Secondary Admissions - Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. How do I apply for admission to Secondary School for my child?
Children living in the Dudley Borough
In the Autumn Term of your child's last year at Primary School you will receive an information pack regarding the application process. If your child attends a Dudley Primary School it will be sent via the primary school.  If your child attends a non Dudley Primary School it will be posted to the home address.

 

You must to read the "Parents Guide to Secondary School Admissions" booklet (See "related documents"), which is made available to you before you express a preference for a school.

 

Children living outside of the Dudley Borough
If your child lives outside of the Dudley Borough you will receive an information pack and application form from the Borough in which you reside.

 

If you are considering expressing a preference for a Dudley School you must read the "Parents Guide to Secondary School Admissions" booklet which is available on the website (See "related documents") or can be obtained by calling 01384 814223 / 814209

 

2. What Catchment area do I live in?
Catchment areas do not exist in the Borough of Dudley - (see question 7).

 

3 . What information is available direct from the school?
You will be able to obtain an individual school prospectus, which includes detailed information about the school and its policies. Other documents, which are available, include the governors' annual report to parents and the last inspection report by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED).

 

4. What information is available direct from the Children's Services Directorate?
A "Parents Guide to Secondary School Admissions" booklet (See "related documents") and School Performance tables can be viewed on the website or copies are available on request. Application forms are available on request.

Please contact the School Admissions Service on 01384 814212 / 814209 / 818035.

 

5. Is there any preference given to children who reside in the Borough of Dudley?
The law does not allow for this council to give any preference to children who reside in the Borough. Applicants will be treated equally regardless of the Borough they reside in.

 

6 . Will my child automatically transfer from primary into secondary school?
No, this is not the case; applications will be considered in line with the admissions criteria only with no priority given to children attending primary schools associated with particular secondary schools.

 

7 . If a school receives more applications than places available how will it decide which pupils to admit?
The admissions criteria for Community Secondary Schools are detailed in the "Parents Guide to Secondary School Admissions" booklet. (See "related documents")

 

The admissions criteria for Foundation and Voluntary Aided Secondary Schools may differ and you are advised to refer to the individual detail given in the "Parents Guide to Secondary School Admissions" booklet. (See "related documents")

 

Published admissions criteria must be followed and there is no discretion over how the places are filled.

 

8 . When will I hear whether or not my application has been successful?
You will be advised in writing by 2nd class post on 1^st March before your child is due to transfer to Secondary School.  If the 1st March falls on a weekend the letters will be posted 2nd class on the following Monday i.e 2nd or 3rd March.

 

If you apply online you will be advised of the outcome of your application via email on the 1^st March. If the 1st March falls on a weekend you will receive an email decision on the following Monday i.e 2nd or 3rd March. 

 

9 . What will happen if my application has been unsuccessful?
You will be provided with details of the appeals procedure and waiting lists. Where possible, we will try to meet one of your other preferences of school, if that is not possible then your child will be allocated a school place at the next nearest school with a place available.

 

10 . What happens if I apply late for admission to Secondary School?
Unless there were circumstances, which stopped you from applying before the closing date, then your application will only be considered after those applicants that were received before the deadline. For further details please see the "Parents Guide to Secondary School Admissions" booklet. (See "related documents")

 

11 . I am moving into the area and need a secondary school place for my child, can you tell me what the procedure is?
Please note that the Council does not operate school catchment areas and parents are able to express a preference for any school that they prefer. The Council is unable to keep spaces available at it's school's for pupils moving into the area.

 

The "Parents Guide to Secondary School Admissions" booklet (See "related documents") contains the phone numbers and addresses of all secondary schools in the Borough.

 

Initial enquiries about individual schools should be directed to the school concerned. If there are spaces available in your child's particular year group then the headteacher will make arrangements for your child's admission.

 

If your preferred school is full then your application will be directed to The Admissions Service who will provide you with details of the application and appeals procedure and of schools where places are available.

 

12. I have not moved address but I wish my child to transfer from one secondary school to another, what is the procedure?
Parents who wish to transfer their son or daughter from one secondary school to another should discuss their wishes with the headteachers of both schools concerned. Transfers can be arranged providing that they do not conflict with the provision of efficient education or efficient use of resources. If a transfer is refused, you will be advised of your right of appeal.

 

A form is available from the Admissions Service should you wish to apply for a mid-year transfer. (See "related documents")

 

13. Who can I contact if I have other questions to ask?
If your questions relate to an individual school and its policies or arrangements for admitting pupils then please contact the school concerned direct.

 

If your questions are of a more general nature then you can contact the Admissions Service on 01384 814223 / 814212 / 814209.

 

Or write to: The School Admissions Service at the Children's Services Directorate, Westox House Trinity Road, Dudley, DY1 1JQ