Making an Application

There are two main points of entry: into what we call Foundation at age four, and into Year 3 at age seven. The process for applying to each of these Year groups is slightly different, and information on each is provided below; further particulars can be found in our Admissions Policy.

Entry to Foundation

Applications for Foundation places can be made at any time from birth onwards, and it is advisable to submit a completed Application Form along with the registration fee of £75 as early as practicable.

For those applying for entry in September 2014 we make contact during the early part of 2013 to ascertain where your child is at nursery, and to ask permission to visit him or her there. We will start making nursery visits from May 2013, with a view to making priority offers by the beginning of July. When making offers we reserve the right to give preference in our absolute discretion to the children of teaching staff at either St Faith’s or The Leys; the children of Old Fidelians; siblings and any others we see fit, where places are available. Other places will then be offered in order of registration, regardless of when the nursery visit takes place.

Further offers will be made during September and October 2013, with the likelihood that all places are filled by Christmas. Unfortunately it is usually the case that we do not have enough places available to be able to offer to all those who submit applications, and we realise that this can be a difficult and stressful time for parents. We will do our best to keep you informed of the progress of your child's application at all times.

Entry to Year 3

We are happy to accept applications for Year 3 entry well in advance of the deadline, although there is no preference given to those applying early. The closing date for receipt of applications for entry to Year 3 in September 2014 is 30 November 2013. This allows us to make all the necessary preparations for assessment, which includes requesting a written report from your child’s current school.

It is usually the case that we can accept late applications, but you are advised to contact Anna Cornell, the Registrar, to discuss the procedures for the application prior to submission of an Application Form.

During November in the year prior to admission we will write to ask you for updated details on where your son or daughter is at school, and for your permission to contact their current school for a report; we like to know as much as possible about your child’s strengths and talents. We then write to schools asking for this information. Please note that we are not able to offer to any child for whom we do not receive a report. Parents are also advised that they should keep any current school informed of any intended move to St Faith’s and must observe their regulations regarding the giving of due notice. We cannot accept anyone from another independent school who has failed to meet their financial commitments to the previous school in full prior to joining us.

Year 3 Entry Assessment Day will be held on Saturday 18 January 2014 for those applying for entry in September 2014, and the children will be working with our teachers in small groups in the Year 3 or 4 classrooms for the morning. The work involved will be in line with the requirements of the National Curriculum and will cover reading, writing, spelling and mathematics. We will also do a craft activity and have some fun! Every effort is made to ensure the children’s visit to the school is an enjoyable experience. During the morning break a drink and snack will be provided.

The Cambridge independent schools liaise each year about the timings of entry assessments. All the schools do their assessments during the first half of the Lent term and we agree a common date by which we will ask parents to reply to offers of places, this is usually the Friday before the February half term. We would expect to be in touch with you regarding the outcome of your child’s entry assessment within a week of it taking place.

Entry to other Years

We often have spaces available in other Year groups, and if you are interested in making an application it is advisable to contact Anna on 01223 352073 to discuss whether we have any space in the required Year group. We plan to assess children for entry to Years 4 to 7 on Thursday 23 February 2014, but are very happy to make arrangements for your child to come in to school to be assessed at a mutually convenient time for those applying after this date.