St Benedict’s School a
minim is
inc ip e
ADMISSIONS INFORMATION 2022 ENTRY
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 4 ADMISSION TO THE JUNIOR SCHOOL.......................................................................... 5 ADMISSION TO THE SENIOR SCHOOL.......................................................................... 6 ADMISSION TO THE SIXTH FORM................................................................................ 8 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS.......................................................................................... 9 ART & DRAMA SCHOLARSHIPS.................................................................................... 10 MUSIC & SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS................................................................................ 11 BURSARIES.................................................................................................................. 12 ST ANSELM AWARDS................................................................................................. 14 SCHOOL FEES............................................................................................................... 16 VISITING ST BENEDICT’S............................................................................................... 18
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your interest in St Benedict’s, London’s leading independent Catholic co-educational school. St Benedict’s is a successful blend of the traditional and the progressive; proud of its heritage but also forward thinking and innovative. Within a caring, happy community, our pupils thrive, benefiting from a seamless education which can begin at the age of three and continue through to the Sixth Form. St Benedict’s combines strong academic standards with excellent personal development. The School is committed to supporting all children to develop their full potential, by treating them as individuals, and catering for their particular needs and talents at every stage. Inspirational teaching, tutorial guidance and exceptional pastoral care are at the heart of the education we offer. The Junior School and Nursery provide a supportive and vibrant environment in which to learn. Sharing excellent facilities with the Senior School and a programme of cross-curricular activities help ease the transition at 11+ to the Senior School, which is on the same site. At St Benedict’s, there is a vital focus on personal development. We encourage principled leadership, resilience and character in our pupils, and promote the Christian values of integrity, fairness and generosity to others. St Benedict’s has a distinguished sporting tradition, and Music and Drama at the school are both outstanding. Our co-curricular programme enables all pupils to find and develop their unique gifts and talents. Recent developments include new Nursery and Pre-Prep facilities and a new Sixth Form Centre and Art Department. We hope this booklet will provide you with the information you need, but please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.
4
ADMISSION TO THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
Admission to the Nursery at 3+ Pupils are eligible to join the Nursery aged 3 years and 3 months with a September or January entry point. In order to assess readiness for entry into the Nursery, pupils are observed during a short play session. These sessions are conducted without parental attendance. Admission into the Nursery does not guarantee a place in the Pre-Preparatory department, however the expectation is that in most instances this will be the case. There is a maximum of 32 places in the Nursery. Admission to Pre-Prep 1 (Reception) at 4+ At Pre-Prep 1 (Reception) we offer 2 classes, with an optimum class size of 18 pupils and a maximum of 20. The assessments for entry in September 2022 will take place on Saturday, 13 November 2021. The closing date for registration is Friday, 15 October 2021. Using the School’s admission criteria, pupils are observed in a classroom situation, carrying out tasks both individually and in small groups. Prospective parents will have the opportunity to meet the Junior School Headmaster and undertake a guided tour of the Junior School. The offer of a place is subject to the successful outcome of the assessment and a parental interview with the Junior School Headmaster. Admission to Pre-Prep 2 and 3 (Years 1 and 2) is subject to availability Admission to the Junior Department (Years 3 – 6) at 7+ The Junior Department has up to 3 classes per year group, with a maximum of 22 in each class. The assessment for entry in September 2022 will take place during January and February 2022. The closing date for registration is Friday, 19 November 2021. Pupils seeking admission to the Junior Department attend a full school day during which they are assessed in literacy, numeracy and verbal reasoning; they are also observed in various social and classroom situations to ensure that they will integrate well with their year group. A reference is also sought from the current school. We aim to select boys and girls who are academically above the national average. Pupils are admitted to the Junior School with an expectation that they will transfer to the Senior School at 11+. Registration forms may be completed via our website.
5
ADMISSION TO THE SENIOR SCHOOL
Admission to Year 7 (11+) All candidates must sit the School’s 11+ entrance examination, some of whom will then be invited to an interview with the Headmaster or Deputy Head. The interview is an integral part of the assessment as it provides a friendly atmosphere in which the candidate has the opportunity to share details of his or her interests and abilities. It also enables the interviewer to look further into the candidate’s performance in the entrance examination and to ascertain what contribution he or she might make to the general life of the School. A reference is also sought from the candidate’s current school. The Headmaster will finalise the list of candidates who will be eligible for further consideration for admission.
Age on 1 September 2022
11.0 – 11.11
Number of places available
110
Closing Date for Registration
Friday, 19 November 2021
Date of Entrance Examination
Thursday, 6 January 2022
Examination
Mathematics English Verbal Reasoning Non-Verbal Reasoning
Interview Dates
26, 27 and 28 January
Offers Posted
Thursday, 10 February 2022
Transfer from the Junior School to the Senior School at 11+ is subject to the principles set out above and to a pupil making satisfactory progress. It is for the School to deem whether progress is satisfactory or not. The parents of children who are unlikely to be offered a place in the Senior School will be informed in Form 1 (Year 5). Registration forms may be completed via our website.
6
ADMISSION TO THE SENIOR SCHOOL
Admission to Years 8 (12+) and 9 (13+) As with the 11+ process, all candidates must sit an entrance examination, some of whom will then be invited to an interview with the Headmaster. A reference will also be sought from the candidate’s current school. The Headmaster will finalise the list of candidates who will be eligible for further consideration for admission. Age on 1 September 2022
12.0 – 12.11 (Year 8) and 13.0 – 13.11 (Year 9)
Number of places available
Subject to availability
Closing Date for Registration
Friday, 19 November 2021
Date of Entrance Examination
Thursday, 6 January 2022
Examination
Mathematics (1 hour) English Composition & Use of English (1 hour) Verbal Reasoning (45 minutes) Non-Verbal Reasoning (30 minutes) (12+ only)
Interview Dates
26, 27 and 28 January
Offers Posted
Thursday, 10 February 2022
Registration forms may be completed via our website. Admission to Year 10 (14+) Information on our approach to pupils wishing to join Year 10 may be obtained by contacting the Registrar.
7
ADMISSION TO THE SIXTH FORM
Admission to Sixth Form External students who wish to be considered for entry to the Sixth Form are encouraged to attend an Open Evening on Thursday, 14 October 2021. At this event, there will be an opportunity to meet the Headmaster and Heads of Departments who will present details of the courses on offer. Following completion of a registration form, available on our website, students are invited to a formal interview with the Headmaster, to which they are asked to bring their most recent school report and, if appropriate, their predicted grades. A reference is also sought from the student’s current school. Conditional offers are made on the basis of interview, school reference and predicted grades. Applicants must achieve a minimum of grade 7 in at least five subjects at GCSE/IGCSE. Additionally, applicants must achieve a grade 6 or higher at GCSE/IGCSE in the subjects they have chosen to study at A level. To study Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics they must achieve at least a grade 7 at Mathematics GCSE/IGCSE. In the case of subjects which are new at A level, they should achieve at least a grade 6 in a related subject. The conditional offer will be confirmed on receipt of GCSE results in August 2022. As part of the process of entry all students meet with the Director of Studies to finalise their A level options choices.
Age on Friday, 1 September 2022
Preferably under 17
Number of places available
up to 30
Closing Date for Registration
Friday, 19 November 2021
Interview Dates
3 and 4 February 2022
Offers Posted
Thursday, 10 February 2022
8
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are offered to attract applicants of high potential to the School and are available to both internal and external candidates. General information is set out below and should be read in conjunction with the Scholarship Policy on our website. The decision to award a scholarship will be made at the Headmaster’s discretion and subject to the relevant Conditions of the Award. Late applicants will not be considered for a scholarship. 11+ Academic Scholarships All candidates registered to sit the 11+ entrance examination will be considered for an Academic Scholarship. The award of a scholarship will be based on performance in these assessments, an interview with the Headmaster and a satisfactory school reference from the candidate’s current school. Candidates must register by Friday, 19 November 2021. All offers of a place at St Benedict’s School alongside achievement of an Academic Scholarship award will be posted in February 2022. 16+ Sixth Form Academic Scholarships External students who wish to be considered for an Academic Scholarship must register for and sit the Scholarship Examination. Internal students will be invited to sit the Scholarship Examination. Receipt of a scholarship will be dependent on the candidate’s performance in the Scholarship Examination, an interview with the Headmaster and a satisfactory school reference from the candidate’s current school. Candidates must submit a Registration Form and a Sixth Form Academic Scholarship form, available from the school website, by Friday, 5 November 2021. Examinations will be held on Thursday, 18 November 2021 with some candidates subsequently invited to an interview with the Headmaster. Offers of a Sixth Form Academic Scholarship award will be posted in December 2021. All offers of a place at St Benedict’s School will be posted on Thursday, 10 February 2022.
9
ART & DRAMA SCHOLARSHIPS
Art & Design Scholarships: 11+ External pupils who wish to be considered for an Art & Design Scholarship must submit a Registration Form and an Art Scholarship Application form by Friday, 5 November 2021. As a guide in deciding whether to apply for Fine Art, it is likely that successful candidates will display considerable talent in Drawing, Painting or Sculpture. They are likely to have sensitive drawing, painting and/or 3D modelling skills. We would also expect them to have an understanding of how meaning is conveyed through Art. As a guide in deciding whether to apply for Design, it is likely that successful candidates will display considerable talent in 3D or Graphic Design. They are likely to be able to generate ideas using the design process. Applicants will be assessed on their portfolio, sit a test to gauge their skill level and have a short interview with the Head of Art. Portfolio reviews, tests and interviews will take place on Thursday, 18 November 2021. All offers of a place at St Benedict’s School alongside achievement of an Art & Design Scholarship award will be posted on Thursday, 10 February 2022. Drama Scholarships: 11+ External pupils who wish to be considered for a Drama Scholarship must submit a Registration Form and a Drama Scholarship Application form by Friday, 5 November 2021. As a guide in deciding whether to apply, candidates will have been involved in a number of productions and will show particular promise as a performer. Applicants will be asked to perform a monologue of their choice lasting 1-2 minutes, showing a range of acting skills; provide a scrapbook/portfolio of their drama experiences (e.g. productions the applicants have seen as well as productions they have performed in, drama clubs, any summer school courses etc) and interests; and will have a short interview with the Head of Drama. Auditions will take place on Thursday, 18 November 2021. All offers of a place at St Benedict’s School alongside achievement of a Drama Scholarship award will be posted on Thursday, 10 February 2022. 10
MUSIC & SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS
Music Scholarships: 11+ and Sixth Form External pupils who wish to be considered for a Music Scholarship must complete and return a Registration Form and a Music Scholarship Application form, available from the school website, by Friday, 5 November 2021. As a guide in deciding whether to apply, it is likely that successful candidates will have achieved the Associated Board of Music’s Grade 5 at 11+ and Grade 8 at Sixth Form, or be at the equivalent standard in their main instrument. Applicants will be asked to perform two contrasting pieces of music, an aural test, sight- reading test, have a short interview with the Director of Music. Auditions will take place on Thursday, 18 November 2021. All offers of a place at St Benedict’s School alongside achievement of a Music Scholarship award will be posted on Thursday, 10 February 2022. Sports Scholarships: 11+ and Sixth Form External pupils who wish to be considered for a Sports Scholarship must complete and return a Registration Form and a Sports Scholarship Application form, available from the school website, by Friday, 5 November 2021. As a guide in deciding whether to apply, candidates must specialise in one of the School’s core sports. For boys, core sports are rugby, cricket and fencing, whilst for girls, core sports are hockey, netball, athletics and fencing. At 11+ candidates will be able to demonstrate an elite level of performance in their age category. At Sixth Form, candidates are expected to be playing at county or academy level, or equivalent in their nominated sport(s). Applicants will have a short interview with the Director of Sport. Trials will take place on Wednesday, 17 November 2021 (Sixth Form) and Thursday, 18 November 2021 (11+). All offers of a place at St Benedict’s School alongside achievement of a Sports Scholarship award will be posted on Thursday, 10 February 2022. 11
BURSARIES
Who is eligible? Bursaries are offered to broaden access to the School by offering, to eligible parents of gifted young people, some financial support with fees. Bursaries are only available to Senior School pupils. Parents who wish to apply for a bursary should request a bursary application pack from the Bursar’s office, bursar@stbenedicts.org.uk. A bursary application must be completed and returned to the Bursar’s office no later than Friday, 19 November 2021. Applications for bursaries will not be considered after this date. Bursary applications are only considered if a Registration Form has also been completed via our website. Applicants undertake the assessments relevant to the year group they are applying for. Some applicants will then be invited to an interview with the Headmaster and other senior staff. Home visits will also be conducted in January 2022. All offers of a place at St Benedict’s School alongside a decision on bursary applications will be posted on Thursday, 10 February 2022. Bursary awards are subject to annual testing, which may result in the bursary being varied upward or downward depending on parental circumstances. The above should be read in conjunction with the Bursary Policy on our website.
12
ST ANSELM AWARDS
The aim of this bursary scheme is to give the opportunity to able and deserving young people, who have much to offer the St Benedict’s School community, and would benefit enormously from the opportunity of attending a high quality Catholic independent school. It is envisaged that candidates for a St Anselm Award will come from families who would not otherwise have the financial resources to offer their children a quality independent (fee-paying) education. Means-tested St Anselm Awards are worth up to 100% of the school fees. Further means-tested assistance may also be available to cover other costs, such as uniform, music tuition and some trips. Up to five St Anselm Awards are available each year at the 11+ entry to Form 3 (Year 7). Who is eligible? St Anselm Award holders will be very able young people, among the top 10% of academic ability nationally, who would clearly benefit from the academic education offered in our selective Catholic school, and would thrive upon the opportunities for academic stretch and challenge available at St Benedict’s. Successful candidates for the St Anselm Award will be able to demonstrate strong interest, and a track record of success, in some aspect of their co-curricular programme. For example, they may be strong at sports, a proficient musician, or have had significant involvement in drama, dance or art. St Anselm Award holders will show determination, ambition, and a desire to make the most of their gifts and talents. Families will qualify to be considered for a St Anselm Award where they are able to demonstrate, through confidential means-testing, that they would not have the means to pay the school fees without the significant support available from a St Anselm Award. As a guide in deciding whether to apply, consideration will be given to families with a combined total income of no more than £60,000 per annum. It is important applications are supported by a suitable referee, who will usually be the Head of the applicant’s current school.
14
ST ANSELM AWARDS
Parents who wish to apply for a St Anselm Award should request an award application pack from the Bursar’s office, bursar@stbenedicts.org.uk, at the time of registration. An application must be completed and returned to the Bursar’s office no later than Friday, 19 November 2021. Applications for an award will not be considered after this date. St Anselm Awards applications are only considered if a Registration Form has also been completed via our website. Applicants will sit the 11+ assessments at St Benedict’s. Some applicants will then be invited to an interview with the Headmaster and other senior staff. Home visits will also be conducted during January 2022. All offers of a place at St Benedict’s School alongside a decision on an award will be posted on Thursday, 10 February 2022. St Anselm awards are subject to annual testing, which may result in the award being varied upward or downward depending on parental circumstances.
15
SCHOOL FEES 2021/22
Nursery Fees (per term) Registration Fee for the Nursery (non-returnable) £125 (£250 for overseas applicants) There are three options for parents and the fees structure reflects these choices: Option 1: 8.00 am to 1.00 pm term time only £3,375.00 per term Option 2: 8.00 am to 3.30 pm term time only £4,820.00 per term Option 3: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm term time only £5,075.00 per term Nursery Holiday Club Provision A Nursery Holiday Club is available during holiday periods at a rate of £54 per day and £230 per week, however, it is closed for a week at Christmas, a week at Easter and four weeks in August. It is recommended that parents request holiday care at least 4 weeks in advance. The fees for the Nursery include lunch as well as morning and afternoon snacks. Junior School Fees (per term) Registration Fee (non-returnable) £125 (£250 for overseas applicants) Tuition Fees are currently charged at the following rates (per term): • Pre-Prep Department (aged 4 to 7 years) £4,665.00 • Junior School (aged 7 to 11 years) £5,185.00 • School Lunch £260.00 Senior School Fees (per term) Registration Fee (non-returnable) £125 (£250 for overseas applicants) Tuition Fees are currently charged at the following rates (per term): • Senior School (aged 11 to 18 years) £6,110.00 These fees cover the use of text and library books, scientific materials and games. The cost of external examinations is not included in the tuition fees. Lunches, which are non-compulsory, are also charged as an extra. Pupils may bring their own packed lunches from home if preferred.
16
SCHOOL FEES 2021/22
Music Fees Music Instrumental Lessons Pre-Prep and Junior (per 30 minute lesson) £25.50 Individual music lessons Senior (per 40 minute lesson) £34.00 Hire of Instrument (per term) £34.50 Parents must give a half-term’s notice in writing to the Director of Music of intention to discontinue private music tuition. School Minibus Service
£385 per term
Junior School After School Club
£8 per session if collected by 5.15pm £15.50 per session if collected between 5.15pm and 6.00pm
Fees (Junior and Senior School) • Payment is due in accordance with the direct debit scheme or payment may be made in full on the first day of term • If payment is not received when due, the Governors reserve the right to refuse the pupil admittance and impose an administration charge of up to 1.5% per month • A full term’s notice must be given in writing to the Headmaster before the removal of a pupil from the school otherwise liability for one full term’s fees is incurred • Junior School parents must give half a term’s notice in writing of intention to discontinue lunches • Nursery parents must give half a term’s notice in writing to the Bursar of intention to change to an alternate Nursery option • Parents must give half a term’s notice in writing to the Director of Music of intention to discontinue private music lessons • Parents must give half a term’s notice in writing to the Bursar of intention to discontinue use of the School bus service
17
VISITING ST BENEDICT’S
View our website (www.stbenedicts.org.uk) for details of our open events or arrange an individual appointment with our Admissions office: Junior School Beverley Everett 020 8862 2253
Senior School Louise Pepper 020 8862 2254
admissions@stbenedicts.org.uk
admissions@stbenedicts.org.uk
Junior School St Benedict’s School 5 Montpelier Avenue Ealing London W5 2XP
Senior School St Benedict’s School 54 Eaton Rise Ealing London W5 2ES
020 8862 2050
020 8862 2000
18
St Benedict’s School a
minimis
incipe
Ealing ● London ● W5 2ES ● V 020 8862 2000 M admissions@stbenedicts.org.uk F StBenedictsSchool ● L stbenedicts