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The Governing Body of Harris Garrard Academy is consulting on a change it proposes to introduce for admissions to the secondary section of the Academy from September 2019, to clarify the operation of banded admissions.

The Academy – as did the former school up to September 2017 - uses banded admissions to ensure all abilities are admitted at Year 7. The number of places in each band is calculated to produce a range of abilities that mirrors the national average spread of ability in 9 bands. The admissions arrangements inherited from the previous school though do not adequately define the number of places in each band for parents applying from outside the Academy. It does not make clear how spare places are allocated to bands given that the PAN of 90 is increased by spare places in the number of children transferring. If less than 90 children transfer from year 6 those extra places are added to the 90 places allocated to external applicants to create a year group of 180 if full.

It is proposed that the number of places in each band are allocated on the basis of the full year group of 180. The existing children in year 6 will then allocated to bands after testing (at the same time of year as external applicants are tested). Spare places in each band after allocating transferring children will then be filled by external applicants. 

This does not affect the right of parents to see their child automatically transfer from Year 6 into Year 7. It just makes clearer how the bands will have places available for children applying from outside, from other primary schools.

The priority criteria within bands to determine who is offered a place in that band will not change. The top priority is given to looked after and previously looked after children; the next priority is given to siblings of students already attending the Academy. The third criteria is then distance as measured by the London Borough of Bexley, with random allocation as a tie break if two or more applicants are tied for the last place.

The reason for this change is to clarify how banding operates should the Academy be oversubscribed in 2019/20 or thereafter.

If you wish to submit comments please send them to L.Hayden@harrisgarrard.org.uk  PA to the Executive Principal, or write to the Executive Principal at the Academy address.

Download the full draft admissions arrangements.

The consultation runs until Friday 26th January 2018.