Admissions

We are an open enrolment school accepting pupils aged 2 and half to 18 years throughout the academic year (with the exception of IB students who must start the programme at the latest by October of the academic year). There is no formal assessment for entry for children in the Early Years or Primary, however in higher year groups acceptance is subject to the results of Entry tests taken in English. This does not mean we are a selective school, simply that we need to ensure that each child is able to access the curriculum we offer. The school also reserves the right to decide that intensive English as Additional Language tuition is offered to non-English speaking pupils whose English is not sufficiently fluent for our curriculum programme.

The British system operates on the premise that students thrive best in their correct class age groups. Differentiated teaching can cater to difference in needs and abilities; able children are challenged and children needing support or more time can be accommodated. Especially further on in their school lives, it is very important for children to be with peers of a similar stage in social maturity, changes made early on may have negative consequences later. It is therefore important to adhere to the policy of keeping children within their correct age band except in the following circumstances:

• If the child’s birthday falls within a month either side of 1st September (August/September). If parents feel their child would benefit from being placed out of age, the school will assess the child, talk to the child’s parents and former teachers to ascertain the best position. In general it is much more advantageous for a child to be older than younger in a class.
• A student in Yr 10 or upwards, who does not have a high enough level of English to complete the IGCSE or IB programmes.
  Provided academic ability is evidenced and the student has a good level of English, the school will consider options which would allow the student time to focus on English skills and then join the appropriate programme.

Class Organisation

Data relating to the maximum number of children possible in each class and year group is available from the Admissions Office. Where there will be two or more classes in a group, the schools’ policy is to organise the children to achieve as close a balance as possible, considering the following factors: language experience, nationality, ability and gender.
If it is felt it will be beneficial to the group existing, class groups may be re-organised at the start of the academic year to ensure an appropriate balance. The children are always given opportunities and encouraged to work and socialise with all the children in the year group.

As our school has a significant regular new intake of children, often in August the right is reserved in extreme circumstances to re-organize classes to ensure appropriate balance.

Parents can express their preference though do not have the option to make the final decision regarding their child’s class group or teacher. In all issues of child placement the school Principal’s decision is final.

Learning Support Regulations

The Admission Procedure
The Admission Procedure begins once you contact the school to arrange an appointment with the Admissions Officer. During this initial meeting, parents and children are shown around the school and introduced to Principal, Head of Primary, Head of Secondary and potential Class Teacher or Tutor.

Upon receipt of the Application form, an invoice for a non-refundable registration fee (675 EUR) is issued. The Admissions Officer will confirm the offer of a place at the school upon the receipt of the registration fee. You will then complete the remaining documentation. The refundable Deposit €1200 is fully refundable provided that notice of withdrawal of the pupil is given in accordance with the terms outlined by the school. Parents are required to give a term’s notice in writing of the withdrawal of a student for any reason whatsoever. Notice must be given no later than the first day of the term preceding withdrawal. Failure to provide correct notice of withdrawal will result in forfeit of the deposit.

The following documents must be delivered to the school before a child starts at school:

• Copy of student’s passport or birth certificate
• Copies of two latest school reports (if applicable)
• Student Medical FormPhotography/Video Release Form
• Educational Agreement (will be issued later when the address in Slovakia confirmed)

• application form
• student medical information form
• photography and filming release form
• year group chart