Admissions and Transition

Admissions

The admissions policy of the school is in accordance with the admissions policy of Cardiff Local Authority. All applications must be made to the admissions section of the Local Authority at:

Cardiff County Council, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff

Tel: 02920 872000

In accordance with the Education(Wales) Regulations 1998, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes must not exceed 30 pupils from September 2001. There is a standard number established for every school, which limits the annual pupil intake thereby preventing the classes from exceeding 30 pupils. Preference is given to pupils residing in the catchment area but there are normally places available each year for pupils who live locally but who would not normally come to Herbert Thompson Primary School. Once you have contacted the LA and your application has been accepted the LA will normally tell you and your child to finalise a start date. You will be introduced to the class teachers and will be given an opportunity to explore the school. The vast majority of pupils in the Reception classes come from our Nursery Unit and many of them come from the Flying Start Nursery on site called Little Angels.

Transition to High School

Our feeder school is Cardiff West Community High School High School. The school caters for pupils aged 11 to 18 and will have space for 1,200 Year seven to Year 11 pupils, plus 320 sixth formers for post 16 education. The headteacher, Martin Hulland and Senior Leadership Team have developed excellent relationships with the community. The LA issues information booklets to all Year 6 pupils and their families early in the Spring Term, preceding transfer to the High School. Applications are now online and support can be provided as needed to complete. Every effort is made to ensure a child’s first experience of school life are positive and welcoming. Prior to admission your child will be invited to come and meet the teachers, and play with their new friends in their future classroom. All parents are invited to attend an Open Evening where school procedures and expectations are explained, with ample opportunity provided to view the school’s resources and equipment and discuss with the Headteacher and class teacher any issues that you feel are important.

Prior to transfer, the children have at least three opportunities to visit the High School. Teachers from the High School come and visit the children and the children experience a range of lessons during their induction days.