Loughborough Amherst School Admissions Information 2023/24

Welcome to Loughborough Amherst School

Statement of Aims

Our role at Amherst School is to ensure that your child leaves school with confidence, compassion and ambition. Not empty, materialistic ambition, but rather the ambition to use the talents and knowledge they harvest to fulfil their own potential and to help make the world a better place. To achieve that we commit to:

A challenging knowledge-rich curriculum that sets high expectations for all learners

A genuinely personal service to every family and individual understanding of each pupil in our care

The Minerva philosophy – this approach to learning is part of every aspect of school life, and is designed with one aim: to help young people prepare for a competitive world while remaining happy, healthy, balanced and kind

A rich and diverse extra-curricular programme, particularly in the fields of sport and music, that is enhanced by our membership of the Loughborough Schools Foundation

A flexible curriculum and the ability to cater for a range of abilities that more selective schools, or larger non-selective schools, cannot always match

Curriculum Summary

Whole School

Music is a very important element in the life of our School, with a choir, singing groups and individual tuition for many instruments. There is the opportunity to join a huge variety of musical ensembles. We believe education should be holistic; all children are encouraged to participate in the rich choice of extra-curricular activities on offer. Throughout the School, there are opportunities for additional educational support - including dyslexia tuition - if deemed necessary. We are fortunate in having on-site trained dyslexia tutors with whom pupils may receive tuition with minimum disruption to the curriculum.

As part of our school family your child will be integrated into whole-school activities, have the opportunity to assume positions of responsibility and represent their House in competitions and sporting events. He or she will be challenged yet cared for and will be prepared for the next stage of his or her education; pupils in Year 6 automatically progress to our senior school ready to focus on GCSEs and beyond.

Preparatory School

The curriculum at Loughborough Amherst Preparatory School has been designed to allow the children to develop their unique sets of skills and talents, be stretched and challenged where they show enthusiasm and/or aptitude and be supported and nurtured in areas where they feel less confident.

Across the curriculum, we have set out clear progress expectations for each child in the form of route maps. These route maps have been created purposefully, taking all of the best of the 2014 National Curriculum and working with our senior school colleagues, to allow seamless links as the children progress on their academic journey.

Our boys and girls have access to an ICT suite, a bank of iPads, a well-stocked library and a room with a range of resources and play-based activities linked to the theme being studied. We enjoy making learning come alive for the children and offer a range of educational visits and experiences throughout the year. Additionally, they are provided with tuition in Spanish, Music and PE by subject specialists as well as in Latin from Year 3. They are able to access the facilities of the senior school as needed, using Cookery, Humanities, Art, PE, ICT and Science laboratories when appropriate in their learning. The children also benefit from close access to the Loughborough Schools Foundation Music department.

The Preparatory School prepares all pupils to enjoy learning, recognise and celebrate effort and feel confident as they move into the senior school.

Senior School

In the first two years (Years 7 and 8), all pupils study a common curriculum: English, Mathematics, General Science, Religious Education, History, Geography, Spanish, French, Art and Design, Computing, Food, Music and sporting activities.

PSHCCE (Personal Social Health Citizenship and Careers Education) is included for every year group as part of the curriculum offer from Year 7 right through to Year 13.

In Year 9, Physics, Chemistry and Biology are studied instead of General Science.

In Year 10, your child will continue with the core subject areas of English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science, Religious Studies and Games. All pupils study at least a double Science qualification and for some, there is the opportunity of studying three individual Sciences. Some pupils have the possibility of studying up to 10 subjects to GCSE. We understand however, that there is a great deal more to our pupils than academic results and we endeavour to help your child to develop these aspects through Sport and a rich and varied extra-curricular timetable. After completing Years 7 to 11, your child is prepared and ready to move confidently into our excellent Sixth Form and the final phase of their educational journey within our school.

Sixth Form

We offer 26 A Level subjects, more details of which can be found on our website, and we are able to offer small teaching groups to help support academic progress at a highly individualised level.

The standard expectation is for students to take three A Levels but there is the opportunity to study four where appropriate.

In addition your child is expected to select one option from our Additional Curriculum menu which includes, amongst others, Combined Cadet Force, Voluntary Service, Amherst Cook School and the Extended Project Qualification.

All Sixth Form students participate in sporting activities on Tuesday afternoons. All subjects offer extended learning opportunities such as residentials and visits, and your child will be encouraged to visit university open days and undertake work experience.

Academic Results

In 2022, our Year 13 students achieved 14% A*, 32% A*-A and 65% A*-B at A Level. Most importantly, more than 44% of our Sixth Formers achieve their first choice of university. Of course, there is never room for complacency. We pride ourselves on operating a particularly rigorous programme of teaching and learning quality assurance, to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of an ever increasing excellence of provision for all pupils, regardless of ability.

Last year the majority of our Year 13 leavers chose to progress to universities across the UK to read subjects as diverse as Medicine, Law, Music, Radiography and Fashion. More information can be found on our website.

Admissions Process

Admission to Loughborough Amherst

School is straightforward and is designed to minimise stress for your son or daughter as they integrate into our family.

We operate a rolling admissions programme and are happy to accommodate enquiries throughout the school year. Our Registrar, Katie Newman, is on hand to guide you through the process at each stage and in the first instance all admissions enquiries should be to amherst.admissions@lsf.org or via telephone to 01509 638280

After receipt of the Registration form, we will request a reference from the candidate’s current school, and invite them in for an Entrance Assessment. They may also be required to attend a Taster Day subject to the outcome of the Assessment.

The Registration form can be found on the Apply page of our website. It should be completed in full and submitted online. Alternatively you can download a hard copy of the relevant form from the appropriate Admissions Timeline page, which should be completed and addressed to the School for the attention of:

The Registrar

Loughborough Amherst School

Gray Street

Loughborough LE11 2DZ

For anyone considering joining us we recommend that you come for a visit, whether on a formal Open Day or any normal working day that is convenient for you.

Once you have experienced the warm welcome of a full school tour, your son or daughter may attend a Taster Day. This is an important element in the decision making process and during the day, your son or daughter will be introduced to their year group, given some basic orientation, make friends and attend lessons in subjects they have expressed a preference for. This has proved to be a very successful exercise, with pupils quickly establishing friendships and feeling at home.

For admission in September 2024 the assessment is held on Saturday 13 January 2024 . As part of our rolling admission programme, assessments can be arranged at any time throughout the school year.

For more information or for assistance with the admissions process please contact our Registrar, Katie Newman by email to amherst.admissions@lsf.org or via telephone on 01509 638280

Entrance Assessments

An invitation to sit the entrance assessments will be made.

The purpose of the assessment is to gather some knowledge about your son or daughter’s particular skills and areas of strength prior to them joining the School.

We operate separate assessments for those wishing to apply for scholarships.

Reception Class:

Assessment is based on observations in different situations in the classroom by the Class Teacher over the course of the session.

Years 1 to 6:

Assessment is based on computer adaptive tests for English skills such as reading and spelling which are administrated through the GL Assessment group.

To enable us to quickly identify how best to offer a stimulating and suitably challenging education for your son or daughter, we need to establish the levels he or she currently achieves in work and behaviour.

Years 7 to 11:

Assessment is based on computer adaptive tests which are administrated by the Durham University Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring. These cover quantitative, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

Sixth Form:

Admission to Sixth Form is dependent upon ability and attitude together with a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or higher, a Headteacher’s report and personal interview.

Those wishing to study Mathematics, Sciences or Languages at A Level will require a grade 7 or higher at GCSE in the relevant subjects. Other subjects may have different entry requirements, do contact our Head of Sixth Form for more detail.

We reserve the right to refuse admission at any entry point on the basis of behavioural issues.

Entrance to Senior Schools for Year 5 Pupils

Loughborough Amherst School guarantee Foundation Year 7 places for pupils who are on role in Year 6 by 1 September. Current Year 5 parents are informed as to which school they have guaranteed places for based on our internal tracking data. Having received this information, parents select which School they wish their child to join following the Year 5 Taster Days at Loughborough Grammar School, Loughborough High School and Loughborough Amherst School in the second half of the Summer term.

Fees

Fees are reviewed annually for the following year.

Registration Fee

The registration fee of £50 per child (Reception to Year 6) or £100 per child (Years 7 and above) should be sent with the Registration Form. Please make payments via bank transfer, please refer to the Registration Form for the bank transfer details. Payments may also be made by credit or debit card or via cheques payable to ‘Loughborough Schools Foundation’. The Registration Fee is non-refundable.

Acceptance Deposit

An acceptance deposit of £400 is payable on acceptance of a place and is returned when students leave in accordance with the Foundation’s Terms and Conditions.

Acceptance deposit for overseas pupils £1,000

Free Early Years Entitlement

Free Early Years Entitlement (FEEE) may be used from the term after a child’s third birthday, up to and including their fifth birthday. This is subject to the current guidelines set out by the Local Authority. Tax Free Childcare and Childcare Vouchers are also accepted to pay for fees until your child is 5.

Fee Payments

Please note that fees are due on the first day of each term. Payment may be made by bank transfer, direct debit, debit card, credit card or the School operates a monthly payment plan. For overseas pupils, payment may be made by bank transfer or by credit card. For credit card payments, standard charges will apply.

Full details of the schemes are available from the Registrar or the Finance Office at the Bursary, bursary.fees@lsf.org

Fees for Academic Year 2023/24

Pre-Prep (Reception to Year 2)

£4,040 per term

Prep (Years 3 to 6)

£4,160 per term

Senior (Years 7 to 9)

£5,160 per term

Senior (Years 10 to 11)

£5,230 per term

Sixth Form (Years 12 to 13)

£5,270 per term

Lunches

Pre-Prep – £4.55 per day

Prep – £4.70 per day

Seniors and Sixth Form – £5.00 per day

Optional Extras

Music – £27.50 per 30 minute lesson

Breakfast Club – £6.20 per day

After School Club – £16.00 per day

Prices correct at time of going to print.

Scholarships and School

Assisted Places (SAPS)

Music Awards

Music Scholarships are available at Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12. We welcome applications from both internal and external candidates; an offer of a Scholarship is conditional on gaining entry to one of the Schools in the Loughborough Schools Foundation.

Music Scholarships are available by audition in January to exceptional practical musicians, whether instrumentalists or vocalists. They provide the framework for a comprehensive partnership between the pupil and the Music department. Music Scholarships will be tenable for the duration of a pupil’s time at the Loughborough Schools Foundation, subject to annual review, and comprise individually tailored support with performance practice, music theory and aural skills, unrivalled ensemble experience and full access to the Enhanced Music Programme. Scholars must be enthusiastic and able musicians, who can demonstrate their passion for the subject as well as their technical skill. They will be mentored throughout their time at School to ensure they become the best musicians that they can be.

Applications for Music Scholarships should be submitted to the Registrar by 09:00, Monday 15 January 2024 . Further details are available on www.lsf.org/amherst/admissions/scholarships

Music Scholarship interviews will be held on 18 and 19 January 2024.

School Assisted Places (SAPS)

SAPS may be awarded to pupils whose parents are unable to pay the full school fees and all applicants are thus means tested as part of the application process. These awards are designed to assist those pupils who have demonstrated the potential to benefit from the education and opportunities provided by Loughborough Amherst School and who would actively contribute to the ethos and community spirit within the School. The awards are subject to review and will continue through the pupil’s time at School for as long as it can be demonstrated that they are benefiting from the educational provision, and there remains a need for financial assistance.

SAPS are awarded by the Head, who will consider a number of factors before making a decision and it is important to note that the academic merit of pupils as well as the financial situation of the parents will be taken into account when considering the award. Sadly, it is not possible to offer support to all those parents whose financial circumstances warrant it and making an application does not guarantee that financial assistance will form part of the offer. Please contact the Registrar on amherst.admissions@lsf.org for further information.

In order to be considered for a SAP, it is necessary to complete and submit a Statement of Financial Circumstance Form with relevant supporting documentation, by no later than 31 October 2023 Please note that we are unable to consider late applicants for means tested financial support and the award verification process may include a home visit. Parents/Legal Guardians will be notified by the end of January whether or not a financial award is being made and the exact amount.

Further information can be found on the school website.

Provision of Information

The following information is available on our website.

Admissions Policy

Anti Bullying and Anti Harassment Policy

Behaviour Management Policy

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

Complaints Policy

Curriculum Policy

Data Collection Notice

EAL Policy

Early Years Foundation Stage Policy

First Aid, Medical and Accident Reporting Policy

Health and Safety Policy

Out of School Visits Policy

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) Policy

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Policy

Statement of Boarding Principles and Practice

Student Serious Disciplinary Policy

Taking, Storing and Using Images of Pupils

Transgender Statement

A full list of all Loughborough Schools Foundation and Loughborough Amherst School’s policies is available on request. The text of all policies, including those which are not published on the website, is available on request.

Please refer to the website for the most recent information regarding:

Destinations of Leavers

Governing Body and Staff

ISI Inspection Report

School’s Academic Performance

School Bus Routes

School Transport

There is a network of School buses that operate across a large part of the East Midlands that can be accessed by children from Year 3 upwards.

The routes are managed by our appointed partner, Passenger Travel Solutions. Please view our interactive map on the Foundation website for all contact details and information about stops and times.

www.lsf.org/transport-network

Contact

Please address all admissions enquiries to the Registrar: Katie Newman, on 01509 638280 or by email to amherst.admissions@lsf.org

The Chair of the Governors, Mr Roger Harrison, may be contacted on 01509 283701 or by email to secretary.board@lsf.org or at the postal address:

3 Burton Walks, Loughborough, LE11 2DU

Legal Disclaimer

The prospectus and admissions information booklets describe the broad principles on which the School is presently run. Although believed to be correct at the time of printing, the prospectus or admissions information booklets are not part of any agreement between parents and Loughborough Schools Foundation. Parents wishing to place specific reliance on matters given in the prospectus or admissions information booklets should seek written confirmation of that statement before accepting the offer of a place.

August 2023