Moving On 2012 - A guide to applying for a secondary school place
Moving On
A guide to applying for a Year 7 place
Transfer from Primary to Secondary Education
Please read the information booklet 'Moving on' for Year 7 applications or ‘Starting Out’ for Reception applications before you complete an application. These documents gives you all the information you will need to apply.
It provides details on the application process, all the schools in Tameside and how places are allocated. It also tells you what you need to do if your child has exceptional medical or social needs or you need to submit supplementary evidence to voluntary aided schools.
Apply online using the Online Application System
Moving On Booklet
- Introduction
- School Applications and Offers
- High Schools Information
- Over-subscription Information
- The Online Application Process
- Allocations, Waiting Lists and Appeals
- Support for Secondary Age Children
- Additional Information
- Important Contacts
- Exceptional Medical and Social Needs
- Checklist for Applicants
- Download a copy of the Moving On booklet 1.93 MB
Second Language
If your first language is not English, and you need help in interpreting this booklet, or you need it in an alternative format such as large print or cassette, please contact Tameside’s Choice Advice Service on telephone 0161 342 4422.
Introduction
Dear Parent/Guardian
Your child is starting his/her last year at primary school and will move up to high school next September.
You will need to make some important and exciting decisions regarding your preferences for his/her high school place.
This booklet gives you all the information you need to help you to make your high school application.
Tameside has a range of community high schools, foundation schools, Roman Catholic high schools and academies to consider, as well as special schools for pupils with a statement of special education needs. This booklet will give you some basic information on individual schools and includes details of the school open evenings that you can attend; more detailed information on individual schools is available in the school prospectus, available from Headteachers on request.
The information provided will help you to state three preferences for the schools you would most like your child to attend. Details of over-subscription criteria are included along with the number of applications each school received in the last year.
This year you will need to complete an online application which is quick and easy to use (www.tameside.gov.uk) and we would encourage all parents to make use of this simple system. If you do not have access to the internet, you can use the facilities in your local library: you will need an email address.
If you have any queries regarding the admissions process, please telephone a member of our Admissions Team on 0161 342 3208 or 0161 342 3204 who will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you need assistance with English, call in at any of the Customer Service Offices throughout the borough.
May we take this opportunity to wish your child every success in his/her last year at primary school and into high school next year.
Yours faithfully,
Jim Taylor
Executive Director
Children, Learning and Economic Services
School Applications and Offers
The Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme
All parents who live in Tameside should apply for a high school place online.
Parents can express a preference for up to three schools. These schools can be in or out of Tameside.
If you live outside Tameside you should complete the form from your local authority, even if you wish to apply for a Tameside school.
We will allocate places at Tameside high schools using the criteria in the over-subscription information section for over-subscribed schools. We will liaise with voluntary aided (VA), academies and neighbouring councils and will offer school places on their behalf. Parents will receive a single offer of a school place.
While the process for children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs is different (see the Special Educational Needs section) the parents of children in this group are still required to complete an application.
How School Places Are Allocated
Tameside Council operates an equal preference system for school admissions, which means all preferences are considered as first preferences.
Parents should indicate three preferred schools on their application, listed in order of preference. The law says that parents are entitled to express a preference for a school they wish their child to attend.
Preference is not the same as choice. The law does not give parents the right to choose a particular school for their child and have their choice met.
Applications for all three preferred schools will be sent to and considered by the relevant council or the governing body of the school depending on who is the admission authority.
If there are more applications than places available,all applications will be ranked according to the oversubscription criteria, regardless of whether the school is a first, second or third preference. The full ranked list for all schools will be processed by computer and places allocated.
If only one of your preferred schools can offer a place, that school will be offered. If more than one school can offer a place, the offer will be for whichever school is the highest preference on the application.
This may not be your first preference school. If it is not possible to offer a place at any of your preferred schools, a place will be allocated at the nearest school to your address with places available.
Parents are not guaranteed a place at one of their preferred schools.
The Application Process - what you need to do
- Decide which three schools you would most like your child to attend and decide your order of preference.
- Check whether your preferred schools require you to provide additional information.
- Go to www.tameside.gov.uk and complete the online application.
- You must include details of any exceptional medical and social needs on the online form. Supporting documents should be sent to ‘School Admissions’. Please write your child’s name and date of birth on all documents.
- Enclose a supplementary information form for each Roman Catholic high school you are applying for, if applicable and return to each relevant school.
Online Applications
This year, all applications should be completed online. The application process is detailed further down. The online application facility is open from 1 September to the closing date of 31 October 2011.
You will need a unique identity number to access the online application system. This is in the letter you have received from school admissions.
When you have completed your application, you will get an email confirming that it has been received. If you make a note of your reference number you can make changes to your application and re-submit it up to the closing date. Each time you re-submit you will get an email to confirm.
You can use the online system to opt to receive your school allocation by email on March 1, 2012.
A short video to help you complete your online application is available 
.
If you have any difficulties in using the system, contact Paula Barnett in School Admissions on telephone 0161 342 3208.
Note: Some schools require supporting information, please submit this as directed by your preferred school and clearly state your child’s name, address and date of birth.
Timetable for Admissions for Tameside Residents
| 1 September 2011 | Web page made available for applications online. |
| 26 September – 11 October 2011 | School open evenings |
| 31 October 2011 | Closing date for submitting your application. |
| 25 November 2011 | Final date by which changes to applications (due to exceptional circumstances) can be accepted. |
| 1 March 2012 | National Offer Day On this date, all offer letters will be posted first class to parents. |
| 1 March 2012 | Waiting lists for individual schools open. |
If you wish to appeal against the decision not to offer a place at your preferred school, you also need to be aware of the following dates:
| 30 March 2012 | Closing date for returning appeals forms |
| From May 2012 | Appeals are heard by the Independent Appeal Panel |
| The end of the school year | Waiting lists for individual schools close at the end of the school year unless individual school’s admission arrangements say otherwise. |
How Late Changes of Preference are Dealt with
Once parents have submitted their application, they cannot change preferences after the closing date except in exceptional circumstances, for example, a recent change of address for which proof will be required.
No changes can be made to preferences or student details after 25 November 2011, even where there are exceptional circumstances, because the allocations process has started.
Independent Schools
If you want your child to attend an independent school, it is not the policy of Tameside Council to pay the fees, or any other expenses. You will, therefore, need to make your own arrangements for your child to attend this type of school. Parents are advised to submit an application for a pupil in a Tameside school even if you have applied for an independent school place separately.
Home Education
It is a parental right to educate a child at home. The council would seek to assess and approve the provision being made by the parent. Please telephone 0161 342 3226 for more details about home education.
How Late Applications Are Dealt With
The online system will reopen two weeks after the closing date to accept late applications. Late applications will only be dealt with after all of those that have been received on time. This applies even if your child has exceptional medical or social needs, or has a sibling at the school. If your application is late, you may not receive an offer of a school place on National Offer Day.
Important Information
Each school application should be discussed with all those with parental responsibility for the child as only one application per child can be accepted.
It is very important that you consider the likelihood of your child being offered a place at one of your preferred schools. The information in the Allocation Statistics Section tells you how many applications were received by each school last year and the number of children the school can admit. The information also includes details of the criterion applied to the final pupil who was offered a place.
The number of applications and furthest distance allocated varies year on year and can only serve as a guide for future years.
If you put down three schools, which are over-subscribed, and your child does not meet the criteria for any of them, you may not be offered a place at any of your preferred schools. We will offer a place at the school nearest to your home with places available.
Only putting one preference on your application does not increase your chances of being offered a place at that school and you may be allocated a school some distance away from your home if nearer schools receive more applications than there are places.
For the same reason, there is no advantage in listing fewer than three schools or including the same school more than once. Information given to support applications for particular schools, eg single sex education or baptised Roman Catholic, doesn’t compromise your other stated preferences.
An intention to change address cannot be considered by the council until proof is available. A solicitor’s letter confirming an exchange of contracts on a property, or tenancy agreement will be accepted, up to 25 November 2011.
Any fraudulent or misleading information on a school application form may result in the withdrawal of a school offer.
Many parents have complex childcare arrangements and these cannot be taken into account when allocating places.
An application form should be completed even if you wish your child to attend an independent school.
Distance Check
If you would like us to measure the straight line distance to your preferred schools, please telephone us on 0161 342 3214.
On-line Applications
On-line applications are available.
High Schools Information
High Schools in Tameside
There are four different types of high schools in Tameside:
- Community high schools
- Voluntary aided Catholic high schools
- Academies
- Community special schools
The process of admission to all of these types of schools is administered by the local authority.
There are currently seven community high schools in Tameside. The local authority determines the admission arrangements for these schools. There are currently three voluntary aided Roman Catholic high schools and five academies and they all have their own admission arrangements. There are three community special schools to meet the needs of pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) only. Each special school is designated to meet the needs of pupils with specific needs. Admission is through a statement of SEN where the school is named in Part 4.
Schools develop and alter over the years as staff, policies and buildings change. It is very important to visit a number of schools at the open evenings before deciding on your preferences. If you are unable to attend the open evenings (see table below), contact the schools who may be able to arrange a visit at another time.
In exceptional circumstances, pupils who are younger than 11 may be considered for admission to a high school. Similarly, in certain cases, it may be better for a child of transfer age to continue at primary school for a further year. In these circumstances, reports will normally be required from the child’s primary school headteacher and from the Council’s Educational Psychologists.
Open Evenings 2011
Community High Schools
| School Name | Open Evening | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copley High School, A Specialist College in Maths & Computing | Monday 26 September | 6.30pm - 9pm |
| Mossley Hollins High School, Specialists in the Arts & Sport | Tuesday 27 September | 6.45pm-9pm |
| Astley Sports College and Community High School | Wednesday 28 September | 6.30pm - 9pm |
| Longdendale Community Language College | Thursday 29 September | 6.30pm - 9pm |
| Denton Community College (North Campus) | Tuesday 4 October | 7pm - 9pm |
| Alder Community High School, A Specialist Maths and Computer College | Wednesday 5 October | 7pm - 9pm |
| Hyde Community College | Thursday 6 October | 6.45pm - 8.45pm |
Academies
| School Name | Open Evening | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Audenshaw School | Monday 26 September | 7pm - 9pm |
| Droylsden Academy | Thursday 29 September | 6.30pm - 9pm |
| New Charter Academy | Monday 3 October | 6.30pm - 9pm |
| Fairfield High School for Girls | Wednesday 5 October | 7pm - 9pm |
| West Hill School | Thursday 6 October | 7pm - 9pm |
Roman Catholic High Schools
| School Name | Open Evening | Time |
|---|---|---|
| St Thomas More RC College, Specialising in Mathematics, Computing & Applied Learning | Tuesday 27 September | 7pm - 9pm |
| All Saints Catholic College, A Language College | Thursday 29 September | 7pm - 9pm |
| St Damian’s RC Science College | Tuesday 4 October | 6.30pm - 8.30pm |
Community Special Schools (for pupils with Statements of SEN)
| School Name | Open Evening | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Samuel Laycock School | Wednesday 5 October | 6.30pm -7.30pm |
| Thomas Ashton School | Thursday 6 October | 6.30pm - 7.30pm |
| Cromwell School | Tuesday 11 October | 4.30pm – 7pm |
If you are unable to attend the open evenings, contact the schools who may be able to arrange a visit at another time.
Location of High Schools in Tameside
Key to Map
- 1. Droylsden Academy, Manor Road Site
- 2. Denton Community College North Campus
- 3. Fairfield High School for Girls
- 4. Alder Community High School A Specialist Maths and Computing College
- 5. New Charter Academy, Broadoak
- 6. Audenshaw School
- 7. Mossley Hollins High School Specialists in the Arts and Sport
- 8. Copley High School A Specialist College in Maths & Computing
- 9. All Saints Catholic College A Language College
- 10. St Damian’s Roman Catholic Science College
- 11. Droylsden Academy, Droylsden Site
- 12. Hyde Community College
- 13. Longdendale Community Language College
- 14. West Hill School
- 15. St Thomas More Roman Catholic College Specialising in Mathematics, Computing and Applied Learning
- 16. Denton Community College South Campus
- 17. Astley Sports College and Community High School
- 18. Cromwell School
- 19. Thomas Ashton School
- 20. Samuel Laycock School
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The process of allocating a high school place for children with Statements of Special Educational Needs is different from children who do not have a Statement.
All children with Statements, regardless of their needs or school they attend, go through the same process.
This process is set out in the SEN Code of Practice.
Who Decides Which School a Child With a Statement Transfers to?
The council works in partnership with parents, schools and support services when making the final decision about which school is ‘named’ in Part 4 of the statement - and therefore which school the pupil will attend. While in law it is the council which ‘names’ the school, due regard must be paid to the preference of parents. However the council is also required by the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice to consider:
- The special educational needs of the pupils and the extent to which these can be met in a particular school - much of this information is taken from the advice of staff in schools, support services, therapy and health services as well as other agencies and professionals - usually through the annual review process.
- The impact the placement of a pupil may have on the education of other pupils at the school and
- The efficient and effective use of council resources
What if The Council Names a Secondary School Which is Not The Preferred Option of Parents?
Options for high school transfer will have been discussed at the Year 5 Annual Review of the Statement. Assistant Education Officers are also able to discuss parent’s / carer’s options for a child by telephone if the parent rings them directly – (see the Important Contacts Section). After the amended Statement has been issued parents / carers are able to contact the Assistant Education Officer to discuss the reasons for the council naming the school in Part 4 of the Statement. If necessary a meeting may be arranged to discuss the Statement further if parents / carers are still not happy with the school named in the Statement. In parallel to this parents / carers are advised in the letter which is issued with the amended Statement how to appeal to the SEN & Disability Tribunal (this needs to be within 8 weeks of the statement being issued) and / or for the matter to be referred to the Disagreement Resolution Service – a less formal process. In addition parents / carers may also wish to seek support or advice from Tameside’s Parent Partnership Service which can be contacted on 0161 342 3383 (see Important Contacts Section).
What Should Parents Consider When Deciding on Their Preference for a Secondary School?
Parents who have gone through this process already have found the following information / sources of information helpful:
- Most children with special educational needs attend mainstream schools.
- All mainstream secondary schools in Tameside receive resources, training, and support in meeting the needs of children with special educational needs - including those who have a statement.
- Each year some children successfully transfer from primary special school / or a resourced primary school to a mainstream secondary school.
- Each year some pupils transfer from one ‘type’ of special school / specialist provision to another ‘type’ depending on their current special educational needs, recent progress, levels of attainment, etc.
- If your child has significant additional needs you may wish to seek advice from your named lead professional or Liz Heeley, Education Officer. Tel: 0161 342 4433.
- Pupils with a Statement are not automatically entitled to assistance with home to school travel. Parents / carers therefore need to consider travel arrangements to and from school when they decide on their preferred school. Assistance with travel between home and school, where necessary, is subject to Tameside’s Transport Policy.
- The Parent Partnership Service can provide advice and support to parents / carers as they are considering and / or speaking to the council about their preferred school.
Mainstream or Special School?
The council would normally name a local secondary school in a Statement of SEN unless there are specific reasons why a local school would not be able to meet the needs of the child’s SEN.
Where the council names a placement in a mainstream school it may well specify specialist resourced provision in a mainstream school. Resourced provision for a small number of children is available at:
- Hyde Community College – resourced provision for children with significant hearing impairments
- St Thomas More RC College – resourced provision for children with significant social and communication difficulties / ASDChildren must have a Statement to access this provision.
Children must have a Statement to access this provision, and be regarded to have significant needs that the resourced provision caters for.
Where the needs of a child are particularly significant or complex the council may place a child at a secondary special school:
- Cromwell School – for children with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties
- Thomas Ashton School – for children with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties
- Samuel Laycock School – for children with significant moderate learning difficulties
Children must have a Statement to access this provision.
The chart below sets out the key actions during Year 6 for pupils with a Statement of SEN.
| When? | What will happen? |
|---|---|
| Autumn term 2010 | Parents have the opportunity to visit secondary school open evenings. Parents complete the Common Application Form* (See Application Form), - and return it to the council. |
| Spring term 2011 |
The council considers
And then issues an amended statement before 15 February 2010. This amended statement will ‘name’ the Year 7 placement |
| Summer term 2011 | Parents will work with school to prepare for transition to secondary school. |
* Parents / carers of children with Statements of SEN must complete an application indicating their preferences for special and / or mainstream schools. Where the council comes to the conclusion that the needs of a child can be met in a mainstream school and the parents / carers have not provided the name of a mainstream school on the application the Council will proceed with naming the mainstream High School closest to the home of the child.
Allocation Statistics September 2011
The furthest distance at initial allocation varies year on year.
a – Community High Schools
| School Name | Headteacher | Published Admission Number 2012 | Total No. of pupils on roll Jan. 2011 | Number of requests 2011 | Furthest distance at initial allocation (miles) 2011 | School Start Time | School Finish Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alder Community High School, A Specialist Maths & Computing College Mottram Old Road Hyde SK14 5NJ |
Mr R O’Regan Tel: 368 5132 |
150 | 769 | 377 | 1.123* | 8.20am | 2.45pm |
| Astley Sports College and Community High School Yew Tree Lane Dukinfield SK16 5BL |
Mr E. Murphy Tel: 338 2374 |
150 | 751 | 349 | n/a | 8.45am | 3.05pm |
| Copley High School, A Specialist College in Maths & Computing Huddersfield Road Stalybridge SK15 3RR |
Mr M Jennings Tel: 338 6684 |
180 | 807 | 366 | n/a | 8.40am |
3.00pm 2.10pm (Wed) |
| Denton Community College (North Campus) Egerton Street Denton M34 3PB |
Mr N. Condliffe | 270 | 1143 | 371 | n/a | TBC | TBC |
| Hyde Community College Old Road Hyde SK14 4SP |
Ms D Spence Tel: 368 1353 |
210 | 874 | 387 | n/a | 9.00am | 3.00pm |
| Longdendale Community Language College Spring Street Hollingworth Hyde SK14 8LW |
Mr M Bowler Tel: 01457 764 006 |
180 | 891 | 460 | n/a | 8.30am | 2.50pm |
| Mossley Hollins High School Specialists in the Arts & Sport Huddersfield Road Mossley OL5 9DL |
Mr D Duncan Tel: 01457 832 491 |
150 | 760 | 501 | 1.451* | 8.45am | 3.00pm |
*Last distance admitted under criterion 4 (Attendance at a Tameside Primary School)
b – Roman Catholic High Schools (Voluntary Aided - Denominational)
| School Name | Headteacher | Published Admission Number 2012 | Total No. of pupils on roll Jan. 2011 | Number of requests 2011 | Furthest distance at initial allocation (miles) 2011 | School Start Time | School Finish Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Saints Catholic College, A Language College* Kenyon Avenue Dukinfield SK16 5AR |
Mr M Russell Tel: 338 2120 |
170 | 944 | 364 | n/a | 9.00am | 3.20pm |
| St Damian’s RC Science College Lees Road Ashton-u-Lyne OL6 8BH |
Mr F McCarron Tel: 330 5974 |
150 | 787 | 415 | 0.943+ | 9.00am | 3.25pm |
| St Thomas More RC College, Specialising in Mathematics, Computing & Applied Learning Town Lane Denton M34 6AF |
Ms J Burns Tel: 336 2743 |
150 | 787 | 572 | 0.179+ | 8.45am | 3.00pm |
* All Saints Catholic College also has a sixth form with 75 places in year 12.
+ Last distance admitted under criteria 11
c – Academies
| School Name | Headteacher | Published Admission Number 2012 | Total No. of pupils on roll Jan. 2011 | Number of requests 2011 | Furthest distance at initial allocation (miles) 2011 | School Start Time | School Finish Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audenshaw School (boys) Hazel Street Audenshaw M34 5NB+ |
Mr S J Turner Tel:336 2133 |
196 |
1272 |
585 |
1.662* |
8.20am |
2.40pm |
| Droylsden Academy Manor Road Droylsden++ |
Mr D Davies Tel: 301 7600 |
240 | 1097 | 500 | n/a | 8.30am | 2.35pm |
| Fairfield High School (girls) Fairfield Avenue, Droylsden M43 6AB |
Mr J R Hedley Tel:370 1488 |
195 | 982 | 517 | 2.426** | 8.15am | 2.40pm |
| New Charter Academy Broadoak Road, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 8RF+++ |
Mr G Lloyd Tel:331 3552 |
270 | 1341 | 424 | n/a | 8.30am | 2.45pm |
| West Hill School (boys) Thompson Cross, Stalybridge SK15 1LX |
Mr R J Hewitt Tel:338 2193 |
165 | 861 | 550 | 1.811* | 8.45am | 3.05pm |
* Last distance admitted under criterion 4 (Single Sex Preferred).
** Last distance admitted under criterion 4. (Attendance at a Tameside Primary School)
+ Audenshaw School also has a mixed sixth form with 130 places in year 12.
++ Droylsden Academy has a sixth form with 100 places in year 12.
+++ New Charter Academy has a sixth form with 150 places in year 12.
d - Community Special Schools
- only children with a statement of SEN will be placed in one of these schools.
- children will only be placed at a school designated to meet their primary SEN.
- placement at a special school is not dependent upon admission numbers, numbers of pupils on roll or distance from home.
| School Name | Headteacher | School designated to meet the needs of pupils with: | School Start Time | School Finish Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cromwell School | Mr A Foord Tel:338 9730 |
Severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties | 8.50am | 3.15pm |
| Thomas Ashton School | Mr R Elms Tel:330 7595 |
Emotional, behavioural and social difficulties | 9.00am | 2.45pm |
| Samuel Laycock School | Mr D McIlroy Tel:303 1321 |
Significant, moderate learning difficulties | 9.10am | 3.20pm |
Four schools have post 16 learning. For further information on admission arrangements please contact the schools or view the School Admissions Webpage.
Over-Subscription Information
Over-subscription Criteria for Community High Schools
The criteria for over-subscription for community secondary schools are:
- Children in Public Care (Looked After Children)
- Children and families with exceptional medical or social needs. Written evidence must be provided by a suitably qualified professional – e.g. a GP or consultant for medical needs, or a social worker for social needs - that he/she has exceptional needs, which means that admission to a particular school is essential. A panel of officers from Tameside MBC will make a decision as to whether to admit a child under this criterion using the evidence provided. All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.
-
Sibling: This will apply where there are brothers or sisters attending the school at the time of application, who will still be attending at the time of admission, i.e. in the September when the pupil is admitted to Year 7. Preference will be given to pupils living nearest to the school.
The sibling criterion includes; natural sisters/brothers; half sisters/brothers; step sisters/brothers; adopted sisters/brothers; sisters/brothers of fostered children; children of the parent/carer's partner, and in each case living at the same address. This allows for the admittance of children whose siblings will still be attending the preferred school. In cases where twins, triplets, other multiple birth siblings, or other siblings whose date of birth falls within the same academic year, are split when allocations take place, siblings will be offered a place at the same school which may not be a preference school named on the common application.
-
Children attending Local Authority maintained primary schools in Tameside and pupils educated at home at the time of application. Preference will be given to pupils living nearest to the school.
When a parent has moved from further than ½ mile to an address within ½ mile of any Tameside Primary school, whilst their child is in Year 5 or 6, and they have chosen to keep their child at their current primary school, or where the child is educated at home and the address is within half a mile of a Tameside primary school, this will be considered as an exceptional circumstance under criterion 4, provided details are given on the online form together with satisfactory evidence of the house move.
- All other applications on distance*. Preference will be given to pupils living nearest to the school.
*Distance will also be used as a tie-breaker where oversubscription occurs within any of criteria 1 to 4. Preference will be given to pupils living nearest to the school.
Over-subscription Criteria for New Charter Academy
The full admission arrangements can be found on the Academy website 
or www.tameside.gov.uk/schools/admissions/1213/academies.
Where the number of applications for admission is greater than the published admissions number, applications will be considered against the criteria set out below.
- Children in Public Care (Looked After Children).
- Children and families with exceptional medical or social needs.
- Sibling - this will apply where there are brothers or sisters attending the school at the time of admission.
- Children attending LA maintained primary schools in Tameside and pupils educated at home at the time of application, as identified by Tameside MBC.
- All other applications on distance.
Written evidence must be provided from a doctor or other agency that he/she has exceptional needs which means that admission to a particular school is essential, for example, reference will normally be made to the Community Health Physician, Social Services, or the Educational Psychologist, as appropriate. A panel of governors from the Academy will make a decision as to whether to admit a child under this criteria using the evidence provided. All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.
The sibling criterion includes; natural sisters/brothers; half sisters/brothers; step sisters/brothers; adopted sisters/brothers; sisters/brothers of fostered children, and in each case living at the same address. This allows for the admittance of children whose siblings will still be attending the preferred school. In cases where twins, triplets or other multiple birth siblings are split when allocations take place, siblings will be offered a place at the same school which may not be a preference school named on the application.
Over-subscription Criteria for Droylsden Academy
The full admission arrangements can be found on the Academy website or www.tameside.gov.uk/schools/admissions/1213/academies.
Where the number of applications for admission is greater than the published admissions number, applications will be considered against the criteria set out below.
- Children in Public Care (Looked After Children)
- Children and families with exceptional medical or social needs*
- Sibling: This will apply where there are brothers or sisters attending the school at the time of application, who will still be attending at the time of admission, i.e. in the September when the pupil is admitted to Year 7. Preference will be given to students living nearest the school.**
- Children attending primary schools in Tameside and children educated at home. Preference will be given to students living nearest the school.
- All other applications on distance.
* Written evidence must be provided from a doctor or other agency that he/she has exceptional needs which means that admission to a particular school is essential, for example, reference will normally be made to the Community Health Physician, Social Services, or the Educational Psychologist, as appropriate. A panel of governors from the Academy will make a decision as to whether to admit a child under this criteria using the evidence provided. All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.
** Sibling includes; natural, half, step, adopted sisters or brothers and sisters or brothers of fostered children and in all cases living at the same address. Proof of relationship may also be required. Where the last place to be allocated would mean that a sibling group i.e twins, triplets or other multiple birth sibling groups would be split, the sibling group would be given priority over other children.
Over-subscription Criteria for Audenshaw School
The full admission arrangements can be found on the Audenshaw School website or www.tameside.gov.uk/schools/admissions/1213/foundation.
The criteria for over-subscription for Audenshaw School are:
- Children in Public Care (Looked After Children)
- Children and families with exceptional medical or social needs. Written evidence must be provided from a doctor or other agency that he has exceptional needs which means that admission to a particular school is essential, reference will normally be made to the Community Health Physician, Social Services, or the Educational Psychologist, as appropriate. Members of the school’s Admission Committee will make a decision as to whether to admit a child under this criterion using the evidence provided. All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.
-
Sibling: this will apply where there are brothers or sisters attending the school at the time of admission i.e. in the September when a student is admitted into Year 7. Preference will be given to pupils living nearest to the school.
The sibling criterion includes; natural brothers; half brothers; step brothers; adopted brothers; brothers of fostered children, and in each case living at the same address. This allows for the admittance of children whose siblings will still be attending the preferred school.
In cases where twins, triplets or other multiple birth siblings are split when allocations take place, siblings will be offered a place at the same school which may not be a preference school named on the common application form.
- Single sex education - The Application allows an expression of a general preference for single sex education. If the school is oversubscribed on this criterion preference will be given to pupils living nearest to the school.
- All other applications on distance. Preference will be given to pupils living nearest to the school.
Over-subscription Criteria for West Hill School
The full admission arrangements can be found on the West Hill School website or www.tameside.gov.uk/schools/admissions/1213/foundation.
The criteria for over-subscription for West Hill School are:
- Children in Public Care (Looked After Children)
- Children and families with exceptional medical or social needs. Written evidence must be provided from a doctor or other agency that he/she has exceptional needs which means that admission to a particular school is essential, reference will normally be made to the Community Health Physician, Social Services, or the Educational Psychologist, as appropriate. Members of the school’s Admission Committee will make a decision as to whether to admit a child under this criterion using the evidence provided. All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.
-
Sibling: this will apply where there are brothers attending the school at the time of admission i.e. in the September when a student is admitted into Year 7. Preference will be given to pupils living nearest to the school.
The sibling criterion includes: natural brothers; half brothers; step brothers; adopted brothers; brothers of fostered children, the son of the parent/carer’s partner and in each case living at the same address. This allows for the admittance of children whose siblings will still be attending the preferred school. In the case where twins, triplets, other multiple birth siblings, or other siblings whose date of birth falls within the same academic year, are split between West Hill and another school when allocations take place, siblings will be offered a place at West Hill, if that is the parents wish.
- Single sex education - The Application allows an expression of a general preference for single sex education. If the school is oversubscribed on this criterion preference will be given to pupils living nearest to the school.
- All other applications on distance. Preference will be given to pupils living nearest to the school.
Over-subscription Criteria for Fairfield High School for Girls
The full admission arrangements can be found on the Fairfield High School for Girls website or www.tameside.gov.uk/schools/admissions/1213/foundation.
The criteria for over-subscription for Fairfield High School are:
- Children in Public Care (Looked After Children)
- Children and families with exceptional medical or social needs. Evidence must be provided from a doctor or other agency that she has exceptional needs which means that admission to Fairfield High School is essential. Reference will normally be made to the Community Health Physician, Social Services or the Educational Psychologist, as appropriate. The Governing Body will make a decision as to whether to admit a girl under this criterion using the evidence provided. All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.
-
Siblings: This will apply where there are sisters attending the school at the time of admission. Preference will be given to girls living nearest to the school.
The sibling criterion includes: natural sisters; half sisters; step-sisters; adopted sisters; sisters of fostered girls, and in each case living at the same address. This allows for the admittance of girls whose siblings will still be attending Fairfield High School.
In cases where twins, triplets, other multiple birth siblings, or other siblings whose date of birth falls within the same academic year, would be split when allocations take place, governors will exceed the Published Admissions Number in order to admit that sibling group.
- Girls attending primary schools in Tameside, including pupils educated at home at the time of application, as identified by the LA. Preference will be given to girls living nearest the school.
- All other applications on distance. Preference will be given to girls living nearest the school.
Over-subscription Criteria for Roman Catholic High Schools
The full admission arrangements can be found on the school websites or www.tameside.gov.uk/schools/admissions/1213/vahigh.
If there are more applications than places, admission to St Damian’s RC Science College, St Thomas More RC College and All Saints Catholic College will be subject to the over-subscription criteria in the order of priority set out below.
- Baptised Roman Catholic children who are in Public Care.
- Baptised Roman Catholic children with exceptional medical or social needs.(Where evidence is provided from a child’s doctor or other agency that he/she has exceptional needs which mean that admission to a particular school is essential, reference will be made to the Community Health Physician, Social Services, or Educational Psychologist, as appropriate. A panel of governors will make a decision as to whether to admit a child under this criterion using the evidence provided. All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.)
- Baptised Roman Catholic children who live in a designated Parish.
- Baptised Roman Catholic children who attend a designated Roman Catholic Primary School.
- Baptised Roman Catholic children who will have a brother or sister attending the school at the time of admission.
- Other Baptised Roman Catholic children.
- Other children who are in Public Care.
- Other children with exceptional medical or social needs. (Where evidence is provided from a child’s doctor or other agency that he/she has exceptional needs which mean that admission to a particular school is essential, reference will be made to the Community Health Physician, Social Services, or Educational Psychologist, as appropriate. A panel of governors will make a decision as to whether to admit a child under this criterion using the evidence provided. All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.)
- Other children who will have a brother or sister attending the school at the time of admission.
- Other children who attend a designated Roman Catholic Primary School.
- Other children.
If your child is a baptised Roman Catholic, you will need to complete a supplementary form and send a copy to each Tameside Catholic High School for which you wish your child to be considered.
Additional Notes for Applications to Roman Catholic High Schools
Designated Parishes and Primary Schools for Roman Catholic Primary Schools
| St Damian’s | |
|---|---|
| Designated Parishes (Criterion 3) | The Designated Primary Schools are |
|
|
| St Thomas More | |
| Designated Parishes (Criterion 3) | The Designated Primary Schools are |
|
|
| All Saints | |
| Designated Parishes (Criterion 3) | The Designated Primary Schools are |
|
|
Maps showing Parish boundaries can be consulted in the appropriate primary school.
Notes
- “Roman Catholic” means a person/child who has been baptised into the Roman Catholic faith. Parents who wish their application to be considered under criteria 1-6 are required to submit a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) with their application which is available from the high school or the Local Authority.
- The term ‘brothers and sisters’ will be taken to include step brothers and sisters, foster children and children of partners living in the same household. In cases where twins, triplets or other multiple birth siblings would be split when allocations take place, and there are too few places available at the school to accommodate them all, siblings will be offered a place at the same alternative school, which may not be a preference school named on the Common Application Form.
- An offer of a place does not guarantee a place for brothers and sisters in subsequent years.
Definitions for Admission Arrangements
Unless stated otherwise in the admission arrangements for any foundation or voluntary aided school or academy which can be obtained in full from the school or on the Tameside website, the following definitions will apply.
Distance
Distance will be measured as a straight line from the child’s home address, using the address point assigned by the National Land and Property Gazetteer, to the main gate to the school property. Measurements will be made using the local authority’s school admissions data mapping software, which uses a Geographical Information System based on Ordnance Survey.
Home Address
The address from which distance will be measured will be the permanent residential address, at the time of application, of the parent with whom the child is normally resident. Where a child lives with parents with shared responsibility, each for part of a week, the home address is the address from which the child travels to school for the majority of school days per week. If the number of days is exactly equal the home address will be that of the parent who receives the Child Benefit.
Tie-breaker
If a school is oversubscribed within any of the criteria, priority will be given to those children living nearest to the school. In the event of distances being the same for 2 or more applicants where this distance would be the last place/s to be allocated, a random lottery will be implemented between the applicants where the distance is the same. The random lottery will be carried out in a place accessible to the public and supervised by someone independent of the school. All the names will be entered into a hat and the required number of names will be drawn out.
Parent
Throughout this guide the term ‘parent’ includes:
- All natural parents, whether they are married or not
- Any person who, although not a natural parent, has parental responsibility for a child or young person
- Any person who, although not a natural parent, has care of a child or young person.
Data Protection Act
The council maintains a register entry in respect of education which includes the administration relating to pupils.
Personal information provided on the application form is treated in confidence and complies with the requirements of the Act.
This information may also be shared with other Local Authorities.
Verification of Information - the council may verify information you have provided on the application form, which could involve contacting other departments of the council or other councils who maintain appropriate records.
In instances where the information provided is different from that held by them, they may use the information on the application form.
The Online Application Process
What you need to do
- Go to the online application facility.
- Click ‘Register’ and then enter your information and email address, along with a password. This email address will allow you to receive your child’s school offer immediately on National Offer Day.
- Log in to your personal email inbox and click the link provided via email to verify your registration. This link will take you back to the Admissions home page.
- Log in to the Admissions system using the Email Address and Password you previously provided and click ‘Go’ to create a new application
- Enter the ‘unique identity number’ as provided in your child’s admissions letter and click continue. This number will pre-populate your child’s details & their current school in the next stage of the application. If you have not
received a UID click ‘No UID’, and you will be prompted to enter your child’s details and their current school manually. - After confirming your child’s details, select your school preferences. For each preference you’ll be asked to provide supplementary information to support your application. You can change the order of these preferences if you wish to
do so by selecting the appropriate green arrow that will appear on the preference page after each school selection. - After selecting your 3 preferences. Click ‘continue’ and submit your application by confirming you agree to the terms and conditions of the School Admissions process. You must click ‘submit’ in order for us to receive your application. You will then receive email confirmation of the school preferences you have selected for your child.
It is important that you send any supplementary information forms for each Roman Catholic high school you are applying for directly to the school, if applicable.
For a step by step walk through guide, please view the online admissions video.
For any further information please contact School Admissions on 0161 342 3208/3204 or visit www.tameside.gov.uk/schools/admissions
School Allocations, Waiting Lists and Appeals
Notification of School Allocations
Allocation letters will be sent out on 1 March, 2012. If you are not satisfied with your allocation, there are two options open to you. You can:
- Ask to be considered for a school(s) which has places available after allocation.
- Submit an appeal.
You will retain the place you have been allocated until you are allocated an alternative school.
Waiting Lists for Tameside Schools
If we have not been able to allocate you a place at your first preference school, you will automatically be placed on the waiting list for schools that you have ranked higher than your allocated school. All waiting lists will be held in over-subscription criteria order and will be held until the end of the school year.
If the appeals process leads to the admission of pupils beyond the published admission number any places which are given up later will not be offered to pupils on the waiting list until numbers fall below the published admission number.
The number of children on a waiting list for any particular school can vary from day to day. If new or late applications have a higher priority under the oversubscription criteria, they will be ranked higher than those who have been on the waiting list for some time.
Waiting list positions will not be available for discussion until mid-April 2012, approximately two weeks after the appeals closing date. The admissions team will contact you if a place becomes available and your child can be allocated
a place. There is no need to telephone to find out your child’s position.
Appealing for a School Place
Parents who are unhappy with their child’s school allocation have the right to appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel.
To appeal for a place at any Tameside community high school, an academy or voluntary aided school you should complete and return an appeal form to Democratic Services, Level B, Council Offices, Wellington Road, Ashton-Under-Lyne, OL6 6DL, by March 30, 2012, stating your grounds for appeal. Any appeals received after this date may be heard after others for that particular school. If you are appealing for a voluntary aided or academy, your appeal will be forwarded to the relevant school.
All appeals will be heard separately. Every effort will be made to hear appeals before the start of the Autumn Term, but no guarantee can be made that late appeals will be heard by September.
You will be given 10 school days’ notice of your appeal hearing date, and you will be sent a copy of the school’s case. You can attend the hearing to present the case for your child. You may bring a friend or representative along but they cannot be someone from the school. At the meeting, a representative from the school or the council will present the school’s case.
The Clerk to the Panel will inform you in writing of the Panel’s decision. The decision is binding and parents have no further right of appeal for the same school in the same school year, unless there has been a significant change in circumstances.
Please note that no places are ‘held back’ for appeals.
Parents of pupils with a statement of Special Educational Needs have the right to appeal to the SEN Tribunal.
Whilst you are awaiting your appeal it is important that you consider alternative schools (including the one that has been allocated for your child) in case your appeal is unsuccessful.
If you wish to appeal for a school in another Local Authority area, you should contact the Admissions Team in that LA for advice.
Full details about the appeals process can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/schools/admissions
Waiting Lists for Schools in Neighbouring Local Authorities
Parents should check with neighbouring councils for their waiting list arrangements
Calls to the Admissions Team
Please do not telephone the Admissions Team on 1 March to enquire about your school offer. Your letter is posted on this day, so you will receive it a day or two later. Online applicants can select to have an email sent on 1 March. The Admissions Team understand the anxiety of parents at the time of school allocations and will do what they can to help. In return we ask you to treat our staff with courtesy and respect.
Support for Secondary Age Children
Assistance with Travel
Sustainable Modes of Travel Strategy - Promoting Sustainable School Travel
Tameside has an overall vision for sustainable travel that is outlined in its Sustainable Modes of Travel Strategy - Promoting Sustainable School Travel.
The strategy encourages sustainable travel choices on the journey to and from school which will help in fostering a long term change in the travel habits of children, parents, teachers and hopefully the wider community, so that they are more likely to take up walking, cycling and public transport.
The strategy’s overall aim is to reduce car use for travel to school, improve safety and security on the school journey, improve the health of school children by encouraging use of active modes, and to contribute to the improvement of the local environment through reduced emissions.
The strategy also contains information on a host of associated initiatives including School Travel Plans, current school bus services, information on pedestrian and cycle training and most importantly an Action Plan setting out a series of initiatives to take forward the plan over the longer period.
A full copy of the strategy can be found at http://www.tameside.gov.uk/traveltransport/smot.
Bus Pass Application
It is the responsibility of the parent(s)/carer(s) of a pupil to see that their child attends school. However, the council may provide assistance with transport to school for some pupils who live within the Tameside area. The following groups of pupils are eligible for a zero fare bus/train pass or cycle allowance:
Group 1
Pupils whose nearest qualifying school is outside ‘walking distance’. ‘Walking distance’ is more than:
- two miles for children of school age but under the age of 8
- three miles for children or young people aged 8-16
Group 2
Pupils from low income families at secondary school travelling to:
- one of the nearest three qualifying schools where they live more than two miles but less than six miles from that school
- the nearest school preferred by reason of a parent’s faith or belief, where the school is more than two miles but less than 15 miles from the child’s home.
Group 3
Pupils attending their:
- Designated Tameside Roman Catholic high school and who have attended a Catholic primary school associated with the high school
or - Their nearest denominational high school (not Roman Catholic) providing that they are aged 11 - 16
- and in both cases are travelling over three miles to school.
Group 4
Pupils who move into Tameside from another area, are in Years 10 or 11, want to stay at their current school and will have to travel more than three miles to that school.
Notes
- Low income is defined as pupils who are eligible for a school clothing grant.
- The distance between home and school is measured by the nearest available walking route by an officer of the council using the School Admissions software.
- Distance will be measured using the same method as used to allocate places as defined in the Admissions Arrangements Definitions.
- The law defines a qualifying school as a school which is suitable for the child, taking account of their faith or belief (or the faith or belief of their parents) and that has places available.
- A cycle allowance of £30 per year is payable instead of a bus pass, if requested.
- Pupils not resident in Tameside will need to check with their home authority to see if they are eligible for a zero fare bus pass.
- Zero fare bus passes will not be issued to pupils applying after Easter. However, eligible pupils can still claim travel expenses. Details on how to do this will be provided as necessary.
You can obtain the form from the high school on induction day, customer services offices or on the School Bus Passes webpage.
Does Your Child Qualify?
If you are unsure whether your child will be eligible for a zero fare bus pass, please check with the School Organisation Section on 0161 342 4068 or 0161 342 3214.
Applications on the Web
You will need to complete an application form for assistance with travel. You can download an application form or apply online at the School Bus Passes webpage.
Assistance with Uniform Costs
A clothing grant is assistance toward the cost of school clothing and footwear.
Families who are eligible are families with children of compulsory school age who are in receipt of Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers, Guaranteed Element of State Pension Allowance, Income Related Employment Support Allowance or Child Tax Credit only, with an income less than £16,190.00 should qualify for a school clothing grant for their child/children. Please provide evidence of benefit entitlement.
Families who are in receipt of Working Tax Credit with an income less than £16,190.00 should qualify for a School Clothing Grant for their child/children provided a copy of the Tax Award Notice as issued by the Inland Revenue is attached.
Self employed persons should provide either an accountant’s letter stating the recent figures submitted to the Inland Revenue or if you prepare your own accounts, a letter from the tax office.
Free School Meals
Free school meals are offered to children of families who are in receipt of Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related), Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance or Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit. They are also offered to children of families who are in receipt of Child Tax Credit only, but who are not entitled to Working Tax Credit, and whose annual income (as assessed by the Inland Revenue) does not exceed £16,190.00. If you are in receipt of Child Tax Credit, you will need to attend one of the council’s Customer Service Centres and present your Child Tax Credit award notice.
*Important Note:
The home to school transport policy and provision of school clothing grants will be reviewed during the school year 2011 -12 and changes may be made to elements of the policy.
At present the Council provides passes and financial assistance to some groups of pupils when it is not required by law to do so and these are the main areas which will be considered.
The main areas which could be affected relate to zero fare bus passes for pupils who are eligible under Groups 3 and 4 of the assistance with travel section and assistance with uniform costs.
Any proposed changes will be the subject of public consultation during which parents will be able to make their views known though a variety of methods. Any changes are likely to come into effect in September 2012.
Reminder...
To apply for free school meals, you can complete an application form on-line on the council website at www.tameside.gov.uk, ring the council call centre on 0161 342 8355 or call in to one of the council’s customer services offices.
Additional Information
School Transfers
Tameside council believes that it is detrimental to a child’s education to transfer schools other than going into Year 7 at a new secondary school.
It is generally in a child’s best interest to remain at the same school for the whole secondary phase and it is the practice of Tameside Council to investigate all school transfer requests when there is no house move involved.
An Education Officer may contact parents in this situation to discuss the issue further.
Studies show that many children experience difficulties settling into a new school and, in the majority of cases, attainment dips when a pupil transfers to another school. For example it can be difficult to join established friendship groups, the curriculum may be organised differently so they may find they are repeating some units of work and have missed others, and they will have to get used to new routines and timetables. In addition, it can often be the case that problems experienced in one school will recur in another.
If your child is experiencing difficulties, please try to work through these with the school staff. If you are still considering a move, please make an appointment with the headteacher to discuss any concerns you may have, and try to resolve them in conjunction with the school.
A decision to move your child from one school to another should not be taken lightly and, in view of the upheaval it is likely to cause to your child’s education, should only be considered as a last resort.
We do realise that, in certain circumstances, it may be necessary to transfer your child to another school, for example if you are moving house on a permanent basis and the distance would make it impossible to attend their current school. In these circumstances, however, we cannot guarantee a place will be available at a particular school.
Fair Access Protocol
All Local Authorities have a Fair Access Protocol for in-year transfers that ensures the speedy admission and fair distribution of pupils with agreed additional needs throughout the Borough.
With specific short term exceptions, all schools in Tameside are participants in the Protocol, which may result in schools admitting pupils over their published admission number.
Important contacts
The School Admissions Team
If you need further information or have any questions regarding transfer to high school, please do not hesitate to contact us – we will be happy to help.
| Paula Barnett | Principal Admissions Officer | 342 3208 |
| Pearl Outram | Senior Pupil Support Officer | 342 3226 |
| Pauline Duffy | Pupil Support Officer | 342 3204 |
| Cathy Miller | Pupil Support Officer | 342 4068 |
| Andrew Flint | Pupil Support Officer | 342 3214 |
| Michelle Roberts | Pupil Placement Officer | 342 3310 |
| Catherine Moseley | Service Unit Manager | 342 3302 |
| Admissions Team Email | Send a Message to the Admissions Team | |
Assessment, Review & Monitoring Team
Dealing with secondary school admissions for children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN).
| Liz Heeley | Education Officer | 0161 342 4433 |
| Sue Cooley | Education Officer | 0161 342 4433 |
| Steve Eccles | Assistant Education Officer | 0161 342 4433 |
Neighbouring Local Authorities
For details of schools in other council areas, please contact the relevant admissions team:
| Local Authority | Address | Phone Number | Appeals Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derbyshire | St Helena Centre Sheffield Rd Chesterfield Derbyshire S41 7LU |
01629 537479 | 08456 058058 |
| Manchester | Manchester Education Office Overseas House Quay St Manchester M3 3BB |
0161 234 7151 | 0161 234 7150 |
| Oldham | Civic Centre West St Oldham OL1 1XJ |
0161 770 4214 | 0161 770 4214 |
| Stockport | Education Division Town Hall Stockport SK1 3XE |
0845 644 4313 | 0161 474 3216 |
Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) 0808 800 5793
Tameside Parent Partnership Service
What is the role of the Parent Partnership Service?
The service is available for any Tameside parents whose child/ren has or may be identified as having SEN.
Tameside Parent Partnership Service aims to encourage and develop partnership between parents, schools, the local education authority and all other partners who are involved in working to identify, assess and meet the special educational needs of children. The service offers impartial information, guidance and support to parents of children who have special/additional educational needs. The service is available for parents of children/young people with additional needs, including the very young (0-19 years).
Range of support
The range and duration of support will vary dependent on the individual needs of the case. Parents are always welcome to seek further assistance from the service.
How to make a referral
Primarily the service operates by a parent ‘self-referral’ process. However, on occasions it may be considered appropriate for a professional to make contact with the service on behalf of the parent.
The service will act upon such requests only on the full understanding that parental consent has been given.
Our work with parents will be done in a way which promotes the following principles and values:
- Equality - The service operates an open access policy. It aims to ensure that all parents have the same ease of access and are not restricted for any reason. The intention being to remove any barriers (real or perceived) e.g. disability, cultural or language differences. The service listens to parents’ views and values parents’ contribution and feelings.
- Impartiality - The intention is to provide information to enable parents to make their own informed choices. It is not the role of the service to give direct advice concerning an individual child, but to remain impartial in respect of information and support it provides.
- Confidentiality - Client confidentiality is respected. Information will be shared only with the understanding and consent of the parents.
- Independence - The service can ‘signpost’ parents to alternative sources of support.
Tameside Parent Partnership Service
Council Offices, Wellington Road
Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, OL6 6DL
Tel: 0161 342 3383 Fax: 0161 342 3305
Send a Message to the Tameside Parent Partnership
Choice Adviser
Tameside Families Information Service (FIS)
Information and advice for all Tameside families
Would you like further support and information about applying for a school place for your child?
A FIS Choice Adviser will:
- Offer impartial information about local schools
- Explain the different admission polices for schools in Tameside and how places are allocated.
- Help you to understand and complete the application form.
- Give information about what to do if you are not offered your preferred school.
FIS can also offer information on:
- Childcare
- Parenting and family support
- Money matters
- Leisure Activities for children and young people
- Health and well-being
You can contact a Choice Adviser or FIS officer on the advice line 0161 342 5434 or view the Tameside Families Information Service webpage.
Special Circumstances
Exceptional Medical or Social Needs
The online application has a section where parents can indicate that their child has exceptional medical or social needs. Please use this section to give details of any exceptional medical or social needs that mean admission to a particular school is essential. The School Admissions Code says that the admission authority must not consider giving a higher priority to an application if supporting evidence has not been provided so you must also provide supporting evidence from a suitably qualified professional, for example a consultant or social worker. The admission authority may contact professionals involved with your child for further information. Please note that childcare arrangements or the short term impact on a medical condition of transition to high school will not be considered as exceptional medical or social needs. Any information provided will be treated in strict confidence and will not prejudice any school application. If you are submitting supporting information, you can use the form below to accompany the information.
Download the Exceptional Medical or Social Needs Form 32.88 KB
Checklist for Applicants
Have You Done All You Need To Do?
Please ensure that you have:
- Read the Moving On information online
- Watched the ‘How to apply online’ video
- Listed three schools in preference order on your application
- Included the name(s) of any siblings who will still be attending any of your preferred schools from September 2012
- Ticked the single sex box if one or more of your preferences is for a single sex school
- Included details of any exceptional medical or social needs
- Submitted additional information required by any of your preferred schools
- Completed the Online Application Form by 31 October
Do not ask your child’s primary school teacher to write a letter of support for an application to a particular school, as these will not be considered.