Admissions

Requirements for Entry to the Sixth Form   

Great Oaks Small School educates students for whom mainstream education has been difficult or unsuccessful for varying reasons. Many of our students exhibit behaviors or have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Speech, Language, and Communication Needs with or without high anxieties a minority will have social-emotional difficulties that fall within our expertise.

Only by having a detailed child profile followed by meeting a child and their parent/carer, can we make an informed decision as to whether we can accommodate their need. All potential admissions consider the current needs of children already at the school, as a priority area. We are an independent school and determine our admission intake for privately funded students. Students in receipt of an EHCP are governed in the first instance by the child’s Local Authority (LA).

As well as meeting these general admissions requirements, students wishing to attend sixth form will need to meet the following criteria:

Pathway A & B 

Evidence of a commitment to learning. 

Evidence of self-discipline in attendance, punctuality, engagement, and a positive attitude to peers and authority. 

Likely to transfer to further education, training, or employment at the end of sixth form. 

Report from the previous school 

Pathway C 

All of the above requirements for Pathway A & B, plus: 

9-4 (A*- C) pass at GCSE in the chosen A Level Subject (or evidence of equivalent level of attainment or ability). 

9-4 (A*- C) pass at GCSE in English and Maths or capable of achieving via resits.

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE 

Local Authority Funded Students:

In most instances, the Local Authority will contact us directly to ask the school to consider your child’s admittance on the roll to the school. We will contact parents if we could potentially meet your child’s needs. If at any time during the process, it becomes clear that the school cannot meet your child’s needs, no further action will be taken other than notifying the Local Authority.

When parents contact us directly, we will, in the first instance, discuss briefly, your child’s overarching needs. This will help us to help you in deciding whether to pursue Great Oaks as a possible placement for your child. We will usually invite you to the school for an informal meeting and arrange a follow-up visit to the school for you and your child. If at any time during the process, it becomes clear that the school cannot meet your child’s needs, we will notify you and make suggestions to help you and your child look at schools other than Great Oaks.

If Great Oaks Small School is named on your child’s EHCP we welcome you!

Privately Funded Students:

When you contact us we will discuss your child’s needs and invite you to view the school.  This will help determine the suitability of Great Oaks for your child.  If you and your child decide that Great Oaks is the school of your choice and the school is in agreement you will receive a formal offer of a place.

For further information on Admissions:

Kent County Council