Admissions Policy The school is subject to the Admissions Policy of the LEA. The Education Committee is legally responsible for all admissions to Schools. It may not be possible to offer your child a place at your preferred school if that school receives more applications than it can take within its admission limit. Where this happens, the Authority will offer places according to the following criteria in order of priority: 1. Pupils with Statement of Special Needs Children with statements of special educational needs that name the school in the statement 2. Looked After Children A “looked after” child is a pupil who is in the care of the local authority or provided with accommodation by that Authority. 3. Associated Transport Pupils who live in an area from which the authority provides designated transport to the preferred school in order to limit travel costs. 4. Medical Reasons Pupils with very exceptional medical factors directly related to school placement. Applications under this criterion should be supported by written evidence from a doctor. 5. Family Links Pupils who have a brother or sister already attending the school and who is expected to be on roll at that school at the time of admission. 6. Distance Pupils who live nearest the preferred school measured by the shortest walking route judged to be safe. This will be based on the parents' address. We will, however consider the overall availability of school places in an area to ensure that no children have an unreasonable distance to walk. This may override distance to the preferred school. Please Note: Priority will be given to those pupils who have expressed a first preference for the school. Pupils who have expressed a second preference will only be considered after the criteria have been applied to all first preferences. In the event of over subscription places will be granted to those pupils living nearest to the preferred school (measured by the shortest public walking route). The number of places at present available at Branksome School stands at 185 pupils per year . If your child chooses to come to the school they will participate in a number of induction activities in school during the Summer Term which will help to familiarise them with the staff, the building and the general routines of the school. Prospective pupils will also be given all of the relevant material which will help to make the transfer process as smooth as possible. We also visit all of our Primary partner schools before pupils transfer here in order to gather important and relevant information on their ability, aptitude, health and fitness. This will help us to assess as fully as possible their educational and welfare needs. In this way we aim to give them the best possible start to their secondary education.

Behaviour Branksome School enjoys a good record for pupil behaviour and it is important that this is maintained and where possible improved upon. Parental co-operation is invited to ensure that a high standard of conduct is maintained. Not only must school rules be observed but children are required to be courteous and respectful, both to adults and to each other. Pupils are also expected to show respect for their own positive qualities and achievements and to develop self confidence. Clear guidelines are laid down in a list of classroom expectations which is displayed on every classroom noticeboard. Excluding pupils either for a short Fixed Term period or Permanently is seen in this school as an absolute last resort. In view of this, excluded pupils will only be readmitted to school after a meeting has taken place between Parents and Senior Staff. At this meeting discussions will take place to formulate ways forward so that a repetition of the lapse in behaviour is avoided. Pupil’s may also be taught in the Internal Education Support Base for short fixed time periods. The discipline of the school seeks to work along positive lines, incorporating a system of rewards as well as sanctions. Pupils may gain rewards for achievement attendance and progress. School officers and prefects are appointed out of the entire body of Y11 pupils irrespective of academic standing. Every opportunity is taken to give public recognition of extra effort and commitment. End of Key Stage Presentations form a main feature of the School Calendar. A School Council, made up of elected representatives of the whole student body meets regularly to discuss rewards and sanctions as well as other important issues.

Detentions If necessary, pupils may be detained after school, parents will receive 24 hours written notice of any detention. Parents should receive a detention slip containing the following information: Day - Date - Time - Length – Reason The slip will be signed by a member of staff and parents are asked to acknowledge receipt by signing in the designated place, before returning it to school with their child.

Feedback A programme of consultation evenings and target setting days enables parents to discuss their child's progress with teachers. A Progress File (formerly the Record of Achievement) is compiled throughout the years of a pupil's education to give a full account of both academic and personal achievement. Parents will receive the written report via their child at an appropriate time during the year. The dates of all consultation evenings, target setting days and Progress File distribution, are published at the beginning of each academic year. Parents will also receive a letter reminding them of the relevant consultation evening/day approximately one week prior to the given date.

Charging and Remission The Governing Body recognises the valuable contribution that the wide range of additional activities including clubs, trips and residential experiences can make towards pupils' personal and social education. The Governing Body aims to promote and provide such activities both as part of a broad and balanced curriculum for the pupils of the school and as additional optional activities. General Nothing in this policy statement precludes the Governing Body from inviting parents to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of providing education for pupils. The Governing Body may, from time to time, amend the categories of activity for which a charge may be made. Charging A distinction has to be made between activities which take place either wholly or mainly outside school hours for which charges may be levied only under certain conditions. Residential Visits -Charging for Board and Lodging Darlington LEA policy for this provision covers the arrangements for residential costs in relation to National Curriculum Activities and for other residential visits (eg, foreign visits, international exchanges, ski trips, visits to London, and school camps both in Britain and abroad). Apart from specified instances, such activities must be funded by the pupils taking part, or by a general school fund maintained for such purposes, or if the activity is organised by an outside body it can charge individual pupils, or their parents, for the services provided. Non Residential Activities Taking Place Wholly or Mainly Outside School Hours If these are part of a prescribed examination syllabus or are to meet a statutory requirement of the National Curriculum all costs will be borne by the LEA (currently travel only). For other activities the cost will be met by the pupils taking part in the activity, or by their parents. Non Residential Activities Taking Place During School Hours No charges will be levied by the LEA. However, the Governing Body of the school will require: Voluntary contributions from the parents of participating pupils. The cancellation of the activity if there is insufficient support. The use of random selection ("names in a hat") where the numbers of applicants have to be limited. No pupil will be omitted from an activity solely on the grounds of the inability or the unwillingness of his/her parents to contribute. However, such activity will not take place if there are insufficient numbers of parents to support it. A standard letter is issued beforehand to parents to indicate the conditions under which the proposed activity will operate. Costs of Entering Pupils for Prescribed Examinations The conditions under which such costs will be paid are set out in the Policy Statement of Darlington Authority, and endorsed by the Governing Body of the school. Under the LEA's scheme for Local School Management the cost of examination fees falls upon the school's budget. The school Governing Body will reserve its right to apply costs as at present applied by Darlington LEA. In particular, the Governing Body, on advice from the Headteacher, will seek to recover the costs from parents where a pupil fails without good reason to complete the examination requirements for any public examination for which the school has paid an entry fee. Costs Associated With Individual Tuition in the Playing of a Musical Instrument Minimal charges are passed on to Parents to enable as many pupils as possible to access this service. Costs Associated With Food Technology and CDT The Governing Body requires that where pupils with the prior agreement of their parents intend to take the finished product home, they shall bring the materials to school or pay for the materials used if they are supplied by the school. Where they do not wish to buy the finished product the materials will be supplied by the school which may seek to sell the finished product. Breakages and Fines The Governing Body will seek from parents the cost of replacing a broken window or a defaced, damaged or lost school book where this is the result of a pupil's behaviour. Parents will be required to pay for damage to school property for which their children are responsible.

Complaints The school procedure operates in conjunction with that set out by Darlington LEA which sets out five levels at which a complaint could be considered. These are: Informally to the Head Teacher The formal complaint to the Governing body The formal complaint to the LEA The appeal stage to a panel including members of the LEA The formal procedure Many complaints can be resolved in discussion with the Head Teacher or with other staff at the school. Where a complaint arises it must first be brought to the attention of the Head Teacher or to a Deputy Head Teacher. It is important that complaints should be reported early to prevent a perhaps relatively minor issue from getting out of hand. Full details of the Complaints Procedure are available to parents at the school.

Access to Documents Documents available at the school for parents to read are: School Prospectus Annual Report of the Governors LEA Statement of Curriculum Aims and Policy Governors Statement of Curriculum Aims and Policy Statutory Orders and Circulars about the curriculum Ofsted reports about the school LEA Complaints Procedure Syllabuses and schemes of work in use in the school LEA agreed syllabus for RE Sex and Relationships Education Policy Parents wishing to see any of these documents should contact the school office in the first instance.

Assessment Continuous assessment takes place in all subject areas, throughout the school year. Formal internal examinations are arranged for each year group at an appropriate time during the pupils' programmes of study. At the beginning of May the SATs (Statutory Assessment Tests) are undertaken by all Year 9 pupils. During the Autumn term Y11 pupils sit 'Mock' GCSE Examinations, in preparation for their actual GCSE exams the following June. All pupils who complete coursework and meet the subject specific criteria will be entered for GCSE Examinations in Year 11. The results of all examinations are reported to parents in the pupils' Progress File. Pupil progress in all subjects is monitored and recorded on a termly basis. The information gathered is used to inform regular discussions between pupils and their Group Tutors regarding their progress.

Equal Opportunities The School believes that each pupil has the right to make maximum progress in, and derive the greatest possible benefit from their educational experiences. Pupils have this right regardless of their gender, ethnic origin, social and cultural background, religion, disability or any minority interest. The school has in place positive strategies to combat unjust and damaging discrimination. Copies of all such documentation are available in school on request. These will enable all pupils to achieve their potential providing them with learning opportunities which will equip them for life in a rapidly changing multi-cultural society.

Uniform To ensure that your child has the correct PE kit you are now able to purchase these items through the School. Order forms for PE kits and sweatshirts are provided below to complete and return to school. -PE: boys -PE: girls -Sweatshirts Boys PULLOVER: Black school logo pullover SHIRT: Plain grey or white - not 'Polo' shirts TIE: School tie: black/magenta stripes TROUSERS: Plain black SHOES: Sensible, flat black shoes (see note (2) below) SOCKS: Plain grey or black Girls PULLOVER: Black school logo pullover BLOUSE: White shirt - not 'Polo' shirts TIE: School tie: black/magenta stripes SKIRT/TROUSERS: Plain black. Skirts: sensible, knee-length SHOES: Sensible, flat black shoes (see note (2) below) SOCKS: Plain white ankle/knee socks or black opaque tights in winter Please Note: 1) No extremes of hairstyles are acceptable in school 2) Trainers, high heels or sling-back shoes are not allowed in school Suppliers and Stockists School ties can be purchased through the school -currently priced at £2.00 each. School sweatshirts and PE kit (see separate list) can be ordered through the school. The basic school uniform has been chosen as it is readily available at local stores Uniform Rules ALL PUPILS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR UNIFORM INSIDE SCHOOL 1. A strong school bag is needed for school. 2. The only jewellery allowed is a wrist watch and a pair of plain stud ear-rings. No other jewellery may be worn. 3. Makeup and nail varnish cannot be worn. 4. T- shirts or garments of denim cannot be worn. 5. Fashion sweaters/sweatshirts with patterns or logos must not be worn to school. Pupils must change into the correct kit appropriate for the activity. All pupils are encouraged to have basic school PE uniform and wear it for all appropriate lessons. Help may be given to pupils who are unable to provide the uniform. Pupils are made aware of the need to change clothing before participating in physical exercise and to look after and value their equipment. The recommended school PE uniform is shown below: Boys Red games shirt (long sleeves, no slogans) -white cuffs 'V' neck. Plain black or shadow-stripe shorts (football style -no logos). Plain red games socks (3/4). Towel and swimming trunks. Trainers and football boots. Embroidered (school emblem) red sweatshirt - optional. Girls Red top -'polo' style. Navy Harrier shorts -plain, stretch nylon. Navy Shadow-stripe shorts (no logos) and/or navy pleated games skirt (to be worn over harriers) - optional. Plain red games socks (3/4). Trainers or sandshoes. Towel, one-piece swimming costume and swimming cap. Embroidered (school emblem) red sweatshirt - optional.

Medication The School Office will hold some medication and inhalers for pupils who need medication between 09.00am and 3.30pm. Pupils should not carry medication around with them during the school day. The school cannot be responsible for the dispensing of medicines. The medication must be supplied by the family and be clearly labelled with the pupil's name and form. The parent’s will also be required to sign a care plan stating the dosage and name of medication. Parents who wish their child to take their prescribed medication at lunchtime for ADD and ADHD, must bring the medication to school and hand it in to the Head of Learning Support. The medication must be in the relevant package with the child’s name, the name of the medication and the recommended dosage, plus the address of the pharmacist clearly labelled. NB.Any medicine not collected at the end of each term will be disposed of.

Special Education At times during their school career some pupils may find it more difficult to make progress than their peers. This may be for a number of reasons including learning difficulties, emotional or behavioural problems. Pupils may also have medical conditions which affect their learning. Those with hearing, speech or visual impairments may require support from specialist teachers. A few pupils will not have English as their first language and need support to help them access the curriculum. Certain problems may be only temporary in nature e.g. a broken arm which makes writing notes in class impossible for a few weeks. Learning Support Staff work to help all these pupils achieve their potential by providing in-class support, small group and individual work where appropriate. If necessary we can loan additional resources to meet pupils needs (portable word processors, Spellmasters etc). We also liaise with a wide variety of outside agencies who can provide specialist support and advice. The Learning Support Base is well stocked with a wide variety of resources to help develop literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. A full time member of staff is designated to co-ordinate all aspects of support in the school and the Code of Practice for the identification and assessment of Special Educational Needs is closely followed. All pupils with Statements of Special Educational Need are monitored and their progress reviewed annually.

Equal Opportunities The School believes that each pupil has the right to make maximum progress in, and derive the greatest possible benefit from their educational experiences. Pupils have this right regardless of their gender, ethnic origin, social and cultural background, religion, disability or any minority interest. The school has in place positive strategies to combat unjust and damaging discrimination. Copies of all such documentation are available in school on request. These will enable all pupils to achieve their potential providing them with learning opportunities which will equip them for life in a rapidly changing multi-cultural society.