Admissions and Additional Educational Needs
Trinity School is an academically selective school that offers places to applicants based on information from three sources: the entrance examination results (GCSE results in the case of 16+ entrants), a reference from the pupil's current school and, for candidates whose academic standard is judged to be of a sufficiently high standard, admissions interviews. The normal minimum entry requirement for 16+ candidates is 5 A/A* grades.
Trinity's usual points of entry are 10+, 11+, 13+ and 16+. Under special circumstances pupils may join at other ages, provided a place is available.
The admissions process does not discriminate against any applicant on grounds of ethnic origin, religious persuasion or disability.
Academic scholarships are awarded to candidates who excel in the entrance or GCSE examinations, and/or the subsequent admissions interviews. There is no additional application form as all candidates are automatically considered for an academic scholarship.
Scholarships are also offered in Art, Design Technology, Music and Sport. Supporting references and evidence are submitted on an additional application form. The level of performance during a practical assessment is then considered in determining whether an award is made.
The extracurricular interests of candidates may have some bearing on selection. This evidence is derived from application forms, references from the candidate's current school and the admissions interviews.
Fee Remission
Bursaries
Income-related fee reductions (bursaries) are assessed by the Whitgift Foundation and awarded by the school. The number of annual bursary awards is limited. Bursary awards are therefore made using the same criteria as described in the admissions policy above. The Headmaster, Tutor for Admissions and Admissions Registrar treat bursary information as confidential.
The Whitgift Foundation publishes an additional policy for its employees.
Scholarships
In distributing scholarship funds the school aims to recognise the abilities and potential of the most talented applicants across all entry levels. The number and value of awards for each entry age group therefore varies from year to year. Scholarship fee remission ranges up to 50%, the upper limit being determined by HMC guidelines.
Special Needs
Trinity School endeavours to make any reasonable adjustments to the admissions procedures to enable disabled and other special needs' candidates to compete for a place at the school without disadvantage.
Parents are asked to contact the Tutor for Admissions to discuss adjustments that are desirable to meet their child's specific needs. If necessary, a meeting will be arranged at school to discuss provision for the candidate's needs throughout the admissions process and, presuming a successful outcome to the application, during the pupil's subsequent time at the School. While the School attempts to meet the costs of all reasonable adjustments, it reserves the right to charge for additional services.
Candidates with special needs may be allowed additional time in the entrance examinations, at the discretion of the Tutor for Admissions. Documentary evidence, such as a current Educational Psychologist's report, should be submitted to the School before the closing date for applications.
Additional educational needs
Admission to the School
Trinity School endeavours to make any reasonable adjustments to the admissions procedures to enable disabled and other candidates with specific needs to compete for a place at the school without disadvantage.
Parents are asked to contact the Tutor for Admissions to discuss adjustments that are desirable to meet their child's specific needs. If necessary, a meeting will be arranged at school to discuss provision for the candidate's needs throughout the admissions process and, presuming a successful outcome to the application, during the pupil's subsequent time at the School. While the school attempts to meet the costs of all reasonable adjustments, it reserves the right to charge for additional services.
Where applicants have existing statements of special educational needs, a meeting will always take place prior to the entrance examination between the School and the applicants' parents, and - if appropriate - with the relevant education authority. All such cases are dealt with on an individual basis, and the purpose of such meetings is to establish whether the School best meets the needs of that particular pupil.
Candidates with learning needs may be allowed additional time in the entrance examinations, at the discretion of the Tutor for Admissions. Documentary evidence, such as a current Educational Psychologist's report, should be submitted to the school before the closing date for applications.
Supporting AEN in school
A part-time specialist teacher, with particular expertise in dyslexia, spends one day each week in school meeting with individual pupils and providing them with support.
Information from the entrance examinations, MidYis tests and the Edinburgh Reading test is used to help identify pupils with additional needs, including gifted pupils. Systems of academic tracking and support are in place across the three pastoral sections. In addition, a system of support for academic scholars and boys with learning difficulties operates in the Lower School.
Classroom support is provided by subject specialist teachers in some Lower School English and Mathematics lessons. This is supplemented by further out-of-timetable teacher assistance with homework and study skills.
Lunchtime clubs and societies often meet the needs of less and more able pupils. The English Department in particular gives specific support through lunchtime tutorials and ‘Junior Reading Club' and the Mathematics Department operates the weekly ‘Hard Sums Club' as well as an informal ‘maths clinic' most lunchtimes.
A number of pupils for whom English is a second language receive some additional EFL teaching.
Additional time during internal and public examinations is available to pupils with recognised and documented AENs. Further information can be obtained form the Examinations Officer.
Updated: June 2010
