for a
subject pathway (Engineering,Health and Social Care , Digital, Performing Arts) alongside
the delivery of the national curriculum (GCSEs). Once enrolled Year 10 students will
participate in the Academy’s induction process, which includes personal guidance, support
and progression planning.
The application will be inputted into the Grimsby Institute Group’s central student records
system within 24 hours after receipt. All applicants will receive an acknowledgement letter
and information pack within a specified timescale of their application being processed.
A meeting will be set within a specified timescale of the application deadline which will be
with the Headteacher from the Academy.
It is of paramount importance that parents/carers/the child attend the meeting that is
offered. If for any reason a parent/carer is unable to attend a meeting at the Academy, the
Academy will do its best endeavours to accommodate appropriate communication to
facilitate this. If it is not possible to attend on the date that has been provided, the
Academy must be informed immediately at 01472 311231, email: [email protected]
A new date and time will be set. If there is a failure to attend up to three meetings that have
been arranged it will be assumed that the parent/carer no longer wishes to continue with
the application and no further action will be taken.
Welcome events will enable parents/carers to learn more about the chosen route for their
child and receive personalised guidance and support to maximise opportunity for success
and achievement. There will be multiple opportunities for parents/carers and children to
visit the Grimsby Institute Group (outside of Academy/School hours) prior to
commencement of programme in September of each year.
Children can only be enrolled with the consent of their parent/carer. A record of consent
must be retained and parents/carers need to be notified that they are legally required to
notify the previous School/Academy that the child has ceased to attend their current
School/Academy and will thereafter, be enrolled as a student at The Academy Grimsby to
receive education (otherwise than in the previous School/Academy).
8. Late applications
Applications received after the admissions closing date of the admissions window will only
be considered alongside those applicants who have applied on time if places have not been
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allocated.
Following the admissions window, if not oversubscribed, any subsequent applicants will be
allocated a place on a first come first served basis if The Academy has less than the number
of students specified in its PAN starting in year 10.
A late application will not affect the right of appeal or the right to be placed on the
oversubscription or waiting list.
9. Appeals
Parents/carers whose application for a place is unsuccessful are entitled to appeal. An
Independent Appeals Panel will act in accordance with the provisions of the ‘Schools
Admissions Appeal Code’ published by the Department for Education.
Information on how to appeal will be provided with the confirmation that an application has
been declined. Information can also be accessed via the relevant Local Authority.
10. Waiting List
Where in any academic year, The Academy Grimsby receives more applications for places
than are available, a waiting list will operate. This will be maintained by the Academy
Grimsby and it will be open to any parent/carer to request that his or her child’s name be
placed on the list following an unsuccessful application and failure of any appeal undertaken
in accordance with the appeal process
Where a place becomes available it will be allocated to a child on the waiting list according
to the over-subscription criteria, whether there is available spaces in that Pathway and
whether or not the child has been permanently excluded or through the BAC. Any
parent/carer applying for their child to have a place outside of the normal admissions round
will be added to the waiting list and subject to the same over-subscription criteria.
The Academy will write to all parents/carers on the waiting list at two points during the
School/Academy year to request confirmation that they wish their child to remain on the
waiting list: once at the start of the academic year (September) and again at the end of
November. If no such confirmation is received, the child’s name will be removed from the
list.
A child’s position on the waiting list will be determined solely in accordance with the
oversubscription criteria set out above. Places will not be allocated on the basis of the
length of time a child’s name has been on the waiting list.
11. Notes:
Please note this admissions policy will be updated on an annual basis according to business
need and the response of the local communities.
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The Grimsby Academy
Random Selection Procedure 2015/2016
Purpose
1. Random selection will be used in the event that the number of applications exceeds the Published
Admission Number (PAN). Where the number of applications for admission is greater than the PAN,
the oversubscription criteria set out in The Academy Grimsby’s Admissions Policy will be applied. If
there is a point of oversubscription within any of the criteria the remaining places will be allocated
through this Random Selection Procedure. Random Selection is also used as a tie breaker.
Whenever two or more applicants have the same priority based on criteria 2, 3 and 5 then the
Random Selection Procedure will be invoked.
2. The need of random selection will be identified by the Academy’s Central Admissions Service and
authorised by the Group Director of Learner Services.
3. Random selection will be undertaken using www.randomizer.org which is an independent webbased random selection program that uses a JavaScript random number generator to produce
customized sets of random numbers.
4. Random selection will be undertaken by a Senior Administrator/Personal Administrator in the
presence of the following witnesses:
 A Senior Officer of the Local Authority
 A Director/Manager from Learner Services
 The Academy Head
Random Selection Process
1. Applications which are subject to random selection process are entered into a spreadsheet, sorted in
alphabetical order (A-Z) by last name.
2. Each application is numbered consecutively from 1 to the last entry.
3. In the presence of the witnesses, the number range will be entered into www.randomizer.org
accordingly: Total number and number of unique random selections to be drawn.
4. The selection results will be validated with all witnesses affixing their signatures to a printed copy of
the random selection result page.
5. A copy of the witness signed result page will be included with the documents in the admission
allocation records for that academic year.
6. All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application by 10 July 2014.
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