Admissions Policy Statement

This policy is aligned with the Department for Education (DfE) guidance, specifically the School Admissions Code (DfE, December 2014). It should be read in conjunction with the following related policies:

• Non-Discrimination and Inclusion Policy

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

• Anti-Bullying Policy

• Behaviour and Discipline Policy

• Complaints Policy

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Admissions Policy

The O’Brien International School and College operates a rolling admissions policy, which means applications are evaluated and interviews are conducted as they are received, rather than after a fixed deadline. Admissions are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and the process will continue until all available class places are filled.

Application and Registration Process

• Families are encouraged to submit an application and participate in an initial discussion to assess whether the school can meet the needs of the child.

• If places are not immediately available, the child’s name will be added to a waiting list upon receipt of the application and the registration fee.

• Parents may request to remove their child’s name from the waiting list at any time.

School Values and Expectations

Our school is a disciplined, inclusive, and supportive community, where education can thrive. Upon accepting a place, families agree that their child will be subject to the school’s Rules and Regulations.

The O’Brien International School and College promotes values such as:

• Respect

• Honesty

• Consideration for others

Bullying and all forms of anti-social behaviour are strictly unacceptable. Students are expected to maintain high standards of behaviour at all times.

Exclusions Policy

Authority and Procedure

The Head (or acting Head) holds the sole authority to exclude a student from the school. Exclusions may be:

• Fixed-Term Exclusion – up to 45 school days in one academic year

• Permanent Exclusion – in cases of serious or repeated misconduct

The Head may also convert a fixed-term exclusion to a permanent exclusion if warranted.

Grounds for Suspension or Expulsion

Suspension may be imposed for:

• Persistent misdemeanours following warnings

• Bullying or threatening behaviour

• Theft, dishonesty, or bringing prohibited items/substances to school

Suspension serves as a formal warning and a time for reflection. If conduct does not improve, expulsion may follow.

Expulsion may be immediate in cases of serious misconduct or ordered after repeated suspensions. Before expulsion:

• A meeting is typically held with the student and parents.

• Parents may be given the opportunity to voluntarily withdraw the student.

• The Head may expel the student immediately if deemed appropriate.

The Head informs the Proprietor of any permanent exclusions or fixed-term exclusions that exceed five days in a term.

Right to Appeal

If a student is excluded, the Head will:

• Notify the parents immediately, providing reasons for the exclusion

• Inform parents of their right to appeal the decision

• Provide guidance on how to submit an appeal

The school's management team will review the circumstances, consider parental representations, and decide whether the student should be reinstated. The Head is required to comply with the management’s decision.

Standards and Guidance

Our exclusions policy is aligned with the UK Department for Education’s (DfE) statutory guidance on exclusions:
DFE Exclusion Guidance PDF

Monitoring and Evaluation

This policy is reviewed regularly by the Head of School, who is responsible for ensuring its effectiveness and alignment with both the school's ethos and external guidance. Amendments will be made as needed, in consultation with the Proprietor.