Starting Secondary School 2022 - Your choice for secondary education A guide for parents with children transferring to secondary school in 2022 ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Starting Secondary School 2022 Your choice for secondary education A guide for parents with children transferring to secondary school in 2022
Your choice for
secondary education
If your child was born between 1 September
2010 and 31 August 2011, you will need to
apply for a secondary school place by
31 October 2021.
Apply online:
www.eadmissions.org.uk
The Pan London eAdmissions site opens on
1 September 2021.
City of Secondary
22 •Starting London Corporation
School 2022 Starting Secondary School 2019
What’s inside
FOREWORD
Andrew Carter, Director of the Department of Community 5
and Children’s Services
SECTION 1
Starting secondary school in 2022 6
Key dates to remember 7
SECTION 2
How to choose a school 8
Things to consider when choosing a school 9
How to apply 10
Getting your results – National Offer Day 13
Appeal process 14
In-year admissions 15
SECTION 3
City of London Academy Islington 16
The City Academy Hackney 19
City of London Academy Southwark COLA-S 24
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Support for parents and carers 29
School admissions in other local authorities & useful contacts 30
Glossary 32
Starting Secondary School 2022 3
City of Secondary
44 •Starting London Corporation
School 2022 Starting Secondary School 2019
Foreword Andrew Carter
Director of the
Department of
Community and
Children’s Services
T
he City of London many benefits, including an average grade of C was
Corporation (City of access to enrichment achieved.
London) has a very proud events across the year to At the City of London
and long history of providing inspire pupils and provide Academy Islington, 31 per
excellent educational memorable experiences. cent of pupils achieved a
services to children of all Pupils also benefit from grade 5 or higher in English
ages. We are committed to cultural learning programmes and Maths GCSEs, and 60
ensuring that every child in delivered by the City of per cent of pupils achieved
the City of London gets the London’s cultural institutions a grade 4 or above in English
best start in life and receives including the Barbican, and Maths GCSEs. At A level,
the right support to reach Guildhall School of Music an average grade of C+ was
their full potential. and Drama, the Museum achieved.
Moving on to secondary of London and London At The City Academy,
school is an exciting time Symphony Orchestra. Hackney, 37 per cent of pupils
for your child. It represents To ensure that all children achieved a grade 5 or above
an important milestone in living in the City of London in English and Maths GCSEs,
their education journey have access to the City's and 65 per cent of pupils
and is a gateway to future Family of Schools, we have achieved a grade 4 or above
opportunities. During the last arrangements with three in English and Maths GCSEs. At
academic year, I feel it is of the City of London’s A level, 1.3 per cent achieved
important to acknowledge sponsored academies to grades of AAB or higher in at
the events related to the make a number of places least two facilitating subjects,
COVID-19 pandemic, which available to City of London and an average grade of C
for many children has children. This means that was achieved.
meant they have missed your child has the option Visiting schools will give you
being in school. In these of applying to the City a much clearer picture of the
challenging times, there is of London Academy expectation of the children
still some uncertainty ahead; Islington, the City of London and the school’s approach
however, I wish to reassure Academy Southwark and to partnership working with
our communities that the City The City Academy, Hackney you and the community it
of London is committed to regardless of the area of serves. As such, I do suggest
supporting our residents on its the City of London in which you visit schools you are
road to recovery. you live. They provide interested in before making
This booklet has been children with exceptional your preferences on the
produced to make the facilities, excellent learning eAdmissions website. This will
admissions process easy to opportunities and highly help you and your child assess
understand. In here you will professional staff. if the school will be a place
find helpful information on the Due to COVID-19, the last where they will be happy
school admissions process, published results from schools and get the best from their
the guidance you need to in the UK are from 2019. In education.
consider and key dates you 2019, 36 per cent of pupils at We will do all we can to
need to be aware of to make the City of London Academy help you find a school place
a successful application. (Southwark) achieved a for your child. The Education
City of London is grade 5 or above in English and Early Years’ Service is
committed to delivering and Maths GCSEs, and 62 available to support you with
exceptional education, per cent of pupils achieved your application if you need it.
cultural and creative learning a grade 4 or above in English I wish your child every
skills, which link to the world and Maths GCSEs. At A level, success and happiness in
of work through its ‘Family of 7.1 per cent achieved grades their education as they make
Schools’. Being part of the of AAB or higher in at least the transition from primary to
Family of Schools provides two facilitating subjects and secondary school.
Starting Secondary School 2022 5
SECTION 1
Starting secondary school in 2022
If your child was born between 1 September supporting your child with any difficulties with
2010 and 31 August 2011, he or she will learning or wellbeing.
be moving on from primary to secondary
school next year, which means you must If your child has special educational needs
apply for a secondary school place by 31 but does not have an Education, Health
October 2021. and Care (EHC) plan, you must apply for
a secondary school place by completing
Children with Special Educational Needs a Common Application Form (CAF). The
and Disabilities (SEND) Special Educational Needs Coordinator
(SENCo) at your child’s primary school will
All secondary school have a written policies
work with the SENCo at the secondary
(SEND Policy and SEND Information Report)
school to make sure the move from primary
outlining how they support pupils who
to secondary school goes as smoothly as
have been identified as having SEND. Most
possible.
children with SEND can successfully attend
mainstream schools with additional support.
Children with an EHC plan
You will be able to see the schools SEN Policy If your child has an EHC plan, you do
and SEN Information Report on their website, not need to complete a CAF. The City of
or you can contact the school you are London’s Education and Early Years’ Service
interested in to request a copy. will support you with the process. The team
will help you to identify and apply to schools
The City of London has an Educational appropriate to your child’s needs. Once a
Psychology Service, who can be consulted school has been agreed, it will be named
by an educational setting in the City for on your child’s EHC Plan.
advice if the setting has identified and is
SEND Local Offer
Information about the provision and services
that are available for children and young
people with SEND (0–25 years) can be
found on the City of London’s SEND Local
Offer website. The SEND Local Offer sets out
information about services and provision
both inside and outside the City. Please visit
the Family Information Service for full details:
http://localoffer.cityoflondon.gov.uk.
If you would like to discuss your child’s
special educational needs or would like
more information, please contact the
Education and Early Years’ Service on 020
7332 1002.
City of Secondary
6 •Starting
6 London Corporation
School 2022 Starting Secondary School 2019
Key dates to remember
2021 2022
1 September 31 October 1 March 2022
You can start making Deadline date for The results of your application
applications to schools applications and additional will be sent to you on
using the online documentation where National Offer Day. If you
Common Application applicable, such as applied online, you’ll receive
Form (CAF). Supplementary Information an email/or text alert in the
Forms (SIFs) and medical evening informing you of the
September/October assessments for consideration outcome or where to find it
School open days under social/medical online.
(contact the specific criterion.
school for details). 15 March
November/December Deadline for accepting an
Some schools may require offer a secondary school
your child to carry out a fair place.
banding test.
May/June
Appeals heard against the
refusal of a place at a school
on your application form.
Starting Secondary School 2022 7
SECTION 2
How to choose a school
Get started Each school’s information page provides
Our advice is: don’t wait! Give yourself a link to its Ofsted report. An Ofsted report
as much time as possible to explore and details a school’s strengths and weaknesses
consider your options so that you can apply in terms of teaching staff and leadership,
to schools that best fit your child’s needs and its status at the time of its last inspection.
and aspirations and whose selection criteria Schools are currently inspected every four
are favourable to you. years.
Once you’ve come up with a shortlist, find
Finding a school
out more about each school by reading its:
If you don’t know the schools in your area,
a good place to start your search is by • prospectus – detailed information about
looking at your local authority’s secondary the school, and its leaders, teachers,
school guide, or those of surrounding local courses, facilities and philosophy.
authorities. They contain general information • admissions policy – information about
about the local schools. You can download admissions criteria should the school
copies from their websites. You’ll find receive more applications than it has
contact details for local authorities near the places available (oversubscribed).
City of London on page 31.
You’ll find prospectuses and admissions
Alternatively, you could visit the Department policies on each school’s website or you
for Education’s ‘Find and compare schools can contact them directly to request
in England’ website: www.gov.uk/school- copies.
performance-tables
Get a complete picture
This website provides a comprehensive list Prospectuses, league tables and Ofsted
of schools across England, and it also allows reports alone will not give you a complete
you to access performance tables that give picture of a school. Therefore, we advise
information on pupils’ results at each school you to visit the school for a close-up look at
and show how they compare with other its location, facilities and surroundings to get
schools. a taste of its educational environment. You
may also be able to arrange to speak with
teachers, administrative staff and, if possible,
pupils.
Most schools hold Open Days or Open
Evenings. Attending these along with your
child will give you a better feel for the
school.
Look at the admissions criteria
On your application form, you should list all
the schools you want to apply to in order
of preference. Some schools receive more
applications than they have places to offer,
so you should always look at the admissions
criteria for each of your preferred schools
and consider whether you meet them.
City of Secondary
8 •Starting
8 London Corporation
School 2022 Starting Secondary School 2019
Things to consider when choosing
a school
Here are a few questions to ask when How will your child get there?
deciding whether a school fits your child’s • What form of transport will they need to
personality, talents and needs. take?
• How long is the journey (time and
Does the school’s curriculum match your distance)?
child’s interests and talents?
• Is the travel route safe and convenient?
While all state-run schools follow the
National Curriculum, others focus on certain
disciplines such as music, math, science, or How are the school’s facilities?
athletics. Are the buildings, classrooms and grounds
well equipped and maintained?
What do other parents think about the
school? Which school does your child prefer?
Find out the experiences of parents with This could be a tiebreaker. Ask them where
children at the schools you’re interested in. they’d like to go. Starting a secondary
school can be unsettling, especially if it’s in
a different part of town from their primary
Does the school have extended services
school and none of their friends will be going
such as breakfast, after-school clubs
there.
and after-school activities?
Are there supervised activities for pupils
outside normal school hours if parents and Remember, the school with the best
carers are at work? reputation may not always be the most
suitable for your child’s needs.
Does the school have the facilities and
resources for children with SEND and
does it offer additional support?
What provisions are there for children with
SEND?
Starting Secondary School 2022 9
SECTION 3
How to apply
You must apply to the local authority where There is also an option to apply to the City
your child lives. Do not list independent fee- of London Academy Islington, the City of
paying schools as you need to apply directly London Academy (Southwark) and The City
to them. Academy, Hackney, where there are priority
places available to City families.
1.To make an application online, please
visit the eAdmissions website: www. As part of the admissions process, some
eadmissions.org.uk. If you’re unable to schools may require your child to sit a fair
apply online, please contact the City banding test. Your child must sit this test,
of London School Admissions Service on otherwise your chances of obtaining a
eeyservice@cityoflondon.gov.uk school place are greatly reduced.
There is also an option to apply to the City
2.You can apply for any school located in of London Academy Islington, the City of
any borough, with up to a maximum of six London Academy (Southwark) and The City
schools. We highly recommend that you Academy, Hackney, where there are priority
apply to as many schools as you can as places available to Square Mile families.
this will increase your chances of getting
one of your preferred schools. As part of the admissions process, some
schools may require your child to sit a fair
3.List the schools in the order you prefer, banding test. Your child must sit this test,
with your favourite school listed first. otherwise your chances of obtaining a school
Your preference order is not disclosed place are greatly reduced.
to schools. Make sure you are aware of
schools that require a Supplementary If you have questions about test
Information Form (SIF) to be completed arrangements, please check relevant school
in addition to your eAdmissions online/ websites, or contact the school(s) directly.
paper-based application.
What is a Supplementary Information
4.It is a good idea to list your nearest Form and why is it needed?
schools. If you do not apply for any of the A Supplementary Information Form (SIF)
schools close to you, there is a risk that, if provides additional information that some
you do not secure a place at one of your schools use to allocate places when they
preferences, local schools may already be are oversubscribed (they’ve received more
full and your child could end up having to applications than they have places to offer).
travel further away to get to school.
To find out if your chosen schools require a
SIF, you can either contact them directly, or,
Remember: if you apply online, the eAdmissions website
The deadline for applications is will tell you. You must send the completed
31 October 2021 SIF directly to the school and not to the City
of London. Choosing not to complete the
SIF could reduce your chances of getting a
place at that school if it’s oversubscribed.
Most voluntary-aided, foundation schools and
some academies require a SIF.
City of Secondary
10 •Starting
10 London Corporation
School 2022 Starting Secondary School 2019Fair banding tests Admissions authorities
There is no passing or failing these tests. The school’s governing body is the
Pupils are tested and grouped into ‘bands’ admissions authority for all foundation
according to their abilities. The school will schools, voluntary-aided schools,
then offer places to an equal number of academies and free schools. For all other
pupils in each band. schools, this is the local authority.
Applying under sibling criterion Proof of home address
If your child has a brother or sister attending Your address details will be checked by the
any of your preferred schools at the time of City of London Council Tax Team. You will
admission in September 2022, you should be asked to provide additional supporting
complete the box marked ‘Sibling details’ documentation if the Council Tax Team is
alongside the relevant school. unable to verify your details. It’s important
you give accurate information on your
Applying under exceptional reasons application form as this can affect the
If you are making an application based on outcome of your application.
medical, social, religious, philosophical or
educational reasons, you must complete You are also required to provide proof of
the ’reasons for preference’ box on the the child’s residence. The document must
application form. not be older than one year and should
be either uploaded onto the eAdmissions
You must also explain in writing why your system or sent electronically to the City of
child must attend a specific school, and a London School Admissions Team. This can be
professional practitioner, such as a doctor or in the form of a child tax credit notification,
educational psychologist, must support your letter from the NHS or any other document
reasons and provide relevant evidence. The that has your child’s name and address.
City of London School Admissions Team must For more information on the City of London
receive this by the application deadline. address verification policy, please visit: www.
cityoflondon.gov.uk/schooladmission
Oversubscription criteria - an example
According to the list below, children looked Note: The offer of a school place can be
after by the local authority is a higher withdrawn if the information supplied is
criterion than distance from school: knowingly incorrect. An admissions authority
• Children looked after by the local can also take legal action against anyone
authority. who has knowingly given false information
• Children whose siblings attend the school. to get a school place for their child.
• Distance to school from child’s home
address.
Starting Secondary School 2022 11Your child’s home address What happens after you’ve submitted
If you are separated from your child’s other your form?
parent and your child lives partly with you All London local authorities, and some local
and partly with the other parent, you should authorities bordering London, are part of
state the address where your child lives most the pan-London admissions scheme. The
of the time. scheme coordinates applications across
local authority borders.
If you have an equal shared care
arrangement, state the address of the Your child will be considered separately by
parent claiming child benefit, receiving tax each school on their application form. The
credits linked to the child or whose address schools do not know which other schools
is registered at the child’s GP. If you are you’ve listed or your order of preference.
making an online application, you can
upload documents to your eAdmissions If a school is not oversubscribed, every child
account. If you are making a paper that applies will be offered a place.
application, you will need to send the
documents to the City of London School If a school is oversubscribed, places will
Admissions Team. be allocated by its admissions authority
in accordance with the school’s
Note: Only one address can be used for oversubscription criteria. The oversubscription
school admission purposes and the final criteria are part of a school’s admissions
decision will rest with the City of London policy. Children meeting criteria with a
School Admissions Team. higher priority will be more likely to get a
place than those meeting lower priority
criteria. You can get a copy of the policy
Late applications from each school’s admissions authority.
Applications received after the closing date
will be deemed ‘late applications’ and will Your child will receive only one offer. If more
be considered after those received on time. than one school can offer them a place, the
If there are exceptional reasons why you school making the offer will be your child’s
couldn’t make the deadline, please write to highest preference and all lower preferences
the City of London School Admissions Team will be withdrawn and released to other
and provide supporting evidence. children. Therefore, please make sure you
put the school you really want first.
Note: You can only make a late application
using the paper application form. You
cannot make a late application online.
City of Secondary
12 •Starting
12 London Corporation
School 2022 Starting Secondary School 2019Getting your results – National Offer Day
The results of your application will be sent to offered place as it will ensure that your
you on National Offer Day, which is 1 March child has a place should your appeal be
2022. If you applied online, you’ll receive an unsuccessful. Accepting the place will not
email alert that evening informing you of the affect the outcome of your appeal. If you
outcome of your application, and/or a text reject the offered place and your appeal is
telling you where you can view the outcome unsuccessful, the process of finding another
online. school is likely to be difficult.
The letter the City of London School What if I don’t receive a place at any of
Admissions Team sends you will tell you: my preferred schools?
• which school can offer your child a place
You will be allocated an alternative school
• how to accept the place that has a vacancy and the City of London
• what to do if your child was not offered a School Admissions Team will work with you to
place at any of their chosen schools find schools that have places available.
• how to appeal against a decision.
You can also choose to appeal against
the refusal or go on your preferred school’s
Your child will receive only one offer. If more
waiting list. Contact the school directly to find
than one school can offer them a place, the
out its waiting list policy and if you’ve been
school making the offer will be your child’s
automatically added to the list.
highest preference.
How do waiting lists work?
Accepting an offer
Your child’s place on a waiting list is
You can accept the offered school place by:
determined by the school’s oversubscription
• completing the online acceptance form
criteria, not by how long they’ve been
via your eAdmissions account
waiting. Children meeting higher priority
• emailing the Education and Early Years’ criteria will be higher on the list than those
Service at meeting lower priority criteria.
eeyservice@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Your child’s place can move down if children
Either way, the City of London School meeting higher criteria than yours join the list.
Admissions Team must receive your response Late applications are included on the waiting
by 15 March 2022 or your place may be list and are treated in the same way as on-
offered to another child. time applications.
What if my child has a place at a private Acceptance deadline
or independent school? If your acceptance slip is not postmarked by
If you have accepted a place for your child 15 March 2022, your place may be offered to
at a private or independent school, please let another child.
the City of London School Admissions Team
know in writing as soon as possible so that the If you are likely to be away from home
school place can be offered to another child. between 1 March and 15 March 2022, please
let the City of London School Admissions
I’ve been offered a place at one of Team know in advance by emailing
my least preferred schools and plan to eeyservice@cityoflondon.gov.uk.
appeal. Should I reject the place?
You are strongly advised to accept the
Starting Secondary School 2022 13SECTION 4
Appeal process
If you didn’t receive an offer from your most Details of how to appeal will be included in
preferred school, you can appeal against the offer letter.
the refusal.
If you intend to make an appeal, you should
What you need to do: still accept the school place you’ve been
• Contact the school you want to make an offered so that your child will have a place if
appeal against as soon as possible. They your appeal is unsuccessful.
will provide you with information about
their appeal process e.g. what you’ll need Accepting the place you’ve been offered
to do and by when. will not affect the outcome of your appeal.
• Present your appeal. Your appeal will be
heard during May, June or July 2022 by the
Appeal Panel, which is made up of people
who have not been involved in any way in
the allocation of school places.
The Appeal Panel’s decision is final.
City of Secondary
14 •Starting
14 London Corporation
School 2022 Starting Secondary School 2019SECTION 5
In-year admissions
What is in-year admissions? Is there a closing date for in-year
In-year admissions is the process of applying admissions?
to a school at any time outside the normal No, although we advise you to make your
admissions rounds. Normal admissions application as soon as possible.
rounds are those that take place during
September of the year a child starts either I don’t like the school that my child is
Reception or secondary school. currently attending and want to change
their school. Can I make an in-year
You must complete an in-year application if
admissions application?
your child:
Yes. But before you do, please consider that
• is transferring from one secondary school
moving schools can be very unsettling for
to another, or;
children, particularly if they are preparing
• has been educated at home and now for exams or have difficulty adapting to new
wishes to apply for a school place, or; situations and surroundings.
• is newly arrived in the UK and is looking for
a school place. Click here to watch the
City of London’s Information video.
What do I need to do?
That depends, as the in-year admissions
application process varies. With some
schools, you apply directly to the school
while with others you’ll need to complete
the local authority’s in-year application
form. Contact the school directly to find out
more.
Starting Secondary School 2022 15SECTION 6
Information about Secondary schools
CITY OF LONDON ACADEMY
ISLINGTON
A message from Sonia Jacob, Principal
Prebend Street, London Our vision is to be an outstanding academy known
N1 8PQ for our academic excellence and unrelenting
t 020 7226 8611 determination for everyone to succeed. We have a
e info@cityacademyislington. total commitment to improving the lives of the young
org.uk people of Islington by serving the local community as a
w www.colai.org.uk vibrant centre of learning.
Head Teacher Academy visiting dates
Ms S Jacob
We advise parents and pupils to check the City of
Ages London Academy Islington’s website for regular updates
11–19 boys and girls on our open morning and evening schedules.
Year 7 places To book your preferred date, please visit our website:
165 www.colai.org.uk
Fair banding tests
Yes Open Evening
Tuesday 21st September 2021
Places for children living in From 4.30pm to 8.00pm
the City of London
Under the academy’s Open mornings
oversubscription criteria,
Thursday 23 September 2021
there may be up to ten
priority places for City of Thursday 30 September 2021
London children. Thursday 7 October 2021
All candidates are required Thursday 14 October 2021
to participate in the banding Sessions start at 9.00am and 9.30am and
test. include a presentation from the Principal and
tour of the academy.
City of Secondary
16 •Starting
16 London Corporation
School 2022 Starting Secondary School 2019Parents say the City of
London Academy Islington
is now like ‘a big family’.
Banding tests and was judged ‘outstanding’ overall in our
most recent Ofsted inspection in March 2019,
Saturday 4 October 2021 with the inspectors noting that ‘outcomes
Saturday 16 October 2021 are outstanding and pupils’ progress is
All pupils applying for a place at City of exceptional’ and that this is a school where
London Academy Islington for September ‘no child is left behind’.
2022 are required to attend a banding test.
Applicants who fail to attend the banding Clear, crucial improvements are ongoing to
test will not be considered until after every
secure our pupils’ high levels of success. At
applicant who did sit the test, regardless
the City of London Academy Islington, we are
of score, has been offered a place. Please
contact the school if there are exceptional totally committed to working in partnership
reasons why your child is unable to sit the test. with our parents and carers in providing the
best for our young people. The academy
Registration forms are available to download
from our website or via email request to our offers a broad and balanced curriculum,
admissions manager. Alternatively, you can with teachers who are passionate about
collect a form at our open evening or one of their subjects. Outstanding achievement
our open mornings. and success are only possible when pupils
are happy, enjoy their learning, feel they are
We have made astonishing progress over recognised and valued as individuals, and
the last six years and we are a transformed have a clear understanding of how they
academy, with dramatically improved are expected to behave. This is supported
outcomes for our pupils. We consistently through our core values of ‘Respect, Integrity
achieve results that place the academy in and Responsibility’ within a clear framework
the top 10 per cent of schools in the country of rewards and firm but fair discipline.
for the progress of our pupils at Key Stage 4.
Even before Year 7 pupils start with us, we
Our A-level results are similarly impressive, work hard to ensure that the transition from
with the academy achieving the best primary to secondary school is as smooth as
progress score in Islington in 2017 and we possible. We use a host of strategies designed
have sustained these excellent outcomes in to make sure your child will be successful
subsequent years. The vast majority of sixth and feel academically challenged within a
formers secure a place at university, with culture of nurture and support.
many achieving grades that enable them to
progress to Russell Group institutions. We cater for pupils with a wide range of
abilities and interests. This is reflected in the
How are we achieving and maintaining wide range of extra-curricular activities
offered, starting at 8.00am each day.
such an improvement in results?
Our dedicated, experienced leaders and All pupils are expected to take pride in their
staff offer a unique learning environment appearance and all must attend in full,
and facilities that meet the needs of a correct City of London Academy Islington
21st century school. The City of London uniform. The uniform is smart and professional.
Academy Islington provides excellent care Pupils are expected to comply with our
and support for all pupils within a learning uniform policy, which includes having our
environment that sets high expectations compulsory City of London Academy Islington
of pupil progress and pupil behaviour. bag at all times with necessary stationery, a
The academy achieved an ‘outstanding’ pupil planner and a reading book. This is to
judgement in all four of the main categories ensure that all pupils are fully equipped and
Starting Secondary School 2022 17ready to learn. It is also expected that all • contact the City of London Academy
pupils will maintain our uniform policy when Islington by phone on the first day of
travelling to and from the City of London absence or send a note if there is no
Academy Islington and be a credit to their phone.
families and to the academy.
Admissions arrangements
City of London Academy Islington is Admissions are determined by fair banding
sponsored by the City of London and City, tests and distance. We use a testing and
University of London. Both organisations banding procedure similar to that currently
add considerable value by offering a range used by two other secondary schools in
of high-quality curricular and enrichment Islington. Applicants are required to take
opportunities to the academy’s pupils. a non-verbal reasoning test and will be
placed into one of four bands according to
We believe that good patterns of attendance their performance.
and punctuality are essential if our pupils are
to get the best from their learning. We want The City of London Academy Islington will
our pupils to form good habits and engage consider all applications for places. Where
fully in their learning and in the City of London fewer than 165 applications are received,
Academy Islington community. We therefore the City of London Academy Islington will
ask parents and carers to: offer places to all those who have applied.
• encourage their children to understand Where more than 165 applications are
and accept their responsibility to attend received, pupils will be considered against
school every day our oversubscription criteria.
• arrive at the City of London Academy
Islington and lessons on time For full details of our admissions policy,
please go to: www.colai.org.uk
City of Secondary
18 •Starting
18 London Corporation
School 2022 Starting Secondary School 2019THE CITY ACADEMY
HACKNEY
A message from Mark Malcolm, Principal
Homerton Row, London At The City Academy, Hackney students are
E9 6EA expected to work hard and to show dedication and
t 020 8525 5440 commitment to their studies. In return, the academy
e admin@thecityacademy. provides fantastic academic, creative, sporting,
org linguistic, and personal educational experiences. This
w www.thecityacademy.org ‘City Experience’ is delivered through our outstanding
teaching, the formal and informal curriculum, and
Head Teacher the support of City of London Academies Trust.
Mark Malcolm Of key importance to our success has been the
development of students’ originality and independent
Ages thinking, which has been fostered through the many
11–19 boys and girls creative and engaging learning experiences we offer
Year 7 places inside and outside the classroom.
190
The City Academy, Hackney’s examination results are
Fair banding tests consistently outstanding and the progress pupils make
Yes places the academy as one of the top schools in the
country.
Places for children living in
the City of London
With a strong emphasis on high aspiration and social
Under the academy’s
mobility, The City Academy, Hackney offers pupils an
oversubscription criteria,
exceptional educational experience.
there may be up to nine
priority places for City of
In addition, we have received two outstanding
London children.
grades from Ofsted. In 2014, our pupils were placed
second in the country for the progress they made,
All candidates are required
in 2015 they were fifth and in both 2010 and 2012
to participate in the banding
we were judged to be outstanding in every Ofsted
test.
category.
Starting Secondary School 2022 19Academy visiting dates Values and success
We advise parents and pupils to check The Our success is judged by excellence in
City Academy, Hackney’s website for regular examination results, standards of behaviour,
updates on our open morning and evening and sporting and creative achievement
schedules. as well as the politeness, self-discipline and
compassion of our pupils. It is important to
To book your preferred date, please visit our us that pupils enjoy learning and feel safe
website: www.thecityacademy.org and happy at school and we enable them
to develop the confidence, independence
Open mornings and self-awareness required for their future
Thursday 7 October 2021 success and wellbeing.
Friday 8 October 2021
In line with our vison for the academy to
By appointment
raise standards and aspirations students
Open evening are set challenging targets. All students are
Wednesday 29 September 2021 expected to make one grade of progress
From 5.00 to 8.00pm (last entry 7.30pm) towards their target every year. They review
Sixth Form Open evening their progress in each subject every half
term.
Thursday 18 November 2021
From 5.00 to 8.00pm (last entry 7.30pm)
About the academy
The City Academy, Hackney opened in
Our mission, vision and values September 2009 and occupies an exciting,
We aim to provide education of the highest purpose-built, state-of-the-art building.
quality for pupils in Hackney and pioneer The teaching and learning environment
educational innovation and creativity. enables pupils to experience high-quality,
personalised learning through a range of
Our mission is to develop highly qualified curriculum pathways. Our classrooms hold
and skilled young adults who achieve to no more than 24 pupils, so teaching groups
the best of their ability, display the highest are small.
standards of
professionalism and are ethical, active The City Academy, Hackney caters for 190
citizens fully committed to supporting their pupils in each year group as well as 240
local and global community. places in our sixth form.
The City Academy, Hackney offers all pupils Key stage 4 covers years 10 and 11 when
an outstanding opportunity to learn and students study for their GCSEs. The majority
achieve in a purpose-built environment with of students study the English Baccalaureate
access to the highest standards of teaching, which includes GCSEs in English, Maths,
support and challenge. Science, a language and a humanity. There
is a wide selection of GCSE options across
Teaching is skilled, creative and of the remaining subjects including subjects
taught at Key Stage 3, such as Art, Music
consistently high quality so that pupils’
and Technology and new subjects including
progress is rapid.’
Latin and Sociology.
– Ofsted
City of Secondary
20 •Starting
20 London Corporation
School 2022 Starting Secondary School 2019We are a consistently successful school with covers all National Curriculum subjects.
71% of students achieving five or more 9-4 This includes art, computing, design and
grades in 2020. technology, drama, English, French or
Spanish, Geography, History, Maths, Music,
Teaching and learning P.E. PHSCE, R.E. and science.
The core purpose of The City Academy,
Hackney is to help pupils learn. We do this In line with our vison for the academy to
by developing comprehensive, detailed raise standards and aspirations students
teaching and learning strategies that foster are set challenging targets. All students are
excellent academic progress. The City expected to make one grade of progress
Academy, Hackney ensures all pupils have towards their target every year. They review
the essential skills to achieve in later life and their progress in each subject every half
opportunities to excel in every subject. term.
The City Academy, Hackney provides: Key Stage 4
All pupils begin the Key Stage 4 programme
• a strong core curriculum that supports of study in Year 9: they study GCSEs in
literacy and numeracy English, Maths and Science and there is a
• a range of learning pathways to offer wide selection of GCSE options across the
support and challenge more able pupils remaining subjects. The vast majority of
• innovative, creative and stimulating pupils will follow the English Baccalaureate
learning experiences. in Key Stage 4. Our GCSE option subjects
include many of the subjects taught
throughout Key Stage 3, such as Art, Music
Key Stage 3
and Technology as well as additional
Key Stage covers Year 7 to Year 9. Students choices including Computing and
enjoy and engaging programme that Sociology.
Starting Secondary School 2022 21All pupils in Years 7–11 have one period The extended day
per week of Personal, Health, Social and Once a week the school day is extended
Citizenship education. Since our first set of until 4.30pm for Additional Studies. This
GCSE results in 2014, pupils have continued gives all students the opportunity to explore
to make exceptional progress. We are a new subjects and activities ranging from
consistently successful school with a Progress orchestra to coding and yoga to creative
8 score of 0.49 in 2018. writing. We also offer extra support and
interventions outside of the regular school
Sixth form day.
The City Academy, Hackney’s sixth form
opened in September 2014, extending our Our libraries are open both before and
outstanding educational provision to post- after school, we offer a free breakfast to all
16-year-olds. The aim of our sixth form is to students and we have many extracurricular
develop young learners into independent, sports clubs.
studious and professional young adults
by insisting on the same core values that Homework is a key part of The City
characterise the work of The City Academy, Academy, Hackney’s day and we have
Hackney as a whole. In 2020 84% of our a clear and strong approach: every pupil
students progressed to university, 35% of is expected to do at least one hour of
those being Russell Group universities. A homework each evening.
further 10% of students went onto top,
degree level apprenticeships. Our partnership with parents
Often, parental involvement in their child’s
The education we offer and the standards education reduces when they reach
we deliver are not the only reasons for secondary school. At The City Academy,
choosing The City Academy, Hackney. We Hackney, we are committed to ensuring this
also have highly developed links with Russell does not happen.
Group universities and a unique link through
our sponsors, the City of London and KPMG, A key factor in the academic and personal
and with Clare College, Cambridge. KPMG success of young people is their parents’
also provides an Access course for A-level engagement in their education. Parents
pupils as well as paid alternatives to higher are regularly given feedback from every
education. subject, progress reports are compiled
four times a year, and The City Academy,
For more information about our A-level Hackney offers numerous opportunities
courses, please refer to the Sixth Form for parents to meet with staff throughout
section of our website or pick up a copy of the year, including at our Parent Staff
our Sixth Form Guide. Association events.
Support Pastoral care
We promote high aspirations, high We foster good knowledge and support
motivation and high achievement for all. This of the individual pupil through our tutor
vision applies equally to pupils with any kind groups. Tutors monitor the progress of their
of special educational need. Our philosophy students in tutor time every Monday. The
is to include pupils as far as possible within head of year team help celebrate students’
The City Academy, Hackney’s normal achievements and manage behaviour.
provision.
22 City of Secondary
22 •Starting London Corporation
School 2022 Starting Secondary School 2019‘The City Academy, Hackney’s core
values, which emphasise achievement,
enjoyment and respect, are also having
a positive impact on pupils’ lives.’
– Ofsted
Expectations all applicants for places. Where fewer
The City Academy, Hackney sets and than 190 applications are received, the
maintains excellent standards of behaviour academy will offer places to all those who
that would be expected in any workplace. have applied. After the admission of pupils
We have a consistently enforced system of with an EHC plan identifying SEND where
rewards and sanctions in place to celebrate The City Academy, Hackney is named and
individual successes and support the the number of applications for admission
standards of behaviour we expect. is greater than the published capacity,
applications will be considered within each
Ofsted observed that, ‘There is a shared band against the following criteria:
expectation that all students will conduct 1.Children in public care.
themselves in a professional and businesslike 2.A child subject to a child protection plan.
way.’ Our reward system encourages hard
work, supports good behaviour and rewards 3.Students whose siblings currently attend
success. the academy and will continue to do so
on the date of admission.
Rules are applied consistently, fairly and 4.Up to a maximum of nine children (across
without exception according to our all bands) resident in the City of London (if
expectations. We believe that children more than nine students apply, selection
should understand that there are always within fair bands to be determined by
consequences associated with good and drawing lots).
poor behaviour. 5.Children of staff employed at the
academy, where a member of staff has
Admissions been employed for two or more years
All children applying to the academy, at the time at which the application is
including children with an Education, being made, and/or the member of staff
Health and Care (EHC) Plan and looked is recruited to fill a vacant post for which
after children, will be required to take there is a demonstrable skills shortage.
the Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT4 Level C) 6.Students will then be offered places on
designed by GL Assessments. Children who the basis of the proximity of their home
do not sit the test will be considered after (permanent residence) to the main
those who sit the test. entrance of the academy measured in
a straight line on a map or using a GIS
Applicants will be placed in one of four system (proximity is measured using a
bands, based on their performance in straight line measurement from the main
the test. An equal number of children entrance of the academy to the main
will be assigned to each band (where entrance of the child’s home).
possible) based on the range of ability
of the applicants. Each band represents
Tie break
approximately 25 per cent of the applicants.
Random allocation undertaken by an
Children with an EHC plan identifying SEND independent body will be used as a
and looked after children are included in tiebreaker in categories 2–6 above to
the appropriate band. If they are unable decide who has highest priority for a place
to take the test, their band allocation will if the distance between a child’s home and
be based on their primary school teacher The City Academy, Hackney is equidistant in
assessments. The academy will consider any two or more cases.
Starting Secondary School 2022 23CITY OF LONDON ACADEMY
SOUTHWARK COLA-S
A message from Mike Baxter, Principal
240 Lynton Road, London Welcome to the City of London Academy, Southwark.
SE1 5LA I am delighted to lead a unified community driven by
t 020 7394 5100 a common purpose; the Exploration of Life. Every child
e info@cityacademy.co.uk who attends the academy leaves as a young adult
w www.cityacademy.co.uk able to understand and shape the world around them.
We educate our students in all that has gone before –
Head Teacher both the beacons of hope from our collective history
Mike Baxter as well as that from which we must learn – so that they
go on to make and shape a better world for all of our
Ages futures.
11–19 boys and girls
Secondary school is not only about the milestones
Year 7 places
of GCSE and A-levels, but about building upon the
240
potential of every young person and giving them the
Fair banding tests ambition to succeed in life, the duty to realise that
Yes what truly matters are collective endeavours in the
pursuit of timeless goals, and the resilience to never
Places for children living in give up. This is what we do at City of London Academy,
the City of London Southwark.
Under the academy’s
oversubscription criteria, Integritas
there may be up to 30 Our guiding value is Integritas, with the half termly
priority places for City of Principal’s award being the Integritas Award. To us,
London children. All potential integritas means doing what is right, even when it is
candidates are required hard, of owning our mistakes and learning from them.
to participate in the fair We regularly tell students that they will get things wrong,
banding test. that they will fail, but that this failure is another step on
their path of improvement.
Accompanied to this guiding value are the values of
ambition, resilience and duty each of which students
are awarded House Points for demonstrating.
City of Secondary
24 •Starting
24 London Corporation
School 2022 Starting Secondary School 2019Ambition I have worked, and will continue to work,
We encourage our students to be ambitious to ensure that the behaviour of students
for themselves and their futures and also and the habits modelled by staff are of the
for those around them. At COLA Southwark highest standards. With good behaviour
we nurture this through the many house we are able to provide and deliver a truly
competitions which we run, through inspirational curriculum, both within the
the comprehensive student leadership classroom and outside. To support this in
opportunities and by exposing our students 2021/22 COLA Southwark is prioritising:
to excellent employers as well as Higher 1.A values-led approach to school
Education establishments. leadership, grounded in our purpose of
the Exploration of Life.
Resilience
Students are supported to embody the 2.A continued focus on ensuring student
value of resilience through both the behaviour supports effective learning and
academic and pastoral curriculums. that pastoral support for students and staff
Students learn that failure is foundational to is exemplary.
success: James Dyson famously patented 3.A comprehensive teacher training
over 4000 items before he launched his first programme to ensure that all teachers in
vacuum. Failure for him was a step on the the academy are inspiring our students to
path to achieving his ambitions. fulfil their potential.
4.A broad pastoral enrichment programme
We develop young leaders who are able to including:
show resilience and persevere in the face of
adversity. • a daily, character education programme
as well as a daily taught reading
Duty programme
There is more that unifies us as a species • six drop down days (when school trips and
than divides: we have a duty towards events can happen)
helping others, our community and our • adventure learning including the Duke of
world. The issues which are faced in modern Edinburgh’s Award
day London will only be addressed when
• a house system with over 20 annual house
people go out of their way to tackle them.
competitions
Likewise, global issues such as climate
change and systemic racism can only • termly performing arts showcases
be addressed by collective action and • excellent sports and sports facilities
personal reflection. Our students will develop including the nationally acclaimed
this need for duty when in class, when Basketball Academy.
representing the school, when competing
in house competitions (including debates) I wish you every success over the coming
and when campaigning on big issues within weeks and months as you choose your
school. child’s secondary school. Please do not
hesitate to get in contact if you have any
COLA Southwark has a history of achieving questions.
excellent academic outcomes in both
GCSE and A-level. As Principal it is my role Mike Baxter
to build upon the successes of the past Principal
and take the academy in an exciting
and rewarding new direction. To this end
Starting Secondary School 2022 25Admissions Among these exciting, dynamic learning
COLA Southwark has a primary specialism in opportunities are the science fair, debating
Business and Enterprise. Prospective students with Debate Mate and the City of London,
can complete an online Information Maths stretch classes after school, coding
Technology Aptitude Test that evaluates club, and the extended project qualification
their aptitude for this specialism as well as for our A-level students.
related skills like Information Technology.
COLA Southwark allocates up to The six drop down days every year provide
24 places (10 per cent of the cohort) each rich opportunities for students to engage in
year through the Business and Enterprise field trips in Geography, university visits, the
Specialism. Model United Nations and much more.
Please note: all applicants are required to The academy continues to provide unique
complete their Local Authority Application opportunities to harness the potential of our
by the stated deadline. most able students. Our aim is to ensure they
can surpass their own expectations.
Sponsors
Careers entitlement
COLA Southwark is sponsored by the City of
London Corporation. As part of the City of Our careers education programme
London Academies Trust, COLA Southwark is helps our students develop the skills
part of one of the highest performing Multi- and knowledge they need to excel
Academy Trusts in the country, led by Mark in the working world. The programme
Emmerson, a former head teacher with a is incorporated within the academy’s
rich history of running some of the highest character education programme, giving our
performing schools in the country. students an invaluable head start to life after
the academy. They are taught the skills they
need to manage their career and make
Uniform
decisions that shape their future.
COLA Southwark uniform is compulsory. All
students must wear the correct uniform at all The programme promotes equal
times. Students take pride in their uniforms as opportunities and challenges career
they recognise that they are ambassadors stereotypes, with a particular focus on
of COLA Southwark. We expect students to removing barriers and encouraging students
maintain our high standards whilst in our to further their studies to higher education.
uniform and in the community.
Student leadership
Suppliers: Whitehall Clothing, 77 Camberwell
Road, London SE5 0EZ Student leadership is a big part of life at
APT Clothing, 26A Rye Lane, Peckham SE15 COLA Southwark as we strive to prepare our
5BS young men and women for their futures in
the wider world.
Stretch for the most able students
Student leadership opportunities include,
COLA Southwark provides an extended and within the sixth form, the position of school
flexible curriculum for more able students, president and vice president, school
allowing them to develop independent councillor and school mentors to students in
thinking and enquiry skills through a variety lower years.
of class- based and extra-curricular
activities.
26 City of Secondary
26 •Starting London Corporation
School 2022 Starting Secondary School 2019‘The contribution students make to the
City of London Academy, Southwark and
the wider community is outstanding.’ –-
Ofsted 2011
In Years 10 and 11, students can be school We believe having effective and regular
prefects, house captains and school channels of communication can be one
councillor as well as mentors to students in of the best ways to tackle this during your
Years 7/8/9. child’s time at COLA Southwark.
In Years 7/8/9, every form group has a house In 2021/22, we have refreshed our
captain and a school councillor, whilst all communication platforms and will be
sports teams and clubs will have captains providing the following:
where appropriate. Students in these years 5.Three academic review days across the
can also be COLA Southwark guides, year when you will meet with your child’s
showcasing the academy to all visitors. tutor and discuss their progress within the
academy academically and also their
We train all student leaders to show the development in line with the character
academy’s values and support them with education programme and the various
their leadership characteristics. sports and cubs that we offer. Where
parents are unable to attend in person,
Special educational needs these meetings will occur virtually on
Our inclusive practices are reflected in our Google Meet or Zoom.
Special Needs Policy, which is available on 6.In 2021/22, parents will be provided
our website: www.cityacademy.co.uk with a number of excellent IT platforms
(e.g. Edulink) enabling them to track
We admit pupils with SEND through their child’s behaviour, successes and
consultation with the appropriate local homework.
education authority, and where COLA
Southwark is appropriately named in the SEN 7.Every child will have a recognised mentor
statement or Education, Health and Care within the academy. This will usually be
(EHC) plan. their tutor, whom they will see every day.
However, where required we will look to
Our highly trained staff in specific learning buddy some students with sixth formers
difficulties (SpLD), dyslexia and autistic and key pastoral staff to support their
spectrum condition (ASC) offer students development.
with additional needs and disabilities 8.We will continue to respond to your child’s
maximum access to the curriculum. This is specific needs and ensure that we work
achieved through personalised learning and hand-in- hand with parents wherever
accessibility for all. possible to support the education and
progress of your child.
COLA Southwark is committed to a policy
of inclusion, one in which the teaching, Sixth form
learning, achievements, attitudes and We are proud of our thriving and successful
wellbeing of all students matter – including sixth form which received over 3500
those identified with SEND. applications for September 2021. We are
proud to combine academic excellence for
Communication with parents and carers our students with an inclusive, vibrant and
Whilst for us it is a great honour to provide creative ethos.
your child with their secondary education,
for parents and carers it is often a daunting Our sixth form is one of the highest-
time. performing in Southwark, led by the
commitment and hard work of our pupils,
Starting Secondary School 2022 27You can also read
