Occasional Places

What is the application process for occasional places?

Children can apply for occasional place entry for most year groups, with the exception of Year 11 (halfway through GCSE) and Year 13 (halfway through A levels), as occasional places do become available.

Our aim when placing children into an already established class is to ensure the balance and dynamics are perfectly in order so that all children can succeed. At KAS we do not select children on their academic ability. We believe that having a range of abilities in a class is perfectly normal and our teaching is focussed on helping each individual in their next steps in learning rather than expecting them to conform to a norm. Differences are both welcomed and celebrated and we believe KAS is a better place because of this philosophy. That said, we also recognise that some children may need more support in their learning than we can offer and we believe it is important to be open and honest if we feel we are unable to give a child the support they deserve.

1. The first step is to complete an Occasional Place Application form. When an application form is received the child’s name is added to the waiting list. Waiting lists are carried over into subsequent years. Please have your child’s most recent school report, and any health or other educational reports available, as you will be asked to upload them while filling in the form. 
2. If an occasional vacancy arises the next child on the relevant waiting list will be contacted and invited into the school for a visit.
3. Visits will vary in length from half a day to two days, depending on the age of the child. During the visit the child will be with the class where there is a space and during this time they will also complete assessments set by the school. Upper School applicants will also have a pastoral interview.
4. Parents will be invited in to meet with the Head of Lower or Upper School, as appropriate.
5. After the visit the school will decide whether to make a firm offer of a place.