Admissions - FAQs

When should I register my son/daughter to enter the school?

1. You can register your child at any time for future entry to the Nursery, Prep, Junior or Senior departments. Once they are registered we will keep in touch with you and help you through the Admissions process. (Registration forms are available to download from the main Admissions page)

 

Do I have to visit the school before I apply/register my child?

1. We strongly recommend you come along to an Open Day or have a private tour of the school as this will give you a thorough insight into the school and whether it is the right place for your child.  We can also help you to make this important decision by answering any questions that may arise as you become more familiar with our school.

 

How do we arrange to visit and tour the school?

1. Appointments can be made by calling the school and speaking to Mrs Anderley Hampson in the Admissions Office on 01206 217116. 

 

Should we bring our son/daughter with us when we visit the school?

a.   This varies depending on the individual situation.   Some parents prefer to see the school themselves first so that they can make an informed decision about whether to proceed further with the application process without the influence of an excited child! They then return for a second tour with the child.  Others bring the whole family and explore the school together so that everyone is involved in the decision.  We try to arrange for you to meet relevant teachers and Heads of department during the tour and it is often reassuring for the child to do this with the parents.  Valuable questions and different viewpoints tend to arise when parents and child are together which can be answered and discussed thoroughly.

 

What happens if I register my son/daughter and then don't take up the place if offered, do I get my registration fee back?

1. No. The registration fee is non-refundable and covers any assessments, taster days and all the admissions administration.

 

What extra paperwork will we need to provide for the admissions process?

 a.  The first step is completion and return of the Registration form.  When your child visits for a "Taster Day" it would also be helpful to have copies of any relevant school reports or other material to help the teachers to assess which learning groups your child should be placed in if he/she joins the school.  Following the Taster Day, an offered place can only be secured by the completion and return of the Acceptance of Place form.  Before final admission, we will also need a copy of your child's birth certificate and the completion of a few other permission forms regarding photography in school, use of electronic equipment, meal requirements etc.

 

How are admissions decisions made?

a. Most children visit us for a "Taster Day" which gives them a chance to experience life at Colchester High School first-hand and to meet their peer group and the teachers they would be working with.   During this day, your child will have some core subject assessments made by the teachers and Learning Support department.  Accompanying school reports and other information are also taken into account.  The Principal considers all this before an offer can be made.  The Principal's decision is final.

 

Can we apply online?

1. Yes. Registration Forms can be downloaded from the website. They can be found on the main Admissions page.

 

When do you notify families about admission decisions?

1. Usually we write to you within 4/5 working days, in some instances sooner than this.

 

What should we do to prepare our son/daughter for the assessments?

1. There is no specific revision pupils can do for the assessment tests. The best advice is to reassure them that they are not designed to catch them out. They should relax and try to answer them to the best of their ability.

 

Do you take students who are currently at school overseas?

1. Yes we do take students whose families are living or working in another country and are now returning to the UK. Please read the Admission to the School document for overseas students below.