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CHANGES TO ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS FOR FOUNDATION SCHOOLS FOR SEPTEMBER 2013 ENTRY

Publicly funded "Grammar Schools"

As a result of changes to the national admissions code required by central government, parents must be informed of the results of their child’s performance in any entrance examination to a selective school before being required to express their preferences for secondary school admission.

As the deadline for the submission of preferences to Local Authorities is 31 October each year, the implication of the new code is that the grammar schools in the Consortium (please see list overleaf) need to revise their procedures for their entrance test.

The timetable for September 2013 entrants is as follows:

By 1 March 2012: The Consortium of Grammar Schools begins to advertise and information is available on Consortium Schools’ websites.

By 1 May 2012: Brochures to arrive at primary schools, and to be available from the Consortium Grammar Schools and the Foundation Office, in order that postal applications can be made by parents. On-line test registrations can be made at www.kingedwardthesixth.org or via any of the Schools’ websites.

By 20 June 2012: Deadline for parental requests for special arrangements for children with disabilities or requiring special resources to sit the test.

By 13 July 2012: Deadline for applications to sit the test.

8 September 2012: Date of the entrance test.

By 15 October 2012: Results of the test published by letter to parents.

By 31 October 2012: Parental preference forms must be with the relevant Local Authority (national date).

1 March 2013: Local Authority to offer places to parents (national date).

Birmingham City Council intends to publish on-line data about secondary school admissions in June 2012 and to make on-line preference forms available from 1 September 2012. The City aims to publish hard copy secondary transfer brochures late in the summer term 2012. From mid-July a small supply of preference forms (approx. 10) will be sent to primary schools for families unable to access the Birmingham City Council on-line preference form.

Independent Schools (King Edward’s School and King Edward VI High School for Girls)

This move to an early September date for the grammar school test will have an impact on primary schools in a variety of different ways. It may also have an impact on the timing of the exam for entry to the two independent schools – King Edward’s School and King Edward VI High School for Girls – both of which have significant numbers of assisted and free places available. These schools are, at the moment, considering the implications of this change and will need to make a decision about the matter at the very beginning of 2012. Further information about these schools is available on their websites: www.kes.org.uk and www.kehs.org.uk.

Further information, as necessary, will be made available as soon as possible. Please see our website at www.kingedwardsfoundation.co.uk.

Consortium of Grammar Schools in Birmingham:

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School for Boys
King Edward VI Aston School
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
King Edward VI Five Ways School
King Edward VI Handsworth School
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls

Stage is set for a new performing arts centre

A new £11m performing arts centre for King Edward’s School and King Edward VI High School for Girls will be opened with two special concerts.

The opening concerts, which will take place on Friday April 27th and Saturday April 28th, will celebrate the completion of the Sir Paul and Lady Ruddock Performing Arts Centre. Education Secretary, Michael Gove, will officially open the building before the first celebratory concertfeaturing the School’s Symphony Orchestra and Choral Society playing Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade and Orff’s CarminaBurana.

The £11m building, which has been partly funded by a substantial donation from former pupil Sir Paul Ruddock, will provide a 400-seater auditorium, 120-seater drama studio, state-of-the art dance and rehearsal rooms, and music facilities.

Sarah Evans, Principal of King Edward VI High School for Girls, said: "We are very pleased to be opening this wonderful new building, which will transform the way performing arts are taught within the schools."

"At KEHS and KES we strive to provide the best possible teaching experience forgirls and boys, and know this facility will support the truly outstanding work that our pupils achieve."

"We are very grateful to Sir Paul Ruddock for his remarkable generosity toward this project, which reflects the gratitude he feels for the education he received here."

Both schools have produced a number of alumni who have gone on to be successful in the performing arts including actors Lucy Davis, Lindsay Duncan and ‘Goodie’ Bill Oddie, musician Mr Hudson, and ‘Lord of the Dance’ star John Carey. There are currently two girls and three boys in the National Youth Orchestra including Roberto Ruisi, who is thought to be the youngest ever leader of the orchestra.

The concerts will be followed by a series of events, including orchestral concerts, dance workshops, drama performances, and themed reunions for past pupils, as part of a special opening festival during the summer term.

The Performing Arts Centre is part of a £25 million building programme that King Edward’s School is undertaking, which will also include a new Modern Language department, improved science facilities and a major development of the school’s indoor sports facilities. King Edward VI High School for Girls has recently completed a £10 million building programme and is planning further development of its science and sports facilities.

For further information about the Sir Paul and Lady Ruddock Performing Arts Centre contact Annie Mahtani, Ruddock Performing Arts Centre Manager on 0121 415 6041 or visit www.ruddockpac.co.uk

For more information please contact Danielle Spittle, Communications and PR Manager on0121 415 6076 or email: dps@kes.org.uk

Date issued: Thursday, 19 April 2012