This policy should be read in conjunction with the Code of Behaviour and the Special Needs Policy.
Parental Responsibilities
The parent or guardian of a child who has made an application for admission to the school is required to furnish such information that is deemed relevant to the child’seducational needs and which is requested by the school authority.
Prior to admission to Ardscoil na Tríonóide, the parent or guardian and child (or any student over 18 years of age) will be required to sign a written undertaking to respect the ethos of the school and to comply with the school’s Code of Behaviour and Suspension / Expulsion Policy.
For the duration of the student’s tenure in the school parents or guardians will be expected to participate fully with their child’s education including attendance at all school meetings as requested by the school.
Enrolment Procedures
For those students wishing to enrol in Ardscoil na Tríonóide the following enclosed forms must be completed and returned to the school along with an original birth certificate (not photocopy) on or before the date required :
- Registration Form
- Health Information Form
- Code of Behaviour Declaration Form
Please read the school’s Code of Behaviour and Suspension / Expulsion Policy carefully before signing the above.
Ardscoil na Tríonóide affirms that data stored on computers in relation to students and parents is governed by the Data Protection Act 1988.
Assessment
It should also be noted that all applicants will be required to complete an assessment test in order to help the school to assess the needs of the student. ( performance in the test is not a barrier to entry to the school). All intending students will be notifi ed concerning the date of this test. The school operates a policy of mixed ability.
Notification
Decisions made in relation to admission are made by the Board of Management in accordance with school policy. Except in very exceptional circumstances decisions regarding enrolment will be notifi ed to parents within 21 days of the closing date. (see attached sheet for closing date and other arrangements for enrolment for the coming school year.)
To ensure a place, parents/guardians must notify the school of their acceptance of a place within 14 days of being accepted. It should also be noted that under the Department of Education and Science rules ,
secondary school students must be aged 12 or over on 1st January in the calendar year st following the applicant’s entry into first year.
Applications for First Year
Ardscoil na Tríonóide is open to applications from all students. However, in the event that the number of applications received by the closing date exceeds the number of first year places available the following criteria for selection will apply:
- Applicants who have or have had siblings in Scoil Mhuire, Scoil Eoin or Ardscoil
na Tríonóide, Athy.
If there are still places available after Criterion 1 is applied then: - Applicants from schools in the Catholic parish of Athy.
If there are still places available after Criterion 1and 2 are applied then: - The final criteria for allocation of places will be on a lottery basis. All applications
in this category will be drawn in a lottery witnessed by the Chairpersons of the
Board of Management, Parents’ Council and Students’ Council.
Special Needs
The Board of Management of Ardscoil na Tríonóide welcomes students with special educational needs. With parental / guardian permission the school will access students records from primary school well in advance of entry into the school in order to assess
the needs of those students. This may involve requesting a copy of the student’s medical/psychological or individual educational report if available. The school may deem it necessary to request an up-to-date assessment in order to assist it in establishing educational and training needs of the student relevant to his/her special needs and to profile the support services required.
Having gathered all the relevant information, the Board of Management will assess how these needs can be met. The school will also meet with the parents/guardians to discuss the child’s needs. If further resources are required the Department of Education and Science will be requested to provide the necessary assistance e.g. special needs assistance, specialised equipment, transport etc. The Board of Management will do all it possible can to identify, plan and provide for the needs of a special needs student or a student with disabilities seeking admission to the school.
Applications for places in classes other than First Year
Students may apply for admission to Ardscoil na Tríonóide at any time from another
school subject to:
- the School’s Admission Policy,
- that the school is satisfi ed with the reason for the transfer,
- documentation regarding attendance report, behaviour report and educational progress report from the previous school being obtained / submitted,
- subject choice considerations,
- availability of places
- interview with student and parents / guardians,
- due regard to the provision of education to the existing student population,
- compliance with the normal enrolment procedures.
In arriving at its decision, the board of management may consult with the student’s parents / guardians, former school(s) and the educational welfare officer. With the best interest of the student in mind for his/her educational welfare and considering the issue relating to mid-year transfer, the school board may decide to refuse admission at that time and advise his/her parents/guardians to reapply if they so wish at the start of the following school year.
Ardscoil na Tríonóide offers the following Junior and Senior Cycle Courses:
- Junior Cycle
- Junior Certificate Programme
- Senior Cycle Courses
- Leaving Certificate ( traditional)
- Leaving Certificate Applied
- Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme
- Transition Year
- Other courses (to be decided by consultation).
Places in Transition Year, Leaving Certifi cate Applied and Leaving Certificate
Vocational Programme will be limited, and selection criteria will apply. Criteria for entry will be published in advance.
Exceptional Circumstances
The Board of Management reserves the right to refuse an application for admission in exceptional circumstances or where in the opinion of the Board of Management the student poses an unacceptable risk to other students, to school staff or school property. Parents / Guardians ( and students over 18 years of age) have the right to appeal a refusal by a school to enrol a student under Section 29 of the Education Act.
EVALUATION OF ADMISSIONS POLICY:
The Board of Management will review the policy, in consultation with key personnel, on an annual basis.
Approved by Board: January 2007 ( DATE)
Signed ( Chairperson) Patrick Diggins
Next Review Date: January 2008 2008 (DATE)
Approved by Trustees (date) January 2007 (DATE)