Admissions Policy
Hillcrest International School follows the admission policy of the Braeburn Group of International Schools.
Supporting documents
All applicants must provide copies of their passport or copies of birth certificate, previous 2 reports, leaving certificate from previous school.
| Year group | Age requirement (age on or before 31st August on year of entry) |
|---|---|
| Creche | To be 2 years old * |
| FS1 | To be 3 years old ** |
| FS2 | To have turned 4 years old on or before 31st August |
| Year 1 | To have turned 5 years old on or before 31st August |
| Year 2 | To have turned 6 years old on or before 31st August |
| Year 3 | To have turned 7 years old on or before 31st August |
| Year 4 | To have turned 8 years old on or before 31st August |
| Year 5 | To have turned 9 years old on or before 31st August |
| Year 6 | To have turned 10 years old on or before 31st August |
| Year 7 | To have turned 11 years old on or before 31st August |
| Year 8 | To have turned 12 years old on or before 31st August |
| Year 9 | To have turned 13 years old on or before 31st August |
*Entry is normally at the start of the next term following the 2nd birthday for schools that don’t have a Pre-Creche). Children therefore may spend up to 5 terms in Creche.
Children are only placed in year groups according to their age. In exceptional circumstances a child may be placed in a year group below their age band. The reasons for this are normally identified Additional Educational Needs and it is considered in the child’s best interest. This is only agreed with substantial evidence that supports the decision (for example, assessments by an Educational Psychologist).
Children are never placed in a year group above their age band, regardless of academic ability or previous schooling. We believe this is best practice for children’s emotional, social and physical development, as well as their language and communication development, especially in the Early Years.
Parents of children with birthdays in July or August will be given a choice if they wish to hold their children back in a year group so they are the oldest in the class not the youngest. The advantages and possible disadvantages (sports) will be explained to parents on admission so they can make an informed decision.
Waiting lists
Where a year group is full, new admissions will be placed on a waiting list. Waiting lists operate on a first come, first served basis. Priority may be given to siblings of children who have a place in the school.
Siblings
Children with siblings already attending the school will be given priority in situations where there are waiting lists for entry to a particular year. There is a discount on tuition fees for siblings.
Differentiation and setting
At Braeburn, children are in mixed ability classes, and differentiation takes place within all classes to ensure children’s needs are met. This may be done through variation of teaching methods, task or expected learning outcomes. Teachers will often group children within their classes to assist with differentiation. The learning objectives covered for all children in a year group is the same. Where numbers allow, setting in Mathematics, English and Modern Foreign languages, may take place in Year 2 and above.
Additional education provision
The school welcomes children with mild learning difficulties and offers a range of additional support. There is a policy of inclusion in most mainstream classes with withdrawal from one or two subjects decided in consultation with parents, the pupil (age dependent) and teachers.
Where known or suspected, parents are expected to make the school aware of any additional needs their child may have, before admission into the school.
Children will undergo specific assessments soon after admission as challenges become apparent or parents will be asked to take the child for assessments by external specialists.
If the school finds it cannot meet the needs of a particular child, the parents will be advised to withdraw the child and recommendations for alternative provision will be made.
English as an additional language
The school has limited provision for children who have no knowledge of the English language. Special oral and written tests may be used to determine the child’s proficiency in English. The approach and support offered by the school is age dependent and is outlined in the table below.
| Key stage | Provision |
|---|---|
| EYU and KS1 | Pupils are supported in mainstream classes – both beginners and those with a more advanced knowledge. |
| KS2 and KS3 | Beginners undergo an intensive English course for an hour a day for 10 weeks, being withdrawn from Literacy, preferably in the morning lessons. |
Physical disability
We will endeavour to educate students with physical disability within the constraints of school facilities and environment.
Admission testing
We use pre and post admission testing to:
- ensure all pupils can access our curriculum,
- provide teachers with an idea of a child’s needs and strengths
- help with target setting for academic performance
Medical form
This must be completed by parents as soon as the child has joined the school.
Leaving the school
The headteacher must receive one term’s notice in writing. If notice is not received, one term’s fees in lieu of notice will be charged.
