Foreword - Belfast Education & Library Board

FOREWORD
Dear Parent
This booklet has been prepared to help parents whose children are transferring from primary
to secondary school next September. It tells you about the transfer procedure, about grantaided
secondary schools in the Belfast area and includes first year admissions criteria. It
should be noted that independent schools are not included.
The transfer from primary to secondary education will be a very important milestone in your
child’s life. It will lead to the further educational development of your child and provide the
foundation for career and employment in the future.
There will be an opportunity to visit the secondary schools before you complete your child’s
Transfer Form. Details of dates and times of these visits are given in this booklet. Your
choice of secondary schools is a great responsibility and I ask you to give very serious
thought to it.
I hope this book will be of assistance to you in choosing the most suitable school for your
child’s secondary education.
Each board produces a similar booklet, so if you want information about secondary schools
in another board’s area you should contact the principal of your child’s primary school who
will obtain a copy of the relevant booklet for you. If you have any difficulty please contact
the transfer/open enrolment office at board headquarters, 40 Academy Street, Belfast
(Telephone no: 028 9056 4080/ 028 9056 4082).
If you are not satisfied with the decision of a board of governors in not selecting your child
for admission, you will be given the opportunity to appeal to an independent appeal tribunal.
Full details of the appeals procedure are given in this booklet.
Finally may I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for your child’s future
happiness and success.
Yours sincerely
Dr Clare Mangan
Chief Executive
PLEASE NOTE
This book contains references to the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) and the Council
for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS). During the course of this coming academic year
it is planned that the ELBs and CCMS will be dissolved and their functions transfer to the
new Education and Skills Authority (ESA). Therefore all references in this book to the
ELBs and CCMS should be interpreted as applying to ESA when it comes into operation.

CONTENTS
PAGE
Alphabetical Index of Post-Primary Schools 1
Glossary of Terms used in this booklet 2
The Transfer Procedure
1 Introduction 3
2 Main Steps in the Transfer 2014 Process 4
3 The Role of Parents in the Transfer Process 5
4 The Role of the Primary School 5
5 The Role of ELB 5
6 The Role of the Department of Education 5
7 What to consider when choosing a post-primary school 5-6
8 Open Days/Nights 6
9 Completing your child’s application to post-primary school 6-9
- Children attending a primary school in Northern Ireland 6
- Children who do not attend school in Northern Ireland 6
- Applications for children who are not EU Citizens 6
- Expressing your preference for post-primary schools 7
- The importance of providing relevant information about your child 7
- Special Circumstances 7
- Special Provisions 8
- Free School Meal Entitlement 8
- Checking and Signing the Transfer Form 8
- Change of Preference after completion of the Transfer Form 9
10 Admissions to Schools 9
11 Placement letters 9
12 Appeals against school placement 10
13 Exceptional Circumstances 10
Financial Considerations
1 Transport Assistance 11-12
2 Uniforms Allowance 12
3 School Meals Entitlement 13
Useful Addresses and telephone numbers 14
Post-Primary Admission Policies and Admissions Criteria 15

ALPHABETICAL INDEX OF POST-PRIMARY SCHOOLS
School (Classification) Page No
Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School Denominational 15
Ashfield Boys’ High School Controlled 20
Ashfield Girls’ High School Controlled 22
Belfast Boys’ Model School Controlled 24
Belfast Model School for Girls Controlled 27
Belfast Royal Academy Non-Denominational 30
Bloomfield Collegiate School Non-Denominational 35
Campbell College Non-Denominational 40
Christian Brothers School (Glen Rd) Catholic Maintained 45
Colaiste Feirste Irish Medium 47
Corpus Christi College Catholic Maintained 51
De La Salle College Catholic Maintained 53
Dominican College Denominational 56
Grosvenor Grammar School Non-Denominational 61
Hazelwood College Integrated 66
Hunterhouse College Non-Denominational 69
Little Flower Secondary School Catholic Maintained 74
Malone College Integrated 76
Mercy College Catholic Maintained 79
Methodist College Belfast Non-Denominational 81
Orangefield High School Controlled 86
Rathmore Grammar School Denominational 88
St. Dominic’s High School Denominational 94
St. Genevieve’s High School Catholic Maintained 100
St. Joseph’s College Catholic Maintained 102
St. Louise’s Comprehensive College Catholic Maintained 104
St. Malachy’s College Denominational 106
St. Mary’s C.B. Grammar School Denominational 113
St. Patrick’s College Catholic Maintained 118
St. Rose’s Dominican College Catholic Maintained 120
Strathearn School Non-Denominational 122
The Royal Belfast Academical Institution Non-Denominational 126
Victoria College Belfast Non-Denominational 131
Wellington College Belfast Non-Denominational 136
1

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THE BOOKLET
Admission Criteria
The criteria drawn up by the Board of Governors of each school, and applied in
order to select the pupils to be admitted where the school is over-subscribed.
Admissions Number The maximum number of pupils, which a school is allowed to admit into Form 1
(Year 8) as determined by the Department of Education.
Appeal Tribunal
Capital Fee
Controlled Schools
DE
ELBs
Enrolment Number
ESA
FSME
Integrated Schools
Irish-Medium School
Voluntary
Grammar
Maintained
Schools
A Tribunal, set up by the Education and Library Board but independent of it, which
hears appeals lodged by parents against the decisions of the Board of Governors.
A fee, approved by the Department of Education, which voluntary grammar schools
require each parent to pay to the school towards the capital cost of running it. The
fee varies from school to school. Other secondary schools do not make this charge.
Schools managed and funded by the Education and Library Board, through Boards
of Governors. The Board of Governors consist of representatives of transferors –
mainly the protestant churches – along with representatives of parents, teachers and
ELBs.
Department of Education.
Education and Library Boards.
The maximum number of pupils which a school may have on its register at any
time, as determined by the Department of Education.
Education and Skills Authority.
Free School Meals Entitlement.
Schools managed by a Board of Governors consisting of trustees or foundation
governors along with parents and DE representatives. These schools seek to add
value to the education process by inviting protestants and catholics to come
together with other traditions in order to improve their understanding of one
another, their own cultures, religions and values.
A school or unit within a school where teaching and learning takes place through
the Irish Language.
Schools managed by a Board of Governors. The Board of Governors is constituted
in accordance with each school’s scheme of management – usually representatives
of foundation governors, parents, teachers and in most cases, DE or ELB
representatives.
Schools managed by a Board of Governors nominated by trustees - mainly catholic
- along with parents, teachers DE and ELB representatives.
2

THE TRANSFER PROCEDURE
1. INTRODUCTION
The age groups eligible to transfer to post-primary education in September 2014 are:-
Children in the NORMAL AGE GROUP which comprises pupils who have attained the age of 11 years by 1
July 2014, ie pupils with dates of birth from 2 July 2002 to 1 July 2003, inclusive;
and exceptionally
a. UNDERAGE PUPILS who will attain the age of 11 years by 1 July 2015, ie pupils with dates of
birth from 2 July 2003 to 1 July 2004 inclusive, where the Board of Governors has decided in
accordance with the arrangements in Circular 1996/24 (amended) that he/she should transfer to postprimary
education a year earlier than normal; or
b. OVERAGE PUPILS who in 2013/14 have remained in primary school for one additional year
beyond the normal age of transfer where the Board of Governors has decided in accordance with the
arrangements in Circular 1996/24 (amended) that he/she should remain in primary education during
the 2013/14 school year.
The pupils described in (a) and (b) above will be permitted to transfer in the same way as normal age pupils.
This booklet sets out the main steps in the post-primary transfer process for September 2014 admissions (Transfer
2014). It then explains:
The role of parents: what you can do to help your child transfer to post-primary school.
How parents can prepare for this role: what things you can think about in choosing a school for your child.
How parents complete their child’s application (the Transfer Form) to post-primary school.
To make the best use of this booklet:
Look at the sections dealing with the schools in which you are interested.
Check how popular these schools have been in recent years: have they had more applicants than places
available
Carefully read the admissions criteria for each school you are considering.
Think about how these criteria might apply to your child.
Think about what information you should provide when completing your child’s Transfer Form.
Pupils with a statement of special educational needs have a separate transfer process. The Education and Library
Board (ELB) will discuss with the parent a suitable post-primary school placement for their child as part of the review
of the child’s statement.
3

2. MAIN STEPS IN THE TRANSFER 2014 PROCESS
November 2013 -
February 2014
You will be able to visit schools on their Open Days/Nights. Details of dates and
times can be found in this booklet, local newspapers or directly from schools.
You can also ask any post-primary school to supply you with a free copy of its
prospectus. This will contain additional information.
January to early
February 2014
Your child’s primary school will provide you with a Transfer Form and guidance
notes to help you complete the form.
On the Transfer Form you will be asked to list, in order of preference, the postprimary
schools (at least three) which you would like your child to attend.
Friday
14 February 2014
When you have completed and signed the Transfer Form it should be forwarded by
your primary school to reach the ELB by 14 February 2014.
Wednesday
19 March 2014
ELBs process Transfer Forms according to parental preference. On 19 March 2014
your form will be passed to the school named as a first preference so that it can apply
its admissions criteria based on the information provided. The form may need to be
passed to other schools named as preferences before the process is complete.
Not later than 4.00pm
Wednesday 14 May
2014
The final date/time by which the ELB will process new applications/additional
preferences/additional information or changes of preference in exceptional
circumstances is 4.00pm on Wednesday 14 May 2014. Any new
applications/additional preferences/additional information or changes of preference
in exceptional circumstances received after this date will not be processed until after
the issue of the placement letters.
A letter informing you which post-primary school your child has been placed at (the
placement letter) will be posted on Friday 23 May 2014.
Friday 23 May 2014
If your child has not been accepted by any of the schools listed on the Transfer
Form, you will be asked to nominate other schools drawn from a list of schools with
places still available.
These letters will also advise on how you can appeal against an admissions decision.
Saturday 24 May 2014
3.00pm - 5.00pm
If your placement letter has not arrived by 3.00 pm on Saturday 24 May 2014 you
can contact the ELB between the hours of 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm on telephone
number: 028 90564080. Staff will be available to confirm placement details only.
Any other Transfer related queries should be withheld until ELB offices re-open on
Tuesday 27 May 2014.
Not later than 4.00pm
on Monday 9 June
2014
The final date and time you can appeal against an admission decision is 4.00 pm on
Monday 9 June 2014.
4

3. THE ROLE OF PARENTS IN THE TRANSFER PROCESS
You have a very important role to play in the transfer process:
You will help your child decide at which post-primary schools he/she will seek a place.
You will then complete your child’s application to these schools on a Transfer Form.
Parents have the right to express preferences for the schools they would like their child to attend, but no child can be
guaranteed a place in any school or any particular type of school (secondary, integrated, grammar, single sex etc).
4. THE ROLE OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Primary School Principals have a role in advising parents of P7 children about the Transfer Procedure leading to the
completion of the Transfer Form. All essential transfer documents aimed at parents will be distributed through
primary schools.
5. THE ROLE OF THE ELB
The ELB does not place children in post-primary schools (except children for whom it is maintaining Statements of
Special Educational Needs) but will administer and co-ordinate the Transfer Procedure arrangements and will
facilitate the expression of parental preferences. The ELB will not be involved in any aspect of the administration of a
post primary school’s unregulated entrance test. The ELB has the duty to publish particulars of the arrangements for
the admission of children to schools and to appoint members of an Independent Appeal Tribunal.
6. THE ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
The Department of Education offers comprehensive guidance to schools on the post-primary admissions process and
sets exact dates for the process over the forthcoming year. The Department also issues important communications to
parents/guardians including a leaflet entitled Transfer 2014 – Advice for Parents. The Department sets the admissions
and enrolment numbers for each school in accordance with the Education Order, 1997 (Articles 11 and 12).
7. WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A POST-PRIMARY SCHOOL
You will help your child decide at which post-primary schools he/she will seek a place. In making these decisions it
may be helpful for you and your child to think about:
Your child’s views on where he/she would be happiest.
Your child’s strengths and which school will provide the education best suited to your child.
Your own and your child’s impressions of schools.
Travel to school and the arrangements for the provision of home to school transport. (For further details on
transport arrangement please see page 11).
Other useful information that may help inform your decision about specific schools may include:
Schools’ prospectuses.
The range of public examinations taken at schools (e.g. GCSEs) and their pupils’ success in these exams.
The arrangements schools make for pupils who may require special help.
Schools’ policies on homework, uniform, discipline, etc.
The range of extra-curricular activities available in schools.
School fees (if relevant).
This information will help you decide which schools you would like your child to attend for a variety of reasons, but
you also need to consider the likelihood of your child being able to secure a place at your preferred schools. To do
this you need to consider the level of competition for places at the school and the extent to which your child might be
able to successfully compete for these places (i.e. the degree to which your child meets the school’s admissions
criteria).
5

To assist you to make these judgements it may be helpful for you to have important information about:
The pattern of applications and admissions to a school in previous years – that is, the number of applications
received in each of the previous few years, and the number of applicants actually admitted in those years.
Remember that the pattern of applications may change from year to year.
A school that receives fewer applications than it has places available must admit all of those applicants.
How schools will select children for admission if they have too many applicants. In this situation schools have
to use admissions criteria to choose which children to admit. In deciding whether or not to apply to a school,
it may be very helpful to have a good understanding of that school’s admissions criteria.
Booklets for other Board areas can be obtained from your primary school or the Board’s website – see page 14 for
address of website.
8. OPEN DAYS/NIGHTS
You should also take the opportunity to visit each of the post-primary schools you are considering by attending their
open days/nights. Details of dates and times may be found in local newspapers, Transfer Booklets or directly from
schools. During the open day/night the principal will normally explain how the school’s admissions criteria operate.
You will have the opportunity to see around the school, see examples of pupils’ work and talk to teachers and some
pupils.
9. COMPLETING YOUR CHILD’S APPLICATION TO POST-PRIMARY SCHOOL
The application form for all post-primary schools is known as the Transfer Form:
For children attending a primary school in Northern Ireland:
Transfer Forms are sent by ELBs to primary schools for distribution to and completion by parents;
Completed Transfer Forms should be returned to ELBs by primary schools by 14 February 2014.
For children who do not attend school in Northern Ireland:
Parents should contact the ELB in which their first preference post primary school is located to obtain a
Transfer Form.
Completed Transfer Forms must be returned directly to the ELB by the parent no later than Wednesday 14
May at 4.00pm. Any Transfer Forms received after this date will not be processed until after the issue of the
placement letter but please note that even if submitted by Wednesday 14 May at 4.00pm it may not be
possible to process all preferences by Friday 23 May 2014.
Applications for children who are not EU citizens
Parents who are applying for Visas or who would like their child to have a Visa to be educated in Northern Ireland can
access information on the websites below:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/Tier4migrantguidance.pdf
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/pointsbasedsystem/registerofspons
orseducation
The Transfer Form is a very important document. It will contain all the information which your chosen postprimary
schools will use to consider your child’s application. When the time comes to complete the form you will
receive from your primary school a set of guidance notes to help you.
6

Expressing Your Preference for Post-Primary Schools
The form asks you to list in order of preference the schools which you would like your child to attend:
You should list at least 3 schools on the Transfer Form. In some areas it would be recommended to list
more than 3 - for example, where schools tend to receive more applications than they have places available.
If you do not list at least 3 schools, this could reduce the possibility of your child being admitted to a school of
your preference. You can list as many schools as you wish. As preferences are processed your child, having
met the criteria of one of the schools listed as a high preference school on your transfer form, may be
displaced by another child later in the process who better meets that school’s criteria despite listing the school
as a lower preference.
Where a child is displaced ‘late’ in the procedure it is not always possible for the ELB to seek further
preferences. In these circumstances the parent/guardian will receive a letter advising them that their child is
unplaced. It is very important therefore that the parent/guardian names all schools which they would
like their child to be considered for in order of preference on the Transfer Form.
You should not enter the same school more than once. Preferences for schools located in another ELB area
can be listed on the same form.
If you seek a place for your child in a grammar school it is very important to include at least one other
category of school in your list. If you do not do this it may reduce the possibility of your child being admitted
to a school of your preference.
The Importance of Providing Relevant Information about Your Child
You will also be asked to provide information about your child when completing the Transfer Form. This is very
important because:
If one of your chosen schools has more applicants than places available it will have to choose which children
to admit.
A school will do this by applying its admissions criteria to its applicants.
The information about your child that you provide when completing the Transfer Form will be what a
school will use to see how your child meets its admissions criteria.
The sort of information that will be important for you to provide will vary from school to school. It will often be
information like:
Whether your child has any brothers or sisters already attending the school to which you are applying. The
Transfer Form contains a specific place for this information. You should also provide the names of any such
siblings on the form.
Whether the child is the eldest child, only child or the eldest boy/girl in the family.
Unregulated entrance test information should be recorded in the manner requested by the post-primary school
where applicable.
Whether your child is registered, with the ELB, as being entitled to Free School Meals.
The above items are only examples, it is therefore vital that you read very carefully this Transfer Booklet to ensure
that you understand what information is needed by all the schools you list and provide this information when
completing the Transfer Form.
Special Circumstances
Some schools which use academic performance as their first criterion may consider medical or other problems which
may have affected performance in any test and which are supported by independent documentary evidence of a
medical or other appropriate nature. These medical or other problems are commonly referred to as special
circumstances.
7

A parent/guardian who wishes to claim special circumstances should read very carefully the requirements set out in
the admissions criteria. This can differ from school to school so it is important to read the admissions criteria for all
schools to which application is to be made.
For further advice on special circumstances the parent/guardian needs to contact those schools using unregulated
entrance tests directly.
Special Provisions
Special provisions refer primarily to:
a) Pupils whose parents wish them to transfer from schools outside Northern Ireland; or
b) Pupils who have received more than half their primary education outside Northern Ireland.
However schools may use other definitions in their admissions criteria.
As in the case of ‘Special Circumstances’ parents/guardians of pupils who may come under special provision need to
contact those schools using unregulated entrance tests directly. The ELB Psychology Service will not be involved in
the assessment of these pupils.
Free School Meal Entitlement
The Department has recommended that schools use their admissions criteria to make sure that they admit a fair
number of children registered as entitled to Free School Meals.
To make this possible, the Transfer Form asks if your child is currently listed on the ELB register of children
entitled to Free School Meals.
If this applies to your child you should record this in the appropriate part of Section C on the Transfer Form.
Your claim of Free School Meals Entitlement registration will be checked.
What happens if:
My child only becomes registered as entitled to Free School Meals after I have completed their Transfer
Form In this case, you will have the opportunity to update this information by contacting your ELB Transfer
Office in writing up to and including Wednesday 14 May 2014 at 4.00pm.
Checking and Signing the Transfer Form
Before signing the Transfer Form, please note:
That you should check all the information carefully before signing the form. You should ensure that all
relevant information is provided when completing the Transfer Form to enable all the schools you have
listed as preferences to consider your child’s application. You and you alone are responsible for ensuring
that all relevant information is provided.
That if you do not provide relevant information you may reduce the chance of your child being
admitted to a school of your preference.
That it is also your responsibility to ensure that the information you provide is correct. Post-primary
schools may be required to verify information provided as part of your child’s application and information
found to be false can lead to non-admission.
The information that you provide on the form is covered by the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.
Your signature on the form is deemed to be an authorisation by you to allow the ELB to use the information
on the form for the purpose of processing your application.
The completed and signed Transfer Form should be passed by your child’s primary school to the ELB by 14 February
2014.
8

Change of Preference after Completion of the Transfer Form
Apart from those necessitated by exceptional circumstances, no changes of preference will be processed between
Thursday 6 March and Friday 23 May 2014 (inclusive). If you wish to change your preference because of exceptional
circumstances (e.g. a change of address which necessitates a change of preference), you must submit a request for a
change of preference along with verification of the exceptional circumstances by 4.00pm on Wednesday 14 May
2014, for approval by the Board. If approved, the Board will amend the original Transfer Form and send it to the new
preference school.
If your circumstances do change in a way that may be important for the transfer process, you should contact the ELB
Transfer Officer in writing to provide this new information. Contact details are included in this booklet. Wednesday
14 May 2014 at 4.00 pm is also the final date by which the Board will process any additional information or new
applications. After this date changes of preference in exceptional circumstances/additional information/new
applications will not be processed until after Friday 23 May 2014.
You should be aware that after Friday 23 May 2014 a number of schools will have allocated all their places and can
only give consideration to a change of preference in the event that a place becomes available. It is important that you
give very careful consideration to the stated order of preferences and indicate any changes to the ELB by 4.00pm on
Wednesday 5 March 2014.
10. ADMISSIONS TO SCHOOLS
The ELB will forward to each post-primary school all the Transfer Forms of pupils whose parent/guardian have
nominated that school as a first preference. The Transfer Forms of those not selected by the Board of Governors of a
school at first preference stage are returned and then forwarded by ELBs to the school of their second preference and
so on until a child has been selected by the Board of Governors of a school or all preferences have been exhausted.
Admissions are a matter for a school’s Board of Governors. Under the Open Enrolment Policy, post-primary schools
must admit all pupils who apply, subject to not exceeding an admissions number that will be determined by the
Department of Education.
When a school is over-subscribed, the pupils will be admitted on the basis of the school’s admissions criteria, drawn
up by the Board of Governors and published in this booklet.
Admissions criteria shall provide that all children resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission
must be selected for admission before any child not so resident may be selected.
11. PLACEMENT LETTERS
A letter will be posted to you by the ELB on Friday 23 May 2014 to tell you the outcome of your application. This
Placement Letter will tell you the post-primary school in which your child has been placed. Schools are not
permitted to tell you the outcome before this date.
What happens if my letter does not arrive on time
If you have not received your letter by 3.00 pm on Saturday 24 May 2014 you may contact the ELB by telephoning
028 9056 4080 between 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm. You should only contact the ELB on Saturday in the event that you
have not received a placement letter. ELB staff will be available to answer other Transfer related queries on Tuesday
27 May 2014.
What happens if my child does not get a place
If you receive a letter informing you that your child has not been placed you will be asked to nominate further
schools. A list of schools which still have places available will be enclosed with the letter.
9

12. APPEALS AGAINST SCHOOL PLACEMENT
Can I appeal if my child does not get a place in a school of my choice
If your child has not been accepted by a school of your preference you may appeal the decision of the Board of
Governors.
Independent tribunals will be established in each ELB area to consider appeals. These tribunals will decide on
whether or not a school has correctly applied its admissions criteria but will not be able to question the validity of the
admissions criteria themselves.
You will be advised of your right to appeal against Boards of Governors’ decisions at the time of notification of
school placement.
If you wish to appeal the decision of a Board of Governors in not accepting your child, you should notify in writing
the ELB in whose area the school you wish to appeal against is situated, by 4.00 pm Monday, 9 June 2014. If your
letter indicating your intention to appeal is not received by this date and time it will not be processed. Recorded
delivery is recommended.
An Appeal Form and details of the Appeals Procedure will be issued to you on receipt of your written intention to
appeal. The address of the Clerk is:-
The Clerk to the Tribunal
c/o The Belfast Education and Library Board
40 Academy Street
BELFAST BT1 2NQ
Telephone: (028) 9056 4080 Fax: (028) 9056 4370 E-mail: patricia.hughes@belb.co.uk
An Appeal Tribunal considers the evidence that was available to the Board of Governors of a school at the time it was
making its decision on admissions to the school.
An Appeal can only be upheld if a Tribunal finds that the admissions criteria were not applied or not correctly applied
and that if the admissions criteria had been correctly applied by the school, the child would have been admitted to the
school within the admissions number for the school.
If an Appeal Tribunal should find that a Board of Governors did not apply its admissions criteria correctly, and that
the child would have been admitted if it had, the Tribunal will award that child a place at the school concerned.
13. EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES
It may be that you believe your child needs to attend a particular post-primary school for reasons other than simply
because you prefer that post-primary school. There may be compelling and exceptional reasons why your child
should attend a specific post-primary school.
If you feel that this applies in your child’s case, you should note that:
The Placement Letter issued to you on Friday 23 May 2014 will tell you in which post-primary school your
child has been placed.
If this post-primary school is not the post-primary school that your child needs to attend for compelling and
exceptional reasons; then,
You will have the opportunity to apply to have your child’s case considered as part of an Exceptional
Circumstances process.
A claim of Exceptional Circumstances can only be considered after you have applied to the postprimary
school through the normal admissions process and been refused a place.
Claims for Exceptional Circumstances can be considered at the same time, though separately, from admissions
appeals.
Advice about how to obtain detailed information about the Exceptional Circumstances process, including how
to apply to have your case considered, will be included in the Placement Letter.
Further information is available at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/parents/schools-learning-anddevelopment/choosing-a-school/appealing-a-school-place-decision.htm
Waiting Lists – please refer to each individual school’s policy if you wish your child’s name to be placed on a
waiting list should a vacancy arise in an over-subscribed school after 23 May 2014.
10

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
NON FEE-PAYING PLACES
Pupils admitted to the secondary departments of grammar schools who reside in Northern Ireland, with their parents or
whose parents, though not resident in Northern Ireland, are nationals of an EU member State, will not have to pay
tuition fees. The admission of other pupils liable to pay fees will be a matter for individual schools to decide acting
within their admissions criteria and their admissions and enrolment numbers. The admission of pupils resident in the
Republic of Ireland will also be a matter for individual schools to decide upon but any such pupils admitted to a
grammar school will continue to be liable to pay tuition fees. Such pupils can only be considered for admission if
there are places available after all Northern Ireland pupils seeking places have been placed. However voluntary
schools are entitled to charge a capital fee.
1 TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Transport assistance is provided in line with policy laid down in the Department of Education Circular 1996/41 (as
amended 11/09/2009) to assist the attendance of pupils resident in Northern Ireland who attend a grant aided school.
The current policy for children starting a new school is that where there is a suitable school or schools within statutory
walking distance from the parent’s permanent home address, and a pupil attends a school outside statutory walking
distance, transport assistance will be provided only where the pupil has sought and been unable to gain a place in all
suitable schools within statutory walking distance, this means written application and evidence of refusal. In the case
of post-primary pupils, the statutory walking distance is 3 miles measured by the nearest available walking route.
At transfer the order in which the preference of schools is listed on the Transfer Form in February 2014 is the only
factor taken into consideration when transport applications are being assessed.
Suitable schools are defined with regard to transport assistance in the following categories.
(a)
(b)
For Secondary Schools:- Controlled, Maintained, Integrated or Irish Medium Schools.
For Grammar Schools:- Denominational or Non-Denominational Schools.
PUPIL’S GRADE
N.B Failure to apply to a suitable school or schools, which are within statutory walking distance, on the grounds that a
pupil’s grade/score in the unregulated entrance test may not be accepted by those schools automatically excludes that
pupil from transport assistance to a school which is over the statutory walking distance.
Subject Choice
The categories of schools do not extend to take account of the range or nature of curriculum provided.
SINGLE SEX OR CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOLS
Preference expressed on grounds of single sex or co-educational schools will not qualify for transport assistance if an
otherwise suitable school exists within 3 miles of the pupil’s home and the chosen school lies outside this limit.
CATEGORY B VOLUNTARY GRAMMAR SCHOOLS
Notwithstanding the above provisions, there is no obligation to seek a place in any Category B voluntary grammar
school within 3 miles of a pupil’s home. The Category B schools are Campbell College and Royal Belfast
Academical Institution. Pupils who live over 3 miles from these schools and wish to attend either must, however,
demonstrate that they were unable to gain a place in all non-denominational grammar schools within three miles of
their home if they are to qualify for transport assistance.
11

For eligible pupils attending mainstream schools transport assistance will be provided in the form of a sessional ticket
for travel by public transport.
It should be noted that the ELB does not have the power to:
(i)
(ii)
provide a service where none currently exists;
extend an existing service.
The ELB is not obliged to provide transport where the cost of so doing could be regarded as an unreasonable public
expenditure.
Please note that the rules governing eligibility for transport assistance may alter during your child’s time at
any particular school and this should be taken into consideration when choosing schools to list as preferences
on the Transfer Form.
TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE ON MEDICAL GROUNDS
Pupils who have medical problems will only receive transport assistance if they have fulfilled the provisions of the
current transport policy as outlined above.
Further details on the transport regulation will be given to parents before they make their preferences of schools.
Advice sheets will be available in all primary schools in the Belfast board area.
Anyone seeking guidance or detailed information about entitlement to travel assistance should contact the ELB’s
transport officer, telephone (028) 9056 4345/9056 4134.
For convenience, application forms for travel assistance are available in schools. Forms must be fully completed and
countersigned by the principal before being returned to the transport section for consideration. Application forms may
also be obtained from board headquarters.
ENTRANCE TESTS
Regardless of the fact that some grammar schools have chosen to set unregulated entrance tests as part of their
admissions criteria; the procedure for determining eligibility for transport assistance remains unchanged. Pupils must
attempt to seek admission to their nearest suitable category of school (within 3 miles) at the transfer application stage,
prior to making application to more distant schools. An unsuccessful application to an ‘unregulated entrance test’
school will be considered sufficient even when the applicant did not take the particular ‘unregulated entrance yest’.
2 UNIFORMS ALLOWANCE
All secondary schools require pupils to wear school uniform, the cost of which can vary greatly from school to school.
Grants in respect of the purchase of school uniform may be made to pupils in attendance at primary, secondary and
grammar schools but not nursery schools.
A pupil shall be entitled to School Uniform/Physical Education clothing where the parent/guardian is in receipt of:
- Income Support, or if a pupil claims Income Support in their own name or,
- Income-based Job Seekers Allowance,
- Employment and Support Allowance (Income Based) or if
- The parent/guardian receives Child Tax Credit; and have an annual taxable income of £16,190 or less; or
- Pension Credit (Income Guarantee); – Income Support paid to people who are of pension age; or
- He/She is a child of Asylum seekers supported by NASS in Northern Ireland.
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3 SCHOOL MEALS ENTITLEMENT
A pupil shall be entitled to Free School Meals if:
- the parent/guardian is in receipt of Income Support or Income-based Job Seekers; Employment & Support
Allowance (Income-based); or if a pupil claims Income Support in their own name; or if the parents receive Child
Tax Credit; and have an annual taxable income of £16,190 or less; or
- he/she is a statemented pupil and is designated to require a special diet; or,
- he/she is a boarder at a special school; or,
- he/she is a child of asylum seekers supported by NASS in Northern Ireland.
Note: At the time of going to press the information published was correct.
13

USEFUL ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Contact details for the Transfer Officers located within each ELB and for the Department of Education’s School
Access Team are provided below.
Belfast Education and Library Board
40 Academy Street
BELFAST
BT1 2NQ
Tel: 028 9056 4080
E-mail: patricia.hughes@belb.co.uk
www.belb.org.uk
Southern Education and Library Board
3 Charlemont Place
ARMAGH
BT61 9AZ
Tel: 028 3751 2200
E-mail: mairead.maguire@selb.org
www.selb.org
North-Eastern Education and Library Board
County Hall
182 Galgorm Road
BALLYMENA
BT42 1HN
Tel: 028 2566 2306
E-mail: maxine.harris@neelb.org.uk
www.neelb.org.uk
Western Education and Library Board
Campsie House
1 Hospital Road
OMAGH
BT79 0AW
Tel: 028 8241 1571
E-mail: liane.armstrong@welbni.org
www.welbni.org
South-Eastern Education and Library Board
Grahamsbridge Road
Dundonald
BELFAST
BT16 2HS
Tel: 028 9056 6200
E-mail: florence.mccaw@seelb.org.uk
www.seelb.org.uk
Department of Education
School Access Team
Rathgael House
Balloo Road
BANGOR
BT19 7PR
Tel: 028 9127 9326
E-Mail: schoolaccessteam@deni.gov.uk
www.deni.gov.uk
Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS)
160 High Street
Holywood
BELFAST
BT18 9HT
Tel: 028 9042 6792
E-mail: info.ccms@nics.gov.uk
14

AQUINAS DIOCESAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL
518 Ravenhill Road
Belfast BT6 0BY
Telephone No: 028 9064 3939
Fax No: 028 9069 3728
E-mail: info@aquinas.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.aquinasgrammar.com
Voluntary Grammar School
Co-Educational
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 810
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 110
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 770
Principal: Mr Barry Kelly BSc, PGCE, MEd, PQH(NI)
Chairman of the Board of Governors: The Most Reverend Donal McKeown
To Parents/Guardians naming Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School as a preference on your child’s Transfer Form.
Entrance Test Results
Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School intends to use the grade awarded to pupils completing the GL Entrance
Assessment on Saturday 16 th November 2013 or the supplementary GL Entrance Assessment on Saturday 7 th
December 2013 as specified by the school. Parents must record their child’s candidate number and test result in
section C of the Transfer Form and attach a copy of the statement of results received on Saturday 1 st February 2014.
Special Circumstances
Any parent/guardian claiming Special Circumstances must complete the document in the Claiming Special
Circumstances Pack available from Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School or from its website. This documentation,
Form SC1, together with the appropriate independent documentary evidence which corroborates the Special
Circumstances Claim, must be attached to the Transfer Form. Claims for Special Circumstances must have been
received by 2.00 pm on Friday 13 th December 2013 by the Assessment Centre at which the applicant took the GL
Entrance Assessment. Claims not registered within this period may not be considered.
Special Provision
For those pupils currently in P7 in Primary Schools in Northern Ireland, claims for Special Provision should be made
on Form SP1 and attached to the Transfer Form. Form SP1 is available from the school or its website. Parents
wishing to claim Special Provision should also forward a copy of Form SP1 directly to Aquinas Diocesan Grammar
School, by Wednesday 5 th March 2014. After this date, claims for Special Provision should be made directly to
Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School and the BELB Transfer Department notified.
Open Morning - Saturday 18 th January 2014
9.30am – 1:00pm
By invitation through Primary Schools and local press
Principal’s Address: 9.30am and 11.30am
Information on Applications and Admissions Grades may be accessed in the School Prospectus or on the school
website.
INTRODUCTION
Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School was established by the Diocese of Down and Connor as a co-educational Voluntary
Grammar School. The school is situated off the Ravenhill Road. The school motto “Veritas Liberabit” underpins the
whole school philosophy. The importance of truth, freedom, honesty, generosity, self-discipline and respect for others
permeates the atmosphere of the school.
Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School subscribes to and delivers the Northern Ireland Curriculum in KS3, seeking to
develop pupils in every respect. Learning for Life and Work is delivered in Key Stage Three and is also infused through
all the Learning Areas. Its three areas of Personal Development, Citizenship and Employability overarch the curriculum.
The cross-curricular skills of ICT, Using Mathematics and Communication are also facilitated, delivered and assessed
via the General Learning Areas.
The general learning areas are: English, Mathematics, Science, two languages from French, Irish or Spanish, History,
Geography, Drama, Physical Education, Home Economics, Religious Education, ICT, Music, Art and Technology.
Assessment for Learning is practised throughout the KS3 Curriculum and Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities are
delivered through the general subjects.
In KS4 Aquinas offers 24 subjects at GCSE, (16 General; 8 Applied) and fully meet the demands of the Entitlement
Framework. All KS4 pupils study Religious Studies, English, English Literature, Mathematics, a Modern Language and
either Double or Triple Award Science or a single Science chosen from Biology, Chemistry or Physics for GCSE as well
as taking a course in PE. Pupils also select subjects of their own choice from those studied at KS3 or from the new
subjects offered at KS4.
15

These subjects include Additional Mathematics, Business Studies, Information and Communication Technology, Moving
Image Arts and GCSE Physical Education. Pupils and parents are assisted in their choice by a programme of Careers
Education and an “Options Meeting” which is also held to provide even more support.
At ‘A’ Level 27 subjects are offered. Each student also follows a tutorial programme which provides courses in Religious
Studies, PE, Careers and Personal and Social Education. Lower Sixth students are also provided with opportunities to
engage in a number of enrichment activities such as our Community Link Programme which ranges from visits to
Nazareth Lodge Care Village to helping in local primary schools and in Glenveagh Special School.
In Aquinas, academic progress is considered of paramount importance, but the wider aspects of education are fostered
and developed. Music and Drama are promoted and pupils are also encouraged to participate in a wide range of
sporting activities. School sports include football, hockey, netball, tennis, Gaelic games, basketball, athletics, swimming
and rugby. Participation in these events ensures cross community links are fostered within the local and wider
community. Aquinas has already established links with schools in China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Spain and
USA. Every class has a form tutor who has special responsibility for the academic and pastoral needs of the individual
members of the class. The closest co-operation with parents is encouraged and meetings are held at appropriate times
to enable parents to consult with members of staff. Our strong pastoral care system motivates each pupil to develop
his/her full potential in an atmosphere of trust and encouragement. This is achieved with the support of a staff who
firmly believe that a pupil has a much better chance of reaching his/her full potential and developing his/her many
talents in a caring, supportive environment. In school expectations are high but achievable for each individual.
The admissions criteria for 2014 have been devised against the background of an unregulated transfer system. The
Board of Governors wishes to move beyond the present transfer system to a process that does not depend on testing.
The Board of Governors seeks a procedure which places greater emphasis on guided parental choice. In the context of
the Post-Primary Review the Board of Governors shall work with other schools towards achieving that objective as soon
as possible. In the interim, the Board of Governors supports the Northern Ireland Commission for Catholic Education’s
call for the Minister for Education and the political parties to come together and agree a regulated transfer procedure.
From September 1993 parents of all pupils admitted to Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School (except in the case of pupils
who are not resident in Northern Ireland and who are non E.C. nationals) have not been required to pay Tuition Fees. A
Voluntary Contribution (currently £130 per pupil for the eldest family member, then £100 for any additional child) is
requested.
The Board of Governors draws up the admissions criteria and delegates to an Admissions Sub-Committee, which
includes the Principal, the responsibility for applying these criteria. Any reference herein to the term the Board of
Governors includes any Committee or Sub-Committee appointed by the Board of Governors for the purposes of
applying the Admission criteria set out herein.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Please refer to GL Assessment Access Arrangements and Special Circumstances Policy documentation via our school
website or from the school office.
Aquinas will admit pupils in the order of the GL Assessment Grade which they obtain, subject only to the consideration
of medical or other problems which may have affected performance in the GL Assessment and which are supported by
documentary evidence of a medical or other appropriate nature. These ‘medical or other problems’ are commonly
referred to as “special circumstances”.
Any claim for Special Circumstances must be submitted on a Special Circumstances Claim Form available from the
school at which the applicant took the Assessment. Supporting evidence is not necessary at this stage but the reasons
for the claim and the applicant’s full name, address and date of birth must be included. As all applicants who sat the GL
Assessment have been informed claims for Special Circumstances must have been received by 2.00 pm on
Friday 13 th December 2013 by the Assessment Centre at which the applicant took the GL Entrance Assessment.
If a claim for the consideration of Special Circumstances is made in respect of matters for which Special
Access arrangements were granted for a child, the School Admissions Sub Committee will take into account
the fact that the child was granted Special Access arrangements for those matters.
Details of medical or other problems
Where it is claimed that the applicant’s performance in the Entrance Assessment has been affected by a medical or
other problem, independent evidence of its existence must be provided by the parent(s)/guardian(s) to the school when
completing the Transfer Form. (Refer to GL Assessment Access Arrangements and Special Circumstances Policy
Documentation for appropriate independent evidence). Where the problem is a medical one of short term duration which
affected the applicant only at the time of the Entrance Assessment the school will require the provision of evidence that
the applicant was examined by a medical practitioner in relation to the illness.
Where the problem is of a non-medical nature the parents should set out in the Transfer Form precise details of the
problem and append any appropriate evidence to corroborate its existence.
The Centre at which the applicant took the assessment should be named and a copy of the Special Circumstances
Form also attached.
16

Educational Evidence
Please note that sufficient documentary evidence must be provided by the parents/guardians and verified (by the
Primary School) to enable the Board of Governors to reach a decision.
The following information must be provided in relation to the applicant:
1] All the applicant’s school standardised test results in English and Mathematics from the beginning of the Key Stage
2 period.
a) All test results must be dated and verified by the Primary School.
b) Results from all tests should be accompanied by the name of the standardised test and the supplier of the test.
c) Results should include scores for English/Literacy and Mathematics/Numeracy.
d) Any other relevant material.
2] The Primary School’s comments on the pupils academic achievements in relation to the standardised tests taken
during Key Stage 2.
It is emphasised that the onus is on the parents/guardians to ensure that the above information is provided to
Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School. Failure to provide such information will result in the Board of Governors being
unable to consider the application for Special Circumstances. Parents have a right to obtain such information under the
Education (Pupil Reporting) Regulations (NI) 2009 and also the Data Protection Act at www.ico.gov.uk
Applicants considered under Special Circumstances will be judged on the evidence made available to the school and
awarded a grade accordingly.
Once a decision has been made the applicant will be considered alongside applicants within that grade.
The Board of Governors may request clarification from the parent/guardian as required.
SPECIAL PROVISION
Special provision will be made by the Board of Governors for applicants:
1. Moving or recently moved to Northern Ireland:
(a) whose parents/guardians wish them to transfer to post-primary schools from schools outside Northern Ireland; or
(b) who have received more than half of their primary education outside Northern Ireland; or
2. who through long term illness, unforeseen or serious medical or other problems, supported by independent
documentary evidence, and who were unable to sit the GL Entrance Assessment or the supplementary GL
Entrance Assessment.
Applicants, from 1a and 1b above who wish to apply under Special Provision do not need to take the GL Entrance
Assessment or the Supplementary Assessment unless their parents/guardians so wish, in which case the GL Entrance
Assessment grade obtained would also be considered.
The Board of Governors may request a suitably qualified person or body approved by the school, to make an
assessment of the applicant’s ability. The Board of Governors will then consider the assessment in relation to the
standard of applicants gaining admission to the school and a decision will be made as to whether or not to offer the
applicant a place based on such comparative assessment.
The Board of Governors, within the operation of its admission criteria, will decide whether these applicants should be
admitted on the basis that they fall within the ability range of other applicants being admitted in that year.
It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to provide precise reasons why the applicant did not take part in the
Entrance Assessment and to submit appropriate documentary evidence attached to the Transfer Form.
For those applicants currently in P7 in Primary Schools in Northern Ireland, claims for Special Provision should be made
on form SP1 and attached to the Transfer Form. The SP1 form is available from the school or its website.
Parents/guardians wishing to claim Special Provision should also forward a completed form of SP1 directly to Aquinas
Diocesan Grammar School by 2pm on Wednesday 5 th March 2014. After this date claims for Special Provision should
be made directly to Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School.
If a Parent or Legal Guardian claims that the applicant should be considered under this heading, the Board of
Governors shall consider all evidence submitted on behalf of the applicant and shall decide what grade should be
allocated to such an applicant. In the application of the Admissions Criteria those applicants will then be treated in the
same way as all other applicants who have received that grade.
17

Parents wishing to claim Special Provision should complete and return the appropriate form available from the School
stating the case for eligibility under this category by Wednesday 5 th March 2014. It is the responsibility of
parents/guardians to provide precise reasons why the applicant did not take part in the GL Assessment and to submit
appropriate documentary evidence.
Those applicants who have received their education outside Northern Ireland and are coming to Northern Ireland after
Wednesday 5 th March 2014 and whose parents wish them to transfer to Aquinas will be considered for placement in
Aquinas through Special Provision.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
Preference will be given to applicants resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission before any
applicant who is not resident in Northern Ireland.
In order to determine which pupils will be accepted into Year 8 the following criteria will be applied in the order set down:
(1)
(i) Priority will be given to those applicants who have been awarded a grade A under the GL Assessment or who
have been assigned a grade A after consideration of Special Circumstances or Special Provision application.
The school will award places on the basis of this grade.
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
Priority will be given to those applicants who have been awarded a grade B1 under the GL Assessment or
who have been assigned a grade B1 after consideration of Special Circumstances or Special Provision
application. The school will award places on the basis of this grade.
Priority will be given to those applicants who have been awarded a grade B2 under the GL Assessment or
who have been assigned a grade B2 after consideration of Special Circumstances or Special Provision
application. The school will award places on the basis of this grade.
Priority will be given to those applicants who have been awarded a grade C1 under the GL Assessment or
who have been assigned a grade C1 after consideration of Special Circumstances or Special Provision
application. The school will award places on the basis of this grade.
Priority will be given to those applicants who have been awarded a grade C2 under the GL Assessment or
who have been assigned a grade C2 after consideration of Special Circumstances or Special Provision
application. The school will award places on the basis of this grade.
Priority will be given to those applicants who have been awarded a grade D under the GL Assessment or who
have been assigned a grade D after consideration of Special Circumstances or Special Provision application.
The school will award places on the basis of this grade.
(2) In the event of there being more applicants in any grade than places available within each such grade, priority will
be given in descending order to those who indicate on the Transfer Form that they:
(i)
(ii)
have a sibling (past or present) in the school - a sibling is another child of the family who is or has been
enrolled in Aquinas (Please name the sibling);
are applicants who are the eldest child in the family or the eldest child at the date of application, eligible to
transfer to a mainstream Post-Primary school, or the only child. This is subject to satisfying verification
requirements as set out below:
The verifying letter must be attached to the Transfer Form and state that the child is the eldest and that the child
and family are known to the verifier. It must be written on headed notepaper and signed by one of the following who
is not a member of the applicant’s family:
a. a medical practitioner
b. a solicitor
c. a clergyman or equivalent
d. a primary school principal
(iii)
(iv)
are a son or daughter of a current permanent member of staff of Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School (Please
state name of staff member).
Priority will be given to applicants if they are enrolled pupils in the following feeder primary schools in no
specific order: St. Anne’s PS BT10 0NE; St Bernard’s PS, BT6 0JS; St Bride’s PS, BT9 6FP; Holy Rosary PS,
BT7 3DB; St Ita’s PS, BT8 6YY; St Joseph’s PS, BT8 8EX; St Malachy’s PS, BT7 2BJ; St Matthew’s PS, BT5
4EW; St Michael’s PS, BT6 0BW;
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(v)
Applicants will be selected if they are entitled to Free School Meals.
‘Entitled to Free School Meals’ will mean applicants who are listed on the Education and Library Board / ESA
register and who are entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their parent or guardian has signed
their post-primary Transfer Form.
Should family circumstances change after completion of the Transfer Form it is essential that parents /
guardians inform their Education and Library Board before 14 th May 2014.
(vi)
If it becomes necessary to make a final selection, in order to remain within the admissions number,
applicants will be ranked for acceptance on the basis of a computer-based process which will make use of
the names of applicants as shown on their Transfer Forms.
The process is carried out by means of a computer program which, for each applicant, generates a ranking
number using the details from the Transfer Form as the seed for a random number generator. The outcome,
for any given applicant, is dependent only on the applicant’s name (as written on the Transfer Form), and is
not affected by the details of any other applicant. Although the process is repeatable, and the results may
therefore be subsequently verified, it is not possible to predict, in advance of running the program, what the
result will be for any given set of details. Applicants with the lowest ranking numbers will be given places up to
the number of places available. This will be overseen by a member of the Board of Governors and an external
supervisor.
When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take
into account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. Parents should ensure that
all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated on the
Transfer Form or attached to it.
ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR ENTRY TO YEAR 8 FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE TRANSFER
PROCEDURE
Should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014 all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused,
new applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the
published criteria above will be applied. This waiting list will be in place until 30 June 2015. The school will
contact you in writing if your child gains a place in the school by this method.
Your child’s name will be automatically added to the list. Please contact the school if you wish for your
child’s name to be removed from the list.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 110 141 110
2012/13 110 171 112
2013/14 110 154 112
19

ASHFIELD BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL
Holywood Road
Belfast BT4 2LY
Telephone No: 028 9065 6812
Fax No: 028 9065 0757
E-mail: info@ashfieldboys.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.ashfieldboys.org.uk
Controlled School
Boys’ High
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 640
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 110
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 600
Principal: Mr J McColgan, MSc, BEd, DASE, PQH
Acting Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr T Haire
Open Evening - Tuesday 21 January 2014
7.00pm – 9.00pm (address 7.00pm)
Individual parents welcome by appointment at any time
INTRODUCTION
Ashfield Boys’ High School opened in September 1953. The Board of Governors, Principal and staff are dedicated to
ensuring that Ashfield Boys’ High School remains a central focal point, primarily, for the people of East / South
Belfast, Dundonald and North & Mid-Down. As an outstanding all-ability school we provide a high quality education for
all boys in the 11-18 age range. We strive to create a warm, welcoming, happy, safe, secure learning environment
based on excellence, equality, dignity and respect.
PASTORAL CARE
As a school we are proud of our excellent child-centred ‘Pastoral Care’ system where the boys are recognised as
individuals. We encourage our students to develop good relationships based upon respect, self-confidence, tolerance,
independence and responsibility. The broad aim of our pastoral system is to ensure that all boys benefit extensively
from their school experience. All teachers assist in the pastoral dimension of the school by providing the caring
supportive atmosphere for pupils and by being sensitive to the needs of each individual boy. Strong home / school
relationships along with effective communication and co-operation enable us to work together in the best interests of
the boys. A mentoring system has been established where Sixth Form students support Year 8 boys throughout their
first year helping them settle and adapt quickly to life in Ashfield Boys’.
CURRICULUM
We have high expectations of our boys both in terms of behaviour and attitude to work. We encourage all pupils to
maximise their potential academically, socially and personally. At Key Stage 3 pupils study subjects which meet the
requirements of the Northern Ireland curriculum. Boys are placed in classes with others of similar ability. This allows
them to progress at an appropriate pace with maximum opportunity for effective learning. After consultation between
parents, teachers and students all boys, at Key Stage 4, follow courses that lead to GCSE and or BTEC Level 2
qualifications.
SIXTH FORM
Our traditionally high attainment at GCSE has enabled the further development of our Sixth Form in terms of
resources, facilities and student numbers. Boys returning to study in Sixth Form are able to select from a broad
portfolio of courses leading to GCE ‘A’ Level and or BTEC Level 3 qualifications. We work closely with Ashfield Girls’
High School, other neighbouring schools and Regional Colleges to enhance opportunities and choices. Currently
there are over 130 boys in Sixth Form. Once again results in August 2013 were excellent. 100% of our Year 14 boys
achieved two or more ‘A’ levels, over 93% achieved three or more with almost 98% of the boys progressing onto
higher and or further education thus confirming the high quality Sixth Form education available in Ashfield Boys’.
EXTENDED CURRICULUM
On average we have 23 clubs running throughout the week and over holiday periods for pupils, families and members
of the community. We aim to provide a broad range of clubs and services free of charge for every pupil/parent, family
and members of the community. Some of the extended curriculum activities include: School Newspaper, Science
Club, App Design Club, Formula One Team, Photography, Moving Images, Film Club, Duke of Edinburgh Awards
Scheme, Fitness Clubs, Recycling Eco Club, Halloween, Easter and Summer Schemes. Sports include: Rugby,
Football, Hockey, Swimming, Athletics, Cross-Country, Golf, Table-Tennis and Badminton. The wider interests of boys
are also catered for through various field trips and educational residential excursions. Music tuition is available in
school from visiting peripatetic tutors.
20

ASSESSMENT AND LEARNING SUPPORT
Diagnostic tests, Midyis, Yellis and Alis data, along with teacher assessments inform us of how well each boy is
progressing. Formal assessments are carried out at four key times during the school year with each boy being tracked
against their personal targets in every subject. Parents are informed of how well their son is coping at all key dates. If
at any time we believe it is necessary for a student to receive extra learning support then this is organised by our
Learning Support Co-ordinator, and her specialist team. Some examples of the programmes available within the
Learning Support Department include: Literacy Support, Reading Support, Numeracy Support, Dyslexia Support,
Aspergers Support and Linguistic / Phonics Support.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
All pupils must wear full school uniform which consists of black blazer with school badge, white shirt, school tie, school
grey ‘V’ neck jumper, black school trousers and black shoes. A compulsory school PE Kit can be purchased from
Podium 4 Sport. Further information can be obtained by either calling personally to the school’s main office, visiting the
school website or by phoning and requesting a copy of the school prospectus and pupil information booklet.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO YEAR 8 IN SEPTEMBER 2014
The Board of Governors expects that all applicants for admission to Ashfield Boys’ High School will support the ethos
and principles of the school and that an application will indicate that parents agree to this precondition for entry.
The Board of Governors delegate to the Principal, or his nominee, those functions relating to the admission of pupils
Admissions Criteria - Criteria will be applied in the following order:
1. A boy whose parent / guardian has indicated a first or second preference for Ashfield Boys’ High School.
2. A boy who is resident in any of the following postal districts at the time of proposed admission: BT1; BT2; BT3;
BT4; BT5; BT6; BT7; BT8; BT9; BT16; BT18; BT19; BT20; BT21; BT22 and BT23.
3. A boy whose brother / half-brother attends or has attended Ashfield Boys’ High School.
4. A boy whose sister attends or has attended Ashfield Girls’ High School.
5. A boy whose father attended Ashfield Boys’ High School and or mother attended Ashfield Girls’ High School.
6. In the event of over-subscription after the application of criteria 1-5, then the final places will be selected on the
basis of who lives closest to the school. This will be determined by measuring from the boy’s house to the main
entrance of the school (Holywood Road). The measurement will be calculated by using the ‘Ordinance Survey
Digital Distance and Area Measurement Tool (Map Console)’.
Please note
Half-brothers will qualify for admission if they reside at the same address as the older sibling who attends or has
attended either school.
Priority will be given to children resident in Northern Ireland at the time of proposed admission.
When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take into
account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. Parents should ensure that all
information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated on the Transfer Form
or attached to it.
Duty to Verify
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or
verify information on any Transfer Form. The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide
information within the deadlines set by post-primary schools can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to
offer a place on the part of any school nominated on the applicant’s Transfer Form.
Waiting List Policy
Should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014 all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused,
new applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the
published criteria applied. This waiting list will be in place until 30 June 2015. The school will contact you in
writing if your child gains a place in the school by this method.
Your child’s name will be automatically added to the list. Please contact the school if you wish for your
child’s name to be removed from the list.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 110 130 110
2012/13 110 140 110
2013/14 110 128 110
21

ASHFIELD GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL
Holywood Road
Belfast BT4 2LY
Telephone No: 028 9047 1744
Fax No: 028 9067 2416
E-mail: info@ashgirls.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.ashgirls.org
Controlled School
Girls’ High
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 708
*Approved Admissions No for 2014: 113
*Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 660
Principal: Mrs A Mungavin BA Dip Ed PQH (NI)
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr Maurice Frew
Open Evening - Wednesday 22 nd January 2014
7.00pm – 9.00pm (Address by Principal: 7.15pm and 8.00pm)
By invitation through primary schools and local press or by appointment with the Principal
Ashfield Girls’ High School, established in 1952, provides a broad, balanced and challenging education for girls of
all abilities. The school acquired a new building in August 2009 providing one of the most innovative and exciting
designs for a school in NI. The school provides superb facilities including a dance studio, fitness suite, synthetic
hockey pitch, tennis courts and running track. The school offers a 21 st century education which provides independent
and engaged learners and a range of experiences that allow a pupil to develop intellectually, socially, emotionally,
physically, spiritually and morally. Our aim is to ensure every pupil achieves their true potential; experiences success
and fulfilment in their school life and is fully prepared for life beyond school.
The academic curriculum
The school curriculum provides GCSE study to the highest level of attainment in 24 subjects and in post-16 provision
for a range of subjects (26 at present and expanding every year) which lead to higher education and employment
opportunities. The school works closely with neighbouring schools and local colleges to enhance pupils’ choices and
opportunities. The sixth form experience is further enhanced by opportunities in sports leadership, the Living Law
programme and Leadership qualifications to widen their academic experiences. The school offers a significant variety
of educational visits to field centres and to places of educational, geographical, historical, and scientific interest. Work
experience and careers and employability courses are provided from Years 9 -14.
The school’s website and the school’s VLE provides support for subjects; pupils can access on-line information about
their subjects and courses; an out-of-hours resource which is designed to help each pupil achieve their full potential
and academic success.
Pastoral care
The pastoral care of the pupils is constantly reviewed and provides a system which offers pupils both substantial and
effective support and guidance in an atmosphere of trust and encouragement throughout their school career. We
have two School Councils: the first is made up of junior and senior pupils in years 8 -12 and the second, the Senior
Council, comprises senior prefects and a representative from all sixth form classes. All are elected by their peers (and
in senior Council by both staff and peers) to provide a pupil perspective to the school’s Senior Leadership team; and
which the team uses when constructing their strategic plan for the development of the school.
Extra-Curricular
The school has many successes in the extra-curricular field and in activities which support the needs of the pupils.
The Performing Arts field has produced the Rock Challenge Team which has won the Northern Ireland event many
times and has been the North of England event winner three times. Extra–curricular Clubs and societies play an
important part in the life of the school and a number of flourishing clubs take place each week and includes such clubs
as: Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, Eco club, a range of sports activities to name but a few. School life is further
enhanced through the support and involvement of the thriving and vibrant Parents and Friends of Ashfield. The school
considers the link with parents and home as a vital component in their daughter’s success and enjoyment of school
life.
ICT Specialism and Community involvement
The school has superb ICT facilities throughout the building, which allows every pupil access to a wide range of
technology. This commitment to ICT is reflected in the achievement of both the NAACE ICT mark and the 3rd
Millennium Award for quality use of ICT. The school has invested in a new VLE to enhance teaching and learning and
which will eventually enable parental access to information about their child’s progress. The school holds ICT
Specialist status and this status has been further enhanced by achieving both Pathfinder and Mentor Awards, one of
only 13 schools world wide to achieve these awards, which are Microsoft’s highest accolades in education. The
school has a presence on the World Wide Web and has established links with schools in Uganda, in New Zealand, in
England and, most recently, India. The school has built a sister school in Uganda which opened in September 2009
and which we continue to support by supplying essential equipment and other resources. The school also supports
the TEN Foundation in the Philippines, building orphanages for impoverished children. Ashfield Girls’ has a well
established presence in the local community providing help for local partnerships, churches, charities and linking with
over 22 feeder primary schools and several businesses in Greater East Belfast. We have also achieved Investors in
People Bronze status, reflecting the school’s commitment to all its stakeholders.
22

Uniform
School uniform is compulsory and worn by all pupils. It consists of a blue blazer with school badge, regulation pleated
skirt, white blouse and school tie or checked open neck blouse, pullover, black tights and flat, black shoes. Full details
are available in the school prospectus, which is available on request.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO FORM 1 (YEAR 8) IN SEPTEMBER 2014
The Board of Governors delegates to the Principal the responsibility of applying the criteria in the selection of Year 8
pupils, such selection to be approved by the Board of Governors. Where the number of applications for admission to
the school exceeds the admission number, the following criteria shall apply in the order set down.
1 A girl whose sister attends or has attended Ashfield Girls’ High School. (This must be indicated on
the Transfer Form noting the name of sister and dates of attendance).
2 A girl whose brother attends or has attended Ashfield Boys’ High School. (This must be indicated on
the Transfer Form noting name of brother and dates of attendance).
3 A girl who is the first in the family to transfer to a non-selective secondary school. (This must be
indicated on the Transfer Form)
4 A girl who lives closest to the main entrance of the school (Holywood Road), as determined by a
straight line measurement on an Ordnance Survey Map.
5 A girl whose mother has attended Ashfield Girls’ High School. (This must be indicated on the Transfer
Form noting name of mother and dates of attendance. (Please indicate mother’s maiden name).
6 A girl who has a parent, guardian, sister or brother permanently employed by either school. (The name
of the employee must be indicated on the Transfer Form)
7 A girl whose father has attended Ashfield Boys’ High School. (This must be indicated on the
Transfer Form noting name of father and dates of attendance).
This criterion will also be used to rank applicants if the school is over-subscribed at an earlier stage in the
selection process.
Please note:
- Half sisters will qualify for admission if they reside at the same address as the older siblings who attend or have
attended either school.
- Priority will be given to children resident in Northern Ireland, at the time of the proposed admission.
- When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take into
account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. Parents should ensure that all
information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated on the Transfer Form
or attached to it.
Duty to Verify
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or
verify information on any Transfer Form. The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide
information within the deadlines set by post-primary schools can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to
offer a place on the part of any school nominated on the applicant’s Transfer Form.
Waiting List Policy
Should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014 all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused,
new applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the
published criteria applied. This waiting list will be in place until 30 June 2015. The school will contact you in
writing if your child gains a place in the school by this method.
Your child’s name will be automatically added to the list. Please contact the school if you wish your child’s
name to be removed from the list.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 113 136 113
2012/13 113 130 113
2013/14 113 130 113
23

BELFAST BOYS’ MODEL SCHOOL
Ballysillan Road
Belfast BT14 6RB
Telephone No: 028 9039 1156
Fax No: 028 9071 3048
E-mail: info@bbms.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.bbms.org.uk
Controlled School
Boys’ Secondary
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 926
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 151
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 905
Acting Principal: Mr R A Logan B Sc PGCE PQH NI
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr Edwin McMurran
Open Evening - Thursday 16 th January 2014
(Address by the Principal 7.05pm)
7.00-9.30pm
Belfast Boys’ Model School traces its origins back to 1857. We seek to provide a nurturing environment based on
positive relationships and mutual respect which supports, guides and inspires our pupils in their pursuit of success
and happiness. Our aim it to develop confident, independent learners who fulfil their potential and become
responsible citizens.
Accommodation
The school occupies a superb new building which includes extensive suites for practical subjects. There are fully
integrated IT resources in every classroom and we have outstanding indoor and outdoor provision for developing
sports and fitness. These facilities, along with other enhanced accommodation such as a Performing Arts Theatre
and a Construction Workshop, are available for community use during the evenings and weekends.
Learning and Teaching
We aim to provide quality teaching and learning in the pursuit of academic excellence. Meaningful homework is
integral to the school curriculum, enabling pupils to develop the skills necessary for independent learning.
Curriculum
The N.I. Curriculum is being delivered and provides pupils with an enjoyable and relevant curriculum.
All pupils follow a balanced and relevant course of education which develops individual strengths and interests. We
place pupils in groups of an appropriate size, consistent with their ability profile. Pupils with Special Educational
Needs receive support from specialist teachers who provide appropriate teaching and learning to develop every
child’s potential.
Key Stage 3
Pupils study a range of subjects from the following general learning areas: The Arts, English, Environment and
Society, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Physical Education, Science and Technology and Religious Education. In
addition, pupils study Learning for Life and Work which includes Citizenship, Home Economics, Employability and
Personal Development.
Key Stage 4
We offer pupils a broad range of courses leading to GCSE or equivalent qualifications. Courses on offer include
English, English Literature, Mathematics, Science, Additional Science, Geography, History, ICT, Technology and
Design, Art and Design, Creative Crafts, Music, Performance Skills, Religious Education, Drama, Media Studies,
Physical Education, Learning for Life and Work, Public Services, Occupational Studies (Business and Services,,
Technology and Innovation, Creative Craft, Design and Creativity, Environment and Society)
Post – 16
We have a comprehensive range of GCE Advanced Level and equivalent courses within our Post-16 consortium with
Belfast Model School for Girls. Advanced Level courses are offered in – Mathematics, Applied Science, History,
Government and Politics, Art and Design, English Literature, Sociology, Technology and Design, Engineering, Travel
and Tourism, Public Services, Music Technology, Moving Image Arts, Performing Arts, ICT, Business Studies,
Geography, Sports Studies, Media Studies, Religious Education, Performing Arts and French.
Extra–Curricular Activities
Study visits, residentials and educational trips are recognised to be of real value and are organised by a competent
and willing staff. All major sports are available and the school has an impressive history of success in interschool
competitions. Over thirty wide-ranging clubs and societies exist to enrich the pupils’ experience and participation is
recognised in the school’s rewards system.
Pastoral Care
A caring environment permeates all aspects of school life and we value close links between school and home. All Yr 8
pupils benefit from an Induction Programme which assists the successful transition from Primary School. This is part
of an effective integrated guidance system which exists to support all pupils within the school.
24

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance
Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Post -16 courses are supported by a comprehensive programme of activities which
include Year 10 interviews, specialist workshops, work experience, enterprise workshops, preparation for university
and preparation for job seeking.
Community Support
Being a Full Service Extended School, we have used additional funding to provide opportunities for boys to broaden
their experience in areas such as sport, personal development and health awareness. We also have close
associations with many statutory and voluntary organisations. These allow boys and their families easy access to
support services with a view to maximising each boy’s chance of a happy and successful school career.
Transport and School Meals
The school is fortunate in being on the main bus routes and is also well served by ‘special school buses’ from the
Shankill, Glencairn, Ballygomartin, Glengormley, Shore Road and Newtownabbey areas.
The new Dining Centre is available to pupils for breakfast, break and lunch and offers an appealing range of food.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO YEAR 8 IN SEPTEMBER 2014
The Board of Governors expects that all applicants for admission to the Belfast Boys’ Model school will support the
ethos of the school as outlined in the Prospectus and that an application will indicate that parents agree to this
precondition for entry.
The Board of Governors delegate to the Headmaster, or his nominee, those functions relating to the
admission of pupils. Admissions Criteria will be applied in the following order.
1 A boy whose brother attends or has attended Belfast Boys’ Model School. 1
(This must be indicated on the Transfer Form noting name of brother and dates of attendance).
2 A boy whose sister attends or has attended Belfast Model School for Girls. 1
(This must be indicated on the Transfer Form noting name of sister and dates of attendance).
3 A boy who is the first child in the family to transfer to a secondary (non grammar) school. 1
(This must be indicated on the Transfer Form).
4 A boy whose father has attended the Belfast Boys’ Model School.
(This must be indicated on the Transfer Form noting name of father and dates of attendance).
5 A boy who is entitled to Free School Meals 2
(This must be indicated on the Transfer Form).
6 In the event of us still not reaching our quota after the application of criteria 1–5, then the final place(s) will be
offered to those applicant(s) who live closest to the main entrance to the school (Ballysillan Road). In order to
ensure accuracy and impartiality, this information will be provided by the Northern Ireland Ordnance
Survey Office.
7 In the event of applicants still tying, boys will be selected for admission of the basis of initial letter of surname
(as entered on Birth Certificate) in the order set out below:
C E B Y K T V S L Mac Z Q O G N A Mc I X F P R W D U J H M
This order was determined by a randomised selection of the letters of the alphabet.
In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter the subsequent letters of the surname will be
used in alphabetical order. In the event of two identical surnames the alphabetical order of the initials of the
forenames will be used.
NB All relevant information relating to Criteria 1–5 MUST be included on the Transfer Form or else it cannot be taken
into consideration.
1 The definition of ‘child of the family’ covers those children being cared for in the same household by the same
parents/carers. Brother/sister is considered to be a child of the family.
2 ‘entitled to Free School Meals’ will mean applicants who are listed on the Education and Library Board / ESA
register as entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their parent or guardian has signed their post-primary
Transfer Form.
Should family circumstances change after completion of the Transfer Form, it is essential that the parents/guardians
inform the Transfer/Open Enrolment office before 14 th May 2014.
25

Waiting List Policy
Should a vacancy arise after the issue of placement letters from Belfast Education and Library Board on 23 May
2014, all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused along with new applications and
applications where new information has been provided, will be treated equally and the published criteria applied.
This waiting list will be in place until the 1 st September 2014.
If parents/guardians wish to have their son’s name remain on the waiting list, beyond this date, they should inform
the school in writing. This waiting list will be in place until 30 th June 2015
The school will contact you in writing if your son gains a place by this method.
Please contact the school should you wish to have your son’s name removed from the list.
Duty to verify
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or
verify information on any Transfer Form. The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide
information within the deadlines set by post-primary schools can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to
offer a place on the part of any school nominated on the applicant’s Transfer Form.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 154 156 154
2012/13 151 141 141
2013/14 151 161 151
26

BELFAST MODEL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
35 Dunowen Gardens
Belfast BT14 6NQ
Telephone No: 028 9071 8111
Fax No: 028 9071 4448
E-mail: info@girlsmodel.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.belfastgms.org
Controlled School
Girls’ Secondary
Age Range: 11-19
Enrolment September 2013: 904
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 160
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 950
Specialist School for ICT
Principal: Mr J Graham OBE MSc, BSc (Econ) Hons, DipEd, Dip G&C, PQH (NI)
Chairperson of the Board of Governors: Mrs Jacqueline Weir
Open Evening – Monday 13 th January 2014
7.00pm – 9.30pm
Address by Principal at 7.05 pm
Or by appointment with the Principal
INTRODUCTION
The Belfast Model School for Girls was founded in 1954; it caters for pupils of all abilities, aged 11-19 years, drawn
from a wide catchment area. In June 2006 the school was awarded Specialist School Status for Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) and was re-designated Investor in People in June 2010 and also received the
International School Award. The school achieved the BECTA ICT Kite Mark in 2009 and received the BECTA ICT
Excellence Award (for the best whole school in ICT in Northern Ireland) in 2010. The aim of the school is to develop
the personal, social, academic and vocational talents of each pupil. This is achieved by the provision of a broad and
balanced curriculum, effective teaching strategies, a strong pastoral care system, appropriate careers guidance and
the availability of a wide range of extra curricular activities.
CURRICULUM
Key Stage 3
All pupils follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
Key Stage 4
An increasingly wide range of GCSE subjects is available and all pupils are entered for public examinations. The
subjects we offer are English, English Literature, Mathematics, Science (Single and Double Award), Religious
Education, Physical Education, Geography, History, Art and Design, Child Development, French or Spanish, Travel
and Tourism, Music, Sociology, Business and Communication Systems, Business, Information Technology,
Technology, Occupational Studies, Drama, and Performing Arts.
Post 16
Pupils return to Sixth Form to study GCE AS/A2 level, BTEC or other vocational courses. At present pupils can
choose from a wide range of AS/A level subjects including Applied Science (Step Up Programme) in partnership
with the University of Ulster. We also offer level 2/3 CACHE courses in Childcare, Level 2 Business Administration
and Level 3 BTECs in Travel and Tourism and Business. In order to broaden the range of post-16 options, a link
operates with the Boys’ Model School and with other schools in the North Belfast Area Learning Community. The
post-16 curriculum is enriched by CEIAG as well as other optional activities including Student Voice,Young
Enterprise, Personal Effectiveness, paired reading and sports awards.
Pupils throughout the school undertake courses in Learning for Life and Work, Religious Studies and Physical
Education.
Extra–Curricular Activities
The School encourages participation in extra-curricular activities and offers a wide range of sporting activities,
choirs and orchestras, drama, dance, computer club and scripture union. There are school buses available 3 days
per week for girls who are participating in after school activities. The Girls’ Model Sport programme is in operation
and facilitates links with primary schools in the local area. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme operates in
school and several girls have received the Gold Award.
Pastoral Care
The Pastoral Care team is led by the Vice-Principal (Pastoral) and includes Form Tutors and Heads of Year.
Full Service Extended School
We are now a Full Service Extended School (FSES) which includes Parental links, Learning Support, Pastoral
Care and Community Liaison. Through the FSES we have employed 2 Transition Teachers and an Attendance
Co-ordinator.
27

A full time School Counsellor provides individual and group support for pupils.
A Learning Support Unit provides appropriate support for literacy and numeracy.
Facilities
Our new school opened in January, 2010 and has a wide range of facilities which greatly benefit both our students
and the wider community. These facilities include a large Performing Arts theatre, a Music wing with a dedicated
ICT room, recording studio and rehearsal rooms, while in relation to our ICT excellence, we have 12 ICT rooms. In
addition we have first class PE facilities, both inside and out, comprising of 800 square metre Sports Hall,
Gymnasium, Multi purpose Hall, Dance Studio, Fitness Suite, and a “tartan” all weather sports field including two
hockey pitches, athletics track and four netball/tennis courts.
There is also a community wing, which includes an Electronic Village Hall, a professional standard Hair and Beauty
salon, Health Advice suite and an Early Years centre.
Transport
Our school is well served by the main bus routes in North Belfast and also school special buses, which provide an
excellent service to such areas as the Shankill, Ballygomartin, Glencairn, Shore Road, Glengormley, Carnmoney,
Mossley, Rathcoole and Doagh Road Newtownabbey. Public transport is also available from South Belfast.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO FORM 1 (YEAR 8) IN SEPTEMBER 2014
The Board of Governors expects that all applicants for admission to the Girls’ Model School will support the ethos of
the school as outlined in the Prospectus.
The Board of Governors delegate to the Principal and/or the Vice-Principals those functions relating to the admission
of pupils.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA – Criteria will be applied in the following order
1. A girl who, at the date of their application, has a sister (child of the family*) who attends or has attended the Girls’
Model School.
(The name and dates of attendance must be indicated on the Transfer Form)
2. A girl who, at the date of their application, has a brother (child of the family*) who attends or has attended the
Boys’ Model School.
(The name and dates of attendance must be indicated on the Transfer Form)
‘Child of the family’ Covers
A child born to a married couple;
A child born to a co-habiting couple;
A child of either of those people by a previous marriage or relationship;
A child living with same sex partners whether there is a Civil Partnership under the Civil Partnership Act
2004 or not;
An adopted or fostered child.
3. A girl who is the first child in the family to transfer to a mainstream secondary (non-grammar) school.
(The relevant information must be indicated on the Transfer Form)
4. A girl who is entitled to ‘Free School Meals’ will mean applicants who are listed on the Education and Library
Board/ESA register as entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their parent or guardian has signed
their post-primary Transfer Form. Should family circumstances change after completion of the Transfer Form it is
essential that the parents/guardians inform the Transfer/Open Enrolment office before 14 May 2014.
5. A girl whose mother has attended the Girls’ Model School.
(The name and dates of attendance must be indicated on the Transfer Form)
6. Those applicants for whom Belfast Model School for Girls is the closest school.
7 If the number of applicants in any of the above groups within each category exceeds the remaining number of
places available, the applicants will be further ranked for acceptance on the basis of a computerised random
selection process which will have the names and dates of birth of the applicants as shown on their Transfer
Form.
Please note: when considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will
only take into account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. Parents should
ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria (1-7
above) is stated on the Transfer Form or attached to it.
Waiting List Policy
Should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014 all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused,
new applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the
published criteria applied. This waiting list will be in place until June 2015. The school will contact you in
writing if your child gains a place in the school by this method. Your child’s name will be automatically
added to the list. Please contact the school if you wish for your child’s name to be removed from the list.
28

Duty to verify
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or
verify information on any Transfer Form. The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide
information within the deadlines set by post-primary schools can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to
offer a place on the part of any school nominated on the applicant’s Transfer Form.
Applications and Admissions
Year
Admissions No
Total Applications
All Preferences
Total Admission
2011/12 160 137 137
2012/13 160 157 157
2013/14 160 121 121
29

BELFAST ROYAL ACADEMY
Cliftonville Road
Belfast BT14 6JL
Telephone No: 028 9074 0423
Fax No: 028 9075 0607
E-mail: enquiries@bfsra.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Website: www.belfastroyalacademy.com
Headmaster: J M G Dickson MA
Warden: Mr N Beggs
Voluntary Grammar School
Co-Educational
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 1410
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 200
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 1410
Capital Fee: £140pa
To Parents/Guardians naming Belfast Royal Academy as a preference on your child’s Transfer Form.
Entrance Test Results
The Board of Governors of Belfast Royal Academy will use the score obtained in the AQE Common Entrance
Assessment, as defined in paragraph 3 of the criteria, to select applicants applying for entry to Form 1 (Year 8) in
2014.
Please ensure that you provide the following information on Section C of your child’s Transfer Form:
your child’s score in the Association for Quality Education (“AQE”) Common Entrance Assessment (“CEA”)
which should be entered, along with the AQE Candidate Number, in the following format: ‘AQE CEA score’,
followed by the score with the AQE Candidate Number in brackets. It is the responsibility of
parents/guardians to make sure that the original notification received from AQE indicating their
child’s AQE CEA score is attached to the Transfer Form.
Special Cases (also known as Special Circumstances and Special Provision)
If you are making a claim under the School’s Special Cases Procedure you should consult the information given in
the “Special Cases” section below.
OPEN EVENINGS –
Wednesday 8 th January 2014
6.45pm-9.00pm (viewing of facilities)
(7.00pm & 8.00pm talks to parents and children by Headmaster in the Assembly Hall)
Thursday 9 th January 2014
6.45pm-9.00pm (viewing of facilities)
(7.00pm & 8.00pm talks to parents and children by Headmaster in the Assembly Hall)
INTRODUCTION
The oldest school in the city, founded in 1785, the Belfast Royal Academy is a non-denominational school with 1410
pupils, more than 350 of whom are in the Sixth Forms. Almost all the classrooms are in up-to-date accommodation
and include fifteen modern science laboratories, an Art and Design suite, and a purpose-built Technology Block.
There are now nine computer suites in the school, along with other extensive ICT facilities. Three lifts were installed
in 2005 and a further two lifts in 2010.
The work of junior and middle Forms is directed towards the GCSE examinations, with a minimum of specialisation,
all the usual subjects being provided and close attention being given to the requirements of the universities and
professions. ICT is provided throughout the school as a discrete subject.
All the courses of study available as pupils move up the school are distinctly academic in content and bias; pupils for
whom such courses would not be suitable are strongly discouraged from seeking admission.
In the Sixth Forms GCE AS and A2 courses are available in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry,
Biology, Geography, English Language, English Literature, French, German, Spanish, Latin, Classical Civilisation,
Modern History, Economics, Business Studies, ICT, Moving Image Art, Political Studies, Art, Music, Home
Economics, Sociology, Technology, Religious Education, Theatre Studies and Physical Education. Usually 95% of
the Sixth Formers go on to higher or further education in universities and colleges throughout the United Kingdom.
Pupils are prepared for entrance to Oxford and Cambridge in all the main subjects.
The normal school day is from 8.40 am to 3.20 pm, with 45 minutes for lunch. Homework may take up to two hours
each evening for more junior pupils and longer for those in Senior Forms.
The principal games are rugby football, cricket, cross-country running, hockey, swimming, athletics, tennis and
badminton. Showjumping, golf, shooting, sailing, netball, basketball and association football are also available for
some pupils. There is a 25-metre indoor heated swimming pool (with opportunities for instruction in life-saving and
water-polo) and a Sports Hall was opened in the bicentenary year. A fitness suite was added in 2004.
30

There are several choirs and instrumental groups, a big band, a traditional music group, a swing band, a chamber
orchestra, a concert band and a full orchestra: individual tuition in all orchestral instruments is available. School
organisations include societies for music, electronics, robotics, amateur radio, debating, science, acting, photography,
bridge and chess, an Air Training Corps, a Christian Union, a Community Service Group and the Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award Scheme. There are almost 80 different clubs and societies, including a School and Pupil Council.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO FORM 1 (YEAR 8) IN SEPTEMBER 2014
1 The Board of Governors has resolved to maintain its practice of delegating to the Headmaster certain functions
and responsibilities in relation to the admission of pupils to Belfast Royal Academy. The Board of Governors
nominate a sub-committee to consider all Special Cases.
2. The Board of Governors will not use as a criterion the position of preference given to the school by the applicant
on the Transfer Form. Therefore, an applicant who has listed Belfast Royal Academy as a second or
subsequent preference school will be considered in the same way as those who have placed this school first on
the list, where the applicant does not secure admission to his/her first preference school.
3. In the selection of applicants for admission to Belfast Royal Academy, the Board of Governors will apply the
following criteria, subject to the overriding criterion that priority will be given to pupils normally resident in
Northern Ireland. In these criteria:
“Common Entrance Assessment”
“qualifying group”
“score”
“entitled to free school meals”
means the assessment conducted by the AQE Limited in the final
two months of the calendar year prior to the year of entry.
means the group consisting of those candidates who participated in
the Common Entrance Assessment.
means the age-adjusted standard score in the Common
Entrance Assessment (CEA) issued by AQE Limited (as varied in the
event of a successful claim for Special Cases).
means applicants who are listed on the Education and Library
Board/ESA register as entitled to Free School Meals at the date on
which their parent or guardian has signed their post-primary Transfer
Form, or at any date up to and including 14 th May 2014.
4. Admission to the School will be governed by the application of the following criteria, in the order set down.
(a) First, the School will admit applicants in the qualifying group in accordance with the rank order of the score
obtained by them in the Common Entrance Assessment, so that the applicant with the highest score in the
Common Entrance Assessment will be admitted first, the applicant with the next highest score in the Common
Entrance Assessment will be admitted second, and so on until all the available places are allocated or until the
qualifying group has been exhausted and there are places remaining.
(b)
Where a decision must be made for the final place between more than one candidate in the qualifying group
with the same score or where there are places remaining, priority will be assigned in the following order:
i. pupils currently enrolled in the Preparatory Department of Belfast Royal Academy;
ii. those with a sibling currently in attendance at Belfast Royal Academy;
iii. those with a sibling who has been a pupil at Belfast Royal Academy;
iv. children who are entitled to Free School Meals;
v. those whose parent(s) has/have been a pupil/ pupils;
vi. those who are the first or only child in a family or a twin*;
vii. those who are the first boy or first girl in a family*;
*This is subject to satisfying verification requirements as set out below:
The verifying letter must state that the child is the eldest/first boy/first girl and that the child and family are
known to the verifier. It must be written on headed notepaper and signed by one of the following who is not a
member of the applicant’s family:
a a medical practitioner c a clergyman or equivalent
b a solicitor d a primary school principal
(c)
In the event of a tie for a remaining place or places, which is not resolved by the application of the criteria
above, further selection will occur on the basis of a computerised random selection process.
These criteria will apply throughout the academic year 2014/15.
31

Special Cases
There will be a mechanism by which parents who wish to do so may request the Board of Governors to make
allowance for Special Cases (under the processes pertaining under the former 11+, these were dealt with either as
“Special Circumstances” or “Special Provisions”).
Special access arrangements are available for those who require special facilities whilst sitting the Common Entrance
Assessment. Where special access arrangements have been granted by AQE, or where they could have been
granted but were not applied for, it will be extremely rare for the same matter, which did or could have given rise to
special access arrangements, to also require a candidate’s circumstances to be treated as a Special Case.
The Special Cases procedure allows the Board of Governors, at its discretion, to confirm, adjust or award a score
after the Common Entrance Assessment has taken place as follows:
CASE A
Candidates who have taken at least two Common Entrance Assessment papers, whose parents wish to claim
that they have underperformed due to circumstances beyond their control. This would apply to:
Candidates who have been ill during the Common Entrance Assessment or who had suffered an upset;
Candidates who have had more than half of their education outside Northern Ireland.
CASE B
Candidates who have been unable to take at least two Common Entrance Assessment papers due to
circumstances beyond their control.
Candidates who have been ill or incapacitated during the entire time when the Common Entrance
Assessment papers were being taken.
CASE C
Applicants who have not taken the Common Entrance Assessment papers due to circumstances beyond their
control, where they are:
Applicants whose families have arrived in Northern Ireland too late to register for the Common Entrance
Assessment but before the 14 th May 2014.
Applicants whose families are living outside Northern Ireland and who are completing a Transfer Form
from abroad before the 14 th May 2014 with the intention of returning to Northern Ireland for the start of
their children’s post-primary education.
NOTE: Priority will be given to children resident in NI at the time of their proposed admission.
CASE D
Applicants whose families have arrived in Northern Ireland after the closing date for completion of the Transfer
Form (14 th May 2014) but before the start of the child’s first year of post-primary education and who have not
completed a Transfer Form from abroad.
There may be other circumstances not included in the cases identified above, which, exceptionally, the Board of
Governors would see fit, in their discretion, to consider as a special case. However, such cases are likely to be
rare.
It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to provide the information required by the Board of Governors to make an
informed decision about a Special Case. Failure to provide sufficient information will adversely affect the ability of the
Board to assess your application.
For applicants described in Cases A and B above, the process is as follows:
1. Parents/guardians should obtain independent verification of circumstances which may have affected their child’s
performance or prevented him/her from sitting a Common Entrance Assessment paper.
i. Where the problem is a medical one of short term duration which affected the applicant only at the time of any
of the assessments making up the Common Entrance Assessment, parents or guardians should provide
evidence that the applicant was examined by a medical practitioner in relation to the illness at the time the
illness occurred.
ii. Where the problem is a medical one which prevented the applicant from taking at least two of the papers
making up the Common Entrance Assessment, parents or guardians must forward to the School evidence
that the applicant was examined by a medical practitioner in relation to the illness, who has certified that, by
reason of such illness, the applicant was unable to sit at least two papers.
iii. Where the problem or circumstance is of a non-medical nature, parents or guardians should provide precise
details of the problem and append any appropriate credible evidence to corroborate its existence.
2. You should collect the evidence described above at an early stage and hold it until after the Common Entrance
Assessment score is sent to you on 1 February 2014. If you consider that a Special Case application is
appropriate for your child, you should contact the school General Office or the AQE Limited Office to request
Form SC13.
32

3. It is your responsibility to ensure that Form SC13 is properly completed and to collect the evidence requested
therein to support the application.
4. You should complete Section A of Form SC13, which provides details of your claim for Special Cases and a
summary list of evidence attached (medical, educational or other independent evidence) in support of the claim.
5. Educational evidence to support your application should normally be obtained from your child’s primary school
principal.
You should detach Section B of Form SC13 and give it to your child’s primary school principal for completion. If
there is insufficient space on the SC13 form to include all appropriate information available, an additional sheet or
sheets should be attached.
The following are examples of the type of educational evidence considered appropriate:
i. your child’s performance in English (or Irish in Irish-medium schools) and Mathematics in standardised tests.
ii. your child’s relative performance in English (or Irish in Irish-medium schools) and Mathematics in relation to
other pupils in his/her class. This could take the form of results in internal school tests, transfer practice
papers and standardised tests from the beginning of KS2 compared to the results for the same tests of all
other unnamed members of the P7 class.
The Board of Governors concurs with advice given by the Department of Education that results obtained in InCAS
tests should not be used for selection purposes as these tests are not considered appropriate for this purpose.
The Board of Governors will not therefore accept the results obtained in InCAS tests as educational evidence.
The Board of Governors will consider a report from an educational psychologist, provided by you, if you wish to
submit one.
6. When you complete the Transfer Form, you should request the primary school principal to complete Section B of
the SC13 form. Both parts A and B of form SC13, together with any supporting evidence which you are providing,
should be attached to the Transfer Form.
Where the Board of Governors considers that there is a valid Special Case, it will consider the educational and other
evidence which you provide to show the effect of circumstances on your child’s score or to indicate what score your
child may have obtained if he/she had sat the Common Entrance Assessment.
You should note that:
i. Parents have the option of submitting candidates for either two or three CEA papers. If a parent submits a
candidate for all three CEA papers, the candidate’s best two results will be used to produce the final CEA score. If
a Special Case application is made in respect of a candidate’s result in one CEA paper, the Board may, where the
candidate took all three CEA papers, take into account that the candidate’s score is based on the best two of
these results.
ii.
If a Special Cases application is made in respect of matters for which Access Arrangements were granted, the
school may take into account the fact that the candidate was granted Access Arrangements for those matters.
The possibility of a candidate’s score being based on two out of three CEA papers may also be taken into
account.
For applicants described in Case C above, the process is as follows:
Where an applicant has become resident in Northern Ireland after the 14 September 2013 but before the deadline for
completion of a Transfer Form, proof of residency should be attached to Form SC13 together with any appropriate
educational evidence as described under Cases A and B, point 5 above.
For applicants described in Case D above, the process is as follows:
If an applicant is not resident in Northern Ireland before 14 th May 2014, the closure date for completion of the Transfer
Form, the application will not be processed as part of the Transfer Procedure. Form SC13 should be completed. Proof
of residency should be attached to the Form together with any appropriate educational evidence. The type of
educational evidence that would be appropriate is described in point 5 of the information for applicants described in
Cases A and B above. Form SC13 and the accompanying evidence should be returned to the school’s General
Office. If the Board of Governors decides that your child is suited to a place in the school, then it may request the
Department of Education to allow it to admit your child as an additional pupil. It is the role of the Department of
Education to decide if a pupil may be admitted in such circumstances.
Please note: when considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will
only take into account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. Parents should
ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated
on the Transfer Form or attached to it. The necessary information is listed in section 4(b) above and parents
also note that they should attach to their application the original notification received from AQE of the test
score.
33

Duty to verify
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to
support or verify information on the Transfer Form. The provision of false or incorrect information or the
failure to provide information within the deadlines set by post-primary schools can result in the withdrawal of
a place and the inability to offer a place on the part of any school nominated on the applicant’s Transfer
Form.
Waiting List Policy
Should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014 all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused,
new applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the
published criteria applied. This waiting list will be in place until 30 June 2015. The school will contact you in
writing if your child gains a place in the school by this method.
Your child’s name will be automatically added to the list. Please contact the school if you wish for your
child’s name to be removed from the list.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 200 316 201
2012/13 200 246 200
2013/14 200 296 200
34

BLOOMFIELD COLLEGIATE SCHOOL
Astoria Gardens
Belfast BT5 6HW
Telephone No: 028 9047 1214
Fax No: 028 9065 1252
E-mail: info@bloomfield.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.bloomfieldcollegiate.org.uk
Voluntary Grammar School
Girls’ Grammar
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 696
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 100
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 710
Principal: D A Barr BSc PhD PGCE
Chairwoman of the Board of Governors: Mrs J. Kerry BSc DAAS RIBA IHBC
To Parents/Guardians naming Bloomfield Collegiate School (“the School”) as a preference on your child’s Transfer
Form.
Entrance Test Results
Please ensure that you provide the following information on Section C of your child’s Transfer Form:
The School will initially consider candidates who have taken the Common Entrance Assessment [CEA]
provided by the Association for Quality Education [AQE]. The score in the AQE CEA should be entered in
Section C of the Transfer Form in the following format:
The score in the AQE CEA and the AQE candidate number should both be entered in Section C of the
Transfer Form. The original notification received from AQE indicating your daughter’s AQE CEA
score should be attached to the Transfer Form.
Special Circumstances
If you are making a claim for your child to be considered under Special Circumstances please note that you should:
Complete Form SC13, available from the School or from AQE and attach it with appropriate documentary
evidence to the Transfer Form.
(Refer to Section 3 “SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES” below for details of appropriate documentary evidence.)
Special Provisions
If you are making a claim for your child to be considered under Special Provisions please note that you should:
Contact the School as soon as possible.
Complete Form SC13, available from the School or from AQE and attach it with appropriate documentary
evidence to the Transfer Form.
For those pupils whose parents wish them to transfer from schools outside Northern Ireland, application for
Special Provisions should be made by 18 th April 2014.
Open Evening – Friday 24 th January 2014 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Open Morning – Saturday 10 th May 2014 (for P6/P5 pupils) 9.30am-12.00noon
Or by appointment with the Principal
INTRODUCTION
Bloomfield Collegiate is situated in a quiet location just off the Upper Newtownards Road, convenient to bus routes in
East Belfast and North Down. All accommodation and facilities are modern and purpose built. Specialist
accommodation includes six science laboratories, a technology centre, a computing centre, a music suite, art rooms,
a sports hall, home economics rooms, careers suite, sixth form centre and a library/resource centre. New facilities for
Design and Technology along with a Learning Centre and additional classrooms were completed in July 2009. The
School canteen was extended and extensively renovated and was opened in September 2010. From September
2013 the school has opened newly refurbished Modern Language, Religious Studies and Business Studies facilities
which include interactive white boards in all rooms.
On entering Year 8 girls are divided into four unstreamed classes. During the first three years girls follow a common
curriculum designed to ensure that they experience a wide range of subjects. English, Mathematics, French,
Religious Education, Geography, History, Science, Computing, Technology, Home Economics, Music, Art, Latin,
Physical Education and Learning for Life and Work are taken throughout. A second modern language is introduced in
Year 9.
At the end of Year 10, with the help of subject and careers teachers and in consultation with parents, girls choose the
subjects to be taken to GCSE level. The choice is guided to ensure a minimum of specialisation so that all career
opportunities remain open. Currently all girls study English, English Literature, Mathematics, a Modern Language,
Religious Studies, Physical Education and single, two, or three Sciences. The remaining subjects are chosen from
Art, Computing, French, Geography, German, History, Home Economics, Spanish, Music, Technology, and GCSE
Physical Education. Astronomy and Dance are also offered as additional GCSEs.
35

Almost all girls proceed to Year 13 where they follow courses leading to GCE AS and Advanced level. Courses are
offered in the subjects studied at GCSE level with the addition of Business Studies, Further Mathematics, Health and
Social Care, Media Studies, Drama, Performing Arts and Political Studies. Girls in Years 13 and 14 are given the
opportunity to undertake community service. The majority of girls go on to universities, and girls are prepared for
Oxford and Cambridge entrance. Examination performance at each level is very good and the results are published
in the School prospectus.
The pastoral organisation of the School is designed to ensure that care and attention is given to individual girls. Each
girl is under the supervision of a form teacher, who is responsible for her academic and general welfare.
Considerable importance is attached to careers education and guidance throughout the School. Study skills and
careers classes are both included in the personal and social education programme in Years 9 through to 14.
Opportunities for work experience and interview experience are provided for all girls in Year 13.
A wide variety of activities outside the classroom is available to extend the curriculum. Visits are arranged in Ireland,
to Great Britain and to the Continent. Music and drama productions are a regular feature of the School year and the
School choirs, the orchestras, the band and the recorder group contribute to these events. Piano, instrumental and
singing lessons are provided in School. The dance teams in School are very successful. A variety of societies and
clubs cater for other interests including sports and games, debating, public speaking, community service, charity work,
Scripture Union and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
The normal School day is from 8.40 a.m. to 3.20 p.m. Girls in the junior forms will spend up to 2 hours each evening
on homework, while those in the senior forms will spend longer (approximately 3 hours).
Uniform is worn by all girls.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS INTO YEAR 8 IN SEPTEMBER 2014
Definitions
“applicant” means the parent or guardian who completes and signs the application form/Transfer Form on behalf of
the candidate;
“child of the family” will mean individuals who have both parents in common or children who reside with the same
family at the candidate's normal home address (including foster children and step brothers and sisters living with the
candidate at her normal home address);
“candidate” means the child who is stated on the application form/Transfer Form as seeking to gain admission to the
School;
“entitled to Free School Meals” will mean candidates who, at the date on which they have signed their post-primary
Transfer Form, or at any date up to and including 14 May 2014, have communicated within their application that they
are listed on the Education and Library Board/Education and Skills Authority register as entitled to Free School Meals.
“mother” will mean a person who at the date of application has legal responsibility for the candidate;
“normal home address” will mean the candidate’s permanent home address at the time the application form is being
completed. This should be where the parent and candidate live and where the candidate spends the majority of the
School week (Monday to Friday including nights). Where the candidate lives with parents with shared responsibility, it
is for the parents to determine which address is to be used;
“parent” will mean a person who at the date of application has legal responsibility for the candidate;
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Bloomfield Collegiate School (the School) is a grammar school for girls offering a wide-ranging curriculum of
academic courses. The School will initially consider those candidates who have taken the Common Entrance
Assessment [CEA] provided by the Association for Quality Education [AQE] and who have been awarded a
result in the form of an overall score. The School will use this ‘score’ as notified to parents by AQE, subject
only to consideration by the Board of Governors of those pupils claiming Special Circumstances or Special
Provisions, as explained in Sections 3 & 4 below.
The score in the AQE CEA and the AQE candidate number should both be entered in Section C of the
Transfer Form. The original notification received from AQE indicating your daughter’s AQE CEA score
should be attached to the Transfer Form.
Information regarding the CEA is available from School or on the AQE website (www.aqe.org.uk).
36

1.2 The School will not use the position of preference given to it on the Transfer Form as a criterion for
admission. Therefore, an applicant who has chosen Bloomfield Collegiate as a second or subsequent
preference School will not be distinguished from first preference applicants.
1.3 Girls resident in Northern Ireland at the time of proposed admission will be selected before those not so
resident.
1.4 The School’s Admission Number is currently 100.
2. ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
2.1 The first 90 places from the School’s Admission Number will be allocated to candidates on the basis of the
rank order of their respective CEA scores; those achieving higher scores being allocated places before those
with lower scores. If several candidates are eligible for the 90 th place because they have equal scores, then
all such candidates will be allocated places up to the School’s Admission Number, using the criteria in section
2.4, if necessary.
2.2 Following the allocation of places as described in 2.1, and subject to the School’s Admission Number not
being reached, a pool of 20 candidates will be identified by rank order of their CEA scores, with those
achieving the highest scores being allocated to the pool. If several candidates are eligible for the 20 th place in
this pool because they have equal scores, then all such candidates will be allocated to the pool. Candidates
from this pool, irrespective of their CEA scores, will be allocated the remaining places within the School’s
Admission Number using the criteria in section 2.4.
2.3 If, following application of sections 2.1 and 2.2, all the available places within the School’s Admission Number
have not been filled, the School will consider candidates who have not taken the CEA. Allocation of any such
remaining places will be made by applying the criteria in section 2.4.
2.4 If the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, then the following criteria shall apply in
the order stated:
(i) Candidates who have attended the School’s Preparatory Department;
(ii) Candidates with a child of the family enrolled in the School as of 1 September 2013 or accepted for
enrolment in September 2014;
(iii) Candidates who have a parent employed by the School;
(iv) Candidates who are the eldest or only girl in the family (details to be supplied);
(v) Candidates with a child of the family enrolled in Yrs 8-14 at Campbell College or RBAI as of 1
September 2013 or accepted for enrolment in September 2014 (details to be supplied);
(vi) Candidates with a mother or child of the family who was, but is no longer, as of 1 September 2013, a
pupil in the School (name and dates of attendance to be supplied);
(vii) Candidates with the highest scores;
(viii) Candidates who are entitled to Free School Meals (FSME);
(ix) If more than one candidate is eligible for the final place priority will be given to the candidate whose
home is closer to the School. (Distance will be measured in a straight line using an Ordnance Survey
web distance measurement tool from the candidate’s normal home address to the School’s front
gate).
It is the responsibility of applicants to notify the School on the Transfer Form where the above criteria
apply and to furnish relevant details. When considering which children should be selected for admission,
the Board of Governors will only take into account information which is detailed on or attached to the
Transfer Form. Parents should therefore ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant
to the School’s admissions criteria is stated on the Transfer Form or attached to it. Examples of such
information include notification of the AQE score, whether candidates have a child of the family enrolled in
the School and whether candidates are the eldest or only girl in the family.
37

DUTY TO VERIFY
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or
verify information on any application form/Transfer Form.
Please note that Department of Education guidance (Circular 2011/20) states:
“The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide information within the deadlines set by schools
can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to offer a place on the part of any school nominated on the
Transfer/Application Form.
If you state within your application that your child is currently registered as Free School Meal Entitled, and that claim is
decisive in qualifying her for admission, then that information will be verified. If it is found to be incorrect, then any
place offered because of it will be withdrawn”.
‘
3. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
3.1 Bloomfield Collegiate School has academic performance as its first criterion, subject only to the consideration of
medical or other problems which may have affected performance in the Common Entrance Assessment (CEA)
and which are supported by documentary evidence of a medical or other appropriate nature. These ‘medical or
other problems’ are commonly referred to as ‘special circumstances’.
Please note, if a claim for Special Circumstances is made in respect of matters for which Special Access
arrangements have been granted for a candidate, the School will take into account the fact that the candidate
has already been granted Special Access arrangements for those matters.
Parents who wish to apply to the School under Special Circumstances should complete Form SC13 obtainable
from the School or AQE, and attach it with appropriate documentary evidence to the Transfer Form, as detailed
below:
• Details of Medical or Other Problems
Where it is claimed that a candidate’s performance in the CEA has been affected by a medical or other
problem, it is the responsibility of the parents to set out in the Form SC13 precise details of the problem and
append evidence to corroborate its existence.
Where the problem is a medical one of short term duration which affected the candidate only at the time of the
CEA, the School will require documentary evidence that the candidate was examined by a qualified medical
practitioner in relation to the illness at the time of the relevant assessment, or an explanation as to why this
evidence is not available.
Where the problem is of a non-medical nature the parents should append appropriate evidence.
Parents are advised that in all cases independent evidence is likely to carry greater weight than evidence that is
not of an independent nature.
• Educational Evidence
It is the responsibility of applicants to provide educational evidence as detailed in Form SC13. This should
include, where they exist:
a) the score achieved in the AQE CEA.
b) the results for the candidate of any standardised tests conducted in Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 of primary
school and the results in any end of year tests in English and Mathematics in Years 5 and 6.
c) additional comparative information, which has been verified, from the candidate’s primary school and which
should include the results, without names, for other pupils in the candidate’s Year 7 class of any
standardised tests conducted in Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7, the results in any end of year tests in English
and Mathematics in Years 5 and 6 and, where available, the respective CEA scores.
3.2 A panel of Governors will consider the application for Special Circumstances. Where Special Circumstances are
accepted, the panel will determine, on the basis of the information available, a score for the candidate. Such
candidates will then be considered with all other candidates who have received a CEA score, applying the
Admissions Criteria in section 2.
38

4. SPECIAL PROVISIONS
4.1 Special provisions will apply for:
a) candidates whose parents wish them to transfer from schools outside Northern Ireland;
b) candidates who have received more than half their primary education outside Northern Ireland;
c) candidates entered for the AQE CEA, who because of unforeseen and serious medical or other problems
were unable to participate in any of the assessments.
Note: It is expected that, all those seeking admission should sit the AQE CEA with the exception of those
candidates who take up residence in Northern Ireland after the start of Year 7.
Parents who wish to apply to the School under Special Provisions should contact the School as soon as
possible. In addition, they should complete Form SC13, obtainable from the School or AQE, stating the precise
reason(s) why they believe the candidate is eligible for consideration under Special Provisions and provide
appropriate documentary evidence. A copy of SC13 and all the documentary evidence should be attached to
the Transfer Form.
For those pupils whose parents wish them to transfer from schools outside Northern Ireland, applications for
Special Provisions should be made before 18 April 2014.
4.2 A panel of Governors will consider the application for Special Provisions. Where Special Provisions are
accepted, the following procedure will apply:
a) The School will also consider any other assessment information and may choose to commission an
independent assessment of the pupil’s ability in English, Mathematics and/or Verbal Reasoning;
b) A panel of Governors will determine, on the basis of all the available assessment information, a score for
the candidate. Such candidates will then be considered with all other candidates who have received a CEA
score, applying the Admissions Criteria in section 2.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS INTO YEAR 8 FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE
TRANSFER PROCEDURE
Please note that Bloomfield Collegiate School operates a Waiting List Policy a copy of which is available on the
School’s Website. The section relevant to Year 8 entry is as follows:
Waiting List for entry into Year 8 after completion of the Admissions Process
1.1 Following completion of the Admissions Process, those pupils who applied to Bloomfield Collegiate School
and were not successful in obtaining a place in Year 8 will have their names held on a Waiting List. The
names of these pupils will remain on the Waiting List for Year 8 entry until 30 June 2015.
1.2 Parents of a pupil who did not apply for a place in Bloomfield Collegiate School during the Admissions
Process can apply to have their daughter’s name added to the Waiting List for entry into Year 8 by putting
a request in writing to the Principal.
1.3 Pupils whose names are on the Waiting List will be considered for any vacancies which may arise in Year 8
following completion of the Admissions Process and during the academic year up until 30 June 2015. Any
vacancy will be filled from the Waiting List which exists at the time the vacancy occurs, using the same
transfer criteria which applied during the Admissions Process.
1.4 The School will take into consideration any new information which may come to light after the Admissions
Process is complete.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 100 186 100
2012/13 100 128 100
2013/14 100 138 100
39

CAMPBELL COLLEGE
Belmont Road
Belfast BT4 2ND
Telephone No: 028 9076 3076
Fax No: 028 9076 1894
E-mail: hmoffice@campbellcollege.co.uk
Web-site: www.campbellcollege.co.uk
Headmaster:
R M Robinson, MBE, BSc, PGCE, MEd, PQH
Voluntary Grammar School
Boys’ Grammar
Inter-denominational
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 901
(this includes boarders): 122
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 120
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 950
Chairman of the Board of Governors:
G F Hamilton, BA, FIFP
To Parents/Guardians naming Campbell College as a preference on your child’s Transfer Form.
Entrance Test Results
Campbell College intends to use the score awarded to pupils completing the AQE Ltd CEA Entrance Assessment;
and the percentile rank from GL Assessment (GLA) in 2014. Parents should record their child’s test result in Section
C of the Transfer Form in the following format: ‘AQE CEA Score’ and/or ‘PPTC GLA Percentile Rank’.
An original of the AQE result slip and/or a copy of the PPTC result slip must be attached to the form, as applicable.
Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions
If you are making a claim for your son to be considered under Special Circumstances or Special Provisions please
read carefully the information given in the relevant sections below and act accordingly. It is the responsibility of the
parent or guardian to provide any relevant information supporting a claim for Special Circumstance or Special
Provision. The Board of Governors has provided specific detail on these measures within this document.
INTRODUCTION
Open Evening - Friday 24 th January 2014 at 7.00pm-9:00pm
Open Morning - Saturday 25 th January 2014 at 10.00am-12:30pm
Open events commence at 7.00pm and 10.00am respectively with a talk from the
Headmaster in Central Hall
Campbell College is a boys’ Grammar School founded in 1894 by Sir Henry James Campbell, a successful local
businessman. The generous buildings and grounds provide excellent facilities in which to educate boys.
Ethos
Campbell College aspires to develop men of character, leadership and service. The College retains its
academically selective character through the use of the assessment methods outlined below, in conjunction with
using criteria which are not specifically based on academic selection; it is our aim to celebrate learning, promote
hard work and encourage participation in sport and the arts. We are committed to developing individual talents,
and to working towards each pupil reaching his potential. It is a school in which we intend that all, regardless of
class or creed, race or religion, will feel comfortable.
Boarding
We are fortunate to have a successful boarding department which brings an international dimension and unique
character to the College. This stands the College community in good stead as part of the increasingly global world
in which all must live and work. We have approximately 130 boarders, with a new 47 en-suite boarding block added
in August 2012. The College Matron is on duty all during the school day and is available to provide medical care to
dayboys as well as to boarders.
The Curriculum
The Curriculum is focused upon that which will give the boys of Campbell College the maximum opportunity by
producing the best possible examination results from a curriculum choice to meet of the needs of the 21st century.
Class sizes are capped at 26 throughout Key Stage 3 to allow boys to grow in confidence and security in their
learning as they make the transition from Primary School to Grammar School. The teacher: pupil ratio is a
generous 1:14, and the curriculum followed at Year 8 comprises English, Maths, Science, Geography, History,
Religious Education, French, Art, Drama, Music, Technology, ICT, PE and Learning for Life and Work.
40

The Campus
Campbell College stands in an impressive 100 acre wooded estate where the academic, boarding, artistic and
sporting pursuits are all catered for on site. The College has its own swimming pool, astro-turf pitches, squash
courts, shooting range, running track and numerous rugby and cricket pitches. It has a variety of sports and
assembly halls, drama studio, computer suites and technology areas.
Other Activities
Campbell College is able to provide opportunity and experience for boys in a host of activities which naturally
complement the culture of learning promoted within the school. Whilst the College is widely acknowledged for its
sporting excellence, especially in rugby, hockey and cricket, these are only three of the sporting opportunities
available. The College offers a diverse range of sports alongside opportunities to participate in The Combined
Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Drama and Music productions and Charity Action Group.
A competitive House system allows all boys to compete, with camaraderie and collegiality, in numerous inter-
House competitions so all have an opportunity to represent their House as well as their school.
Fees
As a Voluntary B Grammar School, Campbell College charges an annual fee to all pupils for development and
maintenance. The Board of Governors seeks to support applications to the College by offering bursaries (details of
which may be found in the Prospectus) for Years 8 and 9 to those boys who have achieved well (Band 1 or Band 2
as defined in the Banding Table below (Criteria for Admission:1) in either the AQE or GL assessments, and for
Years 10-14 to those whose performance in internal or external examinations has brought them academic success.
GBP £ Per Annum 2013-2014
Dayboys (EU citizens) Years 8-14 2,300
Dayboys (non-EU Citizens) Years 8-14 6,914
Boarding (EU citizens) Years 8-14 11,654
Boarding (non-EU Citizens) Years 8-14 16,266
RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND HEADMASTER IN RELATION TO
ADMISSIONS TO THE SCHOOL
The criteria for admission that are set out below have been agreed by the Board of Governors, which has
delegated to an admissions sub-committee (and which includes the Headmaster) full authority to apply the criteria
and administer the admissions policy which the Board has approved.
Statement of Policy
The College will consider for admission initially only those applicants who have taken the Common Entrance
Assessment (CEA) provided by the Association for Quality Education Limited (AQE); and/or the GL Assessment
(GLA) provided by the Post Primary Transfer Consortium (PPTC) and who have been awarded a result in the form
of an overall score (AQE) or percentile rank (PPTC). The College will use the score as awarded by AQE achieved
by a pupil in the CEA; or the percentile rank by the PPTC in the GLA, subject only to consideration of the admission
sub-committee responsible to the Board of Governors of those pupils claiming Special Circumstances or Special
Provisions as explained below. Information on the CEA and the GLA is available from the College or on the
respective websites: AQE website (www.aqe.org.uk); PPTC website (www.pptcni.com).
Entrance Test Results
The score in the AQE CEA and/or the percentile rank in the PPTC GLA should be entered in Section C of the
Transfer Form in the following format: ‘AQE CEA score, and/or the percentile rank PPTC GLA’. This information will
be verified by the College with AQE and/or PPTC.
In applying its criteria, the College will use the methodology for admission. There is no requirement that an
applicant should sit both the GLA and AQE entrance assessments. However, in the case of an applicant who sits
both assessments, the better outcome of the two assessments will be used.
Campbell College will not use as a criterion the position of preference given to the school by the applicant on the
Transfer Form; for example a pupil who has not chosen Campbell College as a first preference school will gain a
position in the main group or the pool according to CEA/GLA score as subsequent preferences are received.
Pupils resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission to the school will be selected before any
pupils not so resident.
41

Criteria for Admission
1. The College has decided that a number of places equivalent to 70% of the admissions total will be
allocated to applicants on the basis of the rank order of their respective CEA/GLA scores/percentile rank
using the ‘Banding Tables’ set out below. If it is not possible to distinguish between applicants on the basis
of their CEA/GLA scores, places will be allocated using the tie-breaker criteria detailed in 2 (i) to 2(x)
below.
Banding Tables
AQE Standardised Score
113 or above
Band I
Band II 106 - 112
Band III 103 - 105
Band IV 99 - 102
Band V 94 - 98
Band VI 88 - 93
Band VII
87 or below
2. Following the allocation of places as described in criterion 1, a pool equal to 45% of the admissions total
will be identified from the remaining applications; this will be done by the use of the banding tables; those
achieving higher scores being selected for the pool before those who have scored less. A number
equivalent to 30% of the admissions total within this pool will be allocated places according to the following
criteria which will be applied in the following order to those who:
(i) have attended Campbell College Junior School. Preference will be directly proportional to the number of
years in attendance at Campbell College Junior School;
(ii) are enrolling as a boarding pupil 1 ;
GL Cohort Percentile
Band I
80 or above
Band II 60 - 79
Band III 50 - 59
Band IV 40 - 49
Band V 30 - 39
Band VI 20 - 29
Band VII
19 or below
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
have an elder brother attending the school;
have an elder brother who is a past pupil of the College (to at least GCSE);
have a sister currently enrolled in Years 8-14 at Strathearn School or Bloomfield Collegiate School;
are the sons of employees of the school;
are transferring from one of the following schools, listed alphabetically: (no priority will be given to any
particular school): NOTE - These 44 schools are those which have in the past seven years sent most pupils
to Campbell College.
Abbey Primary School, Newtownards
Academy Primary School, Ballynahinch
Andrews Memorial Primary School, Comber
Ballyholme Primary School, Bangor
Ballymagee Primary School, Bangor
Ballyvester Primary School, Donaghadee
Bangor Central Integrated Primary School
Ben Madigan Prep School
Braniel Primary School, Belfast
Cairnshill Primary School, Belfast
Castle Gardens Primary School, Newtownards
Cavehill Primary School, Belfast
Comber Primary School
Crawfordsburn Primary School
Donaghadee Primary School
Down High Prep School
Downey House Prep School
Dundonald Primary School
Friends’ Prep School
Fullerton House Prep School
Gilnahirk Primary School, Belfast
Glencraig Integrated PS, Holywood
Grange Park Primary School, Bangor
Holywood Primary School
Killinchy Primary School
Kilmaine Primary School, Bangor
Leadhill Primary School, Castlereagh
Londonderry Primary School, Newtownards
Newtownards Model Primary School
Moneyrea Primary School, Ballygowan
Orangefield Primary School, Belfast
Rathmore Primary School, Bangor
Regent House Prep School
Rockport School, Craigavad
St. Bride's Primary School, Belfast
St. Joseph's Primary School, Ballyhackamore
St. Patrick's Primary School, Holywood
Strandtown Primary School, Belfast
Stranmillis Primary School, Belfast
Sullivan Upper Prep School
Templepatrick Primary School
Towerview Primary School, Bangor
Victoria Primary School, Newtownards
Whiteabbey Primary School
1 Boarding is normally undertaken throughout Years 8-12.
42

(viii)
(ix)
(x)
are the sons of Old Campbellians;
are the grandsons of Old Campbellians;
If, when all the other criteria have been applied, there are still more applicants for the remaining places
than can be admitted, the final decisions will be made on the basis of the distance from each applicant’s
home to the main front gates of the College, those applicants living closer to it according to the measured
straight-line distance being admitted ahead of those living further away until the final place has been filled.
If, following the application of the criteria outlined in 1 and 2 (i) to (x) above, all the available places have NOT been
filled, the College will consider applications from candidates who have not taken the CEA or GLA. Allocation of
these remaining places will be by application of the criteria stipulated in 2 (i) to 2 (x).
The School emphasises that it is the responsibility of the applicants to notify the School on the Transfer
Form where the above criteria apply, and to furnish relevant details.
Duty to verify
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support
or verify information on any application.
Please note that Department of Education guidance (Circular 2012/10) states:
‘the provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide information within the deadlines set by postprimary
schools can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to offer a place on the part of any school
nominated on the applicant’s Transfer Form’.
Special Circumstances
Campbell College has academic performance as its first criterion, subject only to the consideration of medical or
other problems which may have affected performance in the Common Entrance Assessment (CEA) or GL
Assessment (GLA) and which are supported by documentary evidence of a medical or other appropriate nature.
These ‘medical or other problems’ are commonly referred to as ‘special circumstances’.
Please note if a claim for the consideration of Special Circumstances is made in respect of matters for which
Special Access arrangements were granted for a pupil, the School will take into account the fact that the pupil was
granted Special Access arrangements for those matters.
Parents who wish to apply to the School under Special Circumstances should complete the appropriate form
available to download from the school website or from AQE/PPTC and attach it with appropriate documentary
evidence, as detailed below, to the Transfer Form.
• Details of Medical or Other Problems
Where it is claimed that a pupil’s performance in the CEA/GLA has been affected by a medical or other
problem, it is the responsibility of the parents to complete the appropriate form and append evidence to
corroborate its existence.
Where the problem is a medical one of short term duration which affected the pupil only at the time of the
CEA/GLA, the School will give greater weight to evidence that the pupil was examined by a medical
practitioner in relation to the illness at the time of the assessments.
Where the problem is of a non-medical nature the parents should append appropriate evidence.
It should be noted that in all cases independent evidence will carry greater weight.
• Educational Evidence
It is the responsibility of the parents to provide the educational evidence as detailed in the appropriate form.
This should include (where it exists):
– The score achieved in the Common Entrance Assessment /GL Assessment percentile rank;
– The results for the pupil of any standardised tests conducted in Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 and the results
in any end of year tests in English and Mathematics in Years 5 and 6;
– (If possible), additional comparative information from the Primary School which includes the results
(without names) for other pupils in the pupil’s Year 7 class of any standardised tests conducted in Year 5,
Year 6 and Year 7, and, where available, the respective CEA/GLA scores;
– any other relevant educational evidence.
43

An admissions sub-committee, responsible to the Board of Governors will consider the application for Special
Circumstances. Where Special Circumstances are accepted, the panel will determine, on the basis of the
information available, which Band the pupil fits into. Such pupils will then be considered with all other pupils who
have received a CEA/GLA score and the admissions criteria applied.
Special Provisions
Special provisions will apply for:
a) pupils whose parents wish them to transfer from schools outside Northern Ireland;
b) pupils who have received more than half their primary education outside Northern Ireland;
c) pupils, entered for the AQE Common Entrance Assessment, or PPTC GL Assessment who because of
unforeseen and serious medical or other problems were unable to participate in any of the assessments.
Note: It is expected that all those seeking admission should sit the AQE CEA or PPTC GLA, with the exception of
those pupils who take up residence in Northern Ireland after the start of Year 7.
Parents who wish to apply to the School under Special Provisions should contact the School as soon as possible.
In addition they should complete the relevant form, obtainable from the School or AQE/PPTC, stating the precise
reason why they believe the pupil is eligible for consideration under Special Provisions and provide appropriate
independent documentary evidence. A copy of the form and all the documentary evidence should be attached to
the Transfer Form.
For those pupils whose parents wish them to transfer from schools outside Northern Ireland, applications for
Special Provisions should be made before 23 rd April 2014.
An admissions sub-committee, responsible to the Board of Governors will consider the application for Special
Provisions. Where Special Provisions are accepted, the following procedure will apply:
a) The School will consider any assessment information and may choose to commission an independent
assessment of the pupil’s ability in English, Mathematics and / or Verbal Reasoning;
b) The admissions sub-committee will determine, on the basis of all the available educational information,
an appropriate band for the pupil. If the pupil sat the CEA and/or the GLA test, the band achieved, if
greater than the original, will stand. The pupil will then be considered with all other pupils who have
received a CEA/GLA score/percentile rank and the admissions criteria applied.
Waiting List Policy:
Should a vacancy arise after 23 rd May 2014, all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused, new
applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the published
criteria applied. This waiting list will be in place until the 30th June 2015.
Your son’s name will be automatically added to the list and the College will contact you in writing if your son gains a
place in the College by this method. Please contact the College if you wish for your son’s name to be removed from
the list.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 110 126 110
2012/13 110 110 107
2013/14 110 130 110
44

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS SCHOOL
Glen Road
Belfast BT11 8BW
Telephone No: 028 9080 8050
Fax No: 028 9080 8055
E-mail: info@cbsglenroad.com
Web-site: www.cbsglenroad.com
Maintained School
Boys’ Secondary
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 664
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 100
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 750
Principal: T Armstrong
Open Evening - Thursday 9 th January 2014
7.00pm
By invitation through primary schools and local press
Or by appointment with the Principal
INTRODUCTION
The Irish Christian Brothers established Christian Brothers School in West Belfast in 1962. We aim to provide
every pupil with an academic, spiritual and cultural education so that they may become well-integrated, responsible
Catholic citizens in our modern society.
Curriculum KS3 and KS4 and Post 16
C.B.S. welcomes pupils of all abilities from ages 11 years to 19 years catering for academic technical/vocational
skills. Each pupil who gains a place at C.B.S. will follow a broad and balanced curriculum at KS3. Subjects
studied are English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, R.E., History, Home Economics, Geography, Design and
Technology, Art, French, Irish, P.E. and in addition each Year 8 pupil undertakes an intensive programme to
support Literacy, Numeracy and Learning for Life skills.
At KS4 all students undertake a two-year course of study for G.C.S.E. In addition to the compulsory subjects we
offer a range of options in academic areas but we also include a substantial skills based element which also
improves the students’ life opportunities. All of our students obtain G.C.S.E. skilled based awards in relevant
subjects. All pupils are expected to leave CBS with relevant qualifications to meet the challenges of a modern
society. For that reason CBS has introduced a range of Btec extended certificates (equivalent to 2 GCSEs) in Art,
Engineering, Hospitality, IT, Media, Music, Sport and Travel and Tourism which are unique in Post Primary
Education.
CBS School has achieved excellent results at both GCSE and A-Level when compared with other schools in
Belfast. CBS will continue to excel due to the curriculum offered and the progressive nature of the awards, which
offers a wide choice of subjects through all key stages (3, 4, 5) and indeed into Further Education.
At Post 16 we offer a new and balanced curriculum of A-Levels and Skills Based Awards in partnership with Higher
and Further Education, which will meet the needs of our pupils in preparing them to take an active work and
leadership role in their community, and which promotes the concept of Life Long Learning.
Pastoral Care
On entry to the school, pupils are banded into teaching groups, using a number of criteria which include tests
administered during the last term of P.7 and their performance in primary school. All Year 8 pupils are involved in a
Base Class System and take part in a residential trip in their first term. Each class has a form teacher who is
responsible for the academic, spiritual and general welfare of the children in their classes.
Uniform
The school uniform is compulsory. It consists of a black blazer with school badge, dark grey/charcoal flannel
trousers, grey/white shirt, grey pullover and school tie, school overcoat is also compulsory. All pupils are
encouraged to wear school PE uniform/kit.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO FORM 1 (YEAR 8) IN SEPTEMBER 2014
School Philosophy as determined by the Trustees:
Parents who choose the Christian Brothers’ School, Glen Road, for their son’s education are expected to share
with the teaching staff a commitment to the values and ideals which underpin the ethos of our Catholic faith. Our
school works at forming a community composed of students, teachers, parents, management and ancillary staff.
This community:
- seeks to live by Gospel values
- recognises the dignity of the individual
- contributes to the building of the local community
- works for peace and justice in society.
Parents of pupils at Christian Brothers’ School are expected to give wholehearted support to the entire staff
community with regard to implementing a Code of Conduct which will create an environment in which the education
of all pupils becomes possible.
45

Criteria as determined by the Board of Governors;
(The Board of Governors has delegated to the Principal, or to his nominee, the responsibility for administering the
Transfer arrangements).
A) Arrangements in relation to applications for admission to the school BEFORE the 2014/2015 school year
begins:
If the number of applicants exceeds the number of places available then the following criteria will be applied, in the
order listed, until the admissions number has been reached. (Within each criterion preference will be given to an
applicant as specified in note 3 below)
Boys will be admitted:
(i) who have brothers presently enrolled in the school;
(ii) who attend John Paul ll Primary School, Belfast;
(iii) who reside or attend school in Holy Trinity Parish, Belfast;
(iv) who reside or attend school in St. Teresa’s Parish, Belfast;
(v) who reside or attend school in the Parish of Hannahstown;
(vi) who reside or attend school in the Parish of Our Lady Queen of Peace;
(vii) whose parent/guardian is a permanent employee of the school;
(viii) who attend any of the following contributory Primary Schools in the order listed:
1) St Clare’s PS; 2) St. Peter’s PS; 3) St Kevin’s PS; 4) St Oliver Plunkett PS
5) St Paul’s PS; 6) St Joseph’s PS (Slate Street);
(ix) who have had brothers enrolled in the school (see note 2 below);
(x) whose father was enrolled in the school (see note 2 below);
(xi) who reside or attend school in the Parish of Glenavy and Killead;
(xii) who reside in any other parish.
NB
1) It is the responsibility of Parents/Guardians to ensure that the information required by the Criteria
(especially Parish of residence) is noted on the Transfer Form, (an applicants residence will be taken as
that which is registered with the applicants Primary School and entered on the Transfer Form).
2) It is the responsibility of Parents/Guardians to ensure that the year of the applicant’s brother or father is
noted on the Transfer Form.
3) The eldest boy within a family will be accepted first. If it is necessary to decide further within an
oversubscribed criterion, then oldest children will be accepted. If it is necessary to decide between children
of the same age the school will use the drawing of Lot.
4) It will be assumed that any application for admission to the school will imply full acceptance of the
philosophy of the school as detailed above.
Applicants should note that they may be required to produce documents verifying their address or the age
of the child concerned.
B) Arrangements in relation to applications for admission to Year 8 AFTER the 2014/2015 school year begins:
The above criteria will also be applied, in the first instance, to those applicants who have previously been refused a
place in our school during the Transfer Procedure and who are on our waiting list on the day places becomes
available, providing:
1) Their parents have informed the school, in writing, on or after 1 st September 2014 that they wish their son to be
placed on a waiting list.
2) Their parents have informed the school, in writing, which school their son has been allocated to in the Transfer
Procedure.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 100 51 51
2012/13 100 52 52
2013/14 100 44 44
46

COLÁISTE FEIRSTE
Teach Ard na bhFeá
7 Páirc Radharc na bhFeá
Béal Feirste BT12 7PY
Telephone No: 028 9032 0707
Fax No: 028 9032 4301
E-mail:info@colaistefeirste.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.colaistefeirste.com
Irish Language
Co-Educational High
Age Range: 11-19
Enrolment September 2013: 564
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 100
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 600
Principal: Mícheál Mac Giolla Ghunna BA (Hons) BSc (Hons) MA PGCE PQH
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Seán Mistéil
Aims and ethos
Coláiste Feirste is an all-ability non-denominational co-educational Irish-medium post primary school for 11-19 year
old pupils. We aim to provide the full range of curriculum and educational opportunities in order to develop highly
educated and confident young people who have choices in life and who can be leaders in the Irish-speaking
community.
The Irish language is central to the ethos of the school. Students are encouraged to be confident and assured in their
own identity and culture but aware and appreciative of other cultures and traditions. While studying the wide range of
subjects available at Coláiste Feirste our pupils have the opportunity to learn and use the enormous vocabulary
associated with these subjects and so achieve a level of fluency and confidence in Irish which they could not achieve
elsewhere. Coláiste Feirste offers the opportunity for pupils to bring to fruition the benefits of their Irish-medium
education, begun at primary school.
Pastoral care – a family approach
We aim to provide a friendly and caring atmosphere based on emotional intelligence, strong relationships and mutual
respect in which pupils can learn effectively and develop personally. There is a vibrant school community which views
each child as part of the Irish language family and is concerned to meet their individual needs. Wherever they go in
life, our pupils remain part of the Coláiste Feirste family.
A broad and varied curriculum
The school delivers the full curriculum in Irish. At Key Stage 3 pupils study a wide range of subjects including: Irish,
English, French, Spanish, Sciences, Mathematics, Design and Technology, Religious Education, Learning for Life and
Work, Music, Art, Geography, History, Physical Education, Computers, Careers, Home Economics, Drama. There is
also an emphasis on the development of skills and attitudes for further successful study at GCSE and A-level.
At Key Stage 4 pupils have a choice of 27 subjects for GCSE, both academic and vocational. At Key Stage 5 pupils
have a choice of 21 Level 3 subjects, both A-level and BTEC, in accordance with the Entitlement Framework. In
addition pupils may choose a vocational pathway with a mixture of A-level Irish and Level 2 vocational courses (BTEC
or NVQ).
Learning Support
Coláiste Feirste also has a Learning Support Centre with three full-time teachers, one part-time teacher and a large
number of learning support assistants. The Centre team support both pupils with special educational needs and also
a wider group of pupils who have difficulties at any particular time. They also support and develop specific Irishmedium
pedagogies and support strategies. The Centre highlights the vision of Coláiste Feirste that the needs of the
individual pupil is central to all the school’s work.
Extracurricular activities
Pupils have excellent opportunities to pursue their interests and talents outside the classroom as part of their personal
development. This is organised through our extensive Extended Schools programme. For example our pupils produce
very high quality in the creative arts. We have had tremendous success also in Colleges’ GAA football and hurling.
Successful young people
The Irish language motivates our school community, teachers, pupils and parents, to set high standards for success.
The family pastoral care system creates a rich environment for learning and personal development. The broad range
of subjects meets the varied and individual needs and aspirations of each young person. Coláiste Feirste develops
highly successful young people, as evidenced in excellent exam results, in university destinations of our school
leavers and in our past pupils who are leaders in their various walks of life.
47

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO FORM 1 (YEAR 8) IN SEPTEMBER 2014
Coláiste Feirste is an Irish-medium, all-ability, co-educational, non-denominational school. Pupils and
Parents/Guardians are expected to show a commitment to the special ethos of the school. An application to attend
Coláiste Feirste is taken to indicate that there is an acceptance of the ethos of the school and of all the school rules
and regulations.
The Board of Governors delegates to the Principal, the responsibility of applying the admissions criteria for entry of
pupils to the school, such decisions to be approved by the Board of Governors.
Coláiste Feirste will give priority, where necessary, to those pupils who made the school their choice by applying the
following criteria:-
1. Pupils who have attended an Irish-medium primary school and who have sufficient Irish to
enable them to benefit from Irish-medium post primary education.
2. Pupils who have or had a sister or brother at the school.
3. Pupils who are the first child in their family applying to Coláiste Feirste.
4. Pupils whose parents (guardians) or near relative work or have worked at the school.
In the event of over-subscription pupils will be chosen on the basis of age with the eldest being selected first.
Parents/Guardians are invited to our school’s open day on:-
Day Date Time
Saturday 18 January 2014 11:30am – 1.30pm Session One
Bunscoil Phobal Feirste
Scoil an Droichid
Scoil na Fuiseoige
Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain
Bunscoil Naomh Pádraig
Bunscoil an lúir
Bunscoil Eoin Báiste
Bunscoil Naomh Proinnsíos
Bunscoil Naomh Bríd
2:30pm - 4:30pm
Session Two
Gaelscoil na bhFál
Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh
Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin
Gaelscoil an Lonnáin
Gaelscoil Éanna
Bunscoil Bheanna Boírche
Gaelscoil na Móna
Gaelscoil Uí Néill
Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach
We welcome Parents/Guardians of Primary 7 children in Irish Medium schools who wish to express an interest in
Coláiste Feirste and who are not included on the above list to contact the school and arrange a visit on our open
day.
Please Note: when considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will
only take into account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. Parents should
ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated
on the Transfer Form or attached to it.
ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR ENTRY TO YEAR 8 FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE TRANSFER
PROCEDURE
Should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014 all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused,
new applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the
published criteria above will be applied. This waiting list will be in place until 30 June 2015. The school will
contact you in writing if your child gains a place in the school by this method.
Your child’s name will be automatically added to the list. Please contact the school if you wish for your
child’s name to be removed from the list.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 100 76 76
2012/13 100 81 81
2013/14 100 94 94
48

COLÁISTE FEIRSTE
Teach Ard na bhFeá
7 Páirc Radharc na bhFeá
Béal Feirste BT12 7PY
Guthán: 028 9032 0707
Facs: 028 9032 4301
Ríomhphost:info@colaistefeirste.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Suíomh gréasáin: www.colaistefeirste.com
IAR-BHUNSCOIL LÁN-GHAEILGE
Buachaillí agus Cailíní
Rolla 564
Scoil do dhaltaí 11 – 19 mbliana
Iontrálacha: 100
Uimhir chláraithe: 600
Príomhoide: Mícheál Mac Giolla Ghunna BA (Onóír) BSc (Onóir) MA PGCE PQH
Cathaoirleach ar Bhord na nGobharnóirí: Seán Mistéil
Aidhmeanna agus Eiteos na Scoile
Is scoil lánGhaeilge ilchumais, ilchreidmheach, chomhoideachais í Coláiste Feirste do dhaltaí 11-19 bliana d’aois.
Is aidhm linn réimse iomlán de dheiseanna curaclaim agus oideachasúla a sholáthar chun daoine óga ardoilte,
muiníneacha a chothú a bhfuil roghanna maithe acu sa tsaol agus a bhfuil ábhar ceannairí iontu do phobal na
Gaeilge.
Tá an Ghaeilge lárnach i sainmheon na scoile. Cothaítear muinín agus cinnteacht sna daltaí i dtaca lena
bhféiniúlacht agus lena sainchultúr féin agus spreagtar iad le bheith eolach agus tuisceanach faoi chiníocha, faoi
chultúir agus faoi thraidisiúin eile. Agus iad ag déanamh staidéir ar an réimse leathan ábhar atá ar fáil i gColáiste
Feirste, foghlaimíonn agus úsáideann ár gcuid daltaí foclóir fairsing saibhir na n-ábhar sin agus baineann amach
leibhéal líofachta agus treallúis nach bhféadfadh siad a fháil in aon áit eile. I gColáiste Feirste bíonn faill ag daltaí
tairbhe a n-oideachais lánGhaeilge ar bunscoil a thabhairt chun torthúlachta.
Tréadchúram – cur chuige teaghlaigh
Is aidhm linn atmasféar cairdiúil tuisceanach a sholáthar bunaithe ar an intleacht mhothúchánach, ar chaidrimh
láidre agus ar an chómheas, timpeallacht inar féidir leis na daltaí foghlaim go héifeachtach agus forbairt go
pearsanta. Tá scoilphobal bríomhar ann a amharcann ar gach páiste mar chuid dílis den teaghlach Gaeilge agus a
thugann faoi fhreastal ar a gcuid riachtanas aonair. Cibé áit a dtéann na daltaí sa tsaol is baill de theaghlach
Choláiste Feirste iad.
Curaclam leathan éagsúil
Seachadaíonn an scoil an curaclam iomlán trí mheán na Gaeilge. Ag Eochairchéim 3 déanann daltaí staidéar ar
réimse leathan ábhar ar a n-áirítear: Gaeilge, Béarla, Fraincis, Spáinnis, Eolaíocht, Matamaitic, Dearadh agus
Teicneolaíocht, Oideachas Reiligiúnda, Foghlaim don Saol agus don Obair, Ceol, Ealaín, Tíreolaíocht, Stair,
Corpoiliúint, Ríomhaireacht, Gairmthreoir, Eacnamaíocht Baile, Drámaíocht. Tá an bhéim fosta ar fhorbairt na
scileanna agus na ndearcadh a bheas de dhíth don staidéar leantach rathúil ag GCSE agus Ard-leibhéal.
Ag Eochairchéim 4 ta rogha de 27 ábhar ag na daltaí don GCSE. Tá an rogha seo de réir an Chreata Theidlíochta,
idir acadúil agus ghairmeach. Ag Eochairchéim 5 tá rogha de 21 gcúrsa Leibhéal 3 ag daltaí, idir ardleibhéil agus
BTEC, de réir an Chreata Theidlíochta. Lena chois sin is feidir le daltaí cosán gairmeach a roghú le meascán
d’ardleibhéal Gaeilge agus cúrsaí gairmeacha ag leibhéal 2 (BTEC nó NVQ).
Tacaíocht Foghlama
Ina theannta sin tá Ionad Tacaíochta Foghlama le triúr múinteoirí lánaimseartha, múinteoir páirtaimseartha agus
líon mór cúntóirí tacaíochta foghlama. Freastalaíonn foireann an Ionaid ar dhaltaí le sainriachtanais oideachais
agus ar ghrúpa níos leithne daltaí fosta a mbíonn deacrachtaí áirithe acu ag amanna áirithe. Déanann siad
tacaíocht agus forbairt fósta ar shainoideolaíochtaí agus straitéisí don Ghaeloideachas. Léiríonn an t-Ionad fís
Choláiste Feirste gur chóir go mbeadh riachtanais aonair an dalta ag croílár obair na scoile.
Imeachtaí seach-churaclaim
Bíonn sárdheiseanna ag na daltaí leanúint de shuimeanna agus de bhuanna taobh amuigh den tseomra ranga mar
chuid dá bhforbairt phearsanta. Eagraítear fríd ár scéim Scoileanna Sínte é seo. Mar shámpla táirgeann ár gcuid
daltaí obair ardchaighdeáin sna healaíona. Tá rath den scoth againn sna spóirt Ghaelacha ag leibhéal na
gcomórtas Coláistí le blianta beaga anuas.
Daoine óga rathúla
Spreagann an Ghaeilge ár bpobal scoile, na múinteoirí, na daltaí, na tuismitheoirí, chun ardcaighdeáin don rath a
shocrú. Cruthaíonn an córas tréadchúraim teaghlaigh timpeallacht shaibhir don fhoghlaim agus don fhorbairt
phearsanta. Freastalaíonn an réimse leathan ábhar ar riachtanais éagsúla agus aonair gach uile dhalta. Dá bhrí
seo cothaíonn Coláiste Feirste daoine óga rathúla mar a léiríonn na torthaí scrúduithe, na cinn scríbe ollscoile agus
na hiardhaltaí atá ina gceannairí ina slite beatha éagsúla.
49

CRITÉIR IONTRÁLA DO DHALTAÍ AG DUL ISTEACH I RANG 1 (Bliain 8) I MEÁN FÓMHAIR 2014
Is scoil lán-Ghaeilge ilchumais, ilchreidmheach, chomhoideachais í Coláiste Feirste. Bítear ag súil leis go
gceanglóidh idir dhaltaí agus thuismitheoirí / chaomhnóirí iad féin le sainmheon Gaelach na scoile. Glactar leis go
gciallaíonn iarratas ar theacht chun na scoile go dtuigeann agus go n-aontaíonn an t-iarrthóir le heiteos, rialacha
agus riaracháin na scoile.
Fágann Bord Gobharnóirí na scoile faoin Phríomhoide é critéir iontrála le haghaidh daltaí bheith ag teacht chun na
scoile a chur i bhfeidhm, ach a chinneadh bheith ceadaithe agus aontaithe agus faofa ag an Bhord Gobharnóirí.
Tabharfaidh Coláiste Feirste tús áite do na daltaí sin a roghnaíonn í agus seo thíos critéir iontrála na scoile, más gá
iad a chur i bhfeidhm:-
1. Daltaí a d’fhreastail ar bhunscoil lán-Ghaeilge agus a bhfuil a sáith Gaeilge acu le tairbhe a bhaint as
oideachas dara leibhéil lán-Ghaeilge.
2. Daltaí a bhfuil nó a raibh deartháir nó deirfiúr acu ar an scoil.
3. Daltaí arb iad an chéad duine clainne iad ag cur iarratais isteach ar an Choláiste.
4. Daltaí a n-oibríonn nó ar oibrigh a dtuismitheoir nó a gcaomhnóir nó gaol gairid leo leis an scoil.
I ndeireadh na dála má tá iarratais thar ár n-acmhainn againn tabharfaidh an scoil tús áite do dhaltaí de réir aoise,
an mhuintir is sine ar dtús.
Beidh fáilte roimh thuismitheoirí/chaomhnóirí ag Lá Oscailte na Scoile:-
Lá Dáta Am
Dé Sathairn 18 Eanáir 2014 11:30 rn – 1.30in Céad Seisiún
Bunscoil Phobal Feirste
Scoil an Droichid
Scoil na Fuiseoige
Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain
Bunscoil Naomh Pádraig
Bunscoil an lúir
Bunscoil Eoin Báiste
Bunscoil Naomh Proinnsíos
Bunscoil Naomh Bríd
2:30 in - 4:30 in Dara Seisiún
Gaelscoil na bhFál
Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh
Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin
Gaelscoil an Lonnáin
Gaelscoil Éanna
Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche
Gaelscoil na Móna
Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach
Gaelscoil Uí Néill
Tá fáilte roimh thuismitheoirí/chaomhnóirí páistí rang 7 atá ag freastal ar Ghaelscoileana, ar mian leo suim a léiriú i
gColáiste Feirste agus nach bhuil a scoil luaithe thuas, tá fáilte rompu dul i dteagmháil leis an scoil agus socrú a
dhéanamh teacht ar cuairt ar an lá oscailte.
Tugtar faoi deara le do thoil: ag machnamh dúinn cé na paistí ar chóir a roghnú don iontráil, ní chuirfidh Bord na
nGobharnóirí san áireamh ach eolas atá ar nó ceangailte leis an Fhoirm Aistrithe. Ba chóir do na tuismitheoirí a
chinntiú go bhfuil an t-eolas uilig a bhaineann lena bpáiste agus ábhartha le critéir iontrála na scoile dearbhaithe ar
an Fhoirm Aistrithe nó ceangailte leis.
CRITÉIR IONTRÁLA DO BHLIAIN 8 I nDIAIDH DO CHRIOCHNÚ AN PHRÓISIS AISTRITHE
Má tharlaíonn go mbíonn folúntas ann i ndiaidh 23 Bealtaine 2014 caithfear le gach iarratas go cothrom agus
bainfear úsáid as na critéir fhoilsithe mar atá thuas, idir na hiarratais uilig a diúltaíodh, na hiarratais úra agus
iarratais ar tugadh eolas úr fúthu. Beidh an liosta feithimh i bhfeidhm go dtí 30 Meitheamh 2015. Déanfaidh an
scoil teagmháil i scríbhinn leat má fhaigheann do pháiste áit sa scoil ar an dóigh seo. Cuirfear ainm do pháiste leis
an liosta go huathoibríoch. Déantar teagmháil leis an scoil, le do thoil, más mian leat go mbainfear ainm do pháiste
den liosta.
IARRATAIS AGUS IONTRÁLACHA
Bliain Iarratais Iontrálacha
2011 76 76
2012 81 81
2013 94 94
50

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE
Ard Na Va Road
Belfast BT12 6FF
Telephone No: 028 90 245645
Fax No: 028 90 328388
E-mail: akavanagh967@c2kni.net
Website: www.corpus-christi-college.co.uk
Principal: Mr Frank Maskey
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Rev Fr Anthony Devlin PP
MAINTAINED SCHOOL
Boys’ Comprehensive
Age Range: 11–19 years
Enrolment September 2013: 413
Approved Admissions Number for 2014: 100
Approved Enrolment Number for 2014: 600
“Achieving success in a caring environment where each individual matures in an atmosphere of mutual
respect”.
INTRODUCTION
Opening Evening: Monday 13 th January 2014
7.00pm – 9.00pm (Principal’s Address at 7.00pm sharp
Individual parents welcome by appointment at any time
Corpus Christi College is a successful all-inclusive Catholic school which caters for boys from 11 to 19 years of age of
all abilities, from those who require Learning Support to those who achieve at ‘A’ Level and proceed to university. The
significant improvement in GCSE and ‘A’ Level results is truly reflected in our motto of ‘Believe and Achieve’. This is
achieved by providing high quality learning experiences, a strong, stimulating and caring environment, and having high
expectations of all pupils, both in behaviour and in attitude to work. The College has well equipped Art, Home
Economics, Music and Science rooms, a purpose built Technology block and three new IT suites. The grounds include
three all-weather pitches, an athletics track and basketball courts. There has been much refurbishment in recent years
with the installation of new windows, disabled access, reception area, new toilet facilities, changing room facilities and
Learning Support Centre.
Curriculum
At Key Stage 3 (Years 8 to 10), all pupils follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum with a comprehensive range of
subjects on offer. In addition pupils also receive intense Literacy and Numeracy support on an individual or small
group basis. The newly refurbished Learning Support Centre is an excellent resource ensuring pupils work at a level
appropriate to their needs. All pupils are assessed throughout school including statutory Key Stage 3 assessments in
English, Mathematics and Science with selected pupils completing GCSE language courses in Year 10.
At Key Stage 4 (Years 11 and 12), and in consultation with parents, pupils will follow a core curriculum in Religious
Education, English and Mathematics to GCSE level. To meet the demands of skills-based qualifications and the
Entitlement Framework additional general and applied subjects may be selected to enhance the curriculum offer at Key
Stage 4. The combination of academic and vocational courses enables pupils to also experience a range of
Occupational Studies and / or Work Experience. Some courses are delivered in collaboration with Further Education
Colleges and other providers.
At Key Stage 5 (Post 16), the College is committed to its continuing expansion of AS and A2 courses in both general
and applied ‘A’ Levels, all of which lead to direct entry into Further and Higher Education. To this end we work in
collaboration with other Post Primary Schools.
Careers
A well-resourced Careers Department provides an extensive programme of Guidance, Personal Career Planning,
Interview Skills, Job Sampling and Work Experience from Year 11. Careers conventions, professional speakers and
widespread business links, enables pupils to have a meaningful insight into the world of work and / or preparation for
university.
Pastoral
Corpus Christi College is a child-centred College and considers the welfare and personal development of every pupil to
be of paramount importance. An effective Pastoral Care system exists with Heads of School who lead teams of Form
Tutors to monitor personal and academic progress. The Pastoral role of the Form Tutor is enriched through the weekly
teaching of Personal and Social Development which may include topics such as Relationships, Bereavement, Drugs
Awareness, Sex Education and Anti-Bullying. Our partnership with parents is vital in creating a safe and caring
community, whilst contributing to pupil success.
51

Multi Agency Provision (MAP)
By employing voluntary and statutory external agencies, pupils, their families and the wider community can avail of
integrated services and learning opportunities within a wrap-around service of education, health and social provision.
The Extended Schools Programme enables pupils to enjoy learning beyond the classroom. Breakfast service is
provided each morning with additional lunchtime and after school activities. A Youth Tutor provides outdoor education
programmes. In addition, various counsellors, are available to any pupil experiencing difficulties in the course of the
school year.
Learning Support
All pupils who experience difficulty in their learning deserve an equal opportunity to access the curriculum. Small
working groups, individual tuition, specialised support in Literacy and Numeracy, dedicated classroom assistants,
outreach support, ‘newcomer’ and many multi-agency teams, are all co-ordinated by the Learning Support Co-ordinator
and prove invaluable to pupil progress in teaching and learning. Appropriate teaching and learning strategies are
devised to ensure every child reaches their potential.
Extra-Curricular
A wide range of Sporting and Musical opportunities is offered to the pupils on a daily basis. All boys are encouraged to
take part in our very successful musical productions. School groups travel abroad every year. There is also the
opportunity to assist in the production of the College Magazine and to manage the development of the College website.
A student council allows pupils to voice their opinions through elected Ceannaires within the College.
Uniform and Behaviour
All pupils are required to wear the school uniform with pride. PE uniform is also compulsory for Years 8, 9 and 10.
Learning can only take place in a friendly and well ordered environment. Pupils are expected to behave in a positive
and respectful manner. The recognition of high standards in behaviour, work and attendance is celebrated through
credit awards.
Respective Functions of the Board of Governors and Principal in Relation to Admissions to the School
The Board of Governors draws up the admissions criteria and delegates to an Admissions Sub-Committee, which
includes the Principal, the responsibility of selecting pupils for admission to the College. Where the number of
applicants exceeds the admissions number, applicants will be selected by the admissions Sub-Committee of the Board
of Governors in accordance with the Admissions Criteria.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA YEAR 8 2014 / 2015
The Board of Governors expects all pupils to conform to the mission statement and values of the College. The Board
of Governors assumes that applications for enrolment will indicate that parents are in full support of the ethos and
policies of the College (copies are available from the College on request).
In the event of over subscription, preference will be given to pupils according to the following criteria:
1. Pupils who reside or attend Primary Schools, within the parishes of St Paul’s, St Peter’s, St John’s, Corpus Christi
and Holy Trinity, not listed in any order of preference.
2. Pupils who have a brother or half brother presently enrolled in the College or who is a past pupil of the College.
3. Pupils whose father / guardian is a past pupil of the College or of one of the four schools which closed to form
Corpus Christi College.
4. Pupils who are the eldest boy in their family.
5. Pupils who have special circumstances eg medical, social, pastoral or other.
6. Pupils from any other primary school or who reside in any other parish.
7. Pupils from Irish Medium primary schools.
8. Pupils who are entitled to Free School Meals.
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or
verify information on any applicant’s Transfer Form.
Number of Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions Number Total Applications Total Admissions
all preferences
2011 / 2012 100 58 58
2012 / 2013 100 45 45
2013 / 2014 100 37 37
52

DE LA SALLE COLLEGE
36 Edenmore Drive
Belfast BT11 8LT
Telephone No: 028 9050 8800
Fax No: 028 9050 5520
E-mail: info@delasallecollege.org.uk
Web-site: www.delasallecollege.org.uk
Maintained School
Boys’ Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 1050
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 163
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 1025
Acting Principal: Mrs Fiona Kane
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr Dominic Murray
Open Night - Tuesday 14 th January 2014
7.00pm – 9.00pm
By invitation through primary schools and local press
INTRODUCTION:
De La Salle College is a Catholic School that derives inspiration from the educational philosophy of St John Baptist de
la Salle, patron of all teachers. In essence this means that today in De La Salle we offer to your child:
1 The opportunity to develop to the full academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
2 The opportunity to develop to a high degree interpersonal skills through self discipline and planned progression
programmes in character formation – the most important aspect of our curriculum.
3 The opportunity to progress to employment, higher and further education.
4 The opportunity to develop physically and become skilled to a high degree in many sports, e.g., basketball, Gaelic
football, hurling, soccer, swimming and non-sporting activities – drama, music, and art.
Key Stage 3 – Years 8, 9 and 10
All pupils follow a common curriculum which include:
Art, Careers, Drama, English, Geography, History, Home Economics, Information Technology, Irish, Learning for Life
& Work, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Religious Education, Science, Spanish, Technology.
Key Stage 4 – Years 11 and 12
During these years pupils may follow a programme of study leading to GCSE qualification or a programme leading to
a combination of GCSEs and vocational qualifications.
Compulsory Subjects:
English, Mathematics, Physical Education (non exam), Religious Education and Learning for Life & Work.
Optional Subjects at GCSE: (Pupils choose from the following):
Art, Business Information Systems, Business Studies, Drama, English Literature, Geography, History, Home
Economics, Information Systems, Irish, Journalism, Music, Physical Education, Single Award Science, Double Award
Science, Spanish, Technology.
Optional Subjects at Vocational: (Pupils choose from the following):
Construction, Sports Studies, ICT, OCR National Award in ICT.
Additional Courses:
Occupational Studies, Bricklaying and Joinery, Motor Vehicle Studies, Personal Career Planning, Key Skills,
Certificate of Work Experience.
Sixth Form – Years 13 and 14:
All Sixth Form courses are offered in a consortium with St Genevieve’s High School. This arrangement enables both
schools to provide choice from a wide range of courses and subjects at the Post-16 stage.
Each year a number of places in our Sixth Form are made available for students transferring from other schools who
feel they would benefit from the Sixth Form provision in De La Salle.
Courses followed are:
Advanced Level GCE (Offered at AS and A2 Levels):
Applied Business, Applied Science, Applied ICT, Art, Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Geography, History,
Home Economics, ICT, Leisure Studies, Mathematics, Media Studies, Moving Image Art, Music, Physical Education,
Physics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Religious Education, Technology, Theatre Studies, Travel and Tourism.
Level 3 OCR Cambridge ICT, BTEC Level 3 Sport (AS) and Applied National Certificate in Sport.
53

Vocational Level 2
• BTEC First Diploma in Business
• Health & Social Care Diploma
• Travel & Tourism
• OCR National Certificate in ICT Levels 2 and 3.
• BTEC Certificate Hospitality & Catering.
• BTEC Certificate Vocational Media.
Students wishing to enhance their GCSE results in English Language and Mathematics are offered the opportunity to
do so.
All Sixth Form Students follow a planned Religious Education Programme which is specifically designed to meet the
needs of young adults in today’s world. All Sixth Form students will study an ICT course.
Career choice is guided by our staff and by officers from the Training & Employment Agency.
School Uniform is compulsory.
RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND PRINCIPAL IN RELATION TO ADMISSIONS
TO THE SCHOOL:
The Board of Governors draws up the admissions criteria and delegates to an Admissions Sub-Committee, which
includes the Principal, the responsibility for applying these criteria. Any reference herein to the term the Board of
Governors includes any Committee or Sub-Committee appointed by the Board of Governors for the purposes of
applying the Admission criteria set out herein.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA YEAR 8
An application to enrol in De La Salle College implies acceptance of the School’s philosophy as outlined in the
Prospectus. The Board of Governors has determined the criteria for admission and has delegated to the Principal its
functions and responsibilities in the application of those criteria. Below are listed the criteria which will be applied in
the following order:
1. Applicants who have a brother or half brother, who permanently reside at the same address, and are currently
enrolled in De La Salle College on 13 th September 2013.
2. Applicants enrolled in the following pool of Primary Schools, applied in the order as listed here:
Holy Child Primary School, St John The Baptist Primary School, Bunscoil Phobail Feirste, St Oliver Plunkett
Primary School, St Anne’s Primary School, St Colman’s Primary School, Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary
School, Christ The Redeemer Primary School and St Teresa’s Primary School, Christ The Redeemer Primary
School, St Kevin’s Primary School, The Good Shepherd Primary School, St Kieran’s Primary School,
St Luke’s Primary School and St Mark’s Primary School on 13 th September 2013.
3. Applicants who permanently reside in the parishes of St. Agnes’, St Michael The Archangel, St Oliver
Plunkett, St Anne’s and Derriaghy. (Proof of residency must be provided, e.g., passport, letter from Primary
School Principal, letter from a Medical Practitioner, a Solicitor, a Clergyman or equivalent). The verifying
letter must be written on headed notepaper and signed by one of the above who is not a member of the
applicant’s family.
4. Applicants who are the eldest or only boy in their family. This is subject to satisfying verification requirements
as set out below:
The verifying letter must state that the child is the eldest and that the child and family are known to the verifier.
It must be written on headed notepaper and signed by one of the following who is not a member of the
applicant’s family:
a. a medical practitioner c. a clergyman or equivalent
b. a solicitor d. a primary school principal
5 Applicants who have a sister or half sister, who permanently reside at the same address, attends St
Genevieve’s High School on 13 th September 2013.
6. Applicants who are sons of permanent employees of De La Salle College and St Genevieve’s High School.
7. Applicants who are brothers or half brothers of past pupils of the school.
8. Applicants whose (taken in order):
a) father is a past pupil of the school
b) step-father, who permanently resides at the same address, is a past pupil of the school (proof of
residency must be provided with the Transfer Form).
9. Applicants enrolled in all other Primary Schools on 13 th September 2013.
54

NOTE 1
Criterion 1:
Criterion 3:
Criterion 4:
Criterion 5:
Criterion 6:
Criterion 7:
Criterion 8:
The following information must be indicated clearly on the Transfer Form.
The name and class of the brother/s or half brother/s attending De La Salle College.
Proof of residency of the applicant must be provided to the College (attach verification
documentation).
The eldest/only boy in their family (attach verification documentation).
The name and class of the sister or half sister attending St Genevieve’s High School.
The name of the employee and the position held in the school.
The years attended by the brother or half brother past pupil.
The years in attendance at the school by the father or step-father.
NOTE 2
NOTE 3
If the admissions number of 163 is reached in the course of applying Criterion No 2 above, the final
places from the criteria which causes the school to be over-subscribed will be offered firstly to
applicants who have a brother or half brother enrolled in the school on 13 th September 2013 and then
to the applicants who are the oldest. If applicants for the final place have identical dates of birth then
selection will be based on lot i.e. the first drawn name will be selected.
If the admissions number of 163 is reached in the course of applying Criteria No 3-9 above, the final
places from the criteria which causes the school to be over-subscribed will be offered to applicants
who are the oldest. If applicants for the final place have identical dates of birth then selection will be
based on lot i.e. the first drawn name will be selected.
Please Note
When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take
into account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. Parents should ensure that
all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated on the
Transfer Form or attached to it.
Waiting List Policy
Should a vacancy arise after 23 rd May 2014, all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused, new
applications and applications where new information has been provided, will be treated equally and the published
criteria applied. This waiting list will be in place until 30 th June 2014.
The school will contact parents in writing if their son is offered a place in the school by this method.
If you wish your son’s name to be placed on the waiting list, please inform the school after 1 st September 2014.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 163 189 163
2012/13 163 205 163
2013/14 163 179 166
55

DOMINICAN COLLEGE
38 Fortwilliam Park
Belfast BT15 4AQ
Telephone No: 028 9037 0298
Fax No: 028 9077 3661
E-mail: info@dominican.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.dominicancollege.org.uk
Voluntary Grammar School
Girls Grammar
Denominational
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 1030
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 150
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 1050
Principal: Miss S McGahan BA MA PQH
Chairperson of the Board of Governors: Sr. Lucina Montague O.P.
To PARENTS/GUARDIANS naming Dominican College as a preference on your child’s Transfer Form.
The main criterion for admission to our College will be the academic ability to benefit from the education which we
provide.
The prime consideration in determining academic ability will be:
1. The Grade attained in the GL ASSESSMENT
2. The Grade awarded by the Board of Governors arising out of a claim for SPECIAL PROVISION (See
section on SPECIAL PROVISION below)
3. The Grade awarded by the Board of Governors arising out of a claim for SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
where the applicant has taken the GL ASSESSMENT. (See section on SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
below)
Please ensure that you record your child’s GL ASSESSMENT GRADE at section C on her Transfer Form
A copy of your child’s GL Assessment Outcomes must be attached to the Transfer Form
The grade attained by each applicant in the GL ASSESSMENT will be verified with the Post Primary Transfer
Consortium.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Parents should refer to the GL Assessment Access Arrangements and Special Circumstances Policy
documentation.
Dominican College will admit applicants strictly in the order of the Grade attained in the GL Assessment or the
Grade awarded under Special Provisions, or the Grade awarded under Special Circumstances.
The Grade attained in the GL Assessment will be subject to the consideration of medical or other problems which
may have affected performance in the GL Assessment and which are supported by documentary evidence of a
medical or other appropriate nature. These ‘medical or other problems’ are commonly referred to as “Special
Circumstances”.
Parents/Guardians who feel that their child’s performance in the assessment has been affected by a medical or other
problem and wish to register a claim for Special Circumstances should complete and return the appropriate form
available from the College by 4pm on Friday 13 th December 2013. This is explained fully in the Access
Arrangements and Special Circumstances Policy which is available on the College website.
Details of Medical or Other Problems
Where it is claimed that an applicant’s performance in the GL Assessment has been affected by a medical or other
problem, it is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to set out in the Transfer Form the precise details of the
problem and append independent evidence to corroborate its existence.
Where the problem is a medical one of short term duration which affected the applicant only at the time of the
assessment the school will require the production of evidence that the applicant was examined by a medical
practitioner in relation to the illness at the time of the assessment.
Where the problem is of a non-medical nature the Parents/Guardians should append appropriate independent
evidence.
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Educational Evidence
Sufficient objective evidence must be provided by the Parents/Guardians applying for Special Circumstances and
accompany the transfer form to enable the Board of Governors to reach a decision. The following must be provided:
Copies of the school reports for Primary 5, 6 and 7.
Results of all standardised tests in English and Mathematics taken by the applicant in Key Stage 2.
Comparative information in respect of standardised test scores (for years 5, 6 and 7) along with the GL
Assessment grade achieved in relation to the other pupils (without names) in the applicants primary 7 class.
It is emphasised that the onus is on the Parents/Guardians to ensure that the above information is provided by the
Primary School. Failure to provide such information may result in the school being unable to consider the application
for Special Circumstances.
Parents should be aware that they have a statutory right to obtain information on their own child from their Primary
School. Further information on parent’s rights can be obtained from the Information Commissioners Office
(www.ico.gov.uk).
Applicants considered under Special Circumstances will be judged on evidence made available to the school and
awarded a Grade accordingly.
SPECIAL PROVISION
Special Provision will be made by the Board of Governors for applicants:
1. moving or recently moved to Northern Ireland:
a. whose parents/guardians wish them to transfer to post-primary schools from schools outside
Northern Ireland;
b. who have received more than half of their primary education outside Northern Ireland.
2. whose educational provision has been negatively affected by serious medical or other problems which are
supported by independent verifiable documentary evidence and who may have been unable to take either of
the GL Assessments.
Children who wish to apply under Special Provision do not need to take the GL Entrance Assessment or the
supplementary assessment unless their parents/guardians so wish, in which case the GL Entrance Assessment
grade obtained would also be considered. The Admissions Committee will require an assessment of an applicant’s
abilities to be carried out by a suitably qualified person or body approved by the College.
It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to provide precise reasons why the applicant did not take part in the GL
Entrance Assessment and to submit appropriate documentary evidence attached to the Transfer Form.
For those pupils currently in P7 in Primary Schools in Northern Ireland, claims for Special Provision should be made
on Form SP1 and attached to the Transfer Form. The SP1 application form is available from the College or its
website. Parents wishing to claim Special Provision should also forward a copy of Form SP1 directly to the Belfast
Education & Library Board/ESA, by 4.00pm on Wednesday 5 th March 2014. After this date, claims for Special
Provision should be made directly to Dominican College.
The Admissions Committee will consider each application for Special Provision. Where this is granted, the
Admissions Committee will determine, on the basis of the information available, an appropriate grade equivalent for
the applicant. Such applicants will then be considered with all other applicants who have received a GL Assessment
grade and the admissions criteria applied.
Open Day - Saturday 18 th January 2014
9.30am – 1.00pm (Principal’s address 9.30am and 11.00am)
By invitation through primary schools and local press
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INTRODUCTION
Dominican College was founded on the 15 th September, 1930, by the Dominican Sisters and provides an academic
education for girls aged 11-18. The school’s motto is “Veritas” and this pursuit of truth, in all its forms, characterises
the approach to learning and teaching in our school.
Dominican College, Fortwilliam, places the pupil at the centre of its work. Each pupil will be encouraged to strive for
her own best and will be imbued with the Dominican ethos which provides a model for Christian living.
Our pupils are educated in a magnificent and superbly equipped school. The facilities include a Concert Hall, Lecture
Theatre, specialist music and drama facilities, a competition sized sports hall, Technology and Design realization
area, three networked state-of-the-art computer suites and multiple science laboratories and general classrooms.
We prepare our pupils for public examinations, further study and a variety of careers. However, we always try to
emphasise knowledge as not merely a means to an end, but as valuable in its own right, and we acknowledge the fact
that the educational process is never-ending.
The pastoral care of our pupils is extremely important and permeates every aspect of school life. Each individual pupil
is treated as a unique person who is known and cared for by her teachers, class tutor and Year Head. Concern for
each pupil is evident in all aspects of school life. Parents/guardians are encouraged to maintain close contact with the
school. In addition, sixth form pupils are partnered with junior girls through a well-developed and successful mentoring
programme. Mentors assist pupils with any difficulties and they, in turn, develop a sense of leadership, responsibility
and self-worth.
Careers Education is an intrinsic element of our learning and teaching. Emphasis is placed on the development of
skills that will help pupils realise their ambitions. Each will be guided as they research their career options. They will
use a wide range of resources available in the college and will benefit from the recognised assistance of reputable
outside agencies.
There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities available in Dominican College. These include badminton, tennis,
trampolining, gymnastics, aerobics, netball, keep-fit, boot-camp, first aid, school newsletter, debating, dancing, Gaelic
football, camogie, soccer, hockey, computer clubs, exercise classes, the President’s Award and the Liturgical Society.
In addition, pupils are encouraged to contribute to Community Service and Christian fundraising projects through the
Saphara Project, the Trocaire Society, the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Pope John Paul II Award. Thus their
Christian faith and concern for others finds a practical expression through charitable works.
At Dominican College, pupils follow a common syllabus of Religious Education, English, Spanish/Irish French, History,
Geography, Mathematics, Information and Communications Technology, Technology & Design, General Science,
Home Economics, Physical Education, Drama, Art and Music in their first year. At the end of the third year, GCSE
subjects are chosen from those listed above with the addition of the following: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Double
Award Science, Single Award Science, Additional Mathematics, Business Studies and Learning for Life and Work.
Choices for Advanced Level study are further augmented by History of Art, Further Mathematics, Politics, Sociology,
Media Studies, Moving Image Arts, Applied Business Studies, Health and Social Care and Sports Studies.
In Dominican College it is hoped that, through genuine love, justice and trust, each pupil will achieve her potential,
learn to know her own worth and fulfil her role as an active member of society.
Further details, including details on grades, are to be found on our website: www.dominicancollege.org.uk
From September 1990 parents of all pupils admitted to Dominican College (except in the case of pupils who are not
resident in Northern Ireland and who are non E.C. nationals) will not be required to pay Tuition Fees. A Voluntary
Contribution (currently £60 per annum) is requested of all pupils.
RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND PRINCIPAL IN RELATION TO ADMISSIONS
TO THE SCHOOL
The Board of Governors draws up the admissions criteria and delegates to an Admissions Sub-Committee, which
includes the Principal, the responsibility for applying these criteria. Any reference herein to the Board of Governors
includes any Committee or Sub-Committee appointed by the Board of Governors for the purposes of applying the
Admissions Criteria set out herein.
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Admissions Criteria Year 8
Applicants resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission will be selected for admission before
any child not so resident can be selected.
The Board of Governors of Dominican College will consider all claims for Special Provision and Special
Circumstances. Where a claim is accepted the Board of Governors will assign a grade to the applicant. Those
applicants will then be considered with all other applicants who have received a grade and the admissions criteria
applied.
Applicants will be ranked in order of the Grade attained in the GL Assessment, the Grade awarded under Special
Provisions, or the Grade awarded under Special Circumstances namely A, B1, B2, C1, C2 and D.
1. First preference will be given to those applicants who have attained Grade A in the GL Assessment or have
been awarded Grade A under Special Provision or have been awarded Grade A under Special Circumstances.
2. If places remain after all Grade A applicants have been admitted, priority will be given to those applicants who
have attained Grade B1 in the GL Assessment or have been awarded Grade B1 under Special Provision or
have been awarded Grade B1 under Special Circumstances.
3. If places remain after all Grade B1 applicants have been admitted, priority will be given to those applicants who
have attained Grade B2 in the GL Assessment or have been awarded Grade B2 under Special Provision or
have been awarded Grade B2 under Special Circumstances.
4. If places remain after all Grade B2 applicants have been admitted, priority will be given to those applicants who
have attained Grade C1 in the GL Assessment or have been awarded Grade C1 under Special Provision or
have been awarded Grade C1 under Special Circumstances.
5. If places remain after all Grade C1 applicants have been admitted, priority will be given to those applicants who
have attained Grade C2 in the GL Assessment or have been awarded Grade C2 under Special Provision or
have been awarded Grade C2 under Special Circumstances.
6. If places remain after all Grade C2 applicants have been admitted, applicants who have attained Grade D in the
GL Assessment or have been awarded Grade D under Special Provision or have been awarded Grade D under
Special Circumstances will be admitted.
In the event of the number of applicants in a category under consideration (i.e. Grades A, B1, B2, C1, C2, D)
exceeding the number of places available, priority will be given to pupils using the Sub Criteria below in the order
given.
SUB CRITERIA
a) Applicants who have a sibling currently enrolled at Dominican College;
b) Applicants who have a sibling who has already been selected under the current transfer procedure;
c) Applicants who are the eldest girl of the family eligible to transfer to mainstream post-primary education.
Applicants must supply with this application a verifying letter, written on headed notepaper, signed by one of the
following who is not a member of the applicant’s family:
(i) the family doctor
(ii) the family solicitor
(iii) the applicant’s Parish Priest/Minister of Religion
(iv) the applicant’s Primary School Principal
(The letter must state that the child and family have been known to the verifier for at least 2 years).
d) Applicants who have had a sibling at Dominican College;
e) Applicants who are attending the following feeder schools (no priority will be given to any particular school);
Abbots Cross PS, Antrim PS, Ashgrove PS, Ballyhenry PS, Ballymacricket PS, Ballymacward, PS Ben Madigan
Prep, Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagain, Bunscoil Phobal Feirste, Cavehill PS, Christ the Redeemer PS, Cliftonville
PS, Downey House PS, Gaelscoil Eanna, Glengormley PS, Greenisland PS, Hazelwood PS, Holy Cross PS,
Holy Family PS, Holy Rosary PS, Holy Trinity PS, Mercy PS, Mossgrove PS, Oakwood PS, Our Lady of
Lourdes PS, Our Lady’s PS, Sacred Heart PS, Scoil An Droichid, Seaview PS, St Anne’s PS, St Bernard’s PS
(Glengormley), St Bernard’s PS (Belfast), St Bride’s PS, St Claire’s PS, St Coleman’s PS, St Comgall’s PS, St
James’ PS, St John the Baptist PS, St Joseph’s PS (Antrim), St Joseph’s PS (Crumlin) St Joseph’s PS
(Lisburn), St Kevin’s PS, St MacNissi’s PS, St Malachy’s PS, St Mary’s on the Hill PS, St Mary’s Star of the Sea
PS, St Matthew’s PS, St Michael’s PS, St Nicholas’ PS, St Paul’s PS, St Theresa’s PS, St Therese of Lisieux
PS, St Vincent de Paul PS, Star of the Sea PS, Templepatrick PS, Tir na nOg PS, Whiteabbey PS, Whitehead
PS.
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f) Applicants who are entitled to Free School Meals;
g) If after consideration of the above criteria there remain more applicants than places available, places will be
allocated by date of birth as identified on the birth certificate presented at registration for the entrance
assessment. Priority will be given to the oldest applicant.
h) If after consideration of date of birth there remain more applicants than places available, places will be allocated
in alphabetical order first by surname and then by forename if required.
“entitled to Free School Meals” will mean applicants who are listed on the Education and Library
Board/ESA register as entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their Parent or Guardian
has signed their post-primary Transfer Form, or any date up to and including 14 May 2014.
Please Note:
When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take into account
information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. Parents should therefore ensure that all information
pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admission criteria is stated on the Transfer Form or attached to it.
An example of such information includes: whether the child has a sibling currently enrolled at Dominican College or is
the eldest girl of the family eligible to transfer to mainstream post-primary education.
DUTY TO VERIFY
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or
verify information on any Transfer Form. The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide
information within the deadlines set by the College can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to offer a
place on the part of any school nominated on the applicant’s Transfer Form.
The grades achieved by each applicant in the GL Assessment will be verified with the Post Primary Transfer
Consortium.
Waiting List Policy
Should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014, all applications for admission to Year 8 including: applications that were
initially refused; new applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally
and the published criteria applied. This waiting list will be in place until 30 June 2015.
The school will contact parents in writing if their child gains a place in the school by this method.
The names of all unsuccessful applicants will be automatically placed on the waiting list. Parents should contact the
school in writing if they wish their daughter’s name to be removed from the waiting list.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 150 187 152
2012/13 150 171 150
2013/14 150 188 150
60

GROSVENOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Marina Park
Belfast BT5 6BA
Telephone No: 028 9070 2777
Fax No: 028 9079 7019
E-mail: info@grosvenor.belfast.ni.sch.uk
www.grosvenorgrammarschool.org.uk
Controlled Grammar School
Non-Denominational
Co-educational
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 1075
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 155
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 1075
Principal: R S McLoughlin BSc, MEd, PQH
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr A McVeigh
To Parents/Guardians naming Grosvenor Grammar School as a preference on your child’s Transfer Form
Entrance Test Results
Please ensure that you provide the following information on Section C of your child’s Transfer Form:
your child’s score in the Association for Quality Education (“AQE”) Common Entrance Assessment
(“CEA”) which should be entered, along with the AQE Candidate Number, in the following format: ‘AQE
CEA score’, followed by the score with the AQE Candidate Number in brackets. It is the responsibility
of parents/guardians to make sure that the original notification received from AQE indicating
their child’s AQE CEA score is attached to the Transfer Form.
Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions
If you are making a claim for your child to be considered under Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions,
please note that you are required to:
present all such material as you consider will assist the Board of Governors in determining if Special
Circumstances and/or Special Provisions apply;
attach all such material to the Transfer Form.
Further details can be found in the Section ‘Special Circumstances and Special Provisions – General
Information’ below.
Open Evenings - Wednesday 8 January 2014 AND Thursday 9 January 2014
6.30pm-9.00pm (Principal’s talks 7.15pm and 8.00pm)
School open for viewing, staff available for consultation
INTRODUCTION
Founded in 1945, Grosvenor Grammar School (“the School”) is multi-cultural, non-denominational and co-educational.
It has been situated in the Castlereagh area since 1958. The School provides a high quality education to all pupils,
enabling them to participate in a range of activities, to enjoy their schooldays and to obtain the best examination
results of which they are capable. The vast majority of pupils pass on to universities throughout the United Kingdom
and Ireland, including Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
The School is characterised by a pleasant atmosphere in which pupils are encouraged to develop all their capabilities.
The curriculum gives emphasis to academic, social, aesthetic, moral and physical development and pupils are
enabled to grow in self-confidence throughout their years in the School. The welfare and progress of each pupil and
constructive home-school links are encouraged and maintained through a team of Heads of Year and Form Tutors,
allied to a flourishing parent association and professional counsellors. Acceptance of a place in the School is taken
as acceptance of the School’s Discipline Policy and as a statement of agreement to abide by the School Rules.
Its prime position and extensive grounds have made the School attractive to pupils from many urban, suburban and
rural primary schools, mainly in East & South Belfast and North & Mid Down areas. This is a particularly exciting time
for the School, as we moved into our new school buildings in April 2010 on our 34 acre site. This completed our
building programme which started with the opening in November 1999 of the £4.5m Ken Reid Building, our Science &
Technology block. The £18.5m new school, including a further £1.2m for Furniture and Equipment, is part of a PPP
project constructing a number of schools across the Belfast Education & Library Board. The new facilities now
provide our pupils with the most exceptional and up-to-date equipment across all teaching spaces including interactive
whiteboards and tablets, data projectors, video conferencing equipment and access to the use of a virtual learning
environment. There are three sand-based rugby pitches, two synthetic hockey pitches, three synthetic cricket
wickets, a 400m running track, Fitness Suite, Sports Hall, Lecture Dance Studio, purpose built Art Suite, Drama
Studio, Home Economics Suite, Music Suite, Careers Suite and Sixth Form Centre. All teaching spaces are equipped
with a state-of-the-art heat exchanger and natural air flow system which, along with the environmental friendly lighting,
ensures that they are conducive to teaching and learning. In addition the excellent location of the School allows easy
access to additional facilities such as the Robinson Centre. Our new world-class facilities will undoubtedly enrich the
pupils’ experience of education in this wonderful school for many years to come.
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There are 65 full-time specialist teachers, three foreign language assistants and numerous peripatetic instrumental
tutors, both private and from the Belfast School of Music.
On entering the School, pupils are placed in one of six classes, following common courses in English, French,
Spanish, German, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Home Economics, Art, Technology and Design, History,
Geography, Music, Drama, Religious Education, Physical Education, Information Technology and Learning for Life
and Work. A short residential experience is offered to all pupils in First Form (Year 8).
In Third Form (Year 10), consultation involving pupils, parents/guardians and careers staff is followed by selection of
nine, ten or eleven subjects at GCSE from a list of twenty-four. After GCSE, most pupils enter Sixth Form to take
Advanced Level courses in three or four subjects, from a list of twenty-seven. Work Experience and Job Shadowing
opportunities increase at this stage, as do extra-curricular activities in the recreational, leisure, vocational and
voluntary service areas.
The School has very strong musical, dramatic and sporting traditions. It is proud of its success in the choral and
instrumental spheres, and of its musical links throughout the world. It is equally proud of the emphasis it places on
the wide range of games, societies and other activities led by the teachers. Inter-school competition and co-operation
are encouraged.
The School is highly involved in cross-community work. It has a strong European and World outlook with a number of
international link schools and has an excellent record for its charitable work. Notable achievements and successes in
recent years include top places in the Northern Ireland and UK examinations; achieving Northern Ireland Specialist
School status; Silver Investor in People Award; ICT Mark Accreditation; Charter Mark Award; British Council
International School Award and the first post-primary school in Northern Ireland to receive the European
Environmental Green Flag Award.
Transport has been arranged to assist those who live in Ballygowan, Comber, Crossnacreevy, Derryboye,
Moneyreagh and the Belmont/Stormont, Dundonald, Cairnshill/Four Winds and Strandtown areas of the city. The
School is also easily accessible by public transport from Belvoir, Carryduff, Killinchy, Saintfield and most areas of East
and South Belfast.
The School holds high expectations for its pupils and encourages them to aspire to rewarding careers and to
participate in the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer in the School. Parental aspirations are of paramount
importance and the School complements these by constant and regular communication.
Over the past few years, we have been delighted to admit pupils from the following primary schools:
Abbey PS (Newtownards)
Alexander Dickson PS
Avoniel PS
Ballykeigle PS
Brooklands PS
Campbell College Junior School
Carryduff PS
Comber PS
Derryboy PS
Downey House Preparatory School
Elmgrove PS
Forge Integrated PS
Glencraig Integrated PS
Harding Memorial PS
Knockbreda PS
Lead Hill PS
Lisnasharragh PS
Millenium Integrated PS
Nettlefield PS
Rosetta PS
St Joseph's PS
Stranmillis PS
Victoria Park PS
Academy PS
Andrews Memorial PS
Ballycloughan PS
Braniel PS
Cairnshill PS
Carrickmannon PS
Cavehill PS
Cregagh PS
Donegall Road PS
Dundonald PS
Euston Street PS
Gilnahirk PS
Glenwood PS
Killinchy PS
Knocknagoney PS
Lisburn Central PS
Loughview Integrated PS
Moneyrea PS
Orangefield PS
St Bride's PS
Strandtown PS
Strathearn Preparatory School
62

A. ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO FORM 1 (YEAR 8) IN SEPTEMBER 2014
1 General
1.1 The Board of Governors delegates the selection of pupils for admission to the School Transfer Committee,
consisting of the Chairman (or Deputy Chair) of the Board, two other Governors, the Principal (or his appointed
Deputy) and one other member of the School’s Senior Leadership Team.
1.2 The Board of Governors of the School will not use as a criterion the position of preference given to the School
on the Transfer Form, i.e. a child who has chosen Grosvenor in any position on the Transfer Form will be
considered equally with those who have put the School first.
1.3 When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only
take into account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. It is the
responsibility of parents/guardians to make sure that all information pertaining to their child and
relevant to the School’s admissions criteria, as outlined below, is stated legibly on or attached to the
Transfer Form. The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may
determine to support or verify information on the Transfer Form. Parents should note that the information
contained within an application that qualifies the child for admission may require to be verified. The provision of
false or incorrect information or the failure to provide information within the deadlines as set by the School can
result in the withdrawal of a place.
1.4 Where applicable, ‘sibling’ is defined as another child of the family [Article 2(2) of the Domestic Proceedings
(NI) Order 1980], to include: adopted/fostered children, half-brothers and sisters and orphaned cousins being
brought up with a family.
1.5 In relation to Eldest Child, twins (or other multiples) will be treated as joint eldest.
2 If the School is over-subscribed, the following criteria for entry will apply, in the order stated:
2.1 The Board of Governors will consider children who are resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed
admission to the School before those who are not.
2.2 The Board of Governors will then consider children who have taken the Common Entrance Assessment (“CEA”)
administered by the Association for Quality Education (“AQE”). The Board of Governors will use the ‘score’ as
awarded by AQE to a pupil in the CEA, subject only to the consideration of parent/guardian(s) claiming ‘Special
Circumstances’ or ‘Special Provisions’ as defined below. Places will be allocated in strict rank order of the
scores, starting with the highest score and working in descending rank order, up to the Admissions
Number (155). The score in the AQE CEA should be entered, along with the AQE Candidate Number, in
Section C of the Transfer Form in the following format: ‘AQE CEA score’, followed by the score with the
AQE Candidate Number in brackets. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to make sure that the
original notification received from AQE indicating their child’s AQE CEA score is attached to the
Transfer Form.
2.3 If more than one child is eligible for the last remaining place(s) because they have equal scores, then the final
place(s) will be allocated using the following criteria, in the order stated:
(i) children who EITHER have a sibling currently in the School [state name(s) and Registration Group(s)] OR
are the eldest child in the family to be eligible to transfer to a mainstream Post-Primary School.
(ii) applicants will be ranked for acceptance on the basis of a computer-based process which will make use
of the names of applicants as shown on their Transfer Forms.
The process is carried out by means of a computer program which, for each applicant, generates a
ranking number using the details from the Transfer Form as the seed for a random number generator.
The outcome, for any given applicant, is dependent only on the applicant’s name (as written on the
Transfer Form), and is not affected by the details of any other applicant. Although the process is
repeatable, and the results may therefore be subsequently verified, it is not possible to predict, in
advance of running the program, what the result will be for any given set of details. Applicants with the
lowest ranking numbers will be given places up to the number of places available. Further details may be
obtained from the Principal.
3. If there are still places available after consideration of all the children who have taken the AQE CEA and
been awarded a score by AQE, or awarded a score as a result of Special Circumstances or Special
Provisions, the School Transfer Committee will consider for admission any children who have not taken
the AQE CEA. These children will be allocated to the remaining places up to the School’s Admission
Number using the criteria outlined above in 2.3 in the order set out.
Special Circumstances and Special Provisions – General Information
The purpose of a claim for Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions is so that a child can be assigned a score
equivalent to that which he or she would have obtained in the AQE CEA under normal conditions. Consideration of a
claim for Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions consists of two parts: the first requires the consideration of
whether there is sufficient material to permit a child to be considered as having special circumstances or attracting
special provisions, or both; if a child is permitted to be considered as having special circumstances or as attracting
special provisions or both, the second part of the consideration requires an educational judgement to be made on the
totality of the material presented to the School so that a mark equivalent to that which the child would have obtained in
the AQE CEA under normal conditions can be awarded.
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It is for parents/guardians to present all such material as they consider will assist the School in performing both parts
of the consideration described above. All such material should be attached to the Transfer Form. It should be noted
by parents/guardians that both parts of the consideration referred to involve an exercise in judgement and not precise
calculation.
Educational Evidence to be provided in support of a claim for Special Circumstances and/or Special
Provisions
In reaching the education judgement needed to award the mark that the child would have obtained in the AQE CEA
under normal circumstances, the School Transfer Committee will consider any material presented (and attached to
the Transfer Form) by the parents/guardians. This material may include any or all of the following:
i) the score awarded by AQE in the CEA;
ii) the results for the child of any standardised tests conducted in Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 and the results in any
end of year tests in English and Mathematics in Years 5 and 6;
iii) comparative information from the Primary School, including the results, without names, for other children in the
child’s Year 7 class of any standardised tests conducted in Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 and the results in any
end of year tests in English and Mathematics in Years 5 and 6 and where available the respective CEA scores;
iv) any other relevant material.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
The School has academic performance as its first criterion, subject only to the consideration of medical or other
problems which may have affected performance in the AQE CEA and which are supported by documentary evidence
of a medical or other appropriate nature. Such ‘medical or other problems’ are commonly referred to as ‘Special
Circumstances’.
Please note: If a claim for the consideration of Special Circumstances is made in respect of matters for which Special
Access arrangements were granted for a child, the School Transfer Committee will take into account the fact that the
child was granted Special Access arrangements for those matters.
Parents/guardians who wish to apply to the School under Special Circumstances should complete Form SC 13,
obtainable from the School, stating the precise reason why they believe the child should be considered for Special
Circumstances and attach it with appropriate evidence, to the Transfer Form.
Details of Medical or other problems
Where it is claimed that a child’s performance in the AQE CEA has been affected by a medical or other problem, it is
the responsibility of the parents/guardians to set out in Form SC 13 the precise details of the problem and append
evidence to corroborate its existence.
Where the problem is a medical one of short term duration which affected the child only at the time of the AQE CEA,
parents/guardians should be aware that the School Transfer Committee will attach greater weight to evidence
indicating that the child was examined by a medical practitioner in relation to the illness at the time of the
assessments.
Where the problem is of a non-medical nature, the parents/guardians should set out in the Form SC 13 precise details
of the problem and append any appropriate evidence.
The School Transfer Committee will consider the application for Special Circumstances. Where this is granted, the
School Transfer Committee will determine, on the basis of the information available, an appropriate AQE CEA score
for the child. Such children will then be considered with all the other children who have received an AQE CEA score
and the admissions criteria applied.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
Special Provisions will apply for:
a) children whose parents/guardians wish them to transfer from schools outside Northern Ireland;
b) children who have received more than half their primary education outside Northern Ireland;
c) children entered for the AQE CEA, who because of unforeseen and serious medical or other problems which
are supported by appropriate independent documentary evidence, were unable to participate in any of the
assessments.
Note: It is expected that all those seeking admission should sit the AQE CEA, with the exception of children
who took up residence in Northern Ireland after 13 September 2013.
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Parents/guardians who wish to apply to the School under Special Provisions should complete Form SC 13, obtainable
from the School, stating the precise reason why they believe the child is eligible for consideration under Special
Provisions and attach it with appropriate evidence to the Transfer Form. Parents/Guardians who are applying for
Special Provisions under category a) must do so by 14 May 2014.
The School Transfer Committee will consider the application for Special Provisions. Where this is granted, the School
Transfer Committee will determine, on the basis of the information available, an appropriate AQE CEA score for the
child. Such children will then be considered with all other children who have received an AQE CEA score and the
admissions criteria applied.
B. ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO FORM 1 (YEAR 8) FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF
THE TRANSFER PROCEDURE
Grosvenor Grammar School operates a separate waiting list for each year group. For Form 1 (Year 8), all
applications for admission to Form 1 (Year 8) that were initially refused will be automatically added to the waiting list.
New applications and applications where new information has been provided will also be added to the waiting list.
Please note that if a child does not have an AQE CEA score the School Transfer Committee will determine, on the
basis of the information on or attached to the School Application Form, an appropriate AQE CEA score for the child.
The Form 1 (Year 8) waiting list will be in place until the 30 June 2015. Please contact the School if you wish your
child’s name to be removed from the list.
Should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014 and should there be more applications than places available, the
procedure outlined in the Admissions Criteria for entry of children to Form 1 (Year 8) will be followed. The School
will contact you in writing if your child gains a place in the School by this method.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 155 293 155
2012/13 155 237 155
2013/14 155 226 155
65

HAZELWOOD COLLEGE
70 Whitewell Road
Newtownabbey BT36 7ES
Telephone No: 028 9077 4202
Fax No: 028 9077 7989
E-mail: office@hazelwood.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.hazelwood.org.uk
Principal: Kathleen Gormley BA(Hons) MA, PQH
Chairperson of the Board of Governors: Mr Trevor Parkhill
Grant Maintained
Integrated College
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 864
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 140
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 850
Specialist School: Digital Arts
Open Day
Thursday 16 January 2014
9.00am-12.00noon Address by Principal 10.30am
6.00pm-9.00pm Address by Principal 7.00 & 8.00pm
INTRODUCTION
Hazelwood College – Education For The Future
Hazelwood College was founded in 1985 as a planned integrated college where mutual understanding is fostered and
cultural diversity is celebrated. Today Hazelwood welcomes students of different religions, cultural and political
traditions, social backgrounds, genders and abilities, thereby enriching the College and society.
Hazelwood College is an innovative Specialist School committed to educational excellence. Our specialism, Digital
Arts, enables our students to benefit from creative computer-aided learning. Students are taught in beautiful new
school buildings fully equipped with state of the art technology; each student has ready access to a computer. Parents
and students are able to access the College intranet from home. The use of computer-aided learning is creating a
revolution in education. Hazelwood College is at the forefront of that revolution.
As well as ‘future’ proofed’ infrastructure which allows for the incorporation of ICT into teaching and learning,
Hazelwood College has ‘state of the art’ facilities in every subject area. Clustered around Graymount House (a listed
building and our administrative centre) our buildings provide a wonderful environment for our students. The campus
is further enhanced by the location of the College situated beneath the Cavehill and overlooking Belfast Lough.
Aims and Ethos
Students come to the College from a wide area covering Belfast and South Antrim. The wide catchment area allows
young people from all denominations and from diverse backgrounds to mix and make friendships. The fundamental
aim of the College is to provide an environment which develops students as caring, autonomous individuals, proud of
their own background and respectful of the background of others.
Curriculum
The College welcomes children of all ability. Students are organised into all ability classes and follow a broad
curriculum where a high value is placed on the student as an individual. Classes are kept small to allow for the
maximum development of each child. A new ‘Curriculum for Success’ will be in place for September 2013. Early
specialisation is deliberately avoided, and all students are prepared for GCSE in nine subject areas. Sixth Form
students choose from a wide range of ‘AS’ and ‘A’ level subjects.
Extra Curricular Activities
College teams and individual students are entered in a wide range of sports including soccer and gaelic football,
basketball, rugby, cross country, netball and hockey. The Drama and Music departments play a prominent part in the
many events which take place during the College year. There is a wide range of additional clubs: including digital
photography, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and film making. A school trip, either skiing or to a foreign country
takes place each year. Great emphasis has been placed on Careers Education and many links have been made with
the World of Business.
Pastoral Care
Hazelwood College is child-centred in its approach. A Class Tutor is allocated to each class. The class meets the
Class Tutor each morning for registration and also has the Class Tutor for a tutorial period. The Class Tutor is the
primary point of contact in the College for the sharing of information. He/she is the first person that the student will
turn to for help or advice.
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Parental Involvement
Hazelwood College was established by parents and parents continue to play an important role in the day-to-day life of
the College. Parents hold five out of sixteen places on the Board of Governors, there is a Parents’ Council, and the
College operates an Open Door policy with parents welcome at any time. There is frequent communication between
the College and parents. Parents are invited to Parent Teacher meetings and an annual Parent Class Tutor interview
at which their child’s progress is reviewed. Reports on academic progress are issued in June. A termly newsletter
keeps parents informed of all College news.
Admissions
Parents are invited to attend the College on Open Day or to make an appointment to see the Principal. A copy of the
College Prospectus is available on request from the College or from your Primary School.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO YEAR 8 SEPTEMBER 2014
Hazelwood Integrated College is an all-ability, co-educational, integrated school.
The Board of Governors seeks to maintain a reasonable balance between Catholic and Protestant students as
outlined in the statement of principles of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education.
The Board of Governors delegates to an Admissions Committee, consisting of the Principal, Vice Principal and two
governors, the responsibility for applying the College admissions criteria in the selection of Year 8 students. The
Special Educational Need Co-ordinator will join the Admissions Committee for SEN applicants. Selections are
approved by the Board of Governors.
In order to maintain a reasonable balance the College admissions criteria is applied separately to applicants from
Protestant and Catholic backgrounds. 30% of places are reserved for ‘others’ who may be from a mixed tradition
background, from a different religious/ethnic grouping, or from those of no religious affiliation.
Prospective parents need to complete a Hazelwood College Student Information Form indicating which category they
want their son/daughter to be included in and which criteria he/she meets. A Student Information Form can be
obtained on request from the College.
All relevant information must also be included in Section B and Section C on the Transfer Form to enable the
Committee to apply the criteria fairly. This should include the category the child belongs to, family connections with
school and type of school; integrated, single-sex, co-educational.
The Board of Governors reserves the right to seek confirmation of any information supplied.
The following criteria will be applied separately to each category:
1 Pupils who place Hazelwood Integrated College as first preference
2 Pupils who have/had a brother/sister or foster brother/sister at the College (indicate name and year group).
3 Pupils who attended Hazelwood Integrated Primary School.
4 Pupils who attended a Grant Maintained/Controlled Integrated Primary School.
5 Pupils who are the eldest eligible child in the family.
6 Pupils whose parent/guardian attended Hazelwood Integrated College (indicate name and years of
attendance).
7 Pupils whose parent/guardian is/has been a member of the Board of Governors of an integrated college or
who has been employed directly by Hazelwood Integrated College during the last five years.
8 Pupils who have/had a brother/sister or foster brother/sister at another integrated college (indicate name,
year group and dates of attendance and name of College).
9 Other pupils.
In the event of oversubscription in the last criterion which can be applied then selection for all places remaining in this
category are made on the basis of initial letter of surname, in the order set out below:
M F D C O J U Q K P L S V G B X T Z E W Y H R A N I
The order was determined by a randomized selection of letters of the alphabet.
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In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter the subsequent letters of the surnames are used in
alphabetical order; names beginning with Mc or Mac will be ranked as in the telephone directory. In the event of two
identical surnames, the alphabetical order of the initials of the forenames will be used.
In the event of two pupils having exactly the same name, the date of birth, as entered on the birth certificate will be
used as a tie breaker with the eldest child being chosen first.
The religious tradition of a pupil will be determined by:
1 Information supplied to the College by the parent/guardian of the pupil on the College’s Student
Information Form.
2 Information noted on or attached to the Transfer Form.
3 The category of primary school which the pupil attended i.e. controlled or maintained.
4 In the event of the Governors being unable to decide the religious tradition, then the applicant will be
deemed as ‘Other’.
Please Note:
When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take
into account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form and Student Information Form.
Parents should ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions
criteria is stated on the Transfer Form or attached to it.
Waiting List Policy
Should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014 all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused,
new applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the
published criteria applied. This waiting list will be in place until June 2015. The school will contact you in
writing if your child gains a place in the school by this method.
Your child’s name will be automatically added to the list. Please contact the school if you wish for your
child’s name to be removed from the list.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 140 143 140
2012/13 140 126 126
2013/14 140 138 138
68

HUNTERHOUSE COLLEGE
Finaghy
Belfast BT10 0LE
Telephone No: 028 9061 2293
Fax No: 028 9062 9790
E-mail: info@hunterhouse.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.hunterhousecollege.org.uk
Voluntary Grammar School
Girls’ Grammar
Non-denominational
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 715
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 100
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 710
Principal: Mr A Gibson MA DipEd PQH
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr D McClay
To Parents/Guardians naming Hunterhouse College (“the College”) as a preference on your child’s Transfer Form.
Entrance Test Results
Please ensure that you provide the following information on Section C of your child’s Transfer Form:
- your child’s score in the Common Entrance Assessment (“CEA”) as issued by the Association for Quality
Education (“AQE”) which should be entered, along with the AQE Candidate Number, in the following format:
‘AQE CEA score’, followed by the score, with the AQE Candidate Number in brackets. It is the responsibility
of parents/guardians to make sure that the original notification received from the AQE indicating their
child’s AQE CEA score is attached to the Transfer Form. A photocopy will not be accepted.
Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions
If you are making a claim for your child to be considered under Special Circumstances or Special Provisions, please
note that you are required to:
- present all such material as you consider will assist the Board of Governors Transfer Panel in determining if
Special Circumstances and/or Special Provisions apply;
- attach all such material to the Transfer Form.
Further details can be found in Section 2 – ‘Special Circumstances’ and Section 3 – ‘Special Provisions’
below.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Open Evening – Friday, 10 January 2014
7.00pm – 9.30pm (talk by Principal at 7.00pm, 7.30pm and 8.00pm)
Open Day – Saturday, 11 January 2014
9.30am-12.00noon (talk by Principal at 9.30am and 11.00am)
Hunterhouse College (“the College”) was created in 1987 upon the amalgamation of Ashleigh House and Princess
Gardens schools. The College is non-denominational by tradition and pupils are drawn from a broad range of social
and cultural backgrounds and from a wide geographical area. The College places a strong emphasis on creating
opportunities for all girls to succeed both within the classroom and in the extra-curricular life of the College. They
are also encouraged to develop an awareness of, and a conscientious approach towards, the needs of others and
to attach great importance not only to their own learning and development but also to how they might best serve
the wider community.
The College enjoys a unique site in 37 acres of wooded parkland and the Governors of the College are committed
to the continuous development of both the premises and the resources of the College. A new extended suite of Art
& Design, Business Studies and Geography rooms was completed in 2008. In September 2011 an extensive
refurbishment and building programme was completed creating a new Learning Resource Centre housing our
Library and sixty networked computers, Sixth Form Study and Social Areas, Meeting Centre and Video
Conferencing Suite and new staff facilities. These developments substantially enhanced the range of facilities
available to both staff and students.
On joining Year 8, pupils are placed in one of four classes and follow a broad, balanced curriculum which offers
them the opportunity to develop as individuals and as contributors to society, the economy and the environment.
The College supports the aim of the Northern Ireland Curriculum to empower young people to achieve their
potential and to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives. The General Learning Areas
include English and Drama, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Environment and Society, Modern Languages
(French, German and Spanish), the Arts including Music, Physical Education and Religious Education. The College
continues to provide opportunities for learning which challenge girls appropriately and extend their learning beyond
the minimum entitlement as defined in the curriculum. Girls may learn two modern foreign languages and
throughout the College individual lessons can be taken in a range of musical instruments and in singing and
Speech & Drama.
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At both GCSE and A Level a broad range of academic and applied courses are on offer with several new courses
made available in recent years. Post-16 students are also encouraged to undertake enrichment and voluntary work
within the community.
A close partnership with parents is valued and encouraged. The College recognises that the girls are most likely to
achieve their full potential with active support from both school and home. Parents of girls in each year group are
invited to attend a Progress Event annually and regular consultation with the Pastoral Team is encouraged. The
Parent Teacher Association is active in its support of the College in many practical ways.
Travel to the College is by public bus service out of Belfast via Lisburn Road and Malone Road, from Lisburn via
Dunmurry, Kingsway or by train via Finaghy Station. With the co-operation of Ulsterbus a special bus brings girls
from Comber and East Belfast. This connects with services from Newcastle and Downpatrick at Newtownbreda. In
the afternoon an Ulsterbus take girls to East Belfast and Comber. Pupils from North Down travel to Finaghy by
train. The school minibus currently serves the Moneyrea, Carryduff and Drumbo areas. The route starts at
Moneyrea and travels via Carryduff, Mealough Road, Drumbo and Drumbeg. In addition to the afternoon public
service on the Lisburn Road, three Ulsterbuses leave for Dromara, Ballinderry and Moira from outside the front
doors of the College. These buses do not stop before Lisburn. As demand for places on these buses may exceed
places available, consideration is given to Year 8 girls and those with special needs or travel connections. Places
are allocated on this basis annually.
1. INTRODUCTION
The College is a voluntary cross-community grammar school for girls offering a broadly academic curriculum.
Applications for admissions to the College are dealt with by the Principal, who acts on authority devolved to him by
the Board of Governors and in accordance with the published admissions criteria for the College. Decisions in
respect of ‘Special Circumstances’ and ‘Special Provisions’ are taken in consultation with the Board of Governors
Transfer Panel.
The College will initially consider only those children who have taken the CEA provided by the AQE. The Board of
Governors will use the ‘score’ as awarded by AQE to a pupil in the CEA, subject only to the consideration of those
children whose parents are claiming Special Circumstances or Special Provisions as defined below.
The College will not use as a criterion the position of preference given to the College as shown on the Transfer
Form; for example, a child who has chosen the College in any position on the application form will be considered in
the same way as all first preference applicants.
When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take into
account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. It is the responsibility of parents /
guardians to make sure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the College’s admissions
criteria, as outlined below, is stated legibly on or attached to the Transfer Form.
2. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Where a claim is made by parents that a child’s performance in the CEA has been affected by medical or other
problems Form SC13 (available from the College or AQE) should be completed and attached, along with any
supporting documentary evidence, to the Transfer Form. These ‘medical or other problems’ are commonly referred
to as “Special Circumstances”.
Please Note:
- If a claim for consideration of Special Circumstances is made in respect of matters for which Special Access
arrangements were granted, the Board of Governors Transfer Panel may take into account the fact that the child
was granted Special Access arrangements for those matters.
(i) Details of medical or other problems
Where it is claimed that a child’s performance in the CEA has been affected by a medical or other problem,
evidence must be provided to the College. Where the problem is a medical one of short term duration which
affected the child only at the time of the CEA process parents / guardians should be aware that the Board of
Governors Transfer Panel will attach greater weight to evidence indicating that the child was examined by a
medical practitioner in relation to the illness at the time of the assessment.
Where the problem is of a non-medical nature the parents should set out in the Form SC13 precise details of the
problem and attach any appropriate evidence to corroborate its existence.
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(ii) Educational Evidence which could support a claim for Special Circumstances
It is the responsibility of the parents in making a claim for Special Circumstances to provide the College with
evidence which reflects the child’s academic ability. The Board of Governors Transfer Panel will consider any
material presented (and attached to the Transfer Form) by parents/guardians. This material may include any or all
of the following:
i) The score awarded by AQE in the CEA;
ii)
The results for the child in any standardised test conducted in Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 and the results in any
end of year tests in English and Mathematics in Years 5 and 6;
iii) Comparative information from the Primary School, including the results, without names, for other children in the
child’s Year 7 class of any standardised tests conducted in Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 and the results in any
end of year tests in English and Mathematics in Years 5 and 6 and where available the respective CEA scores;
iv) Any other relevant material.
Parents / guardians are free to provide any other educational evidence for consideration by the Board of Governors
Transfer Panel.
It should be noted that in all cases independent evidence will carry greater weight.
The Board of Governors Transfer Panel will consider all evidence as provided. Where Special Circumstances are
accepted, the panel will determine, on the basis of the information available, and in exercising its judgement, a
score for the pupil. Such pupils will then be considered with all other pupils who have received a CEA score and
the admissions criteria applied.
3. SPECIAL PROVISIONS
Special Provisions will apply for:
A. Children whose parents wish them to transfer from a school outside Northern Ireland.
B. Children who have received more than half their primary education outside Northern Ireland.
C. Children who, as a consequence of medical or other problems, which are supported by appropriate independent
evidence, were not able to sit the CEA.
Where a claim is made by parents under Special Provisions, Form SC13 (available from the College or AQE)
should be completed and attached, along with any supporting documentary evidence, to the Transfer Form.
It is the responsibility of the parents in making a claim for Special Provisions to provide the College with evidence
which reflects the child’s academic ability. The Board of Governors Transfer Panel will consider any material
presented (and attached to the Transfer Form) by parents/guardians. This material may include any of the
following:
i) The score awarded by AQE in the CEA;
ii) The results for the child in any standardised test conducted in Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 and the results in any
end of year tests in English and Mathematics in Years 5 and 6;
iii) Comparative information from the Primary School, including the results, without names, for other children in the
child’s Year 7 class of any standardised tests conducted in Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 and the results in any
end of year tests in English and Mathematics in Years 5 and 6 and where available the respective CEA scores;
iv) Any other relevant material.
Parents / guardians are free to provide any other educational evidence for consideration by the Board of Governors
Transfer Panel.
It should be noted that in all cases independent evidence will carry greater weight.
The Board of Governors Transfer Panel will consider applications for Special Provisions.
Where this is accepted the following procedure will apply:
a) The College will consider any accredited assessments and may choose to commission an independent
assessment.
b) The Board of Governors Transfer Panel will determine, on the basis of the available information, and in
exercising its judgement, a score for the pupil. The child’s application will then be considered with all other
pupils who have received a CEA score and the admissions criteria applied.
Those children for whom B above applies may, if their parents wish, sit the CEA in which case the score obtained
will also be considered.
Parents / guardians, who are applying for Special Provisions under category A, as explained above, must do so by
23 rd April 2014.
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4. ADMISSIONS CRITERIA TO BE APPLIED TO ALL APPLICANTS
The Board of Governors will consider pupils who are resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed
admission to the College before those who are not.
If the number of children applying to the College is greater than the admissions number of 100, the following criteria
shall be applied in the order shown below.
1. Children who have taken the AQE CEA together with those for whom Special Provisions (as outlined above)
has been granted and those who having sat the CEA have applied for Special Circumstances.
2. The full 100 places available will be allocated to children on the basis of the rank order of their respective
scores; those achieving higher scores being allocated places before those who have scored lower. The
score in the AQE CEA should be entered along with the AQE Candidate Number, in Section C of the
Transfer Form in the following format: ‘AQE CEA score’, followed by the score, with the AQE Candidate
Number in brackets. It is the responsibility of parents / guardians to make sure that the original notification
received from the AQE indicating their child’s AQE CEA score is attached to the Transfer Form. A photocopy
will not be accepted.
If several children are eligible for the final remaining place or places because they have equal scores, then all
such children will be allocated places up to the College’s admission number, using the ‘Tie-breaker’ criteria
(criterion 4) if necessary.
3. If, following the application of criteria 1 and 2, all the available places have not been filled, the College will
consider for admission any child who has not taken the CEA. Allocation of the remaining places will be made
by applying the ‘Tie-breaker’ criteria (criterion 4).
4. The ‘Tie-breaker’ criteria.
If, as specified above, the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, the following
further criteria will then apply, in the order stated:
(i) children who, at the date of their application, have a child of the family 1 currently enrolled or accepted for
admission at the College (details to be supplied).
(ii) children who are entitled to Free School Meals. 2
(iii) children who, at the date of their application, are the eldest child 3 of the family to be eligible to apply for
admission to the College (details to be supplied).
(iv) If applicants are still tied after this, then priority will be determined amongst them by a method of
computer generated random selection.
1. ‘Child of the family’ as defined by the Department of Education to include, for example, halfsisters, together with
females who are adopted or fostered.
2. ’entitled to Free School Meals’ will mean girls who are listed on the Education and Library Board / ESA register as
entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their parent or guardian has signed their post-primary Transfer
Form, or at any date up to and including 14 th May 2014.
3 Twins and other multiples who are the eldest in the family are treated as joint eldest children.
The College emphasises that it is the responsibility of the applicants to notify the College on the Transfer Form
where the above criteria apply, and to furnish relevant details.
5. THE VERIFICATION OF INFORMATION PROVIDED BY APPLICANTS
Parents should note that the College may require verification of information contained within an application
that qualifies the child for admission.
The Board of Governors Transfer Panel therefore reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence
as it may determine to support or verify information on any application form/Transfer Form.
This information will be requested from successful children on or shortly after 23 May 2014 when they have
been notified of their allocation of a place at the College.
Parents should also note that the provision of false information or incorrect information or the failure to provide
verifying documents according to the required deadline may result in either the withdrawal of a place or the inability
of the College to offer a place.
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6. ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO YEAR 8 FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE
TRANSFER PROCEDURE
Hunterhouse College operates a waiting list policy for all year groups. For Year 8 all applications for
admission that were initially refused will be automatically added to the waiting list. New applications and
applications where new information has been provided will also be added to the waiting list.
If a place or places become available in the College after 23 May 2014 and there are more applicants than
places available then decisions will be made using the Year 8 Admissions criteria as outlined above.
If the application is made by a child who arrived in Northern Ireland after the transfer process has been
concluded and the Board of Governors Transfer Panel determines that the child is suitable to be admitted,
the College will then seek Department of Education approval to admit the child as an additional place. If
such approval is given, the child will be admitted.
It should be noted that all those who have applied previously, but who have failed to obtain a place in the
College, will have their application held open until 30 June 2015 when their application is deemed to have
lapsed.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 100 166 100
2012/13 100 167 100
2013/14 100 143 100
73

LITTLE FLOWER GIRLS’ SCHOOL
71a Somerton Road
Belfast BT15 4DE
Telephone No: 028 9037 0647
Fax No: 028 9077 2886
E-mail: info@littleflower.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.littleflowerschool.co.uk
Maintained School
Girls’ Post-Primary
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 682
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 107
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 650
Principal: Miss M Collins B.Ed, P.Q.H
Chairperson of the Board of Governors: Rev Fr PStrain
Open Evening – Tuesday 14 January 2014
6.30am – 9.00pm By invitation through Primary Schools and local press
INTRODUCTION
Little Flower Catholic Maintained Girls’ School was opened in 1959 to serve the Parishes of St Patrick’s and Holy
Family but the catchment area now includes the Greater North Belfast area and beyond. For our students, in
partnership with home and parish, we aim to promote a school environment which will foster a life-long journey of
spiritual, intellectual, moral, social, aesthetic and physical development.
Your daughter’s transition from Primary School to Little Flower will be supported by the close links we have with the
contributory Primary Schools.
The Teaching and Learning Environment
Students are taught in a bright, well maintained building which has, in addition to subject rooms, 21 st Century
specialist rooms for Science, Technology and Design, Home Economics, Music, Art and four computer suites. An
excellent Learning Resource Centre, staffed by a librarian, provides a facility for study, reading and research. The
Physical Education department makes extensive use of the gym and local leisure centres. The Sixth Form Centre
provides a facility for Post 16 students.
Curriculum
Key Stage 3 – Year 8, 9 and 10
All students follow the Northern Ireland curriculum in the subjects: Art and Design, Drama, English, French,
Geography, History, Home Economics, Information Technology, Irish, Mathematics, Religious Studies, Science,
Sports Studies, Technology and Design.
The curriculum is further enriched with a Personal Guidance Programme, Learning for Life and Work, Employability
and Citizenship. Library and research skills are developed as are I.T skills with all students taking a CCEA ICT skills
award.
Key Stage 4 – Years 11 and 12
Towards the end of Year 10, in partnership with parents and teachers, students are guided to make appropriate
personal choices for GCSE. The subjects currently being taught to GCSE level at Key Stage 4 are: Art and Design,
Business Studies, English, English Literature, French, Geography, History, Home Economics (Child Development &
Cookery), Irish, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Polish, Religious Studies, Drama, Science (Double Award &
Single Award) Technology and Design and Learning for Life and Work. The curriculum is further enriched with
courses in Physical Education, Careers and Social and Life Skills.
Post 16 – Years 13 and 14
Students may return for either a one year BTEC National or two year advanced course. Before embarking on their
studies they participate in a one day induction programme.
The following subjects are currently offered:
Advanced Level GCE and Applied GCE
Art and Design, Business, Theatre Studies, English Literature, Geography, History, Health and Social Care, ICT, Irish,
Moving Image Art, Polish, Religious Studies and Science and Travel & Tourism. Membership of the North Belfast
Area Learning Community allows a further choice of advanced subjects.
BTEC National
BTEC National Award in Health and Social Care
BTEC National Award in Hospitality Management
Additional Studies
GCSE English GCSE Mathematics Physical Education Religious Studies COPE*
*Certificate of Personal Effectiveness
Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care is at the heart of the school. It provides a caring environment which enables each student to develop
morally, socially, emotionally and therefore to achieve academically. In each year group the Head of Year and Form
teachers continue to build and maintain partnership between parents, students and staff. Parents are always
welcome in school.
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Extra Curricular Activities
Extra Curricular activities enhance the development of our students and they are encouraged to take up the
opportunities offered. Currently on offer are:
• Art Club
• Athletics
• Brass Ensemble
• Choir (Year 8, School, Senior)
• Cookery
• Contemporary Dance
Faith Friends
Film Club
Football
Gardening Club
Homework Club
Netball
Orchestra
Pope John Paul Award
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Rock Challenge
Rock Climbing
Sewing Club
Sport for All Leadership
Award
String Quartet
Traditional Group with Harp
The Learning Resource Centre and computer suites are open before and after school each day as homework/study
facility.
Careers/Progression
Career choice is guided by staff and officers from the Training & Employment Agency. Students in the senior school
have the opportunity of appropriate work placements and the progression routes of students include higher and
further education and employment.
Spiritual Welfare
Development of spirituality is of great importance for our students. They have experience of retreats, meditation,
liturgies, school Masses and school assemblies. School chaplains are an integral part of school life.
School uniform is worn by all students (details in school prospectus)
School day is from 8.50 am – 3.05 pm with 35 minutes for lunch.
Admissions Criteria for Entry of Year 8 Pupils in September 2014
1. Girls who have a sister attending Little Flower School (name & year group stated on Transfer Form).
2. Girls living in the following parishes: St Patrick’s, Holy Family, St Gerard’s, St Mary’s on the Hill, Greencastle,
Whitehouse, St James’ and St Nicholas and attending parish schools.
3. Girls living in the following parishes: St Patrick’s, Holy Family, St Gerard’s, St Mary’s on the Hill, Greencastle,
Whitehouse, St James’ and St Nicholas.
4. Girls attending the parish schools of the above names parishes.
5. Girls who are sisters of past pupils of the school (name and year group stated on Transfer Form).
6. Girls who are daughters of past pupils of the school (name and year group stated on Transfer Form).
7. Girls who are daughters of permanent employees of the school within the current school year 2013-2014 (name
stated on Transfer Form).
8. Applicants from any other Primary School.
In the event of over-subscription at any stage i.e. within applications from any Primary School or with any other
criterion listed, priority will be given on the basis of rank order of age, the oldest candidate being ranked first, the next
eldest being ranked second etc. If two or more candidates have the same birth date and thereby qualify for the latest
place(s) the award of the place(s) shall be granted in alphabetical order of occurrence followed by forename from
A to Z using the “letter by letter” system.
Please Note: when considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will
only take into account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. Parents should
ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated
on the Transfer Form or attached to it.
Waiting List Policy
Should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014 all applications for admission to Year 8 in 2014 that were initially
refused, new applications, late applications and applications where new information has been provided will be
treated equally and the published criteria applied. Your child’s name will be automatically added to the list.
This waiting list will be in place until 30 th September 2014 after which time a new application is required. The
school will contact you in writing if your child gains a place in the school by this method. Please contact the
school if you wish for your child’s name to be removed from the list.
Duty to Verify
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or
verify information on any Transfer Form. The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide
information within the deadlines set by post-primary schools can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to
offer a place on the part of any school nominated on the applicant’s Transfer Form.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 107 108 107
2012/13 107 130 107
2013/14 107 96 96

MALONE COLLEGE
45 Finaghy Road North
Belfast BT10 0JB
Telephone No: 028 9038 1988
Fax No: 028 9066 8347
E-mail: info@malonecollege.org.uk
Web-site: www.malonecollege.org.uk
Grant Maintained
Integrated College
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 720
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 130
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 800
Principal: Ms Máire Thompson BA (Hons) PQH (NI)
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Fergus McConnell
INTRODUCTION
Open Evening – Thursday 16 January 2014 7.00pm-9.00pm
Open Day - Saturday 18 January 2014 10.00am-12.00noon
Individual parents welcome by appointment at any time
Malone College
Malone College is an all ability school, established by parents and committed to maintaining a balanced enrolment of
the two major traditions and others, with a similar balance in the management and staff of the school. The College has
adopted a child-centred approach reflecting a strong belief in the self-esteem of the individual. Class sizes reflect the
need to provide an education according to the needs of each child. Resources and teaching strategies are organised
to accommodate the all ability nature of the College. Malone College is the integrated College for South and West
Belfast, but has traditionally welcomed children from Lisburn, Hillsborough, Crumlin, Glenavy and further afield. The
College is situated on a main bus and train route, making it accessible to children from a wide geographical area.
Curriculum
Malone College has high expectations of pupils. All pupils study for the qualifications most likely to benefit their future
careers. We are striding for our students to achieve high grades in GCSE and A Level examinations and BTec
Awards.
The College follows a policy of continuous assessment and examination, with parents kept informed of their child’s
progress in all subjects through regular meetings and reports of achievement. The Northern Ireland Curriculum is
taught and first form (Year 8) pupils study English, Mathematics, French/Spanish/Irish. History, Geography, Science,
Art, Home Economics, Technology and Design, Information Communication Technology, Music, P.E. Drama and
LLW. In Year 9 pupils choose which language to continue.
The College follows the Religious Education Core Curriculum as set out by the Department of Education. Parents who
wish specific religious provision made for their children may discuss this with the Principal. Students will sit GCSEs in
all of the chosen subjects at the end of Year 12.
The College offers traditional GCE A Level qualifications and a range of Applied A Level and BTec Awards.
Ethos
Malone College
1. provides an opportunity for children from different religions, cultural and social backgrounds to develop a
knowledge, understanding, respect and appreciation of their common culture, as well as the two main traditions
in Northern Ireland;
2. encourages all pupils to explore and value their own particular tradition;
3. promotes and respects the right of parents to be involved in the decision making and community life of the
College whilst respecting the role of the staff as professional teachers;
4. ensures that all pupils are equally cherished, nurtured and respected, without discrimination based on gender,
religion, social background, or academic ability;
5. plays a positive and active role in enhancing the local area and will ensure that its facilities are made available
for activities which will benefit both parents and the wider community;
6. expects all its pupils to strive for academic excellence at all levels;
7. promotes the high quality educational experiences that are offered by the College as part of the greater
Integrated Education movement.
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Pastoral Care and Discipline
Discipline, and in particular, self-discipline, are crucial to the social and personal development of young people. It is
essential in helping them develop as responsible, independent young adults with self-esteem, who are capable of
playing a full role in the community. Where problems arise, parents will be consulted and involved at an early stage.
With these in mind, the school believes that its pastoral role is important in maintaining good discipline by creating a
caring environment where children are encouraged to work through their own problems. Each class has a Form
Teacher who is responsible for dealing with day-to-day matters as they arise and is a point of contact with parents.
The school has members of staff who have been trained in counselling and who are able to assist with resolving
problems. Each Year 8 class is also assigned student mentors who have been trained in the ChildLine Mentoring
Scheme. This is particularly effective in aiding the new pupils in their transition from primary to second level
education.
Malone College has a Student Council where student representatives are involved in the decision making processes
in the School.
Parental Involvement
Parents are encouraged to be involved in the education of their children and in the life of the College. The Parents’
Council is open to all parents, with teachers and parents having elected representatives on the Board of Governors.
Malone College Parents’ Council organises parental support and participation and advises the Board of Governors on
matters of concern to the parents.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The College offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities as illustrated below:
Art, Book Club, Mini Enterprise, Chess Club, Chinese Club, Cookery Club, Craft Club, Dance Club, Drama,
Geography, Homework Club, ICT Club, Ichtus Club, Languages, Music, Rugby, Science and Soccer to mention but a
few.
Uniform
The wearing of the College uniform is compulsory. A list of uniform requirements including P.E. is available to those
parents attending the Open Day and is sent in June to parents/guardians of pupils attending the College in the
following September.
Transport Arrangements
Bus/rail pass can be applied for to the Education and Library Board where a pupil lives more than 3 miles from the
nearest suitable integrated college. Further details on transport routes may be obtained from the school during the
Open Day.
Malone College Prospectus
Prospectuses are available from The Secretary, Malone College, 45 Finaghy Road North, Belfast, BT10 0JB or online
at www.malonecollege.org.uk
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO YEAR 8 IN SEPTEMBER 2014
Parents are advised to study these criteria closely as they are different to those used by the College in
previous years. This is due to mainly to the recent guidelines from the Department of Education on Pupil
Transfer.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS TO ENSURE THAT ALL RELEVANT INFORMATION {INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE CHILD’S RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION} IS INCLUDED ON THE TRANSFER FORM.
In the application of the criteria set out below, the Board of Governors will seek to reflect in the total number admitted
to the school an overall balance amongst all traditions. In order to achieve this aim, places in the college will be
allocated on the following basis:
40% to pupils deemed to fall within the Protestant category.
40% to pupils deemed to fall within the Roman Catholic category.
20% to pupils deemed to fall within the ‘other traditions’ category.
The criteria set out below will first be applied to those in the ‘other traditions’ category and a maximum of 20% of
places will be allocated to this group. The remaining places will be divided equally between pupils falling into the
‘Protestant’ or ‘Roman Catholic’ categories. In the event of less than 20% of places being awarded to pupils from the
‘other traditions’ category, the remainder of places will be divided equally between the other two categories. In the
event of an odd number of places in the division, an additional place will be allocated to the category with the greater
number of pupils.
Priority will be given to students residing within Northern Ireland at the time of proposed admission.
77

In the event of there being over-subscription, the following sub-criteria will apply:
a) Pupils who have a brother or sister attending the College.
b) Pupils who had a brother or sister at the College (name and date of attendance to be supplied on the Transfer
Form).
c) Pupils who are transferring from a Grant Maintained Integrated or Controlled Integrated Primary Schools {not in
order of preference} as defined in the Education Reform Order {1989}.
d) Other Pupils.
Should there be over-subscription at the last criterion that can be applied, selection for all places remaining in this
category will be on the basis of the initial letter of the surname in the order set out below:
I B Mc O N W T Q D C H X K M A G R P V Z L J S U F E Y
The order was determined by a randomised selection of the alphabet.
In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter the subsequent letters of the surnames will be used in
alphabetical order using the above randomised selection. In the event of 2 identical surnames the alphabetical
{randomised} order of the initials of the forenames will be used.
In the event of there still being too many applications for the last remaining place(s), preference will be based on the
chronological order of pupils’ dates of birth (oldest first). In the event of there still being too many applications
preference will be given to students living closest to the College, measured ‘as the crow flies’ from the front door of
the pupils postal address (as appearing on the Transfer Form) to the front door of the College.
These criteria will also apply to students seeking admission to the college after September 2014
Duty to Verify
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or
verify information on any Transfer Form. The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide
information within the deadlines set by post-primary schools can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to
offer a place on the part of any school nominated on the applicant’s Transfer Form.
The religious affiliation of a pupil will be decided by:
a) Information provided on or with the Transfer Form.
b) Information supplied to the school by the parents [e.g. on the college data-capture form}.
c) In the event of no clear information being available from the above sources, the matter will be decided as
follows:
i) Pupils attending Catholic Maintained primary schools will be deemed to fall within the ‘Roman
Catholic’ category.
ii)
iii)
Pupils attending Controlled primary schools will be deemed to fall within the ‘Protestant’ category.
Pupils attending other types of school will be deemed to fall within the ‘Other’ category if there is no
clear indication as to religious affiliation.
The Board of Governors reserves the right to seek confirmation of any information supplied.
The Board of Governors, subject to its final approval, delegates to the Admissions Committee, {which consists of the
Principal and at least three other Governors} the task of applying the Admissions Criteria.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 130 98 98
2012/13 130 70 70
2013/14 130 74 74
78

MERCY COLLEGE
Ballysillan Road
Belfast BT14 7QR
Telephone No: 028 90391769
Fax No: 028 90711114
Email:info@mercycollege.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: http://mercycollegebelfast.org
Maintained School
Girls’ Secondary
Age Range: 11-19
Enrolment September 2013: 430
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 110
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 650
Principal: Mr M Moreland B.Ed M.Ed. PQH (NI)
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr GP McCallan
Open Day/Night – Wednesday 15 th January 2014
7.00-9.00pm
Address by principal 7.00pm – Assembly Hall
By invitation through primary schools, the local press or by appointment
INTRODUCTION
Mercy College is under the trusteeship of the Sisters of Mercy. Faithful to the Mercy ethos, the school aims to develop
the spiritual, academic, cultural and physical potential of each girl in its care. This will enable each pupil to become a
well-rounded individual, who lives out the Christian ideals that have been presented to her at home and in school. The
Mercy tradition is sustained and promoted by a caring and dedicated staff who work unstintingly to engender a happy
and harmonious learning environment in which both they and their pupils become fulfilled and enriched.
The school is located in a residential area close to the junction of the Ballysillan and Upper Crumlin roads and draws
pupils from a wide geographical area. The school buses serve the following areas: Antrim Road, Cliftonville Road,
Crumlin Road, New Lodge Road, North Queen Street, Cavehill Road, Glengormley and Ligoniel.
School uniform – Years 8-12 – navy blazer with school crest(compulsory), light blue blouse, navy jumper with school
crest, navy inverted pleat skirt, black tights, plain black leather shoes (no canvas shoes). Form 6 – navy blazer with
school crest, navy and white striped blouse, navy jumper with school crest, navy gore skirt, black tights, plain black
leather shoes (no canvas shoes).
The school caters for girls of all abilities aged 11 - 19. Where possible, teaching groups are small to promote
effective learning situations and the development of good teacher/pupil relationships. The school has excellent
facilities. In addition to general subject rooms, there are specialist rooms for Technology & Design, Home Economics,
Information Technology, Computer Science, Drama, an Art & Design complex incorporating a photographic studio,
ceramics and specialist IT suite, and two Geography rooms with an integrated IT suite. The Science department has
been recently refurbished with the laboratories re-equipped to a very high standard. As well as a large gymnasium,
the school has a fully equipped Fitness Suite and nearby Leisure Centres are used for swimming lessons and other
leisure facilities. The grounds include all-weather netball and camogie pitches, a sports track and tennis courts. A
modern Music Suite, complete with recording studio and tutor rooms, caters for class teaching, individual tuition and
choral work. The school library is furnished with a suite of Internet access computers, which greatly enhance the
pupils’ research skills and their general ICT competence.
The programme followed in the Junior School adheres to the Revised Northern Ireland (N.I.) Curriculum and is
comprised of the following subjects: Religion, Information Technology, Art & Design, Mathematics, English, Irish,
Spanish, Music, Geography, Physical Education, History, Science, Technology & Design, Drama and Learning for Life
and Work, of which the latter incorporates Employability, Local and Global Citizenship, Personal Development and
Home Economics.
Fourth and fifth year pupils (Years 11 and 12) study a common core: Religious Education, English, Physical
Education, Mathematics, a Modern Language, Learning for Life and Work, Careers and Pastoral Care. Additional
subjects are chosen from Home Economics, Information and Communications Technology, Technology & Design, Art
& Design, Child Development, English Literature, Music, Drama, Irish, Physical Education, Geography/History, Single
and Double Award Science, Business Studies, Business & Communications Systems, Text Processing at levels 1 and
2, Level 1 Certificate in Book-keeping, Level 2 Certificate in Accounting. All courses lead to public examinations at the
end of Year 12.
Form 6 pupils (Years 13 and 14) can choose from a range of AS and A2 subjects (i.e. A Levels – level 3) as well as
GCE AS/A2 Applied Business (Single/Double Award) and GCE AS/A2 Applied Health & Social Care (Single/Double
Award). CACHE, a childcare Level 3 course or a Level 2 course, is also available. BTEC Level 2 and 3 are also
offered in Business, Hospitality and Travel & Tourism. Careers education and advice is provided for all students. An
Enrichment Curriculum is also delivered at Post 16 comprising Personal Development, Leisure, Work Placements and
links with other Primary Schools. The school continues to enhance its post-16 curriculum offer by working
collaboratively and harmoniously with Edmund Rice College, Little Flower Girls’ School, Belfast Boys’ Model School,
Model School for Girls’ and St Malachy’s College.
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The school also offers courses at NVQ e.g. Level 2 in Business & Administration. In addition, OCR (RSA) Text
Processing (at levels 1, 2 and 3) are also offered together with Young Enterprise and the opportunity to achieve a
Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (COPE). The vast range of post-16 courses offers every student the opportunity
to enter further/higher education or employment.
At all stages in the school, an active Personal Development programme is followed, encompassing both Health
Education and Personal and Social Education. The programme begins with the transition from primary school and
continues right through to movement into the adult world. Close links are maintained with parents who are always
welcome in the school and who are encouraged to attend parents’ days and the school’s social functions.
Careers Guidance is an important feature of the school curriculum. Parents are encouraged to involve themselves in
their daughters’ choices and the school also has assistance from the Careers Service N.I. All students have
timetabled Careers and/or Employability classes.
A Careers Convention takes place in school at the end of Key Stage 3 & 4. Speakers from the public and private
sectors regularly attend the school for mock interviews and to give career advice. Work Experience is an essential
element of the programme and is completed by all Year 12 pupils and Sixth Form students. The school also
participates in the North Belfast Business Education Partnership.
Pupils in Year 8 receive Literacy and Numeracy support from an additional teacher working alongside their specialist
teachers. They all participated in the Accelerated Learning programme and receive support on an individual or small
group basis. The school’s counsellor also provides advice and support to pupils on an individual basis during the
year.
Extra-curricular and after school activities, under the Extended Schools Initiative, feature prominently in school life.
Additional booster classes are provided for Year 12 pupils sitting GCSE. Pupils are encouraged to participate in the
many leisure pursuits and clubs including educational visits both local and abroad. In line with the school’s ethos,
Mercy College prides itself in the active support of many worthy charities.
Respective functions of the Board of Governors and Principal in relation to admissions to the school.
The Board of Governors draws up the admissions criteria and delegates to an Admissions Sub Committee, which
includes the Principal, the responsibility for applying these criteria. Any reference herein to the term the Board of
Governors includes any Committee or Sub-Committee appointed by the Board of Governors for the purposes of
applying the admissions criteria set out herein.
Admissions Criteria for Year 8
Preference will be given to;
1. Pupils from the following primary schools; Mercy, Star of the Sea and St Vincent de Paul.
2. Pupils from the following primary schools; Holy Cross, Holy Family, Our Lady’s Deanby, Our of Lady of
Lourdes, St Bernard’s, St James’s, St Mary’s on the Hill, St Mary’s Star of the Sea, St Mac Nissis, St Therese
de Lisieux.
3. Pupils from other schools in the local area.
4. Pupils who have or had sisters in attendance.
5. Pupils whose mother or aunt attended the school.
6. Pupils who have other close family connections with the school.
7. Pupils for whom special circumstances such as health or family situation apply.
8. Any other applicant. If the school is over-subscribed while applying this criteria, final places will be given to the
oldest applicants
Priority will be given to children resident in Northern Ireland at the time of proposed admission.
Applicants should note that they may be required to produce documents verifying their address or the age of
the child concerned.
After 1 st September 2014 and during the 2014-15 school year the above criteria will be applied to fill a vacancy arising
within the school’s admissions number.
NB – At criterion 4-6 parents should indicate on the Transfer Form the date of attendance and the name by
which the child’s relative was known.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 110 32 32
2012/13 110 42 42
2013/14 110 63 63
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METHODIST COLLEGE BELFAST
1 Malone Road
Belfast BT9 6BY
Telephone No: 028 9020 5205
Fax No: 028 9020 5228
E-mail: info@mcb.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.methody.org
Voluntary Grammar School
Co-Educational
Non-Denominational
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 1760
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 240
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 1810
Principal: Mr S Naismith MA
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr N Jackson
To Parents/Guardians naming Methodist College as a preference on your child’s Transfer Form.
Entrance Test Results
Methodist College intends to use the score awarded to pupils completing the AQE Entrance Assessments. The
dates for this year’s assessments were: Saturday 9 & 23 November and 30 November 2013.
Parents/guardians should record their child’s candidate number and the score awarded by the AQE for the Common
Entrance Assessment in Section C of the Transfer Form in the following format:
‘AQE Candidate Number’, followed by the number.
‘AQE CEA score’, followed by the score.
Parents/guardians must also attach the original tamper proof notification of result issued by AQE to their
child’s Transfer Form.
Special Circumstances or Special Provisions
Any parents/guardians claiming Special Circumstances or Special Provisions must complete Form SC13 available
from Methodist College or from its website or from the AQE website, www.aqe.org.uk. The Form SC13, together
with appropriate independent documentary evidence which corroborates the claim for Special Circumstances or
Special Provisions, must be attached to the Transfer Form.
Please read carefully the information on Special Circumstances (Section 3) and Special Provisions (Section 4).
Open Evening Information –
Thursday 9 & Friday 10 January 2014
6.30 – 9.00pm (there will be a presentation by the Principal in the Assembly Hall at 6.30pm and again at 8.00pm)
By invitation through Primary Schools and local press
INTRODUCTION
Information about the College: Opportunity, Diversity, Excellence
Founded by the Methodist Church in 1865 the College is a non-denominational, co-educational grammar school,
where pupils of all faiths and none are welcomed into a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.
We aim to provide equal opportunities for all and the diverse talents of each of our pupils are appreciated, nurtured
and celebrated. The development of intellectual curiosity, critical debate, active and independent learning, and the
pursuit of excellence are all valued. Through our diverse range of curricular and extra-curricular activities we support
and promote our belief in the importance of developing the whole child. Our pupils are encouraged to be enthusiastic,
confident and tolerant young people, who have respect for themselves and for others.
The significant site, adjacent to Queen’s University, contains a great variety of accommodation to facilitate the wide
range of subjects and activities available. This includes a swimming pool on Campus, our own boat house on the
Lagan and excellent sporting facilities at Pirrie Park. The school has a strong identity and this is upheld by the
wearing of a school uniform by all pupils.
Junior School Curriculum
In the first year, all pupils study a broad, balanced curriculum in largely un-streamed sets: Drama, English, French,
Latin, History, Geography, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Home Economics, Art, Music, Religious Education,
Information Technology, Games and Physical Education. Thereafter, other subjects e.g. German, Russian, Spanish
and Classical Civilisation are available, and Science is taught as three separate subjects, Biology, Chemistry and
Physics, from Form 3 (Year 10). In addition, pupils follow a programme of Personal Development, Citizenship and
Employability.
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Middle and Senior School Curriculum
At GCSE, we currently offer our pupils 30 courses to choose from, 5 of which are Applied. About one third of the
year group also take Additional Mathematics.
The great majority of pupils continue into Sixth Form, to study four subjects at AS Level and 3 or 4 at A2 Level,
selecting from the 34 courses on offer. 8 of these are applied courses and access to alternative AS and A Level
courses is also available through other providers in the Local Area Learning Community. Enrichment courses in
RE, PE, Music, Astronomy, Philosophy, Media Studies and Information Technology completes the curriculum that
provides our pupils with an excellent preparation for University and the world of work. More information on subjects
offered is available on our website (in the section entitled Parents).
Interviews with Careers staff help pupils to make informed choices of GCSE and A Level subjects in relation to
ability, performance, possible future occupation and place of further education or training.
Academic Attainment
Details of the AQE CEA scores accepted by the College for entry into Form 1 / Year 8 September 2013 and details
of the GCSE, AS and A2 achievements may be accessed via our website (in the section entitled Parents) or from
the College.
Extra-Curricular Activities
One of our key aims is the development of the whole child and to this end we offer over 50 Clubs and Societies
covering a very wide range of sporting and non-sporting activities. Dramatic productions are staged every year and
there is a large a number of musical ensembles, both choral and instrumental, including two orchestras, a band
and four choirs.
There are many opportunities for pupils at all stages to develop greater self-confidence, to accept more
responsibility and take on leadership roles. The Form Councils and the School Council assists in this regard. The
College has been re-awarded the British Council’s International Award for its varied curricula and co-curricula
international dimensions.
Pastoral Care
Our Pastoral Care Team and Teaching Staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities and seek to promote
the well being of all pupils. We recognise the importance of sound values and of caring attitudes, and seek to
contribute to an atmosphere in which all pupils feel safe and secure, both physically and emotionally. Good
relationships between teachers and pupils lie at the heart of effective learning. After the most recent Focused
Inspection the Inspectors reported on the following:
“The groups of pupils, from years 8, 12, 13 and 14 who met with members of the Inspectorate, reported
positively on their experiences in school. In particular, they valued the support provided by their teachers, the
good friendships, the wide range of subjects and the opportunities for them to become involved in sporting,
musical and other activities. They reported that they felt safe and secure in school and that pupils and
teachers get along well.”
The College encourages parental involvement in pastoral matters and recognises the importance of staff and
parents working together in promoting the welfare and development of pupils. To this end, each Class Tutor
establishes contact with parents at the start of each academic year and systems are in place to ensure that parents
are kept fully informed.
Capital Fee and Voluntary Contribution
Parents/Guardians are responsible for the payment of a Capital Fee of £140.00 per annum. They are also asked
to contribute to the College Fund. This is a voluntary contribution which helps support the educational and extracurricular
provisions within the College. The level of this voluntary contribution for the 2013 – 2014 academic year
is: £530. Support is available from the College to help pupils from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Examples of the assistance available via this Discretionary Fund may be accessed via our website (in the section
entitled Parents) or from the Principal’s Office.
ROLE OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS IN RELATION TO ADMISSIONS TO FORM 1 (YEAR 8) 2014 - 2015
The responsibility for selecting applicants for places on the basis of the following criteria is delegated by the Board of
Governors to an Admissions Sub-Committee, which includes the Principal. These criteria have been approved by the
Board of Governors of Methodist College Belfast (referred to herein as ‘the College’, see note 1 below for further
explanation). Any reference herein to the term the Board of Governors includes any Committee or Sub-Committee
appointed by the Board of Governors for the purposes of applying the Admission criteria set out herein.
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ADMISSIONS CRITERIA TO FORM 1 (YEAR 8) 2014 – 2015
Section 1.
Introduction:
1.1 The Governors of Methodist College Belfast intend to apply academic criteria to the applications received and
so will use the score awarded to the pupil by AQE in the Common Entrance Assessment (CEA), subject only to
the consideration by the Board of Governors of those pupils claiming Special Circumstances or Special
Provisions as explained below.
The candidate number and the score in the AQE CEA should be entered in Section C of the Transfer
Form in the following format: AQE Candidate Number, followed by the number; AQE CEA score,
followed by the score. Parents/guardians must also attach the original tamper proof notification of
result issued by AQE to their child’s Transfer Form.
The score awarded in the AQE CEA will be used as follows:
Applicants will first be placed in rank order based on their results in the CEA. Higher scores will precede lower
scores. Applicants will then be sub-divided into bands of 5 marks. All applications will be carefully considered,
and any claim for Special Circumstances or Special Provisions will be given due weight using the process
outlined in points 3 and 4 below.
1.2 Applicants who will be resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission to the College will be
selected for admission before any such applicants not so resident.
1.3 The number of places available is limited to the admissions number set by the Department of Education for
Northern Ireland; this is currently 240 places. The cut-off for admission will therefore be the 240 th place.
Section 2.
The admissions criteria will be applied in the following order:
2.1 Those applicants in the bands down to and including the 240 th place based on the applicants performance in
the AQE Common Entrance Assessment.
In the event of over-subscription in the band containing the 240 th place then the following selection criteria will
be applied in order:
2.2 Applicants who are entitled to Free School Meals (FSME) (see note 2 below for further explanation);
2.3 The children of Methodist Ministers in accordance with the terms of the Methodist College Act;
2.4 Present members of the College in its Preparatory Department, or the sons and daughters of present members
of staff of the College;
2.5 Those with brother(s) or sister(s) who is/are at present in the College or has/have already been offered a place;
2.6 Those whose brother(s) or sister(s) has/have been a pupil of the College;
2.7 Those whose parent(s) has/have been a pupil of the College;
2.8 The remaining applicants in the category.
2.9 If the number of applicants in any of the above groups within each category exceeds the remaining number of
places available, the applicants will be further ranked for acceptance on the basis of a computerised random
selection process which will have as input the names and dates of birth of the applicants as shown on their
Transfer Form (see note 3 below for further explanation).
If, following the application of criteria 2.1, all the available places have not been filled, the College will consider for
admission any pupils who have not taken the CEA. Allocation of these remaining places will be made by applying
criteria 2.2 to 2.9.
The College emphasises that it is the responsibility of the parents/guardians of the applicants to notify the
College on the Transfer Form where the above criteria apply, and to furnish relevant details.
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Section 3.
Procedure for Special Circumstances:
3.1 Methodist College has academic performance as its first criterion, subject only to the consideration of medical
or other problems which may have affected performance in the AQE Common Entrance Assessment (CEA) and
which are supported by documentary evidence of a medical or other appropriate nature. These ‘medical or
other problems’ are commonly referred to as ‘Special Circumstances’.
Please note, if a claim for the consideration of Special Circumstances is made in respect of matters for which
Special Access arrangements were granted, the College may take into account the fact that the applicant was
granted Special Access arrangements for those matters.
Parents who wish to apply to the College under Special Circumstances should complete Form SC13 obtainable
from the College or AQE, and attach it with appropriate documentary evidence to the Transfer Form. It is the
responsibility of the parent to provide the evidence as detailed in Form SC13.
3.2 Details of Medical or Other Problems
Where it is claimed that an applicant’s performance in the CEA has been affected by a medical or other
problem, it is the responsibility of the parents to set out in the Form SC13 precise details of the problem and
append evidence to corroborate its existence.
Where the problem is a medical one of short term duration which affected the applicant only at the time of the
CEA, the College will give greater weight to evidence that the applicant was examined by a medical practitioner
in relation to the illness at the time of the assessment.
Where the problem is of a non-medical nature the parents should append appropriate evidence.
It should be noted that in all cases independent evidence will carry greater weight.
3.3 The following Educational Evidence will be considered:
3.3.1 The score awarded in the AQE Common Entrance Assessment, if any.
3.3.2 The results for the applicant of any standardised tests conducted in Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7, with the
exception of diagnostic tests which will not be accepted, and the results in any end of year tests in English and
mathematics in Years 5 and 6 (see note 4 below).
3.3.3 The results (without names) for other pupils in the applicant’s Year 7 class of any standardised tests conducted
in Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7, the results in any end of year tests in English and mathematics in Years 5 and 6,
and where available, the respective AQE CEA scores.
It is the responsibility of the parent to provide the educational evidence. Where such information is unavailable
for good reason, the Governors reserve the right to make a decision based on the information available.
3.4 A panel of Governors will consider the application for Special Circumstances. Where Special Circumstances
are accepted, the panel will determine, on the basis of the information available, a band for the applicant. Such
applicants will then be considered with all other applicants who have received a CEA score and the admissions
criteria applied.
Section 4.
Procedure for Special Provisions:
4.1 Special Provisions will apply for:
a) children whose parents wish them to transfer from schools outside Northern Ireland;
b) children who have received more than half their primary education outside Northern Ireland;
c) children, entered for the AQE Common Entrance Assessments, who because of unforeseen and serious
medical or other problems were unable to participate in the Common Entrance Assessment.
It is expected that all those seeking admission should sit the AQE CEA, with the exception of those applicants
who take up residence in Northern Ireland after the start of Year 7.
Parents who wish to apply to the College under Special Provisions should contact the College as soon as
possible. In addition they should complete Form SC13, obtainable from the College or AQE, stating the precise
reason why they believe the applicant is eligible for consideration under Special Provisions and provide
appropriate independent documentary evidence. A copy of the Form SC13 and all the documentary evidence
should be attached to the Transfer Form.
For those pupils whose parents wish them to transfer from schools outside Northern Ireland, applications for
Special Provisions should be received by the College by 23 rd April 2014 (see note 5 below).
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4.2 A panel of Governors will consider the application for Special Provisions. Where Special Provisions are
accepted, the following procedure will apply:
a) The College will consider any assessment information, with the exception of diagnostic test results, and
may choose to assess the applicant’s ability in English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal
reasoning.
b) A panel of Governors will determine, on the basis of the information available, a band for the applicant.
Such applicants will then be considered with all other applicants who have received a CEA score and the
admissions criteria applied.
5 Duty to Verify
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to
support or verify information on any applicant’s Transfer Form. The Provision of false or incorrect information or
the failure to provide information within the deadlines set by post-primary schools can result in the withdrawal of
a place and the inability to offer a place on the part of any school nominated on the applicant’s Transfer Form. If
you state within your application that your child is currently registered as Free School Meal Entitled, and that
claim is decisive in qualifying him/her for admission, then that information will be verified. If it is found to be
incorrect, then any place offered because of it will be withdrawn.
6. Waiting List
Should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014 all applications for admission to Form1/Year 8 that were initially
refused, new applications, and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally
and the published criteria applied. This waiting list will be in place until 30 June 2015. Should a place become
available for your child by this method, the College will contact you. Your child’s name will be automatically
added to the list. Please contact the College if you wish your child’s name to be removed from the list.
Notes:
1. The College has two constituent parts: the Preparatory Department and the Secondary Department.
2. “entitled to Free School Meals” will mean pupils who are listed on the Education and Library Board/ESA register
as entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their parent or guardian has signed their post-primary
Transfer Form, or at any date up to and including 14 th May 2014.
3. The random selection process referred to in paragraph 2.9 above is carried out by means of a computer
program which, for each applicant, generates a ranking number using the details from the Transfer Form as the
seed for a random number generator. The result, for any given applicant, is dependent only on the applicant’s
name and date of birth and is not affected by the details of any other applicant. Although the process is
repeatable, and the results may therefore be subsequently verified, it is not possible to predict in advance of
running the program, what the result will be for any given set of details. Applicants with the lowest ranking
numbers will be given places up to the number of places available. The operation of the process will be
independently monitored. Further details may be obtained from the Principal.
4. Parents can obtain information about the educational attainment of their child by contacting or writing to the
Primary School Principal. Parents are entitled as of right to such information. In the unlikely event that this
information is not forthcoming further advice can be obtained from the Information Commissioner’s Office. A link
to this advice can be found in the Admissions section of the College website.
5. The 23 rd April 2014 provides 10 working days for the College to process such an application from the parents of
pupils who wish them to transfer from schools outside Northern Ireland, in advance of the Transfer Office
deadline of 14 th May 2014 beyond which any new/additional preferences received by the Transfer Office will not
be processed until after 23 rd May 2014.
6. Anyone requiring further information about the Admissions Criteria or the application of the Admissions Criteria
should contact the Principal of the College.
When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take
into account information which is detailed on or attached to the application form. Parents should ensure
that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated on the
Transfer Form or attached to it.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 240 281 240
2012/13 240 301 240
2013/14 240 350 240
85

ORANGEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
Cameronian Drive
Belfast BT5 6AW
Telephone No: 028 9080 5040
Fax No: 028 9080 5049
E-mail:
info@orangefield.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.orangefield.org.uk
Principal: Mrs K Burrell M.Ed. B.Ed (Hons) Dip. Dom. Sc.
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr D McKeown
Controlled School
Co-educational
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 250
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 100*
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 548*
*under review
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL NO. 215 SEEKS TO CEASE POST-PRIMARY EDUCATION IN ORANGEFIELD
HIGH SCHOOL FROM SEPTEMBER 2013 OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER.
INTRODUCTION
Where to find us
The school occupies a spacious site off the Castlereagh Road. It is easily accessible from the Bloomfield area via
Orangefield Park, from Castlereagh via Houston Park, from Clarawood and from the Knock dual carriageway. Many
pupils come from further afield in South, East, North Belfast and North Down including Dundonald and Newtownards.
Frequent bus services are available.
Ethos
We are a committed, professional, dedicated caring staff. Every child is challenged to achieve their full potential in an
atmosphere which promotes learning. Positive experiences to build on each child’s self esteem and exploit their
talents are featured in each year group. Success and achievements of all kinds are celebrated and all pupils who
achieve pastoral targets can gain rewards.
Facilities and Accommodation
The present provision includes purpose built well equipped classrooms. Wonderful views of the surroundings
enhance the atmosphere of hard work and achievement. Computer provision is of a high calibre and was enhanced
by a high speed connection in 2012. The school has provision for disabled pupils. The Hearing Impaired Unit is
unique in Belfast and the staff ensure a high standard of achievement through integration and supported learning. A
new dining centre, new science labs, art facilities and girls gym were opened in 2009.
The Learning Programme
All pupils follow the requirements of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. In Orangefield High we enrich the experiences
in Key Stage 3 through a programme of modules including: Citizenship, Employability/Careers and Health Education.
Following advice and guidance pupils progress into Key Stage 4 where they prepare for a full range of GCSE
subjects. The majority of pupils undertake at least 6 GCSE subjects including the new vocational areas and may study
link courses at a local college.
Sixth Form
Students from a number of neighbouring schools join our Sixth Form to follow AS and A level specifications. We are
in partnership with the University of Ulster and local post primary schools through the area learning community to
broaden the menu of subjects on offer.
Careers Guidance and Counselling
A programme of advice is offered to all students to enable each to experience the world of work for at least one week
prior to leaving school. Pupils have the opportunity for support of an external counsellor and are supported in school
through a robust Pastoral Care system.
How we care for your child
Each primary 7 child coming to Orangefield High is invited with their parents to a special induction evening in June.
We believe that a confident start is helped by the programme of study and recreation we provide. During their first
term each pupil in Year 8 will have the opportunity to attend a residential in a local outdoor pursuits centre. Each
class has a Form Teacher who ensures a smooth transition from Primary school. The Year 8 tutor team is supported
by a Head of Key Stage whose main concern is the progress and development of each child.
A pupil welfare auxiliary is on site to ensure proper and appropriate care for injured or sick children.
Clubs and Societies
Every pupil is encouraged to take part in sport during and after school. A wide range of extra-curricular activities is
offered through the Extended Schools Programme.
School uniform is compulsory.
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RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND PRINCIPAL IN RELATION TO ADMISSIONS
TO THE SCHOOL
The Board of Governors draws up the admissions criteria and delegates to an Admissions Sub-Committee, which
includes the Principal, the responsibility for applying these criteria. Any reference herein to the term the Board of
Governors includes any Committee or Sub-Committee appointed by the Board of Governors for the purposes of
applying the Admission criteria set out herein.
ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR YEAR 8 2014 - 2015
The following admissions criteria will be applied in the order outlined:
1. To have a brother or sister presently at the School.
2. A pupil who is the eldest child in the family.
3. To have had a brother or sister attend the School in the past.
4. To have had a parent attend the School.
5. A pupil who has a near relative at the School at the date of transfer
(eg: uncle, aunt, cousin).
6. A pupil whose normal place of residence is in East Belfast.
7. A pupil whose normal place of residence is in North Down.
8. Pupils whose parents work in close proximity to the School.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 100 40 40
2012/13 100 20 20
2013/14 100 0 0
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL NO. 215 SEEKS TO CEASE POST-PRIMARY EDUCATION IN ORANGEFIELD
HIGH SCHOOL FROM SEPTEMBER 2013 OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER.
87

RATHMORE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Kingsway Finaghy
Belfast BT10 0LF
Telephone No: 028 9061 0115
Fax No: 028 9062 3239
E-mail: info@rathmoregs.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.rathmoregrammarschool.org
Voluntary Grammar School
Co-educational
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 1275
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 180
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 1260
Principal: Mrs Thérèse Hamilton B.Ed, M.Ed, PQH
Chair of the Board of Governors: Mr Turlough Montague
To Parents/Guardians naming Rathmore Grammar School as a preference on your child’s Transfer Form.
Entrance Assessment Results
In assessing academic ability Rathmore Grammar School will use the grade awarded to pupils completing the GLA
Entrance Assessment on Saturday 16 November 2013 or the Supplementary GLA Entrance Assessment on
Saturday 7 December 2013. In Section C of the Transfer Form parents/guardians must state the grade achieved
and attach to the Transfer Form a copy of the Statement of Results which they receive on Saturday 1 February.
Special Circumstances
Any parent/guardian claiming Special Circumstances must complete the documentation in the “Claiming Special
Circumstances Pack” available from Rathmore Grammar School or from its website. This documentation, Form
SC1, together with the independent, verifiable documentary evidence which corroborates the Special Circumstances
claim must be attached to the Transfer Form.
Special Provision
For those pupils currently in P7 in Primary Schools in Northern Ireland, claims for Special Provision should be made
on Form SP1 and attached to the Transfer Form. Form SP1 is available from the school or its website. Parents
wishing to claim Special Provision should also forward a copy of Form SP1 directly to Rathmore Grammar School by
Wednesday 5 March 2014.
After this date claims for Special Provision should be made directly to Rathmore Grammar School and the relevant
Education and Library Board Transfer Section notified.
If you are applying for Special Circumstances or Special Provisions please see sections 2(b) and 2(c) of our
Admissions Criteria.
Open Day - Saturday 18 th January 2014
9.30am – 1.00pm
Address by Principal at 9.30am and 11.00am
INTRODUCTION
Rathmore is a Catholic grammar school which was founded in 1953 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, an
international Congregation of women religious who have been engaged in education for one hundred and fifty years.
The motto of the school, "Ut Vitam Habeant" ("That they may have Life"), reflects its mission which is to enrich
through education the life of the people in its care and encourage them, in turn, to bring life to others.
FEES
There is no Capital Fee but parents are invited to contribute annually to the School Building Fund.
CURRICULUM
Religious Education and community prayer and worship are central to the life of the school. The spiritual, moral and
social development of pupils is promoted through Religious Education classes, group retreats a vibrant pastoral care
system and programmes of social and environmental awareness. Particular attention is paid to promoting good cross
community relations and to responding to areas of need in the local community and in developing countries.
Key Stage 3: Years 8, 9 and 10 – All pupils follow the Northern Ireland curriculum as outlined below. While they are
invited to express preferences in relation to their second modern language the school may not be able to
accommodate their first preference.
All pupils take Art & Design, Drama, English, French and a second modern language (German, Irish or Spanish),
Geography, History, Home Economics, I.C.T., Learning for Life and Work, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education,
Religious Education, Science and Technology & Design.
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Key Stage 4: Years 11 and 12 - All pupils take Physical Education and the following subjects for GCSE: English,
English Literature, Mathematics and Religious Studies. Mathematics classes are timetabled in sets to enable pupils
with greater mathematical ability to take GCSE Mathematics in Year 11 and Additional Mathematics in Year 12.
Pupils choose five additional GCSE subjects from the following: Art & Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry,
Computing, Drama, French, Geography, German, History, Home Economics, I.C.T, Irish, Music, Physical Education,
Physics, Science: Double Award (counts as 2 GCSEs), Spanish and Technology & Design. Pupils' choices must
include a modern language and at least one science subject.
Sixth Form - All pupils take a school designed course in Religious Education, Careers and I.C.T. and a minimum of
3 subjects to A level from the following: Applied Health and Social Care, Art & Design, Biology, Business Studies,
Chemistry, English Literature, French, Further Mathematics, Geography, German, Government & Politics, History, ,
Home Economics, ICT, Irish, Mathematics, Media Studies, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Religious Education,
Sociology, Spanish, Technology & Design and Theatre Studies.
Pupils are encouraged to broaden their educational experience by taking additional courses such as First Aid and
Young Enterprise.
Where there is an element of choice within the curriculum the school endeavours to facilitate pupils’ choices but may
not be able to do so. In Irish the programme of study followed is that which is designed for English speaking schools.
PASTORAL CARE
Throughout the school, year groups are divided into tutor groups of around 20 pupils, each group being placed under
the care of a tutor. The tutor is at the heart of the pastoral care system and acts as liaison with Year Heads, Heads of
Department, subject teachers and parents.
The school also provides a counselling service which is available to pupils at their own or at their parents' request and
on the recommendation of Year Heads.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
Pupils are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities which include Irish traditional group, choirs, band,
orchestra, African drums, dramatic and musical productions, public speaking and debating, Maths club, Science club,
French club, Spanish club, Art club, Cookery club and the following sporting activities: athletics, badminton,
basketball, cross country, fitness training, gaelic football, hurling, netball, orienteering, skiing, soccer, swimming and
opportunities for our senior pupils to develop their skills in coaching, first aid, fitness planning and weight training
programmes.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO YEAR 8 IN SEPTEMBER 2014
In this document -
"Board" means Board of Governors;
“Certificate” means the School’s Certificate of Verification, duly completed, signed and dated;
“eldest child”, “only child” and “first child” include each child of a multiple birth and each child where two or
more children of the same family, one of whom is the eldest, are applying to Year 8;
"Form" means Transfer Form;
“parent” includes any person who has parental responsibility for the applicant;
“Principal” includes, where the Principal is absent or otherwise unavailable, the Vice-Principal or other person for the
time being performing the duties of Principal;
"School" means Rathmore Grammar School;
“Entrance Assessment” means the GLA Entrance Assessment of the Post Primary Transfer Consortium
The Board of Governors, having agreed the criteria for admission, has delegated to the Admissions Committee,
consisting of two members of the Board of Governors, the Principal and a Vice Principal, the authority to decide which
particular applicants shall be admitted to the school in accordance with the criteria and any appropriate statutory
regulations issued by the Department of Education.
1. It is the policy of the Board, when assessing applications for admission to the School, to give due consideration to
accepting pupils of proven academic ability and achievement. The Board will give priority in selection:
first to applicants resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission before any
applicant not so resident; and
secondly to applicants who have sat the Entrance Assessment, apart from applicants to whom Special Provisions
apply.
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2. When considering applications for admission to the School, the Board will allocate to each applicant grade A, B1,
B2, C1, C2 or D according to the procedures outlined in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) below.
(a) Normal Procedure: To applicants who have sat the GLA Entrance Assessment apart from those referred to
under Special Circumstances in paragraph (b), the Board will allocate the actual Entrance Assessment grade
issued by GLA Assessment.
(b) Special Circumstances: Applicants in this category will be judged on the medical and academic evidence
made available to the School and put into a grade category as if they had participated in the Entrance
Assessment under normal circumstances.
Details of Medical or other Problems:
Where it is claimed that a pupil’s performance in the Entrance Assessment has been affected by a medical or
other problem, independent evidence of its existence must be provided to the School.
Where the problem is a medical one of short term duration, which affected the pupil only at the time of the
Entrance Assessment, the school will require the production of evidence that the pupil was examined by a
medical practitioner in relation to the illness.
Where the problem is of a non-medical nature, the parent should set out in the School’s Special
Circumstances Claim Form precise details of the problem and append any appropriate evidence to
corroborate its existence.
Details of Educational Evidence
Sufficient objective documentary evidence must be provided by the parents and verified by the Primary
School to enable the Admissions Committee to reach a decision.
Parents are entitled to obtain their children’s educational records from schools (see No. 2 below) by virtue of
statute and if needed by means of a Freedom of Information request.
The following information should be provided on Form SC1 in relation to the applicant.
1. All the applicant’s school standardised test results in English/Literacy and Mathematics/Numeracy from
the beginning of the Key Stage 2 period:
all test results must be dated and verified by the Primary School;
results from all tests should be accompanied by the name of the standardised test and the supplier of
the test;
results should include scores for English/Literacy and Mathematics/Numeracy;
any other relevant material.
2. The Board of Governors will also require parents to provide additional comparative information in respect
of standardised test scores (for Years 5, 6 and 7) relating to the other pupils (without names) in the
applicant’s Primary 7 class.
3. The Primary School’s comments on the pupil’s academic achievements in relation to the standardised
tests taken during Key Stage 2.
It is emphasised that the onus is on the parents to ensure that the above information is provided to the
school. Failure to provide such information may result in the school being unable to consider the application
for Special Circumstances.
Applicants considered under Special Circumstances will be judged by the evidence made available to the
school and awarded a grade accordingly.
Please note that judgement of the importance of documentation forwarded in support of Special
Circumstances will be at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.
Parents claiming that medical or other problems affected the performance of their child in the School’s
Entrance Assessment must have submitted an application for such by 2.00pm on Friday 13 December 2013
to the Centre, at which the applicant sat the Entrance Assessment.
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NOTE ON SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Special Circumstances allow for a post examination adjustment to the grade of a child who is eligible for
consideration. Special Circumstances can only seek to go some way to assist the child affected by a potentially
wide range of difficulties, emotional or physical, which may influence performance in the assessment.
An application for both Access Arrangements and Special Circumstances cannot be made for the same reason.
Where a need or problem is identified in advance of the assessment taking place, an application for Access
Arrangements should be made. Special Circumstances should be sought only where events on the day of the
assessment or factors unknown at the time are considered to have directly influenced the outcome on the day of
the GL Assessment.
NB The existence of special circumstances DOES NOT in itself lead to automatic admission to the school. Each
case is considered on its own merits by the Board of Governors.
Requests for Special Circumstances must be made by 2.00pm on Friday 13 December 2013. The decision as
whether to take such circumstances into consideration will not be taken at this time by Rathmore Grammar School
but the school will confirm receipt of the initial claim to the parent/guardian. This confirmation must be attached by
the parent/guardian to the Transfer Form along with full, supporting documentary evidence when an application is
made for post primary transfer for the child.
It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that such claims and all verifying information are included on the form
and attached to the Transfer Form and forwarded to the school via the relevant Education and Library
Board/Education and Skills Authority in February 2014.
(c) Special Provisions for:
(i)
applicants whose parents wish them to transfer from schools outside N. Ireland;
(ii) applicants who have received more than half of their primary education outside N. Ireland;
(iii) applicants whose educational provision to date has been negatively affected by serious medical or other
problems which are supported by independent verifiable documentary evidence and who were unable to
take either of the GLA Entrance Assessments.
Parents must indicate to the School the precise reason why the pupil did not sit the Entrance Assessment,
providing appropriate documentary evidence.
The Admissions Committee may request an assessment of the candidate’s abilities to be carried out by a
suitably qualified person or body approved by the School. Applicants will be judged on this assessment and
on any other academic evidence made available to the School and put into a grade category as if they had
participated in the Entrance Assessment.
Applicants from (c)(i) and (c)(ii) above who wish to apply for Special Provision may, if their parents wish, sit
the Entrance Assessment in which case the grade obtained would be considered.
Parents applying for Special Provision must attach to the Transfer Form a copy of the school’s Special
Provision Form SP1 (available directly from the school or for download from the school website at
http://www.rathmoregrammarschool.org) detailing precisely why they are applying for Special Provision.
This form may be attached to the Transfer Form up to the 14 February or thereafter sent directly to the school
up to the 5 March 2014.
The Admissions Committee will consider each application for Special Provision. Where this is granted, the
Admissions Committee will determine, on the basis of the information available, an appropriate grade
equivalent for the applicant. Such applicants will then be considered with all other applicants who have
received a GLA Entrance Assessment grade and the Admissions Criteria applied.
3. Subject to the terms of paragraphs 1 and 2 above, the Board will give priority in selection to applicants with grade
A before those with grade B1, to applicants with grade B1 before those with grade B2, to applicants with grade B2
before those with grade C1, to applicants with grade C1 before those with grade C2 and to applicants with grade
C2 before those with grade D, irrespective of the order in which parents have expressed preferences for schools.
4. When the number of applicants exceeds the approved admissions number the Board will, subject to the
terms of paragraph 3 above and paragraph 5 below, consider applicants who have been allocated the
same grade and will:
on the basis of the information which has been recorded on the Form or attached to the Form,
allocate these applicants to the relevant group(s) (i) to (vi) below; (Please note that if the additional
information and/or the Certificate requested for groups (i) to (v) is not provided the applicant will be
allocated to group (vi).) and
give priority in selection to groups (i) to (v) in the order set out:
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Groups of Applicants:
(i) in receipt of Free School Meals Entitlement: “entitled to Free School Meals” will mean applicants who are
listed on the Education and Library Board register as entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their
parent or guardian has signed their post-primary Transfer Form or at any date up to and including 14 May
2014;
(ii) whose brother or sister is a present or past pupil of the School; (Name and year of present pupil and
name/maiden name and dates of attendance of past pupil must be given.)
(iii) whose brother or sister is an eldest child who achieved grade A and applied to the School but was not
selected in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 or 2013; (Certificate for unselected eldest child must be provided.)
(iv) whose parent is a member of the permanent staff of the School or is due to take up such an appointment;
(Name of parent and position on the staff of the School must be given.)
(v) who are the eldest child in a family to have achieved a grade A or the particular grade being considered or the
only child in a family to have achieved a grade A or the particular grade being considered; (N.B. Eldest or only
“son”, “boy”, “daughter” or “girl” is not sufficient. The Certificate must be provided.)
*twins and other multiples who are eldest in the family and have each achieved a Grade A or the particular
grade being considered are treated as joint eldest children.
(vi) who are not allocated to any of the groups (i) to (v) above.
5. In the event of there being more applicants meeting the last sub-criterion which can be applied than places
available, applicants will be ranked for acceptance on the basis of a computer – based process which will make
use of the names of applicants as shown on their Transfer Forms.
Twins and children of other multiple births
Where twins and other children of multiple births are participants in the computer based process of determining
rank order as described below, the procedure will be conducted as set out but, on completion of the computer
process, the ranking number of the second and any subsequent child of the multiple birth will be changed to that
number immediately after the ranking number of the first child and the ranking number of all other applicants
whose ranking was higher than that of the first child will be changed accordingly as a result.
The process is carried out by means of a computer program which, for each applicant, generates a ranking
number using the details from the Transfer Form as the seed for a random number generator. The outcome, for
any given applicant, is dependent only on the applicant’s name (as written on the Transfer Form) and is not
affected by the details of any other applicant. Although the process is repeatable, and the results may therefore be
subsequently verified, it is not possible to predict, in advance of running the program, what the result will be for any
given set of details. Applicants with the lowest ranking numbers will be given places up to the number of places
available.
6. Applicants who have a Statement of Special Educational Need or claim Exceptional Circumstances as defined in
DENI circular 2009/7 will have their applications dealt with by the Education and Library Board under separate
arrangements and are supernumerary to the school’s admissions and enrolment numbers.
7. Waiting List Policy
Should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014 all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused, new
applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the published
criteria applied. This waiting list will be in place until 30 June 2015. The school will contact you in writing if your
child gains a place in the school by this method.
Your child’s name will be automatically added to the list. Please contact the school if you wish for your child’s
name to be removed from the list.
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Please Note
When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take
into account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. Parents should ensure that
all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated on the
Transfer Form or attached to it.
The Certificate required for Groups of Applicants (iii) and (v) and an Admissions Criteria Check-list compiled
by the Board to assist parents in completing the Form are available from the School. If it is found, whether
prior to enrolment or post-enrolment, that false information has been given in support of an application, the
school will not offer the child a place or will withdraw the offer of a place if it has already been made.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 180 258 180
2012/13 180 257 180
2013/14 180 213 180
93

ST DOMINIC’S HIGH SCHOOL
Falls Road
Belfast BT12 6AE
Telephone No: 028 9032 0081
Fax No: 028 9031 2682
E-mail: info@stdominics.org.uk
Web-site: www.stdominics.org.uk
Voluntary Grammar School
Girls’ Grammar
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 1023
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 141
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 966
Principal: Mrs Carol McCann BA PGCE PQH (NI)
Chairman of the Board of Governors: The Rev Dr. Paul Fleming
To Parents/Guardians who wish to choose St. Dominic’s as a preference on your child’s Transfer Form
Entrance Exam Results
In assessing academic ability, St Dominic’s will use the grade awarded to pupils completing the GLA Entrance
Assessment on Saturday November 16 th 2013 or the supplementary GLA Entrance Assessment on Saturday 7 th
December 2013 as specified by the school. In Section C of the Transfer Form, parents/guardians must state the
grade achieved and attach to the Transfer Form a copy of the statement of results which they will receive on
Saturday 1st February 2014.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Any parent/guardian claiming Special Circumstances should complete the documentation within the Special
Circumstances Pack available from St. Dominic’s or on our website http://www.stdominics.org.uk/. This
documentation, Form SC1, together with the independent documentary evidence which corroborates the claim for
Special Circumstances must be attached to the Transfer Form.
SPECIAL PROVISION
1 For those currently in P7 in primary schools in Northern Ireland, claims for Special Provision should be made on
Form SP1 and attached to the Transfer Form. Form SP1 is available from the school or our website. Parents
wishing to claim Special Provision should also forward a copy of the SP1 directly to St Dominic’s by Wednesday
March 5 2013.
2 After this date, claims for Special Provision should be made directly to St Dominic’s and the Transfer Department
of the BELB.
**If you are applying for Special Circumstances or Special Provision, please see Section 3 below
Open Day - Saturday 11 1h January 2014
9.30am – 1.00pm
Address by Principal at 9.30am and 11.00am
SCHOOL PROFILE
St. Dominic’s, which was founded in 1870, is a Catholic Grammar School for Girls, a learning community in which all
members work together to meet the challenges of the 21 st century in an atmosphere of truth and mutual respect.
SPECIALIST HUMANITIES SCHOOL
St. Dominic’s was designated a Specialist Humanities School in 2009 in recognition of the school’s academic
excellence and creative learning. The lead subjects are Drama and English. The school works in partnership with a
number of primary schools, the local universities, community and business groups as well as a number of postprimary
partners.. Through the specialism, the school has further enhanced its provision and delivery of the curriculum
including the setting-up of a VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). In this way, pupils are exposed to creative,
innovative C21 Learning.
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CURRICULUM
Years 8, 9 and 10. Key Stage 3
Art, Drama, English, Geography, History, Home Economics, ICT, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Religious
Education, Science, Technology and Design. Pupils choose two Modern Languages: French, Irish, Spanish. In Year
8 pupils follow courses in Local and Global Citizenship, Employability and Personal Development.
Years 11 and 12. Key Stage 4
Additional Mathematics, Art, Biology, Business Studies, Business and Communication Studies, Chemistry, Drama,
Double Award Science, English and English Literature, French, Geography, Gaeilge, History, Health and Social Care,
Home Economics, Learning for Life and Work, Irish, IT, Mathematics, Media Studies, Moving Image Arts, Music,
Physical Education, Physics, Religious Education, Spanish, Technology and Design. Music is offered as an extra -
curricular GCSE subject to gifted musicians.
Years 13 and 14. Key Stage 5
Art, Applied Business Studies, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Drama/Theatre Studies, English Literature,
French, Further Mathematics, Geography, Government and Politics, History, Health and Social Care, ICT, Irish,
Mathematics, Media Studies, Moving Image Arts, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Political Studies, Psychology,
Religious Education, Spanish, Sport Studies, Sociology, Technology and Design. All students follow a Faith in Action
Programme which covers a number of modules including Growing up in a Divided Society, Finance and Ethics, Red
Cross Training and Sign Language.
HOMEWORK CLUB
The school’s Homework Club is open from 3.10 pm – 5.00 pm Monday to Thursday. Members of staff are available
each day to help pupils. Pupils can access library resources, use I.T. facilities, attend support workshops or work
independently at this time. Study facilities are available in the Library and Sixth Form Centre until 6 pm every day.
Study facilities are offered to senior students several evenings per week until 9 pm.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROVISION
Art Club, Basketball, Book Club, Camogie, Choir, Creative Writing Club, Cumann Ceoil, Community-based
programmes, Dance, Debating, Drama Club, President’s Award, Film Club, Gaelic Football, Geo Club, GCSE
Music, Habitat for Humanity, History and Current Affairs Club, Hockey, Maths Club, Mock Bar Trial, Magistrates
Mock Trial, Needlework Club, Netball, Orchestra, Public Speaking, Pupil Forum, Project Zambia, Romanian Society,
St Vincent de Paul Society, Trampolining, Quiz, Waterpolo.
PASTORAL CARE
Fundamental to our approach is the promotion of a caring ethos and good quality relationships across the school
community. An Assistant Principal leads a strong Pastoral Care team. The structure, involving the Heads of Senior,
Middle and Junior school, Year Heads, Class Tutors and prefects, provides a safe and secure environment in which
the welfare of the pupils is central. Our Pastoral Care programme throughout the school is designed to help pupils
develop their social and personal skills and so become fulfilled young adults who are fully involved in the life of the
community in which they live.
CAREERS
Careers in St Dominic’s is delivered as a specialist subject and also as a cross-curricular theme. Emphasis is placed
on enabling each pupil to make informed decisions at each stage of her development. Pupils attend a variety of
Careers events both inside and outside school and Work Experience is provided for all pupils in Year 13. Pupils in St.
Dominic’s attend Open Days at local universities. A number of pupils accompanied by staff attend the Summer
School at Cambridge and Oxford universities. Pupils also participate in the Sutton Trust summer programme.
HOME SCHOOL LINKS
Parents, the first educators of their children, are encouraged to develop a close relationship with the school.
Home/school contacts are many and varied: Parents’ Meetings, Parenting Courses, Parents’ Association, Parent and
Daughter Art Cookery and ICT Classes, Induction Evenings, School Masses, Careers Talks, Musical and Drama
productions.
95

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO FORM 1 (YEAR 8) IN SEPTEMBER 2014
1. The Board of Governors of St Dominic’s has delegated to the Admission’s Sub Committee in conjunction with
the Principal the responsibility of applying its admissions criteria to identify which applicants shall be admitted to
the school in accordance with the admissions criteria set out below.
2. Special Circumstances and/or Special Provision
Parental claims for consideration of special circumstances and or special provision for an applicant shall be
examined and decided upon before the application of any of the Admissions Criteria. The Admissions Sub
Committee shall on the basis of all of the documented evidence made available to them at the time of reaching
their decision, decide the grade to be used in the application of the Admissions Criteria to such applicants.
Once a decision has been made the applicant will then be considered along with all pupils of the same grade
for the purpose of applying the admissions criteria.
3. Pupils resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission will be given priority over pupils not
so resident in Northern Ireland.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
i
Special Circumstances refer to the claim that as a result of medical or other problems a pupil’s performance in
the GL Entrance Assessment was affected. Special Circumstances must be supported by documentary
evidence of a medical or other nature.
ii. Claims for Special Circumstances should be made by 2.00 pm on Friday 13 th December 2013 at the
Assessment Centre at which the child took the Entrance Assessment. The claim for special circumstances
should be registered using an SCR Form (Special Circumstances Registration Form) available from the school
at which your child sat the assessment, outlining the reasons for claiming and ensuring that the child’s full
name, address and date of birth are included. It is not necessary to provide supporting evidence at this stage.
All supporting documentary evidence of a medical, educational or other appropriate nature should be supplied
to the Belfast Education and Library Board attached to the Transfer Form. Further detail in relation to this
matter can be found in the Post-Primary Consortium’s guidance material entitled “A guide to claiming Special
Circumstances for children taking the GLA Entrance Assessment” (available from the school).
iii. Please note: If a claim for the consideration of Special Circumstances is made in respect of matters for which
Special Access arrangements were granted for a child, the School Admissions Sub Committee will take into
account the fact that the child was granted Special Access arrangements for those matters.
Details of Medical or Other Problems
Where it is claimed that a pupil’s performance in the Entrance Assessment has been affected by a medical or other
problem, independent evidence of its existence must be provided to the school. Where the problem is a medical one
of short-term duration which affected the student only at the time of the Entrance Assessment the school will require
the production of evidence that the pupil was examined by a medical practitioner in relation to the illness at the time of
the Entrance Assessment. Where the problem is of a non-medical nature the parents/guardians must set out the
precise details of the problem and append any appropriate independent evidence to corroborate its existence to the
Transfer Form.
Educational Evidence
Sufficient objective educational evidence must be provided by the parents/guardians and this should accompany/be
attached to the Transfer Form to enable the Admission Sub-Committee to reach a decision. Parents are entitled to
obtain their child(ren)’s educational records from schools if necessary by means of a Freedom of Information request.
The following must be provided by, and attached by the parent to the Transfer Form (The information should be
provided on an SC1 Form and verified by the primary school):
(a) All the applicant’s school standardised test results (SAS) in English/Literacy and Mathematics/Numeracy from
the beginning of the Key Stage 2 period;
Results from all tests should be accompanied by the name of the standardised test and the supplier of the test
and verified by the primary school.
(b) Copies of the applicant’s school reports for P5, P6, P7.
(c) Any other relevant educational material.
NB It is emphasized that the ONUS is on the parents to ensure that all above information is provided to St.
Dominic’s. Failure to provide such information may result in the school being unable to consider the application for
Special Circumstances. Parents have a right to access their child’s educational records (cf. Information
Commissioner’s Office publication – Access to a pupil’s information held by schools in Northern Ireland -
www.ico.gov.uk).
NB The existence of special circumstances of itself DOES NOT in itself lead to an automatic upgrade or admission to
the school. Each case is considered on its own merits by the Admissions Sub-Committee.
96

SPECIAL PROVISION
Application for Special Provision may be made to the Board of Governors for girls:
a) who are transferring from primary schools outside Northern Ireland or who have recently moved to Northern
Ireland.
b) who have received more than half of their primary education outside Northern Ireland.
c) whose educational provision to date has been negatively affected by serious medical or other problems which
are supported by independent, verifiable documentary evidence and who, as a consequence, have been unable
to take the GLA Entrance Assessment or the Supplementary Assessment (November and December 2013).
Applicants, from Categories a) and b) above, who wish to apply under Special Provision do not need to take the
GLA Entrance Assessment or the supplementary assessment unless their parents/guardians so wish, in which case
the GLA Entrance Assessment grade obtained will also be considered.
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide precise reasons why the applicant did not take part in the
Entrance Assessment and to submit appropriate documentary evidence attached to the Transfer Form. The Board of
Governors will decide whether these children should be admitted on the basis that they fall within the ability range of
other pupils being admitted in that year. The Admissions Sub-committee of the Board of Governors may require an
assessment of an applicant’s abilities to be carried out by a suitably qualified person/body approved by the school.
Parents wishing to claim for Special Provision should complete the Special Provision Application Form (SP1) available
from St. Dominic’s detailing precisely the reasons why the applicant is applying for special provision and return the
appropriate form (available from the school) by attaching it to the Transfer Form. A copy of the form should also be
sent to St. Dominic’s by 4 pm on Wednesday March 5 th 2014.
It is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s) to provide such material as they consider will assist the Admissions
Sub-committee of the Board of Governors in considering the application.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
Applicants shall be selected in the order of priority set down below:
1. Applicants awarded a Grade A in the GLA Entrance Assessment and those applicants regarding whom parental
claims for consideration of special circumstances and/or special provisions have been accepted and who, in the
opinion of the Admissions Sub-Committee, based on the documented evidence submitted, are of comparable
ability to those pupils awarded Grade A.
2. Applicants awarded a Grade B1 in the GLA Entrance assessment and those applicants regarding whom
parental claims for consideration of special circumstances and/or special provisions have been accepted and
who, in the opinion of the Admissions Sub-Committee, based on the documented evidence submitted, are of
comparable ability to those pupils awarded Grade B1.
3. Applicants awarded a Grade B2 in the GLA Entrance Assessment and those applicants regarding whom
parental claims for consideration of special circumstances and/or special provisions have been accepted and
who, in the opinion of the Admissions Sub-Committee, based on the documented evidence submitted, are of
comparable ability to those pupils awarded Grade B2.
4. Applicants awarded a Grade C1 in the GLA Entrance Assessment and those applicants regarding whom
parental claims for consideration of special circumstances and/or special provisions have been accepted and
who, in the opinion of the Admissions Sub-Committee, based on the documented evidence submitted, are of
comparable ability to those pupils awarded Grade C1.
5. Applicants awarded a Grade C2 in the GLA Entrance Assessment and those applicants regarding whom
parental claims for consideration of special circumstances and/or special provisions have been accepted and
who, in the opinion of the Admissions Sub-Committee, based on the documented evidence submitted, are of
comparable ability to those pupils awarded Grade C2.
6. Applicants awarded a Grade D in the GLA Entrance Assessment and those applicants regarding whom parental
claims for consideration of special circumstances and/or special provisions have been accepted and who, in the
opinion of the Admissions Sub-Committee, based on the documented evidence submitted, are of comparable
ability to those pupils awarded Grade D.
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If there are more applicants who satisfy any one of the criteria 1-6 when they are being applied in the order of priority
set down above than there are places available, then applicants within that criterion shall be selected to fill the
remaining places by applying the following Sub Criteria in the order of priority set down below:-
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
Applicants of whom a sibling (sister or half sister or step sister or legally adopted/foster sister or half sister) is
currently or formerly was a pupil enrolled in the school. State the name of the pupil, year group and years
attended (in the case of a former pupil). Provide maiden name if appropriate.
Applicants of whom a sibling as defined in (a) above qualified for admission under Criteria 1-6 for entry into St
Dominic’s (e.g. a twin) in the current admissions year (2014-15).
Applicants who are the first girl in the family or the oldest girl in the family eligible to transfer to mainstream
secondary school. (Please provide verifying letter written on headed notepaper signed by one of the following:
(i) School principal (ii) Family Doctor (iii) Parish Priest.
Applicants who are the daughters of past pupils. State the name of the past pupil and dates of attendance
(Maiden name if appropriate).
Applicants who have a cousin(s) currently attending the school or who previously attended the school. State
name(s) and year group(s) or years attended.
Applicants who have a sibling as defined in (a) above attending or who attended a Dominican post primary
school or one of our partner post primary schools, namely St Mary’s, Christian Brothers Grammar School
Belfast or St Malachy’s College Belfast. State name of pupil, name of school and year group(s) or years
attended.
Applicants who are attending the following feeder schools:
Ballymacward, Ballymacrickett, Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagain, Bunscoil Phobal Feirste, Bunscoil an tSléibhe
Dhuibh, Christ the Redeemer, Cranmore PS, Good Shepherd, Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach, Gaelscoil na bhFál,
Gaelscoil na Móna, Hazelwood P.S., Holy Child, Holy Cross, Holy Family, Holy Rosary, Holy Trinity, Mercy
P.S., Oakwood, Our Lady’s, Deanby Gardens, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Our Lady of Lourdes, Sacred Heart,
Scoil na Fuiseoige, Scoil and Droichid, St. Aloysius, St. Anne’s, St. Bernard’s, St. Bernadette’s, St. Bride’s, St.
Clare’s, St. Colman’s (Lambeg), St. Comghall’s, Bangor, St. John the Baptist, St. Joseph’s, Slate Street, St.
Joseph’s, Carryduff, St. Joseph’s, Lisburn, St. Joseph’s, Crumlin, St. Ita’s, St. Kevin’s, St. Kieran’s, St. Luke’s,
St. Malachy’s, St. Matthew’s, St. Mark’s, St. Michael’s, St. Oliver Plunkett, St. Paul’s, St. Patrick’s (Holywood),
St. Peter’s Primary School, St. Teresa’s, St. Therese of Lisieux, Vere Foster. (Preference will not be given to
one school over the other on this list).
Applicants who are entitled to Free Schools Meals*
If there are more applicants who satisfy any one of the Sub Criteria (a)-(h) when they are being applied in the order of
priority as set down above than there are places available, applicants within that sub-criterion will be selected by rank
order of the combined standardised age score attained in the GL Assessment tests, the highest scoring applicant
being ranked first, the next highest candidate being ranked second etc. In the event of two or more candidates having
the same combined standardised mark score and qualifying for the last place(s) the award of place(s) shall be granted
to the applicants who ordinarily reside within the shortest radial distance as the crow flies from the school as
measured from the school entrance gate on the Falls Road, Belfast to the applicant’s home.
* “Entitled to Free School Meals” will mean applicants who are listed on the Education and Library Board/ESA register
as entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their parent or guardian has signed their post-primary Transfer
Form, or at any date up to and including 14 May 2014.
VERIFICATION OF ALL INFORMATION
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to
support/verify information on the Transfer Form or appended to the Transfer Form by parents/guardians. For
verification purposes original documents are normally required and not facsimiles or photocopies.
The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide any requested verifying documents within the
deadline set by St Dominic’s High School will result in either the withdrawal of a place or the inability of the school to
offer a place.
98

The responsibility to ensure that:
the Transfer Form and other necessary documentation is correctly completed;
any Special Circumstances/Special Provision being claimed are properly documented as described in detail
above and in the guidance documentation; and
any required verification documents are provided within specified deadlines, lies with the parents/guardians of
the child.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO YEAR 8 FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE TRANSFER
PROCEDURE
Candidates not selected for admission on completion of the admissions process will be held on a Reserve List
together with any new applicants for consideration should a place(s) become available and admitted by application of
the above criteria.
If the application is made by a *child who arrived in Northern Ireland after the transfer procedure has been concluded
and the Admissions Sub Committee deems the child is suitable* to be admitted, the school will then seek an
additional place from the Department of Education. Admission is dependent upon the Department of Education
making an additional place available for said pupil.
* The child will be required to sit an appropriate assessment which enables the school to ascertain if the child would
have gained entry through the transfer procedure.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO YEARS 9 TO 12
Those wishing to apply for entry to Years 9-12 must make formal application before May 30th 2014 of the year of
entry. Full details will be obtained by writing to the Principal’s PA, St. Dominic’s Grammar School for Girls, Falls Road,
Belfast BT12 6AE.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 141 243 142
2012/13 141 204 142
2013/14 141 247 145
99

ST GENEVIEVE’S HIGH SCHOOL
Trench House 87 Stewartstown Road
Belfast BT11 9JP
Telephone No: 028 9092 5670
Fax No: 028 9092 5675
E-mail: info@stgenevieves.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.stgenevieves.org.uk
Maintained School
Girls’ High
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 1070
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 160
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 1000
Co-educational Sixth Form Consortium with
De La Salle College
Principal: Mrs Mirella Smith BSc (Econ), MEd, PQH (NI)
Chair of the Board of Governors: Mary Kelly SSL
INTRODUCTION
Open Evening - Tuesday 7 th January 2014
7.00pm
By invitation through primary schools and local press
Situated in Andersonstown, the all ability school offers an education that develops the personal, intellectual, moral and
spiritual potential of girls in the 11-18 age range. This is achieved through a broad curriculum, a programme of
religious, personal and social development and a variety of extra-curricular activities which promote skills and
interests and help pupils to develop into well rounded adults. The educational programme has three stages –
1 Years 8, 9 and 10 – Key Stage 3 2 Years 11 and 12 – Key Stage 4 3 Years 13 and 14 – Key Stage 5
CURRICULUM
All girls in Key Stage 3 follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum, with regular assessment of, and reporting on, student
progress throughout the Key Stage. The NI Entitlement Framework is in place for all pupils in Key Stage 4 (Age 16).
At Key Stage 4 girls are entered for GCSE and Vocational examinations. All girls participate in a non-examination
Physical Education and Careers and Personal Education Programme. During Key Stage 4 girls participate in a Work
Experience Programme. Key Stage 5 courses are planned in co-operation with De La Salle College enabling a wide
choice of subjects to be offered to the students. The NI Entitlement Framework is in place for all pupils in Key Stage 5.
The offer to students includes:
a) Advanced Level GCE courses. Students follow AS level/BTEC Level 3 courses leading to a full A level or
equivalent in their second year. Level 3 Applied courses are offered in conjunction with general courses.
Currently they may choose from 30 different academic and/or vocational subjects.
b) BTEC FIRST CERTIFICATE courses in Business and Information Technology, Media Studies, Health and
Social Care, Children’s Learning and Development and Travel and Tourism. Other certificates include Basic
Food Hygiene and Healthier Food and Special Diets, Occupational Studies in Design, Word Processing and
Text Production, Key Skills in ICT at Level 3, and GCSE in English and Mathematics.
Pupils may also avail of courses in Beauty Therapy due to our collaborative arrangement with Belfast Metropolitan
College. Non-examination: A Religious and Personal Development programme is offered to all students.
Examinations: Students are entered for GCSE, GCE/Applied, GCE AS/A2, BTEC Level 3, Level 2 Certificate
courses. Careers Education and Guidance is provided to all students. All pupils have access to the most advanced
technology in a state-of-the-art school. In exceptional circumstances, Year 15 students are admitted to complete
courses.
SPIRITUAL, CULTURAL, SOCIAL, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
A wide range of cultural, social and recreational activities is available to the girls through membership of clubs and
societies. Pupils are encouraged to take part in inter-community activities. Participation in school based musical and
dramatic productions, public festivals, competitions, exhibitions and inter-school matches are highly valued.
Educational visits form an important part of the learning experience and these range from short local visits to longer
residential and continental visits.
The school has a vertical House system across Key Stage 3 with support from students in 6 th form. The 3 houses
have developed their own distinct identities through their own name, house colour and history. On admission, each
year 8 student will be allocated to a form class and a House.
The Catholic ethos permeates the school curriculum with Religious Services and Retreats for students provided
throughout the year. School Chaplains are in regular attendance. Heads of Year and Form Teachers concern
themselves actively with the well-being and personal development of the girls.
A high standard of courtesy and conduct is expected from all students. All pupils must wear School Uniform – details
in school Prospectus, available on request. The normal school day is from 8.50 am – 3.15 pm with 35 minutes for
lunch. The school values the co-operation of parents who are welcome at all times, if possible by appointment. An
opportunity for consultation is offered at each stage in a girl’s school career.
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ADMISSIONS CRITERIA YEAR 8
The Religious and Educational Philosophy of St Genevieve’s is that of a Catholic school. The Board of Governors,
having determined the Criteria, has delegated to a sub-committee the responsibility for administering the application
of these criteria.
In the event of the number of applications exceeding the school’s admissions number, the following criteria will be
applied in the order stated below:
1. Girls who have a sister or half-sister currently enrolled in the school.
2. Girls enrolled in the following Primary Schools, applied in the order as listed here: Holy Child, St John the
Baptist, St Oliver Plunkett, St Teresa’s, St Anne’s, Our Lady Queen of Peace, St.Colman's, St Kieran’s, Good
Shepherd, Bunscoil Phobal Feirste, St Luke’s, St Mark’s, Christ the Redeemer, Ballymacward.
3. The eldest girl in a family (verification must be provided).
4. Girls who are the sister(s) or half-sister(s) of past pupils of the school.
5. Girls who have a brother/half-brother currently attending De La Salle College (2013/14).
6. Girls who are the daughters of past pupils of the school.
7. Girls who are daughters of permanent employees of the school within the current school year (2013/14).
8. Girls who are daughters of permanent employees of De La Salle College in the current school year (2013/14).
9. Applicants from any other Primary School.
In the event of over-subscription at any stage i.e. within applicants from any Primary School or within any other
criterion listed, priority will be given on the basis of rank order of age, the oldest candidate being ranked first, the next
oldest being ranked second etc. If two or more candidates have the same birth date and thereby qualify for the last
place(s), the award of the place(s) shall be granted in alphabetical order of surname followed by forename from A-Z
using the “letter by letter” system.
NB: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE INDICATED ON THE TRANSFER FORM:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Girls who have or who have had a sister at the school (including sister’s name and dates of enrolment).
Applicants must attach a letter on headed note paper to verify that the applicant is the eldest girl. This must be
a letter from a person who is not a family member of the applicant and who has known the applicant for at least
two years. Letters of verification will be accepted from the Primary School Principal, an Elected Public
Representative, GP, solicitor or a member of the Clergy.
The maiden name of the mother and her dates of enrolment at the school.
(d)
(e)
Name and year of brother/half-brother currently attending De La Salle College.
Name of parent employee in either St Genevieve’s or De La Salle College.
Failure to include this information on the Transfer Form may not be used as a basis for appeal regarding nonselection.
Please Note: when considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will
only take into account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. Parents should
ensure that all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated
on the Transfer Form or attached to it.
Waiting List Policy
Places in Year 8 for the 2014/15 academic year (criteria above applied after 23 May 2014 – 31 August 2014)
1 In the case of places in Year 8, should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014, all applications for admission that
were initially refused, new applications and applications where new information has been provided will be
treated equally and the published criteria applied. This will form the waiting list for places in Year 8 until 31
August 2014.
2 Following this date parents of pupils who were unsuccessful in gaining a place in Year 8 must write to the
school indicating that they are still interested in a place for their daughter. This waiting list will exist until 30
June 2015.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 160 189 160
2012/13 160 190 160
2013/14 160 157 157
101

ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE
518 Ravenhill Road
Belfast BT6 0BY
Telephone No: 028 9049 1280/9049 1474
Fax No: 028 9064 5808
E-mail: jmccourt786@c2kni.net
Web-site: www.saintjosephscollege.co.uk
Maintained School
Co-educational All-Ability
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 570
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 120
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 664
Principal: Mr Joseph McCourt BEd MA
Chair of the Board of Governors: Mr Brian Gibson
Open Evening – Thursday 30 th January 2014
7.00pm – 9.00pm (address by Principal 7.00pm)
By invitation through Primary Schools and local press
INTRODUCTION
St Joseph’s College is a maintained Secondary School situated on the Ravenhill Road in South Belfast. It has an
enrolment of 552 pupils aged between 11 and 18 years. The college draws its pupils from a wide area which covers
much of South and East Belfast. It serves a mainly Catholic population, although it encourages applications from other
faith communities and traditions.
The Curriculum
In St. Joseph’s College we aim, within the framework of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, to provide a broad and
balanced curriculum. We want the highest possible academic and vocational success for our pupils. We strive to
create the learning conditions in which our pupils can achieve to the maximum of their potential; maturing to become
confident, skilled and responsible individuals, able to succeed in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.
Key Stage 3 (Years 8, 9 and 10)
Year 8, 9 and 10 pupils follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum with the delivery of all subjects listed within each of the
general learning areas (The Arts, English, Environment and Society, Mathematics, Modern Languages (Irish, Spanish
and French), Physical Education, Science and Technology and Religious Education) and Learning for Life and Work. In
addition pupils have discreet provision in Literacy, Numeracy, Media Studies, Drama, RSE and Mini Enterprise. The
development of thinking skills and personal capabilities is integrated into our teaching and we embrace the principles of
Assessment for Learning to provide quality learning experiences for our pupils.
Key Stage 4 (Years 11 and 12)
Year 11 and 12 pupils are offered a broad range of general and applied subjects. They study 6 compulsory and 3
optional GCSE subjects including the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness at Level 2 (COPE). In addition pupils can
choose to study GCSE English Literature.
Compulsory GCSE subjects include GCSE English Language, Learning for Life and Work, Mathematics, Religious
Education and Science and COPE at Level 2.
Optional GCSE Subjects include Additional Science, Business Studies, Business Communication Studies, Dance,
Design and Technology, Geography, Health and Social Care, History, ICT, Languages (Irish, French and Spanish),
Journalism, Mathematics, Media Studies, Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies, Music and Physical Education,
We also offer BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Construction (in collaboration with South Eastern Regional College) and a
range of OCR Business Professional Examinations (including Text Production and Word Processing Levels 1, 2 and 3).
The Vocational Programme at Key Stage 4
Pupils who wish to follow a more vocational route study 5 GCSE subjects and the equivalent of a further 4 GCSE
subjects by completing a double award Occupational Studies Course (offered in Collaboration with Work Force
Training Services), and BTEC Level 2 Certificates in (i) Sports and (ii) Science.
Key Stage 5 (Years 13 and 14)
‘A’ Level Subjects: Students are offered a range of applied and general ‘A’ Level subjects. The majority of students
choose to study 3 AS and A2 Level subjects. The subjects offered at ‘A’ Level include Art & Design, Applied Science
(Double Award), Performing Arts, Health and Social Care, Geography, History, Mathematics and Religious Studies.
A number of A ‘Level subjects are also offered in collaboration with Aquinas Grammar School and include ICT, Physics,
Home Economics and Moving Images Art.
Vocational Qualifications
St. Joseph’s College offers a Vocational Programme for students who prefer to take an alternative route to further and
higher education or employment or indeed as a stepping stone to A’ Level. In collaboration with Work Force Training
Services, the vocational qualification currently offered is City and Guilds Level 3 Certificate in ICT.
Students following the Vocational Programme spend one day a week at Work Force Training Services, One day on
Work placement and three days per week in school. They are also offered –
a range of OCR (Levels 1, 2 and 3) Business Professional Examinations (including Text Production, Word
Processing, Business Presentation and Mail Merge)
take part in the Young Enterprise and European Studies Programmes
follow a Careers Education Programme
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Sixth form students have a structured Personal and Social Development Programme that includes careers advice
and assistance. The College ensures that sixth form students have opportunities to attend university open days,
careers conventions and exhibitions relevant to UCAS applications. Our sixth form students make a significant
contribution to the life of the school.
Extra Curricular Activities - The Extended Schools Programme is an integral part of the life of St Joseph’s
College and enables us to offer children throughout the school opportunities to extend their learning far beyond the
classroom, adding to the pastoral and academic support we offer our pupils. The holistic development of our pupils
is central to our ethos. ‘Extended Schools’ funds an extensive range of Clubs and Activities to ensure pupils can
participate in something they will enjoy and benefit from at the end of the school day. Pupils are actively
encouraged to take part in a range of extra curricular sporting activities. Qualified coaches who specialise in
working with children provide training in the following activities:- Soccer (Girls and Boys),Gaelic Football (Girls and
Boys),Table Tennis, Basketball, Cross Country, Badminton, Saturday Study Club, My Maths Breakfast Club, After
School Homework Club, Chess Club, Lego Club, Drama Club, Art Club.
Pastoral Care - The Pastoral Care System in St Joseph’s College helps to promote a sense of community, raises
self-esteem, recognises effort and achievement and maintains good discipline throughout the College. Pupils are
regularly rewarded for their performance in assessments, sporting and cultural activities; for excellent attendance
records, and for their help, courtesy and cooperation around the school. We also acknowledge the positive
community spirit created within the school, working in partnership with the wider community.
The College has an effective pastoral system which includes sensible, flexible, well communicated policies and
procedures. We seek to proactively motivate pupils to behave in an agreed and established way and ensure that
good behaviour is supported and encouraged. Our Anti-bullying Policy deals with the prevention of bullying among
pupils in a clear and robust way to satisfy the requirements of DENI Circular 2003/13.
School uniform is compulsory for all pupils.
Additional Needs and New Comer Family Support - St Joseph’s College endeavours to address the needs of all
pupils who may experience learning difficulties during their school career. We consider it a priority that children
with additional educational needs are given equal opportunity to access a broad and balanced education.
Provision for our children with additional educational needs includes:
Learning Support Assistants in classes, Learning Support Centre, Learning Support Coordinator, After-school
Homework Club, Outreach Support (St. Gerard’s Resource Centre), New Comer Family, Learning Support
Assistant, Support Maths Support, IT programmes, New Life Counselling Services, Secondary Pupils Support
Service, EWS Support (Education Welfare Service), Special consideration in examinations for pupils with specific
learning needs. Literacy Support Classes; Peer Reading, KS3 Literacy class, KS3 Numeracy class. My Maths
Belfast, Literacy Belfast Club Break and Lunch.
ADMISSIONS TO YEAR 8
St Joseph’s College accepts those pupils whose parents demonstrate confidence in the College and who support
the ethos of this Catholic school. Accelerated Reading Programme, After Schools TEFAL Club.
In the event of a number of applications exceeding the College’s admission number, the Board of
Governors will apply the following criteria in the order stated below:
1 Applicants enrolled in the following Primary Schools in the Parishes of;
Holy Rosary (Holy Rosary PS, St Michael’s PS), St Matthew’s (St Matthew’s PS), St Malachy’s (St Malachy’s
PS), St Bernadette’s (St Bernard’s PS), Drumbo (St Joseph’s PS, St Ita’s PS), Ballyhackamore (St Joseph’s
PS), St Brides (St Bride’s PS).
2 Applicants who have a sister or a brother already enrolled in the school.
3 Applicants who reside in the parishes of Holy Rosary, St Matthew’s, St Malachy’s, St Bernadette’s, Drumbo,
Ballyhackamore, St Brides, St Anthony’s.
4 Applicants for whom St Joseph’s is the nearest suitable school.
5 Applicants who are the eldest boy or girl in their family.
6 Having applied the above criteria in the order stated, where places still remain, final selection will be made by
lot.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 120 84 84
2012/13 120 76 76
2013/14 120 99 99
103

ST LOUISE’S COMPREHENSIVE COLLEGE
A SPECIALIST COLLEGE
468 Falls Road
Belfast BT12 6EN
Telephone No: 028 90325631
Fax No: 028 90269600
E-mail: info@stlouises.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.stlouises.org.uk
Maintained School
Girls’ Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-19
Enrolment September 2013 1550
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 356
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 2280
Principal: Mrs Carmel McCartan, MSc (Gg), MSc (Ed. Mgt), PQH (NI)
Chair of the Board of Governors: Mr John O'Rourke, BSc, FCA, FCMA, FCCA
Open Day – Wednesday 8 th January 2014
4.30pm & 6.30pm (address by Principal 4.30 & 6.30pm)
By invitation through Primary Schools and local press
“In partnership with parents, guardians, staff, governors and students, St Louise’s promotes
excellence in learning and teaching within a Catholic, Vincentian, Comprehensive ethos.”
A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
St Louise’s is a highly successful, 11-19, all-ability College. We have been ranked in the top 10% of schools for A
Level Performance using value added measures for several years in succession. At 5 GCSE A* to C level, we are the
highest performing, non-selective Belfast school and were fourth highest in Northern Ireland last year. In recent
GCSE, Yellis Value Added Measures we are ranked in the top 2% of schools and colleges. We have received the
Jerwood Award for Excellence in Education, BECTA Good Practice Award and the Schools Curriculum Award on
three occasions. In 2010-2011 we received Investors in People and Eco Schools Award. In 2011-2012 we were
awarded Fair Trade Status, Trocaire Solidarity Award and the full International Schools Award. We are a Specialist
College in Dance, Drama and Media Studies.
Core Values: At the heart of all our successes is our Vincentian value system based on a belief in the dignity and
equality of every young person made in the image and likeness of God. Thus the College welcomes students of all
abilities and ethnic backgrounds. We personalise learning to ensure that every student achieves his/her full potential
in a school passionate about excellence through caring.
EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING AND TEACHING
Throughout the first five years in St Louise’s, students cover all of the subjects contained in the Northern Ireland
Curriculum. Students are provided with Learning and Assessment Calendars and Topic Models which outline the
content, skills, key vocabulary, assessment criteria and subject specific information which are necessary for success.
Within our model of assessment we provide parents with information on their child’s progress and achievements three
times during the school year.
EXCELLENCE IN CURRICULUM PROVISION AND CHOICE OF PATHWAYS
KS3 - Each student at Key Stage 3 follows the Northern Ireland Curriculum in all areas of learning through the
teaching of 15 subjects as well as a choice of Languages. We also fast track GCSE Irish students in Years 8 and 9.
The students sit Key Stage 3 examinations in all subjects at the end of Year 10.
KS4 - At Key Stage 4 we are uniquely placed to offer a rich curriculum in all general and applied areas required under
the Entitlement Framework. We offer over 30 subjects at Key Stage 4 including an extensive range of 18 traditional
academic subjects as well as 13 applied subjects.
Post 16 - At the end of Key Stage 4 the vast majority of students opt to return to the Sixth form for two years where
the College offers an impressive 25 AS and A Level subjects. The wide range of courses includes all the traditional A
Level subjects as well as Applied Business, ICT, Health and Social Care and Science. In addition the College has
introduced a variety of exciting, professional and technical courses. They include NVQ Level 2 and 3 City and Guilds
courses in Children's Care, Learning and Development, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy; BTEC Extended
Certificates and Diplomas in Media, Dance, Drama, Business and Services, Sport and Travel and Tourism. We also
offer a range of courses in ICT at all levels. In total a Post 16 student has access to over 50 general and applied
subjects. An enrichment programme involving speakers from voluntary organisations and other agencies is offered on
a weekly basis. Our curriculum is augmented with an innovative and exciting Careers Education, Information, Advice
and Guidance Programme through all Year Groups. We offer the Full Entitlement Framework.
EXCELLENCE THROUGH CARING
Pastoral Care - We are a happy, safe and caring community in which each person is valued equally. Everyone is
given the opportunity to achieve his/her full potential in a climate which is both challenging and supportive. A member
of staff visits each primary school before the beginning of the school year in order to ensure ease of transition. At the
time of transfer students participate in an exciting Transition Programme developed in partnership with local
community groups. An active Induction Programme is delivered to every year group.
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Throughout the school a high quality Personal Development and Health Education Programme is taught at tutor time.
Our Positive Behaviour and Anti Bullying policies are central to quality pastoral care in the college. There is zero
tolerance of bullying.
Caring For Your Daughter - We pride ourselves on the high level of individual support each student receives from
many key people throughout her school life. Each year group has its own set of highly skilled Form Tutors. The tutor
groups, which meet twice daily, are small. Years 8 and 9 tutor groups have Learning Mentors from our Post-16
Student Mentoring Team. All Year Groups are supported by Head Girls who are key members of the Post-16 Student
Leadership Team. Each Year Group has its own Head of Year who leads the team of Form Tutors. The Head of Year
supports students and parents on a daily basis. The Head of Year is supported by a senior member of staff.
Pastoral Support Centre: We have introduced a multi-disciplinary model in our Pastoral Support Centre, which
provides support in learning, mentoring, behaviour and the provision of independent counselling support for all who
wish to avail of these services. We also have a Home Liaison Officer who works closely with students and their
families.
EXCELLENT RANGE OF EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES AND TRIPS
St Louise's creates many opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and gifts both within and outside the
classroom. The enrichment opportunities that our clubs offer play a pivotal role in character building and leadership
development. Clubs operate before school, at lunchtime, after school and at weekends. From the Breakfast Club in
the morning to the Homework Club in the afternoon, our students' needs are catered for. St Louise's Drama
Department produces highly successful Shows in collaboration with the Music and Dance Departments. There are
many excellent opportunities for local and international trips.
Parents interested in applying for a place in St Louise’s and who would like to know more about the
College are advised to contact St Louise’s or visit our web page – www.stlouises.org.uk
Applicants will be admitted according to the following criteria applied in the order set down:
Admissions Criteria
The Board of Governors delegates to the Admissions Sub-Committee and to the Principal the responsibility for
administering the application of the criteria.
1. Girls who at the time of application reside in or attend schools in the original contributory parishes of St Peter’s,
St John’s, Corpus Christi and St Mary’s.
2. Girls who at the time of application reside elsewhere in Northern Ireland.
3. Girls who at the time of application reside outside Northern Ireland.
IF THE ENROLMENT FIGURE IS REACHED IN THE COURSE OF CONSIDERING APPLICANTS IN ANY OF THE
ABOVE CATEGORIES 1 TO 3 THEN THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA WILL BE APPLIED IN THE ORDER SET
DOWN.
i. Girls who have or who have had a sister at the school (MUST BE INDICATED ON THE TRANSFER FORM).
ii
iii
iv
v
vi
vii
Girls whose mothers are past students of the school (MAIDEN NAME OF MOTHER AND HER DATES OF
ATTENDANCE AT THE SCHOOL MUST BE INDICATED ON THE TRANFER FORM).
Girls who have a parent presently on the staff of the school (teaching/non-teaching) (MUST BE INDICATED ON
THE TRANSFER FORM).
Girls who are deemed by the Board of Governors, on the basis of the supporting evidence from parents and/or
medical personnel and/or statutory agencies and/or other sources, to have special circumstances e.g. medical,
social, pastoral or other. All supporting evidence must be submitted with the Transfer Form. Parents/Guardians
should note that not every special circumstances applicant will be automatically deemed by the Board of
Governors to have special circumstances.
Eldest girls in the family (MUST BE INDICATED ON THE TRANSFER FORM)
Any other girls - date of birth priority being given to those who are older.
Proximity to the school measured by the College authorities along the public transport route from the home of
the applicant to the gates of St Louise’s at the Falls Road entrance.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 360 170 170
2012/13 360 175 175
2013/14 360 204 204
105

ST MALACHY’S COLLEGE
Antrim Road
Belfast BT15 2AE
Telephone No: 028 9074 8285
Fax No: 028 9074 1066
E-mail:
correspondent@stmalachys.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.stmalachyscollege.com
Voluntary Grammar School
Boys’ Grammar
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 1050
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 150
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 1050
Celebrating 180 years as a leading College
A Music Specialist College
Principal: Mr D A Lambon MBA M.Eng BSc PGCE
Chairperson of the Board of Governors: The Most Reverend Donal McKeown
To Parents/Guardians naming St Malachy’s College as a preference on their child’s Transfer Form.
Entrance Assessment Results
St Malachy’s College will give preference to, (apart from those who qualify either for Special Circumstances or
Special Provision), those pupils awarded a grade by GL in completing the GL Entrance Assessment on Saturday
16 th November 2013 or the supplementary GL Entrance assessment on Saturday 7 th December 2013 as specified
by the School. In Section C of the Transfer Form parents/guardians must state the GRADE achieved and attach to
the Transfer Form a copy of the statement of results which they receive on Saturday 1 st February 2014.
Special Circumstances
Special Circumstances refer to the claim that as a result of medical or other problem’s a pupil’s performance in the
GL Entrance Assessment was affected. Any parent/guardian claiming Special Circumstances must submit an initial
claim by completing the documentation in the Special Circumstances pack available from St Malachy’s College or
from its website and must submit the initial claim to St Malachy’s College by 4pm on Friday, 13 th December 2013.
Independent evidence in support of Special Circumstances is not required to be produced at this stage. This
documentation, together with the independent, verifiable documentary evidence which corroborates the Special
Circumstances claim, must be attached to the Transfer Form and include the SC1 form.
Special Provision
Special Provision may be made by the Admissions Committee of the Board of Governors for boys:
a) who are transferring from primary schools outside Northern Ireland
b) who have received more than half of their primary education outside Northern Ireland
c) whose educational provision to date has been negatively affected by serious medical or other problems which is
supported by independent verifiable documentary evidence and who have not taken the GL Assessment or its
supplementary assessment.
1 For those pupils currently in P7 in Primary Schools in Northern Ireland, claims for Special Provision should be
made on Form SP1 and attached to the Transfer Form. Form SP1 is available from the College or its website.
Parents wishing to claim Special Provision should also forward a copy of Form SP1 directly to St Malachy’s
College by 5 March 2014.
2 After this date, claims for Special Provision should be made directly to St Malachy’s College, and the relevant
Education and Library Board Transfer Section notified.
Further details can be found in the sections ‘Note on Special Circumstances’ and ‘Note on Special
Provisions’ below.
Open Evenings – Wednesday 15 th January 2014 – 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm (address by Principal at 7.00 pm)
Thursday 16 th January 2014 – 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm (address by Principal at 7.00 pm)
INTRODUCTION
By invitation through Primary Schools and local press
Further information is available on the College website and in the Prospectus.
Founded in 1833, St Malachy’s College (‘the College’) is the oldest Catholic diocesan college in Northern Ireland.
College tradition is informed by a concern for religion and for sound scholarship. The school’s function is seen as
collaboration with the home in the realisation as fully as possible of the potential of the individual student. Parents’
evenings are held regularly and consultation with parents is an important feature of the life of the school.
The College was designated as a Music Specialist School as of September 2006 and included as the first Music
Specialist School in the Specialist Schools 2006 pilot in Northern Ireland.
The College chapel gives opportunity for daily Mass and prayers before the Blessed Sacrament. There is a full-time
chaplain. Religious Education is an integral part of the curriculum and is taken as a GCSE subject. Practical interest in
community service is encouraged. A spiritual retreat is arranged annually for senior forms.
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Curriculum
A separate Year Head is responsible for the academic progress of each year group and each class is under the
pastoral care of a class tutor. First form (Year 8) students take Religious Education, English, Drama, Mathematics,
Science, History, Geography, Introduction to Computers, Technology, Irish or Spanish, French, Music, Citizenship,
Employability, Art and Physical Education..
At the end of the third year (Year 10) and fifth year (Year 12) a choice of subjects is made for GCSE and ‘A’ level
studies respectively. At GCSE level, all students take nine or ten subjects to fulfil National curriculum requirements
and to allow each student to build upon his particular academic strengths: additional languages, sciences and
computing are available. At A-level, students currently choose either three or four subjects from a range of twenty
seven. They are assigned to a Tutor Group and undertake an enrichment programme, which includes Religious
Education, Key Skills, Careers Education and P.E. This fosters breadth as well as depth in the sixth form curriculum.
The College is particularly well adapted to the implementation of the Northern Ireland Curriculum in terms of teacher
expertise, curriculum design and accommodation. College buildings include an assembly hall, library, dining hall,
eleven science laboratories, a lecture theatre for talks, video recordings and films, several specialist rooms, three
suites of networked computers and a careers suite. Art, Technology and Design have extensive facilities in a recently
opened wing of the College and, in addition, there is a purpose-built Drama Studio and Recording Room and a
specialist music building which caters for class teaching, individual tuition and orchestral and choral work. The Sixth
Form Centre provides study areas together with a common room and recreational facilities. A students’ committee is
responsible for much of the administration of this centre.
Careers and Employability Education and Guidance
This important dimension of the pupils’ education is carried out by a well-structured Careers Education programme for
all pupils from Year 8 to Year 14. Pupils follow the Education for Employability Programme during the first 3 years.
Pupils are introduced to Personal Career Planning in Year 10. Prior to AS and A2 level, each student is individually
interviewed regarding subject choices. Speakers from various professions regularly give talks to Year 13 pupils to
help them gain an insight into possible future careers. This process is enhanced by a Work Experience Programme.
Year 14 pupils receive interview training. Guidance is provided in preparation for third level education.
The Careers Department is well staffed and resourced and pupils have access to the Library, including the relevant
ICT software. Every second year, we hold a Careers Convention at which we host speakers/representatives from an
extensive range of occupational areas. The Careers teachers maintain contact with institutions of third level
education, with industry and commerce and with the Careers Advisory Service.
PE and Extra-Curricular Activities
The Physical Education Department, staffed by four specialists and providing courses for all forms, has a gymnasium,
a sports hall, 3G floodlit pitches and handball alleys. Its extra curricular activities include football, hurling, basketball,
swimming, water-polo, athletics, cross-country running, archery, gaelic football, soccer, table tennis, golf, triathlon,
weight training, badminton and squash. Each year numerous students play sports at county, provincial and
international level.
There are senior and junior choirs, a symphony and chamber orchestra as well as a wide variety of other musical
ensembles, a dramatic society, debating societies as well as many other societies and clubs. In all of these activities
students of the College meet members of many other schools in competition or in collaboration. Lectures by visiting
speakers are often shared with neighbouring schools. Educational visits are arranged each year at home, to Europe
and overseas. The College uniform is worn by the members of all forms.
Community
As part of their personal and social development, pupils are encouraged to grow in awareness of the needs of others
in society and to respond appropriately. The College has a strong record of generous commitment by its pupils both to
supporting local charities and the needs of the Third World. For a number of years Sixth form pupils have travelled to
Romania and assisted in projects such as building homes and volunteering help at orphanages.
We recognise the importance of links with the local community and other local schools. Through our Sharing
Education Programme and Music Specialist status the College has strong links with a number of schools in terms of
providing both on and offsite classes and activities in Music, Citizenship and a variety of Sports. The College also has
strong links with schools in Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Rastatt (Germany) and participate in Pupil and Teacher
exchanges with those schools.
Information on grades and admissions in the last five years may be accessed in the College Prospectus.
A Capital Fee (currently £100 per annum) is charged in regard to all pupils.
The Board of Governors of St. Malachy’s College, having agreed the criteria for admission to the College, will
decide which particular applicants shall be admitted to the College, in accordance with the criteria set out
below.
Respective functions of the Board of Governors and the Principal in Relation to Admissions to the College
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ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO FORM 1 (YEAR 8) IN SEPTEMBER 2014
NOTE: IT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENT/GUARDIAN OF A PROSPECTIVE PUPIL TO
ENSURE THAT THERE IS SUBMITTED, EITHER ON THE TRANSFER FORM OR TOGETHER WITH THE
TRANSFER FORM, ALL THE INFORMATION REQUIRED TO ENABLE THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS TO APPLY
THE ADMISSIONS CRITERIA OF THE COLLEGE TO THE APPLICATION OF THE PROSPECTIVE PUPIL. ONLY
EVIDENCE SUBMITTED EITHER ON THE TRANSFER FORM OR ATTACHED TO THAT FORM AT THE TIME OF
SUBMISSION TO THE COLLEGE FOR ADMISSION SHALL BE CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
IN THE ALLOCATION OF A GRADE TO THE APPLICANT.
St Malachy’s College will initially consider only those pupils who have taken the GL Entrance Assessment
and who have been awarded a grade or assigned a grade pursuant to an application for “Special
Circumstances” or “Special Provision” and will admit pupils based on grades in the assessment.
The Board of Governors will not use as a criterion the position of preference given to the College on the Transfer
Form i.e. a pupil who has chosen St Malachy’s College in any position on the Transfer Form will be considered
equally with those who have put the College first.
Duty to Verify
Parents/Guardians should note that they may be required to produce documents verifying information pertinent to the
School’s Admissions criteria. The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it
may determine to support or verify information on the Transfer Form.
The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide information within the deadlines set by the
College can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to offer a place on the part of any School nominated on
the pupil’s Transfer Form.
NOTE ON SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND SPECIAL PROVISION
The Board of Governors will consider applicants claiming that Special Circumstances or Special Provision
exist. These will be considered first. Where this is granted, the Board of Governors will determine, on the
basis of the information available, an appropriate grade equivalent for the applicant. Such applicants will then
be considered with all other applicants who have received a GL Entrance Assessment grade and the
admissions criteria applied.
NOTE ON SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Special Circumstances allow for a post examination adjustment to the grade of a child who is eligible for
consideration. Special Circumstances can only seek to go some way to assist the child affected by a potentially wide
range of difficulties, emotional or physical, which may influence performance in the assessment.
An application for both Access Arrangements and Special Circumstances cannot be made for the same reason.
Where a need or problem is identified in advance of the assessment taking place, an application for Access
Arrangements should be made. Special Circumstances should be sought only where events on the day of the
assessment or factors unknown at the time are considered to have directly influenced the outcome on the day of the
GL Assessment.
NB: The existence of special circumstances DOES NOT in itself lead to automatic admission to the College. Each
case is considered on its own merits by the Board of Governors.
Requests for Special Circumstances must be made by 4pm on Friday 13 December 2013. The decision as to
whether to take such circumstances into consideration will not be taken at this time by St Malachy’s College but the
College will confirm receipt of the initial claim to the parent/guardian. This confirmation must be attached by the
parent/guardian to the Transfer Form along with full, supporting documentary evidence when an application is made
for post-primary transfer for the child.
Circumstances relating to application for Special Circumstances must apply at the time of the Entrance Assessment
and be supported by appropriate written evidence. A Special Circumstances claim will not be considered without such
evidence.
It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that such claims and all verifying information are included on form SC1,
attached to the Transfer Form and forwarded to the College via the relevant Education and Library Board/Education
and Skills Authority in February 2014.
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DETAILS OF MEDICAL OR OTHER PROBLEMS:
Where it is claimed that a pupil’s performance in the GL Entrance Assessment has been affected by a medical or
other problem, independent evidence of its existence must be provided to the College. Where the problem is a
medical one of short term duration which affected the pupil only at the time of the GL Entrance Assessment the
College will require the production of evidence that the pupil was examined by a medical practitioner in relation to the
illness at the time of the GL Entrance Assessment. This evidence should be provided on headed notepaper of the
medical practitioner and signed by him/her.
Where the problem is of a non medical nature the parents/guardians must set out in the Transfer Form precise details
of the problem and append any appropriate evidence to corroborate its existence. Please refer to the Access
Arrangements and Special Circumstances policy and Guide to Claiming Special Circumstances for Children
taking the GL Entrance Assessment.
EDUCATIONAL EVIDENCE:
Sufficient objective documentary evidence must be provided by the parents/guardians applying for Special
Circumstances and accompany the Transfer Form and verified by the primary school to enable the Board of
Governors to reach a decision.
The following information should be provided on form SC1:-
At the time of completing the Transfer Form, details of the Special Circumstances and independent supporting
evidence should be provided and attached to the Transfer Form.
Records of the results achieved by the child at primary school in standardised tests in English/Literacy and
Mathematics/Numeracy from the beginning of the key stage 2 period.
o
o
o
o
All test results must be dated and verified by the primary School (eg. Signature of Principal, School
stamp/headed notepaper);
Results from all tests should be accompanied by the name of the standardised test and the supplier of the
test;
Results should include scores for English/Literacy and Mathematics/Numeracy;
Any other relevant educational material from the Primary School.
The Primary School’s comments on the pupil’s academic achievements in relation to the standardised tests taken
during key stage 2.
The Board of Governors may also require Parents/Guardians to provide additional comparative information in
respect of standardised test scores in relation to the other pupils (without names) in the applicant’s class at key
stage 2.
It is emphasised that the onus is on the parents to ensure that the above information is provided by the primary
school. Failure to provide such information may result in the College being unable to consider the application for
Special Circumstances. Parents have a statutory right to request and obtain information on their child. Further
information on the rights to access pupil records is available from the Information Commissioner’s Office or from the
following website: http://www.ico.gov.uk
The Board of Governors may decide in relation to an applicant in this category of special circumstances, that the
grade which the applicant in fact achieved in the GL Assessment is the grade which the applicant would have
achieved if he had sat the GL Assessment under normal circumstances. Once a decision has been made the
applicant will be considered alongside applicants within that category.
For further information please refer to the following document: “Entrance assessment: Access Arrangements &
Special Circumstances Policy” and the guidance documentation available from the College or to download from the
College website www.stmalachys.com
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NOTE ON SPECIAL PROVISION
Applications which fall into this category shall be considered before the consideration of the applications of those who
sat the GL Entrance Assessment under normal circumstances.
Special provision may be made by the Board of Governors for applicants:
1. moving or recently moved to Northern Ireland:
a. whose parents/guardians wish them to transfer to post-primary schools from schools outside Northern Ireland;
b. who have received more than half of their primary education outside Northern Ireland;
2. whose educational provision to date has been negatively affected by serious medical or other problems which is
supported by independent verifiable documentary evidence and who have not taken either the GL Entrance
Assessment or its Supplementary Assessment.
It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to provide precise reasons why the applicant did not take part in the GLA
Entrance Assessment and to submit appropriate documentary evidence attached to the Transfer Form.
The Board of Governors may require a suitably qualified person or body approved by the College to make an
assessment of the applicant’s ability.
The Board of Governors, within the operation of its admissions criteria, will decide whether these children should be
admitted on the basis that they fall within the ability range of other pupils being admitted in that year.
Parents of pupils presently enrolled in P7 wishing to claim Special Provision should complete the appropriate
documentation, stating the case for eligibility under this category, and attach to the boy’s Transfer Form before it is
sent to the Education and Library Board’s (ELB)/Education and Skills Authority (ESA) Transfer Department. This
should be completed by 4.00 pm on Wednesday 5 March 2014. After this date, claims for Special Provision should
be made directly to St Malachy’s College.
The Board of Governors will consider each application for Special Provision. Where this is granted, the Board of
Governors will determine, on the basis of the information available, an appropriate grade equivalent for the applicant.
Such applications will then be considered with all other applicants who have received a GL Entrance Assessment
grade and the admissions criteria applied.
ALLOCATION OF PLACES
St Malachy’s College will give preference to those pupils for whom a grade relating to the GL Entrance Assessment
method has been awarded or assigned by the Board of Governors pursuant to the special circumstances/special
provisions procedure. Information on the GL Entrance Assessment is available from the College, or available to
download from the College website at www.stmalachys.com
All boys resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission to the College will be selected for
admissions before any boy not so resident.
In order to determine which pupils will be accepted into Year 8, the following criteria will be applied in the order set
down:
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Pupils who have been awarded Grade A in the GL Entrance Assessment and also those pupils to whom
Special Circumstances or Special Provision apply and who on the documented evidence submitted, are in the
opinion of the Board of Governors to be of comparable ability to pupils awarded Grade A.
Pupils who have been awarded Grade B1 in the GL Entrance Assessment and also those pupils to whom
Special Circumstances or Special Provision apply and who on the documented evidence submitted, are in the
opinion of the Board of Governors to be of comparable ability to pupils awarded Grade B1.
Pupils who have been awarded Grade B2 in the GL Entrance Assessment and also those pupils to whom
Special Circumstances or Special Provision apply and who on the documented evidence submitted, are in the
opinion of the Board of Governors to be of comparable ability to pupils awarded Grade B2.
Pupils who have been awarded Grade C1 in the GL Entrance Assessment and also those pupils to whom
Special Circumstances or Special Provision apply and who on the documented evidence submitted, are in the
opinion of the Board of Governors to be of comparable ability to pupils awarded Grade C1.
Pupils who have been awarded Grade C2 in the GL Entrance Assessment and also those pupils to whom
Special Circumstances or Special Provision apply and who on the documented evidence submitted, are in the
opinion of the Board of Governors to be of comparable ability to pupils awarded Grade C2.
Pupils who have been awarded Grade D in the GL Entrance Assessment and also those pupils to whom
Special Circumstances or Special Provision apply and who on the documented evidence submitted, are in the
opinion of the Board of Governors to be of comparable ability to pupils awarded Grade D.
Other pupils.
110

In the event of there being more candidates in any grade than places available within such grade, priority will be given
in descending order to those who indicate on the Transfer Form that they are:
a) applicants who are siblings of present or past pupils of St. Malachy’s College (names and dates of
attendance);
b) applicants who are the eldest boy in the family eligible to transfer to mainstream post primary education. This
criterion covers ‘only’ children and will treat twins or other multiples as joint eldest;
c) applicants who are sons of current members of the teaching, administrative, technical or ancillary staff of St.
Malachy’s College employed for a continuous minimum period of one year at the date of transfer;
d) applicants who are sons or grandsons of former pupils of St. Malachy’s College;
e) a pupil who is entitled to Free School Meals at the date of application (“entitled to Free School meals” will
mean applicants, who at the date on which they have signed their post-primary Transfer Form, or at any date
up to and including 14 th May 2014, have communicated within their application that they are listed on the
Education and library Board/ESA register as entitled to Free School Meals);
f) pupils from the following contributory Primary Schools (not listed in order of preference)
Ballymacricket Primary School, Glenavy
Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagain, Belfast
Bunscoil Phobal Feirste, Belfast
Cavehill Primary School, Belfast
Christ the Redeemer Primary School, Belfast
Fairview Primary School, Ballyclare
Hazelwood Primary School, Belfast
Holy Child Primary School, Belfast
Holy Cross Boys Primary School, Belfast
Holy Family Primary School, Belfast
Holy Rosary Primary School, Belfast
Holy Trinity Primary School, Belfast
Lourdes Primary School, Carrickfergus
Our Lady of Lourdes Park Lodge Primary School, Belfast
Sacred Heart Boys Primary School, Belfast
Scoil an Droichid, Belfast
Scoil na Fuiseoige, Dunmurry
St Aidan’s Christian Brothers Primary School, Belfast
St Anne’s Primary School, Belfast
St Bernard’s Primary School, Newtownabbey
St Bride’s Primary School, Belfast
St Clare’s Primary School, Belfast
St Comgall’s Primary School, Antrim
St Ita’s Primary School, Belfast
St James Primary School, Newtownabbey
St John the Baptist Primary School, Belfast
St Joseph’s Primary School, Antrim
St Joseph’s Primary School, Slate Street, Belfast
St Joseph’s Primary School, Holland Drive, Belfast
St Joseph’s Primary School, Crumlin
St Kieran’s Primary School, Belfast
St MacNissi’s Primary School, Newtownabbey
St Malachy’s Primary School, Belfast
St Mark’s Primary School, Dunmurry
St Mary’s Star of the Sea Primary School, Belfast
St Mary’s on the Hill Primary School, Newtownabbey
St Matthew’s Primary School, Belfast
St Michael’s Primary School, Belfast
St Nicholas’ Primary School, Carrickfergus
St Oliver Plunkett Primary School, Belfast
St Paul’s Primary School, Belfast
St Patrick’s Primary School, Belfast
St Peter’s Primary School, Belfast
St Teresa’s Primary School, Belfast
St Therese of Lisieux Primary School, Belfast
St Vincent De Paul’s Primary School, Belfast
BT29 4NE
BT14 6HQ
BT11 9QS
BT15 5FG
BT17 0TG
BT39 9HS
BT36 7EN
BT11 8JG
BT14 7EX
BT15 2HP
BT7 3DB
BT11 8EG
BT38 9QU
BT15 5GQ
BT14 6HH
BT7 2EP
BT17 0RL
BT12 7FW
BT10 0NE
BT36 6DW
BT9 6FP
BT13 2SE
BT41 4JG
BT8 6YY
BT37 0AS
BT11 9EH
BT41 1JZ
BT12 4LD
BT5 6EH
BT29 4LA
BT17 0PB
BT36 6UE
BT7 2BJ
BT17 0DF
BT15 4HL
BT36 6JU
BT5 4EN
BT6 0BW
BT38 8AU
BT11 9AY
BT12 7NN
BT15 2BN
BT12 4JF
BT11 8BL
BT15 5GF
BT14 8DP
111

g) should there be over-subscription at the last criterion then other applicants will be selected on the basis of age
with the oldest being selected first, established by date of birth as entered on a birth certificate presented at
registration for the GL Assessment by 13 th September 2013;
h) In the event of oversubscription at the last criterion, where two or more applicants have the same date of
birth, selection for all places remaining in this category will be on the basis of the initial letter of the surname
as identified on the birth certificate presented at registration for the GL Assessment by 13 th September 2013.
The order is set out below:
U A C S I F M Q Mac G Z K V T X B D E W R J N P Y H L O Mc
The order was predetermined by a randomised selection of the alphabet.
In the event of surnames beginning with the same letter, the subsequent letters of the surname will be used in
alphabetical order using the above randomised selection. In the event of two or more identical surnames the
alphabetical (randomised) order of the initial of the forenames will be used.
Please Note:
When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take
into account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. Parents should ensure that
all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated on the
Transfer Form or attached to it.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY TO YEAR 8 FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE TRANSFER
PROCEDURE
Should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014 all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused,
new applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the
published criteria above will be applied. This waiting list will be in place until 30 June 2015. The school will
contact you in writing if your child gains a place in the school by this method.
Your child’s name will be automatically added to the list. Please contact the school if you wish for your
child’s name to be removed from the list.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 150 207 150
2012/13 150 203 150
2013/14 150 210 150
112

ST MARY’S CHRISTIAN BROTHERS
GRAMMAR SCHOOL
147A Glen Road
Belfast BT11 8NR
Telephone No: 028 9029 4000
Fax No: 028 9029 4009
E-mail: lmcallister024@c2kni.net
Web-site: www.stmaryscbgs.com
Voluntary Grammar School
Boys’ Grammar
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 1180
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 175
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 1180
Principal: Mr Jim Sheerin
Chairperson of the Board of Governors: Rev Brother Pearse Carlin
To Parents / Guardians naming St Mary’s Christian Brothers’ Grammar School as a Preference on your
child’s Transfer Form.
Entrance Assessment Results
St Mary’s Christian Brothers’ Grammar School intends to use the grade awarded to pupils completing the GL
Entrance Assessment on Saturday 16 th November 2013 or the supplementary GL Entrance Assessment on
Saturday 7 th December 2013 as specified by the school. In Section C of the Transfer Form parents/guardians must
state the grade achieved and attach to the Transfer Form a copy of the statement of results which they receive on
Saturday 1 st February 2014.
Special Circumstances
St. Mary’s will admit pupils strictly in the order of the Entrance Assessment Grade which they obtain, subject only to
the consideration of medical or other problems which may have affected performance in the Assessment and which
are supported by documentary evidence of a medical or other appropriate nature. These ‘medical or other problems’
are commonly referred to as “special circumstances”.
Such adverse circumstances may include:
• temporary illness or accident/injury at the time of the Assessment;
• immediate family bereavement at the time of the Assessment;
• serious and disruptive domestic crisis arising at the time of the Assessment;
• terminal illness of a parent/guardian;
• life threatening illness of the child or member of immediate family;
• recent traumatic experience such as death of a close friend or relative;
• flare-up of severe congenital conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, severe asthmatic attack;
• recent serious physical assault.
A hard copy of the appropriate Special Circumstances claim form (SCR) must be received by 4.00 pm on 13 th
December 2013 by the school. Supporting evidence is not necessary at this stage but the reasons for the claim and
the child’s full name, address and date of birth must be included. Claims not registered within this period may not be
considered.
Educational Evidence which could support a claim for Special Circumstances:
Where it is claimed that a pupil’s performance in the Entrance Assessment has been affected by a medical or other
problem, independent evidence of its existence must be provided by the parent(s)/guardian(s) to the school when
completing the Transfer Form. This evidence should be attached to the Transfer Form using Form SC1. The
evidence should also be in keeping with the documents ‘GLA Entrance Assessment: Access Arrangements and
Special Circumstances Policy’ and ‘A Guide to Claiming Special Circumstances for Children taking the GLA
Entrance Assessment’. Both documents are available from the School website www.stmaryscbgs.com or directly
from the School on request.
Where the problem is a medical one of short term duration which affected the pupil only at the time of the
Entrance Assessment the school will require the production of evidence that the pupil was examined by a
medical practitioner in relation to the illness.
Where the problem is of a non-medical nature the parents should set out in the Transfer Form precise details
of the problem and append any appropriate evidence to corroborate its existence. Examples of this type of
evidence might include a letter from a Priest / Minister of Religion or a death certificate in the case of a family
bereavement or a solicitor’s letter in the case of a family separation.
The Centre at which the child took the assessment should be named and a copy of the Special Circumstances claim
also attached.
St. Mary’s will not be obtaining from a primary school information which would support an applicant’s claim of special
circumstances.
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Regulation 9 of the Education (Pupil Records and Reporting) (Transitional) Regulations (NI) 2007 makes clear that,
upon receipt of a request made in writing by a parent’s parent or legal guardian, a school must disclose the relevant
pupil’s formative record of progress and achievement to the parent.
It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that all relevant information, to enable the possibility of an upgrade to
be considered, is provided to the School.
Such relevant information should normally include the records of the child’s performance in all standardised English
and Mathematics (and Irish, in the case of children attending Irish medium schools) assessments throughout Key
Stage 2. Results from all tests should be accompanied by the name of the standardised test and the supplier of test;
The Board of Governors Admissions Committee will consider all relevant evidence as provided by parents/guardians.
Please note that judgement of the importance of documentation forwarded in support of Special Circumstances will
be at the discretion of the Admissions Committee of the Board of Governors.
Adjustments will be made by the Admissions Committee if they are satisfied that a child’s performance in the GL
Assessment was directly affected by special circumstances and that the child’s ability falls within the ability range of
other pupils being admitted in that year. The Admissions Criteria will then be applied.
(The Board of Governors Admissions Committee will consist of a Governor, the Principal, the Pastoral and
Curriculum Vice-Principals, the Senior Teacher in charge of data analysis, the Senior Teacher in charge of KS3 and
the school SEN.Co).
The Board of Governors may require an assessment of an applicant’s abilities to be carried out by a suitably qualified
person or body approved by the school.
Special Provision
Special Provision may be made by the Board of Governors for boys:
1. moving or recently moved to Northern Ireland:
a. whose parents/guardians wish them to transfer to post-primary schools from schools outside Northern Ireland;
b. who have received more than half of their primary education outside Northern Ireland.
2. whose educational provision has been negatively affected by serious medical or other problems which is
supported by independent verifiable documentary and who have not taken either of the GLA Entrance
Assessments.
Applicants, from categories 1a and 1b above, who wish to apply under Special Provision, do not need to take the
GLA Entrance Assessment or the supplementary assessment unless their parents/guardians so wish, in which case
the GLA Entrance Assessment grade obtained would also be considered.
The Board of Governors may require an assessment of an applicant’s abilities to be carried out by a suitably qualified
person or body approved by the school. Within the operation of our admission criteria, the Board of Governors of St.
Mary’s will decide whether these children should be admitted on the basis that they fall within the ability range of
other pupils being admitted in that year.
It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to provide precise reasons why the applicant did not take part in the
Entrance Assessment and to submit appropriate documentary evidence attached to the Transfer Form. It is also for
parents/guardians to present all such material as they consider will assist the Admissions Committee in its
deliberations and to have it appropriately verified.
For those applicants currently in P7 in Primary Schools in Northern Ireland, claims for Special Provision should
be made on Form SP1 (detailing precisely why they are applying for Special Provision) and attached to the
Transfer Form. The SP1 Form is available from the school or its website. Parents/guardians wishing to claim
Special Provision should also forward a completed copy of Form SP1 directly to St. Mary’s Grammar School, by
4.00pm on Wednesday 5 th March 2014. After this date, claims for Special Provision should be made directly to
St. Mary’s Grammar School.
The Admissions Committee will consider each application for Special Provision. Where this is granted, the
Admissions Committee will determine, on the basis of the information available, an appropriate grade equivalent for
the applicant. Such applicants will then be considered with all other applicants who have received a GLA Entrance
Assessment grade and the admissions criteria applied.
Further guidance on both Special Provision and Special Circumstances are contained in the Post Primary Transfer
Consortium documents. These are available on the school website or copies can be obtained in the school office.
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Open Nights - Thursday 12 th September 2013
Thursday 16 th January 2014
7.30pm
Parents and pupils will be invited via primary schools, parishes and the local press
Parents, unable to attend at the above times, may visit the school by appointment during
January and February 2014
INTRODUCTION
St Mary's belongs to the international group of schools served by the Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST N.I.). The
school was founded by Irish Christian Brothers in 1866 to provide education for boys in the Belfast area. We work to
sustain the legacy of the Brothers in a caring Christian community of learning and teaching.
The individual student is at the heart of what we do. We promote inclusiveness and mutual respect and a sense that
the school ‘belongs’ to each student and that the student will find full support for his personal and social development.
The facilities provided in St Mary’s include fully equipped suites for Computers, Home Economics, Technology, Art,
Music, Media Studies, Library, ICT, Careers / Counselling, Lecture Hall, Sixth Form Study Hall and Sport Studies.
Among the sporting facilities provided by St Mary’s are: fifteen acres of playing fields, an all-weather pitch, an athletics
track, gymnasium, multi-gym and indoor heated swimming pool.
The Curriculum:
St Mary's offers a broad, balanced curriculum relevant to the needs and aspirations of all pupils and is in keeping with
the Religious and Educational Philosophy of the School and fulfils the requirements of educational legislation. At key
stages, where subject choices have to be made, there is a systematic guidance process to assist pupils in decision
making and the election process. Regular Parent/Teacher meetings are held to report and discuss the progress of each
pupil.
GCSE:
All students take the GCSE examination, selecting their subjects on the basis of their ability, interests and career
requirements. This selection is carefully monitored by the Careers Department. Each student takes a core of four
GCSE subjects - English with Oral Communication, Mathematics, Religion and Science. A further five subjects are
chosen from the following: Additional Mathematics, Art, Business Studies, Construction, Drama, English Literature,
Financial Services, French, Gaeilge, Geography, History, ICT, Irish, Learning for Life & Work, Media Studies, Music,
Sports Studies, Spanish, and Technology.
St Mary’s has a full-time Careers Advisor who works with students and their parents to offer guidance for their future.
Sixth Form:
Successful GCSE students choose a course of study from a wide range of AS Level subjects. There are approximately
three hundred students in the Sixth Form, a number of whom come to St Mary's from other secondary schools each
year. The great majority of our Sixth Form students proceed to Third Level education. Applied subjects in Sixth Form
include Science, Sport, Business and Financial Studies.
Pastoral Care:
The school is organised on the form system and the form teachers have the primary responsibility for the pastoral care
of their students. A Senior Teacher has overview of each of the Key Stages. The Careers Department offers advice and
guidance to all pupils. There are other forms of support in the School including a Co-ordinator of Special Educational
Needs and trained Listening and Support Teachers. A Mentoring Programme will operate throughout the year for Year
8 pupils. A Student Council operates in the school.
Extra-Curricular Activities:
Students are coached in a full range of extra-curricular activities. Sports include Gaelic football, hurling, basketball,
athletics, cross-country, swimming, skiing, water-polo, First Aid & Lifesaving, handball and soccer. There are clubs and
societies for drama, music, botany, computing, bicycle safety and maintenance, debating etc.
We attempt to cater for all tastes and pupils are encouraged to become involved in the life of the school. Educational
visits are organised to various parts of Europe. Year 13 students and staff make an annual visit to our projects and
communities in Zambia.
Uniform:
School uniform is compulsory in all years. Sixth Form has a separate dress code.
A school prospectus is available which contains further information.
Fees:
From September 1990 parents of all pupils admitted to St Mary’s Christian Brothers’ Grammar School (except in the
case of pupils who are not resident in Northern Ireland and who are non E.C. nationals) will not be required to pay
Tuition Fees. A capital Fee (currently £40 per annum) is charged in regard to all pupils.
115

RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND PRINCIPAL IN RELATION TO ADMISSIONS
TO THE SCHOOL
The Board of Governors draws up the admissions criteria and delegates to an Admissions Sub-Committee, which
includes the Principal, the responsibility for applying these criteria. Any reference herein to the term “the Board of
Governors” includes any Committee or Sub-Committee appointed by the Board of Governors for the purposes of
applying the Admission criteria set out herein.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO YEAR 8 IN SEPTEMBER 2014
The Religious and Educational Philosophy of St. Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School for boys is that of a
Christian and Catholic School.
It is expected that an application to attend St. Mary's will indicate that there is an acceptance to respect the ethos and
traditions of the school and to comply with all school Rules and Regulations.
Grammar schools are required to accept children up to the school's admission number as set by the Department of
Education. If that number is exceeded by the number of those applying for places, the Criteria below will be used to
select those who will be admitted. The Board of Governors reserves the right to apply to the Department of Education
for a reduction in the admissions number if it considers that to be educationally appropriate.
The Board of Governors decide which applicants will be admitted and the Principal will administer the admission
process on their behalf.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS ENTITLEMENT (FSME)
The Board of Governors reflected carefully on the Department’s guidance and particularly on the criterion of Free
School Meals (FSME). The Board believe that this will be fulfilled as a natural outcome of our intake. In the last school
year of 2012-13, St. Mary’s had an average of 23% of our students entitled to FSM while, in the same period, the overall
grammar school average was 7%.
DUTY TO VERIFY
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or
verify information on any applicant’s Transfer Form. The provision of false or inaccurate information or the failure to
provide information within the deadlines set by post-primary schools can result in the withdrawal of a place and the
inability to offer a place on the part of any school nominated on the applicant’s Transfer Form.
OUR ENTRANCE CRITERIA AND ALLOCATION OF PLACES
After decisions have been made in relation to the grades to be allocated to applicants under the above headings
‘Special Circumstances’ and ‘Special Provision’, the following criteria shall then be applied to all applications:
Those who have achieved, or have been allocated, a grade A in the GL Entrance Assessment held on November 16 th
2013 (or the 7 th December 2013) will be given first preference. Remaining places will be offered strictly in order of the
Entrance Assessment grade.
Preference shall be given to applicants with Grade A over applicants with Grade B1, those with Grade B1 over
applicants with Grade B2, those with Grade B2 over applicants with Grade C1, those with Grade C1 over applicants
with Grade C2, and those with Grade C2 over applicants with Grade D until all the places have been filled.
The further sub-criteria published below from (i) to (ix) will be applied in sequence:
to decide between applicants who have the same grade
in the event that places remain after the GL Entrance Assessment process
(i)
(ii)
Boys who have a son of the family (i.e. a brother) currently enrolled in St Mary’s or accepted for enrolment in
September 2014 (The name of the child of the family and his year group are required on the Transfer
Form).
Boys who have a son of the family (i.e. a brother) who has attended the School (name and dates of attendance
are required on the Transfer Form).
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(iii) A boy who is the eldest son in the family or the eldest child at the date of application, eligible to transfer to St
Mary’s, or the only child. The parents/guardians must provide evidence stating that the son is the eldest and that
the son and family are known for at least two years to the verifier of such evidence. It must be written on headed
notepaper and signed by a verifier who is not a member of the applicant’s family. Examples of this might include a
medical practitioner, a solicitor, a Priest / Minister of Religion or a primary school Principal.
This criterion will treat twins or other multiples as joint eldest.
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
Sons of present, permanent members of the teaching or non-teaching staffs. (Name of parent and position on
the staff of the school must be given on the Transfer Form).
Boys whose father attended the School (names and dates of attendance are required on the Transfer Form).
Boys who have a female child of the family currently enrolled in St Dominic’s High School Belfast or accepted for
enrolment in September 2014. St. Mary’s is a post-primary partner with St Dominic’s High School Belfast in their
specialism.
(The name of the child of the family and her year group are required on the Transfer Form).
Boys transferring from Primary Schools under the ERST trusteeship, or formerly under the Trusteeship of the
Christian Brothers.
(viii) Boys transferring from our listed feeder schools:
Ballymacward, Ballymacrickett, Bunscoil Phobal Feirste, Bunscoil an tSleibhe Dhuibh, Christ the Redeemer,
Cranmore, Edmund Rice P.S.,Good Shepherd, Gaelscoil na bhFal, Hazelwood P.S., Holy Child, Holy Cross, Holy
Rosary, Holy Trinity, Oakwood , Our Lady Queen of Peace, Our Lady of Lourdes, Scoil na Fuiseoige,
John Paul 11, St. Aloysius, St. Anne’s, St. Bernard’s, St. Bride’s, St. Clare’s, St. Colman’s(Lambeg), St. John the
Baptist, St. Joseph’s, Slate Street, St. Joseph’s, Carryduff, St. Joseph’s, Lisburn, St. Joseph’s, Crumlin, St. Ita’s,
St. Kevin’s, St. Kieran’s, St. Luke’s, St. Malachy’s, St. Matthew’s, St. Mark’s, St. Michael’s, St. Oliver Plunkett, St.
Paul’s, St. Peter’s Primary School, St. Teresa’s, St. Therese of Lisieux, Scoil an Droichid, Vere Foster.
(ix)
Should there be over-subscription at the last criterion that can be applied, selection for all places remaining in this
category will be on the basis of the initial letter of the surname as identified on the birth certificate presented at
registration for the Entrance Assessment by 13 th September 2013.
The order is set out below:
Y L A O Mac D M E W S I V T U O’ P C R Q J N X B Mc G K F Z H
The order was determined by a randomised selection witnessed by a Governor, the Principal and one other
member of the school’s admission panel.
In the event of surnames beginning with the same initial letter, the subsequent letters of the surname will be used
in alphabetical order using the above randomised selection. In the event of two or more identical surnames the
alphabetical (randomised) order of the initials of the forenames will be used. Where names cannot be separated
by this process, children will be accepted by date of birth with preference given to the oldest.
Please Note:
When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take
into account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. Parents should ensure that
all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated on the
Transfer Form or attached to it.
ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR ENTRY TO YEAR 8 FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE TRANSFER PROCEDURE
Should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014 all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused,
new applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the
published criteria above will be applied. This waiting list will be in place until 30 June 2015. The school will
contact you in writing if your child gains a place in the school by this method.
Your child’s name will be automatically added to the list. Please contact the school if you wish for your
child’s name to be removed from the list.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 175 191 175
2012/13 175 175 175
2013/14 175 181 175
117

ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE
‘Bearnageeha’
619 Antrim Road
Belfast BT15 4DZ
Telephone No: 028 9077 0011
Fax No: 028 9077 6007
E-mail: stpatricks@europe.com
Web-site: www.stpatrickscollege.net
Principal: Ms Paula Stuart, B.Ed PGCE, PQH NI, M.Ed
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Very Rev Michael Sheehan
Maintained College Boys’
Age Range: 11-19
Enrolment September 2013: 762
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 135
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 780
Voluntary Fee £25.00
“A Specialist College in Humanities”
Aisling Award
“Outstanding Achievement in Education”
Open Evenings –
Monday 13 th January 2014 7.00pm
Tuesday 14 th January 2014 7.00pm
In addition the Principal will be available, by appointment, for discussion with individual parents.
Mission Statement: ‘Building belief
Achieving success
Shaping the future’
Introduction
St Patrick’s College is an 11-19, all boys, all ability school. The College is a learning community, in which all gifts
are nurtured and celebrated. Working in close partnership with parents, we strive to educate the ‘whole child’ –
helping each student to reach their full potential and ready to live in the 21 st Century. We encourage all members of
our College community to believe in themselves, in their talents and abilities; to believe in their hopes and dreams
for the future. Our vision of excellence and equality for all, fostered within a culture which promotes high standards;
sets ambitious and challenging goals and targets; demands high achievement and actively engages all members of
our College community; ensures that each student in St Patrick’s becomes the best that they can be.
Ethos
St Patrick’s is a community of learners, teachers, support staff, parents and Governors, whose aim is to provide our
students with experiences which will help them to discover and develop their talents so that they will become
positive and mature individuals. In an atmosphere of trust, love and hope, the purpose of all our programmes and
structures is to ensure that our students have opportunities to develop academically, spiritually, physically,
emotionally and socially.
All aspects of College life ensure that students are happy and fulfilled in school. We help them to discover their
talents, build up their confidence and develop their Christian values within and beyond the College community.
Spiritual guidance is enhanced through chaplaincy work from local parishes.
Induction
The College Induction Programme builds a secure foundation on which to achieve high standards in all aspects of
College life. Our pastoral team work closely with all the local primary schools in an effort to seamlessly bridge the
transition from primary to post primary education.
The College is aware that your son’s happiness in his new school is paramount. A teacher from the pastoral team
will visit all students in the primary school in preparation for the move. During the first term a comprehensive
Induction Programme provides the foundations for learning. Additional support for Year 8 students includes 6 th
Form Prefect ‘buddies’, peer mentoring and organised lunch and break activities and toilets in a designated Year 8
area to ensure that from the beginning all students feel supported and have a clear sense of their value and place
in our College community.
Pastoral Care
In St Patrick’s all students know they are respected, valued and cared for. A culture of dignity and respect for self
and others celebrates richness and diversity. A whole College Merit Award Scheme rewards students for high
standards of attendance, work and behaviour. Relationships are fostered and developed between students and
Form teacher through our extensive Pastoral Care Programme. Students build life long trusting relationships with
their Form teacher and one another supported by Heads of Year and Heads of Key Stage. Pastoral care
permeates all aspects of College life and is fostered through our Positive Behaviour Policy. There is zero
tolerance of bullying. The College employs positive and meaningful strategies whilst using a multi disciplinary
approach to support students when needed. Positive relationships exist between students, parents and the
College, further developing and supporting the needs of the ‘whole’ child.
118

Curriculum
Students from Year 8 to Post 16 have access to a broad range of subjects and courses, both general and applied,
which meet the DENI statutory guidelines and provide choice and flexibility to meet the learning needs of every
student. Working in partnership with the local business community, North Belfast Area Learning Community
(NBALC), Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC), University of Ulster, Jordanstown (UUJ), St Mary’s University
College, Queens University (QUB) and our local partner post primary schools, we have the capacity to deliver
relevant, innovative, challenging, creative and exciting curricular experiences for all our students, both within and
beyond the College. Our learning programmes are supported by access to state of the art resources, use of
modern and emergent technologies and are underpinned by an effective assessment framework. A progressive
Careers Guidance Programme helps our students to focus on their strengths, skills and interests and prepares
them to take their place in the world of work as active citizens.
Quality Learning and Teaching
A team of experienced, well qualified teaching staff, demonstrate personal commitment and enthusiasm to the
learning process, and set ambitious and challenging goals and targets for all students. Teachers are aware of their
responsibility and accountability for ensuring high standards in student progress. A comprehensive learning support
programme ensures that all students are stretched and challenged in relation to their ability. A cycle of self
evaluation and review, with individual target setting maps a journey of continuous improvement. Students exhibit
positive self belief and enhanced self esteem. High expectations are sustained by the recognition and celebration
of different talents, skills and gifts of both individuals and teams within the College community.
Achievements
St Patrick’s is proud of its excellent performance in examinations, at both GCSE and ‘A’ Level. Success in GCSE
examinations ensures that the majority of the students return to continue their studies in Post 16, with many
continuing to study and achieve qualifications at university, as well as success in the world of work. The success of
St Patrick’s College as a learning organisation has been widely recognised, with the school being the proud
recipient of many awards including, the Aisling Award ‘Outstanding Achievement in Education’. These are public
acknowledgements that St Patrick’s provides every student with a learning environment of the highest quality. As
Principal I regularly tell the students ‘Be proud of your school and make us proud of you’. We are very proud of
our past students and staff and all that they have achieved. I challenge all the students in St Patrick’s College to
‘reach for the stars’.
Extra Curricular Activities
St Patrick’s has a well supported and continually developing Extra Curricular Programme which offers a wide
variety of opportunities that are both recreational and educational. These allow for the development of the
individual and enhance the provision and experiences of the classroom. All are under the direct supervision of staff
and all students are encouraged to get involved. We invite all our students to be actively and positively involved in
all aspects of College life, inside and outside of the classroom – sports teams and clubs, concerts, school shows,
after school activities, student councils, Mass and Liturgical Services, school trips, visits and so on. Through the
Extra Curricular Programme the College has another chance to celebrate the achievements of individuals and
teams as well as providing opportunities for personal development and growth.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO FORM 1 (YEAR 8) IN SEPTEMBER 2014
The Board of Governors, in conjunction with the Principal, will undertake the necessary functions to ensure the
effectiveness of the procedure for pupils transferring from primary education to St. Patrick’s College Bearnageeha.
If the College is over-subscribed, pupils will be admitted according to the following criteria, applied in the order set
down below:
1 Pupils whose normal place of residence is within the contributory parishes –
Holy Family, St Patrick’s, St Mary’s Chapel Lane, St Gerard’s, Holy Cross, Sacred Heart,
St Vincent de Paul, St Mary’s Star of the Sea Greencastle, St James’ Whiteabbey and
St Nicholas’, Carrickfergus.
Please note, we are proud to welcome a significant number of pupils who travel a distance from
outside the city to access their education in Bearnageeha.
2 Pupils who have an older brother presently enrolled at the school.
3 Pupils whose parent/guardian is a permanent employee of the school.
4 Pupils whose father/guardian is a past pupil of the College.
5 Pupils for whom special circumstances apply.
The Board of Governors will determine the merits of individual requests for enrolment.
6 In the event of over-subscription admission will be determined on the basis of proximity to the College, i.e.,
straight line distance from home to school gate as measured on Ordnance Survey Map.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 135 115 115
2012/13 135 122 122
2013/14 135 92 92
119

ST ROSE’S DOMINICAN COLLEGE
Beechmount Avenue
Belfast BT12 7NA
Telephone No: 028 9024 0937
Fax No: 028 9031 0357
E-mail: info@stroses.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.stroses.belfast.ni.sch.uk
St. Rose’s
Dominican College
Maintained School
Girls’ All Ability
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 350
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 108
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 575
Principal: Mrs Michele McGurran BSc(Mathematics) PGCE PQH(NI)
Chair of the Board of Governors: Mr James McKerrow
ETI Designation: VERY GOOD
Open Night
Monday 13th January 2014 at 7.00pm.
Principal’s Address 7.00pm and 8.00pm
‘Truth is at the Heart of our Education’
INTRODUCTION
St Rose’s is an 11-18, girls, all ability, inclusive Dominican Catholic College. The College is a learning community, in
which all gifts are nurtured and celebrated in a warm family like atmosphere. Working in close partnership with
parents, we strive to educate the ‘whole child’ – helping each student to reach their full potential as a human being
and therefore to be ‘fully alive’ and ready to live in the 21 st Century. The College motto is ‘Veritas’ – truth. Each
member of the College community is actively encouraged to be true to themselves, true to their own potential, true to
their faith, true to their cultural origins and true to their own personal goals and aspirations. Our vision of excellence
and equality for all is fostered within a culture which promotes high standards, sets ambitious and challenging goals
and actively engages all members of our College community in the education of our students.
Ethos
We recognise that good education is not only about academic achievement, but also ensures that each student’s total
experience of school is positive – her academic work, her friendships with fellow students, her relationships with
teaching and ancillary staff, her involvement in extra curricular activities and her experience of the College
environment. All these aspects of College life ensure that students are happy and fulfilled in school, help them to
discover their talents, build up their confidence and develop their Christian values within and beyond the College
community. Spiritual guidance is enhanced by support from the sisters from the Dominican Convent and through
chaplaincy work from St Paul’s Parish.
Induction
The College is aware that your daughter’s happiness in her new school is paramount. All parents are invited to be
part of the induction process as we value them as key members of the family of St Rose’s. A teacher from the
pastoral team will visit all students in the primary school in preparation for the move. All ‘new’ Year 8 students take
part in a fun and action packed Induction Programme. This term, a comprehensive Induction Programme provides
the foundations for learning. Additional support for Year 8 students includes 6 th form buddies, peer mentoring and
organised lunch and break activities in a designated Year 8 area to ensure that from the beginning all students feel
supported and have a clear sense of their value and place in our College community.
Pastoral Care
In St Rose’s all students know they are respected, valued and cared for as unique individuals. It is a warm friendly
community where everyone has a contribution to make to the life of the school. A culture of dignity and respect for
self and others celebrates richness and diversity. A whole College Merit Award Scheme rewards students for high
standards of attendance, work and behaviour. Relationships are fostered and developed between students and class
tutors through our extensive Induction Programme. Students build life long trusting relationships with their class tutor
and one another supported by Heads of Key Stage. Pastoral care permeates all aspects of College life and is
fostered through our Positive Behaviour Policy. There is zero tolerance of bullying.
120

Curriculum
Students from Year 8 to Post 16 have access to a broad range of subjects and courses, both general and applied,
which meet the DENI statutory guidelines and provide choice and flexibility to meet the learning needs of every
student. Working in partnership with the local business community, West Belfast Area Learning Community
(WBALC), Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC), Workforce Training Organisation, University of Ulster, Jordanstown
(UUJ), St Mary’s University College, Queens University (QUB) and our sister Dominican school St Dominic’s, our
learning programmes are supported by access to state of the art resources, use of modern and emergent
technologies and are underpinned by an effective assessment framework. A progressive Careers Guidance
Programme which begins in Year 9 helps our students to focus on their strengths, skills and interests and prepares
them to take their place in the world of work as active citizens.
Quality Learning and Teaching
Students are placed in mixed ability learning groups, with excellent student teacher ratio. Through a differentiated
approach, students are encouraged to be more engaged, responsible and independent in their own learning. A team
of experienced, well qualified teaching staff, demonstrate personal commitment and enthusiasm to the learning
process, and set ambitious and challenging targets for all students. Teachers are aware of their responsibility and
accountability for ensuring high standards in student progress. A comprehensive learning support programme
ensures that all students are stretched and challenged in relation to their ability. A cycle of self evaluation and review,
with individual target setting maps a journey of continuous improvement. Students exhibit positive self belief and
enhanced self esteem. High expectations are sustained by the recognition and celebration of different talents, skills
and gifts of both individuals and teams within the College community. The work of the school was endorsed in March
2012 when the school was designated ‘Very Good’ by the Inspectorate.
Achievements
St Rose’s is proud of its excellent performance in examinations, at both GCSE and ‘A’ Level. This ensures that the
majority of the students return to continue their studies in Post 16, with many continuing to study and achieve
qualifications at university. As well as the achievements of the students, the success of St Rose’s as a learning
organisation has been widely recognised, with the school being the proud recipient of many awards including:
Investors in People, The Inclusion Quality Mark, Best Kept School Award and Brighter Belfast Award.
Extra Curricular Activities
St Rose’s has a well supported and continually developing Extra Curricular Programme which offers a wide variety of
opportunities that are both recreational and educational. The various activities on offer include: African Drumming, Art
Club, Film Club, Drama, Cookery, Choir, Library Club, Computer Club, Keep Fit, Gaelic, Soccer, First Aid, Dance,
Homework Club and a study facility to prepare for coursework and Controlled Assessments. The extensive Extended
Schools Programme allows us to offer a Learning Programme for parents and the community which includes access
to recreational activities and GCSE qualifications.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO FORM 1 (YEAR 8) IN SEPTEMBER 2014
The Board of Governors of St. Rose’s Dominican College has established the following criteria for the admission of
pupils to Year 8 in September 2014. This is in accordance with regulations made under Article 38 of the Education
Reform Order (Northern Ireland) 1989 and the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997. The criteria will be used in
the event of the number of applicants exceeding the above stated admissions number. The criteria is listed in order of
priority and the Board of Governors has delegated to the Principal the responsibility of applying the criteria.
1 Students who live/have recently moved to the following parishes who express a preference for St. Rose’s
Dominican College:
St Paul’s, St Peter’s, St Mary’s, St John’s, Corpus Christi, Holy Trinity, Church of the Nativity, Christ the
Redeemer, Our Lady Queen of Peace, St Mark’s, St Joseph’s Hannahstown, St Anne’s, Derriaghy, St Agnes’, St
Michael’s, St Oliver Plunkett’s, St Teresa’s and St Luke’s.
2 Students who have a sister attending St Dominic’s (must be stated on the Transfer Form).
3 Students who have special circumstances (supporting evidence must be submitted with the Transfer Form).
4 Students from schools listed in No 1 who live nearest to the school – measured from the gates at Beechmount
Avenue or Falls Road.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 108 51 51
2012/13 108 48 48
2013/14 108 28 28
121

STRATHEARN SCHOOL
188 Belmont Road
Belfast
BT4 2AU
Telephone No: 028 9047 1595
Fax No: 028 9065 0555
E-mail: info@strathearn.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.strathearn.org.uk
B E L F A S T
Voluntary Grammar School
Non-denominational
Girls’ Grammar
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 778
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 110
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 770
Principal: Mr D Manning BSc PGCE
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr N McKeown
To:
Parents / Guardians naming Strathearn School as a preference on their daughter’s Transfer Form.
Entrance Test Results
Strathearn School intends to use the score awarded by the Association for Quality Education (AQE) in the Common
Entrance Assessment (CEA). The score in the AQE CEA and the AQE Candidate number should both be entered in
Section C of the Transfer Form. The original notification received from AQE indicating your daughter’s AQE CEA
score should be attached to the Transfer Form.
Special Provisions and/or Special Circumstances
If you are making a claim for your daughter to be considered under Special Circumstances or Special Provisions,
please read carefully the information given in the relevant sections below and act accordingly.
Open Morning - Saturday 18 January 2014
9.15am – 12.30pm
Principal’s talk 9.30, 10.30 & 11.30am * Supervised play area available
By invitation through Primary Schools and local press
Strathearn is renowned for the academic, sporting, musical and drama successes enjoyed by its pupils. In its
stimulating educational environment the girls can excel and prepare to meet the challenges of adult life with
confidence. We emphasise the value of balancing a strong academic curriculum with a range of other skills and
interests. The small class size and the character of the School make for an environment where the girls are well
known as individuals, enjoy the attention and encouragement of staff, and quickly get to know their peers. The
School’s spacious and pleasant setting fosters this sense of belonging, security and well-being.
On entering the School the girls are placed in one of five non-streamed classes of 22 and every girl becomes a
member of one of four Houses. Inter-House competitions in sport, drama and other events are an enjoyable feature
of life in Strathearn. The individual progress, well-being and pastoral care of the girls are the responsibility of their
Form Teacher, who also establishes links with parents. Parents are invited with their daughter to a consultation with
subject teachers in the course of each year of her school career. School uniform is worn by all pupils, except the
Upper Sixth in their last term.
The Strathearn Curriculum at Key Stages 3 and 4 aims to give every girl a broad, balanced and appropriately
challenging education. In Form 1 each girl studies: Art & Design, English, French, Geography, History, Home
Economics, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Religious
Studies, Science and Technology & Design. In Forms 2 and 3 each girl also studies a second modern language. In
the weekly Learning for Life and Work session, which is led by their Form Teacher, the girls investigate a range of
themes including Personal Development, Employability and Local and Global Citizenship. Full details of all the
subjects studied and the choices available for GCSE and A level are available in the School Prospectus or on the
School website.
The school stands within extensive mature grounds and the excellent facilities available on site encourage a very high
rate of participation in a wide range of sports. Our Sports Hall is most impressive and has equipment for a full range
of physical education activities. It is large enough to accommodate indoor hockey, five badminton courts, indoor
tennis, netball, volleyball and aerobics, and has a fully equipped Fitness Suite. This is complemented by extensive
outdoor facilities which include one ‘astro-turf’ and two ‘all-weather’ hockey pitches, four tennis courts, and track and
field facilities for athletics. By September 2014 we will also have a new Gymnasium and two more tennis courts.
Strathearn pupils enjoy great individual and team success in sports such as Tennis, Hockey, Swimming, Netball and
Athletics. Other sporting activities include Aerobics, Badminton, Cross-country running, Football and Gymnastics.
122

Music and Drama are very strong within the School. There are regular drama productions and each year there is a
House play competition run entirely by the girls. Musical activities include our orchestra and choirs with various
opportunities for performance throughout the year culminating in our very successful Spring Concert. Individual music
tuition is also available. In addition to the Sport, Music and Drama detailed above, girls can also join in other activities
such as Scripture Union for Seniors and Juniors, the Debating Societies, Drama Club, Games Club, Public Speaking,
Duke of Edinburgh Award, and a wide range of charity efforts.
Construction of our new school with additional accommodation and sports facilities began in March 2011 and is
due for completion in August 2014. The School was last inspected in September 2010 and a copy of the report is
available on the School website www.strathearn.org.uk under the tab ‘About Strathearn’ / ‘Prospectus’.
From September 1990 parents of all pupils admitted to Strathearn School (except in the case of pupils who are not
resident in Northern Ireland and who are non E.C. nationals) will not be required to pay Tuition Fees. (Capital fees
still apply). The Capital Fee is currently £140 per annum. The Governors also request a payment of £150 per
annum to be used for whole school activities and resources as necessary. This is known as a payment to the
‘Contingency Fund’. The option is available to pay by Direct Debit on a monthly basis or by credit/debit card.
The Admissions Criteria given below have been drawn up and approved by the Board of Governors; their
application has been delegated to the Principal.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA YEAR 8 2014-2015
Strathearn (the ‘School’) is an all girls grammar school offering a wide-ranging curriculum of academic courses.
The School will initially consider only those pupils who have taken the Common Entrance Assessment (CEA)
provided by the Association for Quality Education (AQE). The School will use the ‘score’ as awarded by AQE to a
pupil in the CEA, subject only to the consideration by the Board of Governors of those pupils claiming Special
Circumstances or Special Provisions as explained below. Information on the CEA is available from the School or
the AQE website (www.aqe.org.uk).
The score in the AQE CEA and the AQE Candidate number should both be entered in Section C of the
Transfer Form. The original notification received from AQE indicating your daughter’s AQE CEA score
should be attached to the Transfer Form. This information will be verified by the School.
Strathearn will not use as a criterion the position of preference given to the school by the applicant on the Transfer
Form. Therefore, a girl who has listed Strathearn as a second or subsequent preference school will be considered
in the same way as those who have placed Strathearn first on the list.
Girls resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission to the School will be selected for
admission before any girl not so resident.
1 The first 100 places from the admissions total of 110 will be allocated to girls on the basis of the rank order of
their respective scores; those achieving higher scores being allocated places before those with lower scores.
If more than one girl is eligible for the 100 th place because they have equal scores, then all such girls will be
allocated places up to the School’s admission number, using, if necessary, the criteria listed in 4 below.
2 Following the allocation of places as described in criterion 1, a pool of 15 girls will be identified on the basis
of the rank order of their respective scores; those achieving higher scores being allocated places to the pool
before those with lower scores. If more than one girl is eligible for the 15 th place because they have equal
scores, then all such girls will be allocated to the pool. Girls from this pool will be allocated to the remaining
places on application of the criteria listed in 4 below.
3 If, following the application of criteria 1 and 2 above, all the available places have not been filled, the School
will consider for admission any girls who have not taken the CEA. Allocation of the remaining places will be
made by applying the criteria listed in 4 below.
4 If as specified above, the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, the following
further criteria will then apply, in the order stated:
(i) girls enrolled in the School’s Preparatory Department as of 1 September 2012;
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
girls with a child of the family currently enrolled in the School’s Secondary Department (details to be
supplied) or accepted for enrolment in September 2014;
girls who are the eldest child of the family to be eligible for admission in September 2014 (details to
be supplied);
girls with the highest scores;
123

(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
girls who are entitled to Free School Meals*;
girls with a sibling who has attended the School’s Secondary Department (name and date of
attendance to be supplied);
girls
- with a sibling currently enrolled in Years 8 to 14 or accepted for enrolment in September 2014,
in Campbell College or RBAI (Senior School) (details to be supplied), or
- having a parent currently employed by the School for a continuous minimum period of one year
at the date of transfer, or
- with a parent or guardian who has attended the School’s Secondary Department (name and
date of attendance to be supplied);
if more than one girl is eligible for the final place, priority will be given to the girl whose home is
closer to the School. Distance will be measured in a straight line using an Ordnance Survey web
distance measurement tool from the front door of the girl’s home to the front entrance of the School’s
main administrative building. Home will be taken to mean the girl’s address appearing at the
commencement of the Transfer Application Form.
* “entitled to Free School Meals” will mean girls who are listed on the Education and Library Board register as
entitled to Free School Meals at the date on which their parent or guardian has signed their post-primary Transfer
Form, or at any date up to and including 14 May 2014.
The School emphasises that it is the responsibility of the applicants to notify the School on the Transfer
Form where the above criteria apply, and to furnish relevant details.
Duty to verify
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support
or verify information on any applicant’s Transfer/Application Form.
To this end, the School will adhere to the Department of Education’s verification procedures (Circular 2011/20)
which state:
‘The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide information within the deadlines set by
schools can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to offer a place on the part of any school nominated
on the applicant’s Transfer Form’
‘If you state within your application that your child is currently registered as Free School Meal Entitled, and that
claim is decisive in qualifying her for admission, then that information will be verified. If it is found to be incorrect,
then any place offered because of it will be withdrawn.’
Special Circumstances
Strathearn School has academic performance as its first criterion, subject only to the consideration of medical or
other problems which may have affected performance in the Common Entrance Assessment (CEA) and which are
supported by documentary evidence of a medical or other appropriate nature. These ‘medical or other problems’
are commonly referred to as ‘Special Circumstances’.
Please note, if a claim for the consideration of Special Circumstances is made in respect of matters for which
Special Access arrangements were granted for a pupil, the School will take into account the fact that the pupil was
granted Special Access arrangements for those matters;
Parents who wish to apply to the School under Special Circumstances should complete Form SC13 obtainable
from the School or AQE, and attach it with appropriate documentary evidence to the Transfer Form, as detailed
below.
• Details of Medical or Other Problems
Where it is claimed that a pupil’s performance in the CEA has been affected by a medical or other problem, it
is the responsibility of the parents to set out in the Form SC13 precise details of the problem and append
evidence to corroborate its existence.
Where the problem is a medical one of short term duration which affected the pupil only at the time of
the CEA, the School will give greater weight to evidence that the pupil was examined by a medical
practitioner in relation to the illness at the time of the assessments.
Where the problem is of a non-medical nature the parents should append appropriate evidence.
It should be noted that in all cases independent evidence will carry greater weight.
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• Educational Evidence
It is the responsibility of the parents to provide the educational evidence as detailed in the Form SC13. This
should include (where they exist):
the score awarded in the Common Entrance Assessment;
the results for the pupil of any standardised tests conducted in Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 and the
results in any end of year tests in English and Mathematics in Years 5 and 6;
additional comparative information from the Primary School for other pupils in the pupil’s Year 7 class
(without names) and which should include the results of any standardised tests conducted in Year 5,
Year 6 and Year 7, the results in any end of year tests in English and Mathematics in Years 5 and 6,
and, where available, the respective CEA scores.
A panel of Governors will consider the application for Special Circumstances. Where Special Circumstances are
accepted, the panel will determine, on the basis of the information available, a score for the pupil. Such pupils will
then be considered with all other pupils who have received a CEA score and the admissions criteria applied.
Special Provisions
Special provisions will apply for:
a) pupils whose parents wish them to transfer from schools outside Northern Ireland;
b) pupils who have received more than half their primary education outside Northern Ireland;
c) pupils, entered for the AQE Common Entrance Assessment, who because of unforeseen and
serious medical or other problems were unable to participate in any of the assessments.
Note: It is expected that all those seeking admission should sit the AQE CEA, with the exception of those
pupils who take up residence in Northern Ireland after the start of the Year 7.
Parents who wish to apply to the School under Special Provisions should contact the School as soon as possible.
In addition they should complete Form SC13, obtainable from the School or AQE, stating the precise reason why
they believe their daughter is eligible for consideration under Special Provisions and provide appropriate
independent documentary evidence. A copy of SC13 and all the documentary evidence should be attached to the
Transfer Form.
For those pupils whose parents wish them to transfer from schools outside Northern Ireland, applications for
Special Provisions should be received by the School by 16 April 2014.
A panel of Governors will consider the application for Special Provisions. Where Special Provisions are accepted,
the following procedure will apply:
a) the School will consider any assessment information and may choose to commission an independent
assessment of the pupil’s ability in English, Mathematics and/or Verbal Reasoning;
b) a panel of Governors will determine, on the basis of all the available assessment information, an
appropriate score for the pupil. The pupil will then be considered with all other pupils who have
received a CEA score and the admissions criteria applied.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 110 154 111
2012/13 110 174 110
2013/14 110 140 110
Waiting Lists.
Strathearn School operates a waiting lists policy. For Year 8, all applications for admission to Year 8 that were
initially refused will be automatically added to the waiting list. New applications, late applications and applications
where new information has been provided will also be added to the waiting list. This waiting list will be in place until
the end of the following academic year, that is, the end of Year 8. Please contact the school if you wish your
daughter’s name to be removed from the list.
Should a vacancy arise after the day placement letters have issued from the Education and Library Boards, the
published criteria will be applied to the waiting list to select the next candidate for admission.
Waiting lists are also maintained for other Years and applications should be made in writing using the form
available on the School website or from reception.
125

THE ROYAL BELFAST ACADEMICAL
INSTITUTION
College Square East
Belfast
BT1 6DL
Telephone No: 028 9024 0461
Fax No: 028 9023 7464
E-mail: prinsec@rbai.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.rbai.org.uk
Voluntary Grammar School
Boys Grammar
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 1050
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 150
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 1050
Fees: £1050 pa (at present)
Principal: Miss J Williamson MA (Oxon) NPQH
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr C D Gowdy LLB
To Parents/Guardians naming The Royal Belfast Academical Institution as a preference on your child’s
Transfer Form.
Exam Test Results
Please ensure that Section C of your son’s Transfer Form includes the AQE Common Entrance Assessment score.
It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to make sure that the original notification received from the AQE
indicating their child’s AQE CEA score is attached to the Transfer Form. A photocopy will not be accepted.
Special Circumstances and/or Special Provision
If you are making a claim for your child to be considered under Special Circumstances or Special Provision (and
these are called “special cases” in the Admissions Criteria) please note that you are required to:
- Attach to the Transfer Form the information required by the School as referred to in the Admissions Criteria in
“Special Cases”, Notes 1-7.
Open Days – Saturday 11 th January 2014
9.30am-12.30pm
Wednesday 5 th February 2014
4.00pm-6.00pm (tours only)
INTRODUCTION
The Royal Belfast Academical Institution, founded in 1810, continues in its original purpose - to educate boys of all
social classes, race and religious affiliations. Pupils come from the city, suburbs and Greater Belfast, with boys
accepted from the Preparatory Department, Inchmarlo, and one hundred primary schools. The school buildings, on
the historic city-centre site, include specialist laboratories, sports hall, fitness suite, indoor heated swimming pool, and
over fifty classrooms with modern ICT facilities. The Common Hall has extensive stage facilities; there is a spacious,
modern dining hall; and well resourced library and ICT Centre of Excellence. There is also the Sixth Form Centre,
with its own dining facilities and areas for private study. There are extensive playing fields, a boathouse, an astro turf
hockey pitch, football pitch and two pavillions.
All Year 8 pupils follow the Revised KS3 Curriculum which includes English, History, Geography, German, French,
Spanish, Latin, Mathematics, Science, Art, Divinity, Technology and Physical Education. Enrichment is provided
through Home Economics, Citizenship, Employability and Personal Development. . For GCSE, pupils normally study
English Language and Literature, a Modern Foreign Language and Mathematics, together with a choice of five or
more other subjects from the following: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, SA Science, Drama, History, Geography,
Technology, RE, Manufacturing, Media Studies, Art, Astronomy, Latin, German, Spanish, Sports Studies, Music and
Business Studies. Divinity and Physical Education are also included in the curriculum.
Students in the Sixth Form follow academic courses leading to GCE A/S and A2 Level, with a view to entry to higher
education or to an appropriate career. In addition to a wide range of A/S and A2 Level subject options, all boys in the
Sixth Form undertake an enrichment programme to extend their skills and interests. Courses are available in many
subjects including Communication Skills, ICT, Understanding Law, CAD/CAM, PE and Survival Cookery. Annually
members of the Sixth Form gain admission at Oxford and Cambridge with success extending to Harvard and
Stanford, USA.
The School is renowned for the range of opportunities it offers in sport and cultural activities. As well as rugby
(winners of the prestigious Schools’ Cup on twenty-nine occasions), cricket, hockey, swimming, athletics and football,
there are numerous clubs and societies (over 50). The Orchestra, Choral Society and Jazz Band, a Combined Cadet
Force Contingent, a Scout Troop and Venture Scout Unit and the Community Service Group are further examples of
the co-curricular life of the School. There is an extensive provision of trips at a Local, National and International level.
The International Schools Award has been re-awarded for 2012-15.
126

Six Houses provide a framework for overseeing each boy’s personal development as well as for inter-house
competitions. For the first five years each boy belongs to a tutor group under a Form Tutor, who supervises progress,
community involvement, conduct, career aims and general welfare. In the Sixth Form the Housemasters take
individual responsibility for each boy’s pastoral care.
The Principal is a member of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference and President of ASCL 2014-2015.
Further information about the School may be obtained from the School’s web-site: www.rbai.org.uk or by enquiry from
the School.
In addition to the named top Feeder Primary Schools listed in 3.6 of the Admissions Criteria, the School has also
welcomed pupils from the following Primary Schools over the past seven years –
Abbey PS, Abbotts Cross PS, Acorn IPS, Alexander Dickson PS, Anahilt PS, Ashgrove PS, Ballinderry PS,
Ballycarrickmaddy PS, Ballycarry PS, Ballyclare PS, Ballydown PS, Ballyhenry PS, Ballyholme PS, Ballymacward PS,
Ballynahinch PS, Bangor Central PS, Blythefield PS, Braniel PS, Bridge PS, Brooklands PS, Brownlee PS, Carr PS,
Carrickfergus Central PS, Carrickfergus Model PS, Carr's Glen PS, Carryduff PS, Clandeboye Road PS, Comber PS,
Cranmore IPS, Crumlin PS, Derryboy PS, Doagh PS, Donegall Road PS, Downey House, Downpatrick PS, Dromara
PS, Edenbrooke PS, Elmgrove PS, Fair Hill PS, Fairview PS, Fane Street PS, Forge IPS, Forthill PS, Forthriver PS,
Fullerton House Prep, Glasswater PS, Glengormley PS, Glenwood PS, Grange Park PS, Greenisland PS, Harberton,
Harding Memorial PS, Hazelwood PS, Hillhall PS, Holy Rosary PS, Killinchy PS, Kilmaine PS, Knocknagoney PS,
Leadhill PS, Ligoniel PS, Lisburn Central PS, Loanends PS, Loughview IPS, Lowwood PS, Maralin Village PS,
Meadowbridge PS, Millennium IPS, Moneyrea PS, Nettlefield PS, New Bridge PS, Newtownbreda PS, Oakwood IPS,
Orangefield PS, Our Lady Queen of Peace PS, Parkgate PS, Portaferry IPS, Rathmore PS, Riverdale PS, Rockport
Prep Sch, Rosetta PS, Rowandale PS, Seaview PS, Seymour Hill PS, Silverstream Primary, Spa PS, St Aloysius PS,
St Anne's PS, St Bernard's PS, St Bernard’s Glengormley, St Clare’s PS, St Gerard’s PS, St Ita’s PS, St James’ PS,
St John the Baptist PS, St Joseph’s PS Lisburn, St Joseph’s Carryduff, St Joseph’s Holland Drive, St Malachy's PS,
St Michael's PS, St Nicholas’ PS Carrick, St Patrick’s PS, St Therese of Lisieux, St Mary’s (Comber) PS, Straidhaven
PS, Taughmonagh PS, Thompson PS.
THE ROYAL BELFAST ACADEMICAL INSTITUTION
The Royal Belfast Academical Institution (“the School”) is a non-denominational boys’ grammar school in the centre
of Belfast. The School traditionally accepts pupils of widely varied social background from Belfast and from an
extensive area within Northern Ireland. Because of this well established pattern of intake, there are certain factors
which are not considered in selecting pupils. These include:
(1) the religious affiliation of the pupil, of his family, or of his primary school, and
(2) the geographical location of the pupil’s home or of his primary school.
It is customary at the School that all applicants are offered an informal interview in the presence of their parents. An
application form is available from the School for prospective applicants and should be returned to the Principal as
soon as possible.
Admissions Criteria for entry into Year 8 in 2014
The Board is responsible for the Admissions Criteria set out below. The Board in applying those criteria may
delegate that responsibility to a sub-committee appointed by the Board for that purpose. Only boys may apply for
admission to the School, and in the event that the School has more applicants than it has places, it will apply the
criteria set out below in selecting those applicants to whom it will offer places. The School will use the results of the
Common Entrance Assessment conducted by the Association for Quality Education Limited.
In these criteria:
“alternative academic evidence” means any or all of the following:
(a) such objective evidence of the applicant’s primary school test results in
English and Mathematics (i.e. internal school tests and standardised tests)
from the beginning of the Key Stage 2 period (i.e. P5) as the parents or
guardians of the applicant produce to the School.
(b) such comments of the principal of the applicant’s primary school on the pupil’s
academic achievements in comparison with the other members of the pupil’s
P7 class as are produced to the School.
(c) a report from an educational psychologist.
(d) any accredited assessments of the applicant’s ability in English, Mathematics
and verbal reasoning.
(e) such other information as to the applicant’s academic ability as is provided to
the School.
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(NOTES:
“the Board”
“prescribed test”
“Band 1”
“Band 2”
“Band 3”
(a) It is emphasised that the onus is on the parents or guardians to ensure
that the information referred to in (a) to (e) in the definition of
“alternative academic evidence” above is provided to the School.
Failure to provide such information may adversely affect the School’s
ability to assess into which Band the applicant should be placed.
(b) The School will give such weight as it considers appropriate to such
alternative academic evidence as is provided to it.
means the Board of Governors of the School.
means the Common Entrance Assessment conducted by the Association for
Quality Education Limited in November / December 2013
means a group of 135 applicants whose scores in the prescribed test taken in
rank order are the highest of all applicants to the School.
means a group of 30 applicants whose scores in the prescribed test taken in rank
order are the next highest after the scores of those in Band 1 of all applicants to
the School.
means those persons who did not participate in the prescribed test and who are
not entitled to claim to be treated as a special case but who are considered by the
Board, having used alternative academic evidence, to have such academic ability
as to be able to benefit from the academic education offered by the School.
(NOTES:-
As evidence of an applicant’s score in the prescribed test, the original
notification of the applicant’s score in the prescribed test as supplied by The
Association for Quality Education Limited must be annexed to the
applicant’s application to the School)
“special cases”
means:
(a) a claim that an applicant’s performance in the prescribed test has been
affected by a medical or other problem or circumstance and independent
evidence of its existence is provided to the School; or
(b) a claim that an applicant’s performance in the prescribed test has been
affected by the fact that he has received more than half his primary school
education outside Northern Ireland; or
(c) a claim that an applicant who had applied to sit the prescribed test was unable
to take at least two of the assessments making up the prescribed test because
of a medical or other problem; or
(d) the fact that an applicant did not take up residence in Northern Ireland until
after 13 th September 2013.
(NOTES:
1 Parents or guardians who wish to make a claim that an applicant is a
special case should obtain the appropriate form either from the School
or from the office of The Association for Quality Education Limited,
complete it and attach it with the appropriate documentary evidence to
the Transfer Form to be submitted to the Education & Library Board.
2 Where the problem is a medical one of short term duration which
affected the applicant only at the time of any of the assessments making
up the prescribed test, parents or guardians must provide evidence that
the applicant was examined by a medical practitioner in relation to the
illness.
3 Where the problem is a medical one which prevented the applicant
taking at least two of the assessments making up the prescribed test,
parents or guardians must forward to the School evidence that the
applicant was examined by a medical practitioner in relation to the
illness who has certified that by reason of such illness the applicant was
unable to participate in at least two of such assessments.
4 Where the problem or circumstance is of a non-medical nature, parents
or guardians should provide precise details of the problem and append
any appropriate credible evidence to corroborate its existence);
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5 Where the applicant was granted special access arrangements by The
Association for Quality Education Limited in connection with the
applicant’s participation in the prescribed test, and the applicant’s claim
for special circumstances is based on the same problem for which
special access arrangements were given, that fact shall be taken into
account by the Board when considering if the applicant is entitled to
claim for special circumstances.
6 In considering a claim by an applicant who sat all three assessments
making up the prescribed test affecting only one of the assessments, the
Board may take into consideration the fact that the applicant sat all three
assessments and that the applicant’s result in the prescribed test is
based on his two best scores.
1.1 The School will admit applicants in Band 1 before those in Band 2, and those in Band 2 before those in
Band 3.
1.2 Where an applicant has asked to be treated as a special case and the Board on the evidence produced to
it has concluded that the applicant is entitled to be so treated, the Board shall make an assessment of the
academic ability of that applicant taking into account the score (if any) of the applicant in the prescribed
test and using such alternative academic evidence as is available to it and shall accord to that applicant an
estimated score which for the purposes of these criteria shall be deemed to be the score obtained by that
applicant in the prescribed test.
2. Where:
2.1 the lowest score of the applicants in Band 1 is shared by more than one applicant and a selection has to
be made between those sharing that score so that the number in Band 1 does not exceed 135; or
2.2 the lowest score of the applicants in Band 2 is shared by more than one applicant and a selection has to
be made between those sharing that score so that the number in Band 2 does not exceed 30; or
2.3 a selection has to be made as between applicants within Bands 2 or 3, or as between applicants who are
not in Bands 1 to 3 inclusive, priority will be determined by applying, in order, the criteria set out in clause 3
NOTE: After the 135 applicants in Band 1, there will be 15 remaining places to be selected from Bands 2
and 3. These will be ranked using the priority criteria set out in clause 1.1 and clause 3. Therefore, Band 3
applications will be considered only if there are fewer than 15 applicants in Band 2.
3. The following are the criteria to be applied for the purposes of clause 2:
3.1 An applicant who is a pupil of Inchmarlo;
3.2 An applicant who has, or has had, a brother attending the School;
3.3 An applicant who has a sister attending any of Bloomfield Collegiate, Strathearn Grammar School, or
Victoria College (please provide name and Year group);
3.4 An applicant whose father or grandfather attended the School (please provide name and years of
attendance);
3.5 An applicant who is the only or eldest boy in his family;
3.6 An applicant who is a pupil of any of the following primary schools:
NOTE - These schools are those which have in the past seven years sent most pupils to R.B.A.I. ranked in
accordance with the actual number of pupils so sent, but so that a pupil from the school named at
paragraph 3.6.1 will be admitted before a pupil from the school named at paragraph 3.6.2, and so forth;
3.6.1 Strandtown PS 3.6.15= Wallace Prep
3.6.2 Pond Park PS 3.6.15= Whiteabbey PS
3.6.3 Cairnshill PS 3.6.18 Friends Prep
3.6.4 Harmony Hill PS 3.6.19 Killowen PS
3.6.5 Stranmillis PS 3.6.20= Ballymacash PS
3.6.6 Finaghy PS 3.6.20= Dunmurry PS
3.6.7 Dundonald PS 3.6.22= Glencraig IPS
3.6.8 Moira PS 3.6.22= Knockbreda PS
3.6.9 Downshire PS 3.6.22= Maghaberry PS
3.6.10 Andrews Memorial PS 3.6.22= Springhill PS
3.6.11 Cavehill PS 3.6.22= Templepatrick PS
3.6.12= Academy PS 3.6.27= Lisnasharragh
3.6.12= St Brides PS 3.6.27= Whitehead PS
3.6.15= Holywood PS
129

3.7 An applicant whose parent is a member of the staff of the School;
3.8 An applicant who is entitled to receive free school meals;
3.9 An applicant selected by computerised random selection.
WARNING
If the Board of Governors becomes aware of
(a) any material irregularity in the application made by the applicant to the Association for Quality
Education Limited in connection with the prescribed test, or
(b) any falsification of any documents submitted to the Association for Quality Education Limited in
connection with the prescribed test, or
(c) any material breach of the conditions on the part of the applicant or his parents or guardians relating to
the prescribed test.
it reserves the right to reject the application to the School of such applicant.
Duty to verify
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to
support or verify information on the Transfer Form. The provision of false or incorrect information or the
failure to provide information within the deadlines set by post-primary schools can result in the withdrawal of
a place and the inability to offer a place on the part of any school nominated on the applicant’s Transfer
Form.
WAITING LIST POLICY
Should a vacancy arise after 23 May 2014 all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused, new
applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the published
criteria applied. This waiting list will be in place until 30 June 2015. Please contact the School if you wish your
son’s name to be removed from the list.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 150 218 150
2012/13 150 176 150
2013/14 150 241 150
130

VICTORIA COLLEGE BELFAST
Cranmore Park
Belfast
BT9 6JA
(incorporating Richmond Lodge School)
Telephone No: 028 9066 1506
Fax No: 028 9066 6898
E-mail: nmawhinney170@c2kni.net
Web-site: www.victoriacollege.org.uk
Voluntary Grammar School
Non-denominational Girls’ Grammar
With Boarding, Preparatory & Playgroup
Departments
Age Range: 3-18
Enrolment September 2013: 870
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 130
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 870
Headmistress: Ms P Slevin BA MEd PGCE PQH
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Dr Bryan Gregory BSc PhD CEng MICE MIEI FCIWM FGS
To Parents/Guardians naming Victoria College Belfast as a preference on your child’s Transfer Form.
Entrance Test Results
Victoria College will consider the outcome of a pupil’s performance in either the AQE assessment or the GL
assessment. On the Transfer Form parents should provide details of the candidate number 1 issued to their daughter by
AQE and/or GLA when she registered for the assessment.
Parents should attach the original AQE results form or a copy of the GLA results form (or both where an applicant has
sat both assessments) to the Transfer Form.
Special Circumstances and/or Special Provision
Parents or guardians making a claim for a child to be considered under Special Circumstances or Special Provision
should note paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 in the detailed Admissions Criteria for Entry into Year 8 below and ensure that all
necessary details are attached to the Transfer Form.
It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure that any information relevant to an application for Special
Circumstances or Special Provision is included in the appropriate claim form for AQE or GL Assessment and attached
to the Transfer Form.
Open Morning - Saturday 25 th January 2014 - 10.00am-1.00pm
The Headmistress will speak to visitors in the Cranmore Assembly Hall at
10.00am, 11.15am and again at 12.30 pm
INTRODUCTION
Victoria College founded in 1859, is a leading day and boarding school for girls which provides an outstanding
educational experience for every girl. Results at GCSE and A-level are consistently above the Northern Ireland
average and girls are inspired and challenged to realise their full potential and the dedicated teaching staff in the
College are committed to meeting the needs of all pupils. Pupils come from a wide variety of backgrounds in Northern
Ireland and from abroad, adding to the diversity of school life and the educational experience for both pupils and staff
is enhanced through partnerships with schools at home and abroad and through a wide range of educational trips and
visits each year. School uniform is compulsory for all pupils.
CAMPUS
The College is situated between the Lisburn and Malone Roads in extensive mature grounds in South Belfast and is
convenient to town and country bus routes and the local railway network. The College is based on two sites and Year
8 and 9 pupils are accommodated on the Richmond Campus which ensures an easy transition from primary to postprimary
school.
FACILITIES
The College offers a wide range of facilities including a careers suite, excellent ICT facilities with interactive
whiteboards available in most classrooms, a sixth form centre, well resourced libraries and specialist technology and
language facilities. Pupils in the College have access to excellent sporting facilities including an on site indoor
swimming pool, netball courts, four astro turf tennis courts, two gymnasiums and hockey pitches at QUB ensuring all
year round sporting provision. An excellent range of sports is offered and pupils also avail of facilities in QUB and
local leisure centres for fitness training and sport.
ACHIEVEMENT and AWARDS
Victoria College has been designated as a Specialist School for Science and also holds the Investor in People award
and the BECTA award for excellence in the use of ICT. The importance of the international dimension in the
curriculum has been recognised with the prestigious British Council International School Award. The College has
been awarded the esteemed Green Flag Award in recognition of its contribution to environmental issues and this year
was awarded the Belfast Education and Library Board’s Best Kept School for the second consecutive year.
131

PASTORAL CARE
High academic achievement is underpinned by a supportive pastoral system and a genuine community spirit. We are
committed to promoting a caring ethos where the needs of the pupils are paramount and where good relationships
across the school are encouraged. Core values of respect, tolerance and understanding are promoted so that all girls
develop as responsive and responsible citizens. All pupils are encouraged to achieve their personal best and
celebration of achievement is central to the ethos of the school. The work of the pastoral team within the College has
been recognised as outstanding by ETI and the structure, involving Form Tutors, Heads of Year and Heads of Section
led by the Deputy Head and Assistant Principals, provides a safe and secure environment where the welfare of the
pupils is central.
CAREERS EDUCATION ADVICE INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE (CEIAG)
A comprehensive Careers (CEAIG) programme is embedded in the curriculum and each girl is given the support she
needs to become a life-long learner, able to make informed choices and decisions. Pupils have access to expert
advice from experienced staff and they attend a wide variety of Careers events both inside and outside of school.
Sixth form pupils attend Open Days at universities and are guided and supported in their UCAS applications and
interviews with Careers staff helping pupils make appropriate choices of GCSE and A level subjects in relation to
ability, performance, choice of further or higher education and future career plan.
CURRICULUM
A broad and balanced curriculum is offered to all pupils taking account of individual strengths and interests.
Key Stage 3; Years 8,9,10
Pupils have the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects all taught by specialist teachers including Art, Music,
Drama, PE, French, German, Italian, Spanish, English, English Literature, Mathematics, Technology, Latin, Home
Economics, Science, ICT, RE, Geography, History and Learning for Life and Work. Physics, Chemistry and Biology
are taught as three separate subjects in Year 10. English and Mathematics classes are streamed from Year 8
following base line testing.
Key Stage 4: Years 11 and 12
Pupils can choose from 26 subjects at GCSE: Additional Mathematics, Art & Design, Biology, Business Studies,
Chemistry, Drama, English, English Literature, French, Geography, German, Health and Social Care, History, Home
Economics, Italian, ICT, Latin, Mathematics, Moving Image Arts, Music, Physics, PE, RE, Single Award Science,
Spanish, Technology & Design. All pupils also complete a level 2 certificate in Learning for Life and Work, and have
access to a full PE and Games programme.
Key Stage 5: Years 13 and 14
At AS and A2 level the following subjects are offered: Art and Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry,
Classical Civilisation, English Literature, French, Further Mathematics, Geography, Government and Politics, Health
and Social Care, History, Home Economics, ICT, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Religious Studies, Spanish, Sports
Studies, Technology and Design and Theatre Studies. Sixth form pupils also benefit from Careers Guidance, PE and
a comprehensive Enrichment programme.
The College is an active member of the South Belfast Area Learning Community and additional GCSE, AS and A2
courses may be accessed in collaboration with other schools in the ALC.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
An extensive range of extra curricular activities is offered to pupils both during the school day and after school. All
pupils are encouraged to be enterprising and innovative and to participate fully in the life of the College, becoming
involved in decision-making through the school councils and taking on responsibility in roles which will allow them to
develop self-confidence, self esteem, leadership qualities and the ability to work with others so that they can develop
as leaders of the future.
FEES
Only those pupils who are not resident in Northern Ireland and who are non E.C. nationals will be required to pay
tuition fees.
A Capital fee, currently £140.00 per annum, is charged in regard to all pupils.
RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND THE HEADMISTRESS IN RELATION TO
ADMISSIONS TO THE SCHOOL
The Board of Governors has determined the Admissions Criteria and has delegated to the Admissions Sub-
Committee, of which the Headmistress is a member, the functions and responsibilities in the application of the
Admissions criteria set out herein. The criteria will be reviewed annually in light of Department of Education guidance.
132

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY TO YEAR 8 IN SEPTEMBER 2014
The number of places available in Year 8 is limited to the admissions number set by the Department of Education for
Northern Ireland and is currently 130 places. The cut off for admission will therefore be the 130 th place.
For the academic year 2014-2015 the College will continue to use academic criteria in the first instance to select
pupils. The College will consider applications from girls who have taken the entrance assessments anywhere in
Northern Ireland provided by the Association for Quality Education (AQE) or GL Assessment (GLA).
1 Applicants will be allocated to a Band in the order stated below: all applicants allocated to Band I will be
admitted before those allocated to Band II, Band II before Band III and so forth.
There is no requirement that an applicant should sit both the AQE and GLA entrance assessments. However,
in the case of an applicant who sits both assessments, the College will consider whichever outcome places the
applicant in the higher Band.
AQE will provide parents with an age adjusted Standardised Score for each applicant who has taken that
assessment in Northern Ireland in 2013. The College will use this Standardised Score as set out in the Table
below, and allocate pupils to a Band accordingly.
Band I
Band II 106 - 112
Band III 103 - 105
Band IV 99 - 102
Band V 94 - 98
Band VI 88 - 93
Band VII
87 or below
AQE Standardised Score
113 or above
GLA will provide the results of the entrance assessment to parents as a Standardised Age Score, a Grade and
a Cohort Percentile. The College will use the Cohort Percentile to allocate pupils to a Band as outlined above.
Band I
Band II 60 - 79
Band III 50 - 59
Band IV 40 - 49
Band V 30 - 39
GLA Cohort Percentile
80 or above
Band VI 20 - 29
Band VII
19 or below
2 In the event of there being more applicants within any of the above bands than places available, or should any
further places remain to be filled, the criteria outlined below will apply in the order stated.
2.1 i Applicant is in the Preparatory Department of the College
ii Sister of the applicant attends or has attended Victoria College 1
iii Applicant is the eldest girl in the family eligible to attend a mainstream post-primary school 1
iv Sister of the applicant is accepted for the Secondary department of the College for the forthcoming
academic year 1
v Brother of the applicant attends RBAI or other single sex school
vi Applicant is entitled to Free School Meals 1
(Definition of Free School Meals (FSM): A child who is listed on the ELB/ESA register as entitled to FSM at
the date on which their parent/guardian signs the Transfer Form or at any date prior to and including 14
May 2014.)
vii Applicant attends a Primary School which is a recognised feeder school to the College 1 . A recognised
feeder school is one from which any pupils have transferred to Victoria College over the preceding three
year period. Feeder schools will be ranked according to the average number of pupils who have transferred
from each contributory school to Victoria College over the preceding three years, those with higher numbers
having precedence. (The table below is not an exclusive list of feeder primary schools but shows the main
primary schools from which pupils were admitted during the preceding three year period.) See Note 2.
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In the event of there being any remaining places the following additional criterion will be used:
2.2 Distance of the applicant’s home 1 from the main entrance at Cranmore Park as the crow flies, measured on a
map, those closer having precedence. Home will be taken to mean the pupil’s address as it appears on the
Transfer Application Form.
3 Notwithstanding the above, as the College has a Boarding Department, up to 8 places may be offered to
boarders. The criteria for admission to day places (paragraphs 1 and 2 above) will be applied in the same order
to applicants to the Boarding Department save that a criterion of boarding need may have precedence over all
other criteria.
4 Special Provision 1
As an exception to the requirements of Paragraph 1 an applicant may request Special Provision, where the applicant
has received more than half her education outside Northern Ireland;* or
had entered for assessment but was unable to be assessed due to unforeseen and serious medical or other
problems which are supported by appropriate evidence;* or
wishes to transfer to a grammar school from a school outside Northern Ireland.**
*Applicants who wish to be considered for Special Provision for either of the first two reasons outlined above should
complete the necessary AQE or GL form stating the precise reason why they believe the applicant is eligible for
consideration under Special Provision. This should be forwarded to the College with appropriate evidence as outlined
in paragraph 6. Parents should ensure that the appropriate evidence is attached to the Transfer form. Such
applications should be received by 12 noon on 6 March 2014.
** Applicants wishing to transfer from a school outside Northern Ireland should be aware that the Belfast Education
and Library Board may not process forms after 14 May 2014. Such applicants should therefore endeavour to provide
the College with all necessary information relating to Special Provision by 12 noon on 24 April 2014.
The College will assess the applicant’s academic ability by using accredited assessments including information
supplied by the parents (see paragraph 6). The College may also request that an assessment of the applicant’s
academic capacity, carried out by a suitably qualified person or body, be provided. Thereafter the pupil will be
allocated to the appropriate Band and the criteria in paragraph 2 applied.
NB Late Applicants
Those wishing to transfer from a school outside Northern Ireland who apply for a place after 23 May 2014 will be
treated on the same basis as those who applied before that date, subject to the agreement of the Department of
Education to an increase in the Admissions Number for this purpose.
5 Special Circumstances 1
Claims for Special Circumstances will be considered by the College where medical or other problems may have
affected performance in the entrance assessment. A sub-committee of the Board of Governors will consider Special
Circumstances and Special Provision. Decision-making powers have been delegated by the full Board of Governors
to this sub-committee who will make an educational judgement in relation to all material provided by a parent. The
Band allocated to the applicant will be based on the decision reached by this sub-committee.
In the case of special circumstances applications the following information must be provided on the appropriate form
or attached to the Transfer Form to enable the College to arrive at a decision:
Independent documentary evidence based on medical examination of the medical condition
Independent documentary evidence of other circumstances relied on contemporaneous with the date(s) of the
entrance assessments.
Evidence of the applicant’s academic capacity (see Paragraph 6).
NB Applicants should note that if a claim for Special Circumstances is made in respect of matters for which Special
Access arrangements have been granted the College will take into account the fact that the applicant was granted
Special Access.
Having considered applications for Special Circumstances a decision will be taken by the Sub Committee as to the
Band within which the applicant will be placed. Criteria as outlined in paragraph 2:1 will then be applied as necessary.
6 Evidence of the applicant’s academic capacity 1
Evidence of the applicant’s academic capacity may be demonstrated by the provision of information such as:
the results of any standardised tests in English and Mathematics conducted in P5, P6 and P7;
copies of school reports for P5, P6 and P7;
the attainments of the applicant by comparison with other pupils in the class group;
records of strengths or weaknesses in the applicant’s performance either generally or in specific subject areas in
comparison with other pupils in the class group;
an educational psychologist’s report.
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Waiting List Policy:
Should a vacancy arise after places have been finalised, all applications for admission to Year 8 that were
initially refused, new applications, late applications and applications where new information has been provided
will be treated equally and the published criteria applied. This waiting list will be in place until the 30 th June of
the year following application.
The applicant’s name will be automatically added to the list and the College will contact parents in writing if the
child gains a place in the College by this method. Parents should contact the College if they wish for their child’s
name to be removed from the list.
Note 1
Note 2
Verification of Information
As the College has a duty to verify information please note that applicants may be required to produce
evidence confirming the accuracy of the information contained within the application. This includes
information related to the Criteria for Admissions and for any claim in relation to Special Circumstances or
Special Provision. Where such information is required it is indicated thus: 1 . The provision of false or
incorrect information or the failure to provide verifying documents according to the required deadline may
result in either the withdrawal of a place or the College being unable to offer a place.
Feeder Primary Schools
The schools listed below are the main primary schools which sent pupils to Victoria College in the previous
three years, ranked in accordance with the actual number of pupils so sent, but so that a pupil from the
school named at paragraph 2.1(vii).1 will be admitted before a pupil from the school named at paragraph
2.1(vii).2, and so on.
2.1(vii).1 Victoria College Preparatory Department 2.1(vii).15= Sullivan Upper Preparatory School
2.1(vii).2 St Bride’s Primary School 2.1(vii).15= Templepatrick Primary School
2.1(vii).3 Stranmillis Primary School 2.1(vii).15= Whiteabbey Primary School
2.1(vii).4= Cavehill Primary School 2.1(vii)24= Acorn Integrated Primary School
2.1(vii).4= Downshire Primary School, Hillsborough 2.1(vii)24= Ballyholme Primary School
2.1(vii).6 Cairnshill Primary School 2.1(vii)24= Botanic Primary School
2.1(vii).7 Glenwood Primary School 2.1(vii)24= Castle Gardens Primary School
2.1(vii).8 Loughview Integrated School 2.1(vii)24= Fane Street Primary School
2.1(vii).9 St Anne’s Primary School 2.1(vii)24= Glencraig Primary School
2.1(vii).10= Academy Primary School 2.1(vii)24= Ligoniel Primary School
2.1(vii).10= Finaghy Primary School 2.1(vii)24= Mossley Primary School
2.1(vii).10= Strandtown Primary School 2.1(vii)24= Spa Primary School
2.1(vii).13 St Colman’s Primary School, Lambeg 2.1(vii)24= St Bernard’s Primary School
2.1(vii).14 St Michael’s Primary School 2.1(vii)24= St Comgall’s Primary School
2.1(vii).15= Carryduff Primary School 2.1(vii)24= St Ita’s Primary School
2.1(vii).15= Cranmore Integrated Primary School 2.1(vii)24= St Joseph’s Primary School
2.1(vii).15= Friends’ School Preparatory School 2.1(vii)24= Wallace High Preparatory School
2.1(vii).15= King’s Park Primary School 2.1(vii)24= Wheatfield Primary School
2.1(vii).15= Rosetta Primary School 2.1(vii)24= Whitehead Primary School
2.1(vii).15= Seaview Primary School
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 130 183 130
2012/13 130 198 131
2013/14 130 189 130
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WELLINGTON COLLEGE BELFAST
18 Carolan Road
Belfast BT7 3HE
Telephone No: 028 9064 2539
Fax No: 028 9069 3736
E-mail: info@wellington.belfast.ni.sch.uk
Web-site: www.wellingtoncollegebelfast.org
Controlled Grammar School
Co-educational
Age Range: 11-18
Enrolment September 2013: 770
Approved Admissions No for 2014: 110
Approved Enrolment No for 2014: 770
Principal: Mr M Pitts BA Hons, PGCE, NPQH
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Ms W Fee
To Parents/Guardians naming Wellington College Belfast as a preference on your child’s Transfer Form.
Entrance Test Results
Wellington College Belfast will consider the outcome of a pupil’s performance in either the GL assessment or the
AQE assessment.
Please ensure that you provide the following information on your child’s Transfer Form:
An original copy of the results issued by AQE or GLA (or both where an applicant has sat both assessments)
must be attached to the Transfer Form.
The candidate number issued to your child by AQE and/or GLA when you registered for the assessment.
Special Circumstances and/or Special Provision
If you are making a claim for your child to be considered under Special Circumstances or Special Provision please
ensure that you
present all such documentation that will assist the Board of Governors in determining if Special
Circumstances and/or Special Provision apply
attach all such documentation to the Transfer Form
It is essential that you read carefully the guidance outlined in the following sections of the Admissions criteria. It is
the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure that any information relevant to an application for Special
Circumstances or Special Provision is included on the relevant form and attached to the Transfer Form.
Open Evenings –
Thursday 9 th January 2014 7.00pm-9.00pm
Monday 13 th January 2014 7.00pm-9.00pm
Principal’s talks are at 7.00pm & 8.00pm on each night (entrance via Carolan Road)
INTRODUCTION
Wellington College Belfast is a high achieving, inter-denominational, co-educational grammar school. Enjoying an
attractive and accessible site in South Belfast, there are excellent grounds and sporting facilities. Convenient public
transport is provided along the Ormeau/Saintfield Road routes and there are dedicated buses operated by Translink
for College pupils for East Belfast and Ballynahinch.
Formed in 1989, the College continues to emphasise individual fulfilment and the pursuit of excellence. The College
demands high standards of work and conduct and whilst the focus is on academic excellence, the College is proud of
its caring reputation and ethos. A positive Code of Behaviour is integral to College life. Parents are seen as key
partners in the education of their children and will receive written reports on their child’s progress; Parent Teacher
Consultation meetings are held and an active PTA works to provide important additional resources. The College
provides a learning environment of the highest quality: specialist rooms for all subjects, state-of-the art resources and
an extensive network of new computers. An Astro turf pitch and a large sports hall provide excellent sporting and
recreational facilities alongside traditional grass and gravel surfaces. Wellington is constantly upgrading its facilities
and has developed a new sixth form common room and study area alongside a new library.
Pupils benefit from membership of a close-knit community which allows a personalised approach. The care of
individual pupils is at the heart of the life and work of the College. On entry to Year 8, pupils are placed in four
classes. New pupils and their parents/guardians attend an introductory evening in late June, prior to September entry
and a Year 8 Team of Head of Year and Tutors supports them throughout their first year of Grammar School. A
House System and College Council have been introduced this year to enhance student involvement in the College.
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After finishing their GCSEs, the vast majority of students return to the College to take either 3 or 4 subjects to A Level.
A Programme of Careers Education and guidance supports pupils making important decisions about their futures at all
levels but particularly those in their Sixth Form years. This includes dedicated classes from Year eight, Work
Shadowing in Year 11 and Year 13, mock interviews, university visits (including Oxford and Cambridge), visiting
speakers and attendance at other events and functions throughout the year.
The College has extensive extra-curricular provision, embracing artistic, sporting, musical and intellectual activities.
Pupils are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of clubs and societies, to challenge themselves, to enjoy the
experience and to learn about themselves and others. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is especially successful
in the College. Large numbers of young people progress through the Bronze and Silver to earn the prestigious Gold
Award. Twelve different sports are played at a competitive level and large numbers of staff and outside coaches look
after around 40 teams including Saturday morning fixtures. Tutors from the City of Belfast School of Music support the
Music Department and the College choirs, band and orchestra give regular performances.
The College widens horizons, prepares pupils for University and a diverse range of careers throughout Northern
Ireland and beyond. School trips, educational visits and joint ventures with other schools enable pupils to come to
terms with the changing world in which they will live their lives. The College is committed to developing the whole
person and supporting every child to challenge their expectations and achieve in every area of their life.
Further information about the College’s policies, Code of Behaviour, academic direction and extra curricular
opportunities can be found in the Prospectus available on Open Nights, from the College Office and on our website at
www.wellingtoncollegebelfast.org. School uniform is compulsory.
RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND PRINCIPAL IN RELATION TO ADMISSIONS
TO THE SCHOOL
The Admissions Criteria have been approved by the Board of Governors of the College to be used to select pupils for
admission in Year 8 in September 2014.
The Board of Governors has determined the Admissions Policy and has delegated to the Transfer Committee its
functions and responsibilities in the execution of that policy. The criteria will be reviewed annually in light of
Department of Education for Northern Ireland guidance.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA YEAR 8
Applicants who will be resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission to the College will be
selected for admission before any such applicants not so resident.
The College will not use as a criterion the order of the chosen schools on the Transfer Form; for example a child who
has placed the College as a second choice school will be regarded in the same way as all first preference applicants.
The number of places available in Year 8 is limited to the admissions number set by the Department of Education for
Northern Ireland and is currently 110 places. The cut off for applications will therefore be the 110 th place.
For the academic year 2014-2015 the College will continue to use academic criteria in the first instance to select
pupils. The College will consider applications from those pupils who have taken the entrance assessments anywhere
in Northern Ireland provided by AQE and/or GLA.
There is no requirement that any applicant should sit both the AQE and GLA entrance assessments. However, in the
case of an applicant who sits both assessments, the College will consider whichever outcome places the applicant in
the higher Band.
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1) Applicants will be allocated to the Bands below in the following order:
AQE will provide parents with an age adjusted Standardised Score for each applicant who has taken that assessment
in Northern Ireland in 2013. The College will allocate pupils to a Band accordingly as set out in the Table below.
Band I
Band II 106-112
Band III 103-105
Band IV 99-102
Band V 94-98
Band VI 88-93
Band VII
87 or below
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AQE Standardised Score
113 or above
GLA will provide the results of the entrance assessment to parents as a Standardised Age Score, a Grade and a
Cohort Percentile. Wellington College will use the Cohort Percentile as the percentile rank to allocate pupils to a
Band as outlined below.
Band I
Band II 60-79
Band III 50-59
Band IV 40-49
Band V 30-39
Band VI 20-29
Band VII
19 or below
GLA Cohort Percentile Rank
80 or above
2) In the event of there being more applicants in any of the above bands than places available or should any
further places remain to be filled the criteria outlined below will apply in the order stated:
a) applicants who at the date of their application have a child of the family currently enrolled at the College;
b) applicants who are the eldest or only child in the family, applicants must have attached to the transfer form
a letter on headed notepaper to verify that the applicant is the eldest or only child; this must be a letter from
a person who is not a family member of the applicant and who has known the applicant for at least two
years; letters of verification will be accepted from a Primary School Principal, Elected Public Representative,
GP, Solicitor, member of the Clergy or a Police Officer;
c) applicants who have a brother or sister initially selected under the transfer procedure (twins, triplets etc will
be entitled to recognition as ‘eldest’ in family if twins, triplets etc are the first born to a family); applicants
must have attached to the transfer form a letter on headed note paper to verify that the applicant is the
eldest or only child; this must be a letter from a person who is not a family member of the applicant and who
has known the applicant for at least two years; letters of verification will be accepted from a Primary School
Principal, Elected Public Representative, GP, Solicitor, member of the Clergy or a Police Officer;
d) applicants who have a brother or sister who is a past pupil of the College; the application form must provide
the name of the relation at the time of enrolment, dates of attendance and date of birth;
e) applicants whose parent/guardian was a past pupil of the College: the application form must provide the
name of the relation at the time of enrolment, dates of attendance and date of birth;
f) applicants who are entitled to Free School Meals.
‘Entitled to Free School Meals’ will mean applicants who are listed on the Education and Library Board
register as entitled to free School Meals at the date on which their parent or guardian has signed their postprimary
Transfer Form, or at any date up to and including 14 th May 2014.
In the event of their being any remaining places the following additional criterion will be used:
Distance of the applicant’s home from the main entrance doors of Wellington College as the crow flies,
measured on a map, those closer having precedence. Home will be taken to mean the pupil’s address as it
appears on the Transfer Application Form.
Applicants who wish to refer to the selection criteria must provide the detailed information on the Transfer Form
and/or the College Application Form.

Special Circumstances
The College has academic performance as its first criterion, subject only to the consideration of medical or other
problems which may have affected performance in the AQE/GL Assessment and which are supported by
independent documentary evidence of a medical or other appropriate nature. These ‘medical or other problems’
are commonly referred to as ‘special circumstances’.
Please note that an application for both Access Arrangements and Special Circumstances cannot be made for
the same reason. Where a problem or need is identified in advance of the assessment taking place, an
application for Access Arrangements should be made. Special Circumstances should be sought only where
events on the day of the assessment or factors unknown at the time are considered to have directly influenced
the outcome of the assessments on the days of the AQE/GL Assessments.
Parents who wish to apply to the College under Special Circumstances should complete the appropriate forms
obtainable from the College or AQE/GLA, and attach it with appropriate documentary evidence, as detailed
below, to the Transfer Form.
Details of Medical or Other Problems
Where it is claimed that a pupil’s performance in the AQE/GLA has been affected by a medical or other problem,
it is the responsibility of the parents to set out in the appropriate forms precise details of the problem and append
independent evidence to corroborate its existence.
Where the problem is a medical one of short term duration which affected the pupil only at the time of the
AQE/GLA, the College will require the production of evidence that the pupil was examined by a medical
practitioner in relation to the illness at the time of the assessments.
Where the problem is of a non-medical nature the parents/guardians should set out in the appropriate forms
precise details of the problem and attach any appropriate independent evidence to corroborate its existence.
Educational Evidence
The percentile rank achieved in the GLA and/or the Standardised Score provided by the AQE assessment.
Objective documentary evidence must be provided by the parents. This must include where they exist, the
results for the pupil of any standardised tests conducted in Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7.
The Transfer Committee responsible to the Board of Governors will consider the application for Special
Circumstances. Where this is accepted, the Transfer Committee will determine, on the basis of the information
available, a Band for the applicant. Such pupils will then be considered with all other pupils who have received a
Transfer Test result and the admissions criteria will be applied. The Band allocated to the applicant will be based
on the decision reached by the sub-committee.
Special Provisions
Special Provisions will apply for:
a) Pupils whose parents wish them to transfer from Schools outside Northern Ireland.
(Those applicants who arrived in Northern Ireland after 13 th September 2013 have until 14 th May 2014 to
submit the appropriate forms.)
b) Pupils who have received more than half of their Primary education outside Northern Ireland.
c) Pupils entered for the AQE/GLA who because of unforeseen and serious medical or other problems of the
child, which are supported by appropriate independent documentary evidence, were unable to participate in
any of the Assessments.
Note: it is expected that all those seeking admission should sit the AQE or GLA, with the exception of those
pupils who take up residence in Northern Ireland after the 13 th September 2013.
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Parents who wish to apply to the School under Special Provisions should complete the appropriate form, obtainable
from the School or AQE/GLA, stating the precise reason why they believe the pupil is eligible for consideration under
Special Provisions. This should be attached to the transfer form with appropriate documentary evidence.
The Transfer Committee will consider the application for Special Provisions. Where this is accepted, the following
procedure will apply:
a) the College will consider any accredited assessments, for example, an Educational Psychologist Report, to be
provided by the parent or Primary School;
b) the Transfer Committee will determine, on the basis of all the available information, an appropriate Band for the
pupil. The pupil will then be considered with all other pupils who have received an AQE/GLA outcome and the
admissions criteria will be applied.
Please Note:
When considering which children should be selected for admission, the Board of Governors will only take
into account information which is detailed on or attached to the Transfer Form. Parents should ensure that
all information pertaining to their child and relevant to the school’s admissions criteria is stated on the
Transfer Form or attached to it.
Duty to Verify:
The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or
verify information on any applicant’s Transfer Form. The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to
provide information within the deadlines set by the College can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to
offer a place on the part of any school nominated on the Transfer Form. If you state within the application that your
child is currently registered as Free School Meals Entitled and that claim is decisive in qualifying him/her for
admission then that information will be verified. If it is found to be incorrect then any place offered because of it will
be withdrawn.
Wellington College’s Waiting List Policy:
Should a vacancy arise after 23 rd May 2014, all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused, new
applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the published
criteria applied. This waiting list will be in place until 30 th June 2015.
The applicant’s name will automatically be added to the list and the College will contact parents if the child gains a
place by this method. Parents should contact the College in writing if they wish for their child’s name to be removed
from the list.
Applications and Admissions
Year Admissions No Total Applications
Total Admission
All Preferences
2011/12 110 184 110
2012/13 110 170 110
2013/14 110 164 110
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