The Governing Body will be responsible for admissions and it will draw up the Admissions Policy consistent with The Department for Children, Schools and Families Code of Practice.
The detailed Admissions Policy will be published in the Academy prospectus, a year before it legally opens as well as in the county-wide Wiltshire Secondary Schools Prospectus.
Subject to final approval by the DCSF, the following methodology will apply:
The Wellington Academy will consider all applications for a place.
The school will work within the coordinated admissions arrangements of the local authority using the Common Application Form provided.
Where fewer than 180 applications are received, the Academy will offer places to all those who have applied.
Students with special needs and students with a statement of special educational need, naming the Academy, will be admitted and counted against the 180 places.
Where the Academy is oversubscribed the following eligibility criteria will apply:
Looked after children as defined in Section 22 of the Children Act 1989.
Vulnerable children
Where a child has a brother or sister currently attending the Academy (at the time of application and who continue on roll at the time of entry)
Proximity of the child’s home to the Academy measured by the shortest suitable walking route, with those living nearer being accorded higher priority.
If you are already a student at Castledown School, you don't have to apply to become a student of the Academy; transfer from the roll at Castledown to the Academy would be automatic for all those who want to transfer. New students will have the opportunity to apply for a place starting in September 2009 in the normal way as they would from any other school in line with Wiltshire County Council's Admission Policy. To apply for a place in Year 7 for September 2009 register online at Wiltshire County Council's admissions page.
The Principal Designate has been appointed. Andy Schofield, currently Headteacher at Varndean School has accepted the post starting September 2008. Andy will establish the new Academy for 12 months prior to its opening in September 2009.
HRH The Duke of York has agreed to become President of The Wellington Academy.
