Admission to schools in Pembrokeshire - Information for Parents
Part 2 - Policies and law
i) At what age does my child legally have to attend school?
Parents of children between the ages of 5 and 16 must ensure that their children receive suitable full time education. A child reaches statutory school age at the beginning of the term following his or her fifth birthday. Conversely, all young people are required to remain in education until they cease to be of compulsory school age; the school leaving date is the last Friday in June in the school year in which a child reaches the age of 16.
ii) Can my child be educated in a different year group?
The Local Authority has a Guide to Good Practice on Educating Young People Out of Their Chronological Year Group. This document outlines the procedures that have to be followed when consideration needs to be given to advancing or holding back a young person in education. Parents need to approach their school setting for discussions around this subject.
Further information regarding Educating Young People out of their chronological age can be found on the Pembrokeshire Inclusion Service website
If you submit an admissions application which includes a request that your child be taught in a year other than their chronological year group, you will be contacted with the above information and advised that your application will be cancelled and that no new application should be submitted until the above procedure has been followed.
iii) How does the County Council meet my parental preference?
The County Council is required by law to make arrangements for parents to express their preference for the school where they wish their child to be educated, and provide an opportunity to give reasons for their preference before any places are offered. The Admission Authority must meet your preference if it can, but certain factors may prevent this.
These include:
- the efficient use of resources and accommodation
- the efficient provision of education
- statutory class size limits
All schools have an Admission Number, which is used as a guide in deciding whether any year group within a school is full or has places available. If there are more applications than places available then the oversubscription criteria in Part 1viii are applied. The Admission Number for each school is shown in the School list - Pembrokeshire
Parents may express a preference for their child’s education at:
- Age 3 – early years (Nursery) classes/units attached to infant or primary schools (where these are available). Three year olds attend part time only
- Age 4-5 – Infants schools or infant departments of primary schools (Reception classes)
- Age 11 – Secondary Education
Where a parent chooses a school which is not their designated catchment area school or the nearest school to the home there are some practical issues:
- The first is that if a child does not attend the catchment area school or the nearest school to the home address and this decision is based on parental preference, then the responsibility, as well as the cost, of transporting the pupil to and from school, rests entirely with the parents/carer. Parents indicate that this can be a particular problem if they then subsequently have a younger sibling who is not admitted to the same school. It is prudent, therefore, to consider and plan for this possibility prior to making an application for admission.
- The second issue relates to the stage at which pupils move from the primary school to the secondary sector. Admission to secondary schools is based on whether or not the home address is in the secondary school’s catchment area and not the primary school attended. Where, therefore, a pupil has attended a primary school which is not their designated catchment area school there is an increased probability that they may not be admitted to the same secondary school as their peers and fellow pupils.
iv) Are there class size limits in schools?
Yes. The law says that, apart from some very limited exceptions, no infant class (Foundation Phase) may contain more than 30 pupils being taught by one teacher. The Welsh Government has also set a target that no junior class should exceed 30 pupils.
v) Why do you need to know about parental responsibility for my child?
The Authority needs to know who has 'parental responsibility' for each child and the person making an application needs to confirm their status accordingly. This is to ensure that proper authority is given when the school needs parental permission. It will also make sure that people with parental responsibility who do not live with a child can be provided with school reports and given an opportunity to take part in the child’s education, as they are entitled to receive this information unless there is a specific court order preventing this.
Where more than one person has parental responsibility for a child, the person completing the application for a school place must take all reasonable steps to discuss and agree the application with others with parental responsibility, where their whereabouts are known. If the whereabouts of others with parental responsibility are unknown, this should be stated in writing.
Who has parental responsibility for the child?
- Mothers always have parental responsibility (unless a court order is in place that states she will no longer have the responsibility e.g. in adoption cases).
- Fathers who were married to the mother prior to 2003 have parental responsibility.
- Fathers also have parental responsibility for a child if the child was born after 2003 and their name is on the child’s birth certificate.
Unmarried fathers, step-parents, relatives and other person can obtain parental responsibility but they do not have it automatically.
Parents are asked to co-operate with the Admissions Officer by providing details of those people with parental responsibility for a pupil. Your child’s school should be informed of any changes in the arrangements for parental responsibility or in the day to day care of your child. Any reference to parents within this booklet includes anyone having legal parental responsibility.
The County Council may request proof of parental responsibility and/or the child’s birth certificate, if it considers it necessary to do so.
Please note that if the Admissions Team is made aware that an application has been submitted without the consent of all other persons with Parental Responsibility and without them being named on the application form, or that any information has been given fraudulently or is misleading, this may result in the application or school place being lawfully withdrawn.
vi) Legal / known name of child
The legal name of your child is that which is shown on his/her birth certificate. Please ensure that this is given on all admission and transfer application forms. Should your child be known by another name, then this should also be included on the relevant forms. There are specific procedures to be followed for changing a child’s legal name, and this can be undertaken by Deed Poll or Statutory Declaration. Please take legal advice before considering this and ensure that your child’s school is made aware of any subsequent changes to the child’s legal name by providing a copy of the relevant documentation.
vii) What provision do you make for UK Service personnel?
Families of UK Service personnel and other Crown Servants are subject to frequent movement within the UK and from abroad, often at relatively short notice. As a result, applications for school places for the approaching school year will be considered if accompanied by an official Ministry of Defence or Foreign and Commonwealth Office letter declaring a return date. School places will then be allocated in advance if the applicant would meet the criteria when they move to their destination. Unit postal addresses for applications from service personnel will also be accepted, in the absence of a new home postal address.
viii) What provision do you make for Gypsy & Traveller families?
Admission applications made in respect of Gypsy and Traveller children to a Pembrokeshire school, whether residing permanently or temporarily in the area, will be dealt with as quickly as possible, to allocate the nearest available and appropriate school.
ix) What provision do you make for Elective Home Education?
Parents may also choose to educate their children at home. This is known as Elective Home Education. The decision to home educate requires careful thought, as it represents a considerable undertaking in terms of commitment, time and cost. Parents considering this option are advised to contact the LA, and seek guidance from the Elective Home Education Officer on 01437 764551. Further information is available on the Elective Home Education section of the Council website.
x) What are the rights of children from overseas?
Children from overseas, whether they are accompanied or unaccompanied by parents, have the same rights to education as British Citizen children. As a result, the County Council will treat such applications for admission to schools in the same way. The Local Authority should ensure that there are no unreasonable delays in securing the admission of asylum seeking and refugee pupils and admission practice must be commensurate with that applied to all other pupils.
xi) What are my rights of appeal?
Appeals can be submitted for applications for a Reception year group place and above. Appeals can be made by e–form or in writing to the Director for Education, setting out the grounds on which it is made. Appeals must be submitted within 14 days (10 working days) of notification of your application for a school place being unsuccessful. There is an appeals form available on the Pembrokeshire County Council website along with further information on the appeal process.
Once received, your Appeal will be considered by the Admissions Authority and if a place is not given then your Appeal will be referred to Legal Services (who act as the Clerk to the appeal panel). Please note that the Admissions Authority may contact other services within Pembrokeshire County Council along with your child’s current and applied for schools to corroborate any information mentioned in the Appeal form.
Appeals will be heard and considered by the Independent Appeals Panel within 30 school days of the specified closing date for the receipt of appeals, or within 30 school days of the appeal being received in writing if the appeal is made outside the timetabled admissions process. Appeals received during the summer holidays will be heard within 30 working days. You will have the right to present your case to the Panel in person. The Panel may allow you to be accompanied by a friend or to be represented; in addition, children are permitted to give evidence where they wish to do so. The decision of the Appeals Panel is binding on the County Council and on schools’ governing bodies. However, there is no right of appeal for nursery admissions.
If you are refused a place at a voluntary aided school, the school concerned will advise you of its appeals procedure.
xii) What financial assistance might I be eligible for?
If your child stays on at school after statutory school leaving age, he or she may be eligible for a Welsh Government Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). The allowance is means tested and you will need to provide details of your income. Application forms are available from the secondary school your child attends or from the Student Finance Wales website (opens in a new tab)
xiii) Curriculum
During primary education and the first three years of secondary education all schools offer a broad and balanced programme, which includes all the National Curriculum subjects. The aim is to ensure a sound platform of basic skills, knowledge and understanding and to promote the personal development of all pupils.
The Welsh Assembly Government publishes booklets for parents of primary and secondary pupils that explain the national curriculum in Wales and how a pupil’s progress is measured. These are available from your child‘s school or on the Welsh Government website (opens in a new tab).
xiv) What public examinations will my child take?
All public examinations arranged for your child comply with legal requirements and are approved by the Qualifications in Wales, the regulator of non-degree qualifications and the qualifications system in Wales. Approved qualifications are posted on the Qualifications in Wales website (opens in a new tab)
The decision to enter your child for public examinations is taken by the school. There is a fee to be paid for each examination and the school meets the cost of this fee when your child is entered for the first time. If your child misses an examination without a valid medical reason then you will be liable for the fee. Similarly, you may be liable for the payment of fees for examination re-sits. However, the school will be able to provide you with further details on these matters.
All schools will provide you with details of their public examination results if you ask them. In addition to the above, learners in Years 2 to 9 in maintained schools (including community, voluntary-aided, voluntary-controlled and foundation) must take the personalised assessments in reading and numeracy at least once during the school year. Numeracy is taken in 2 parts: Numeracy (Procedural) and Numeracy (Reasoning). Further information can be found here - latest Welsh Government information (opens in new tab)
xv) What charges might I have to pay?
During your child’s time at school, the majority of the activities offered by schools are free of charge. However, there are occasions when you will be asked to make a contribution towards costs. Information regarding a school's policy for charges and remissions for school activities can be obtained from the headteacher of the school concerned.
xvi) What safeguarding arrangements are in place?
The care and wellbeing of pupils is a principal concern of all schools. All school staff adhere to the Wales Safeguarding Procedures in order to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Every school has a safeguarding policy and will have a named Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) who is responsible for safeguarding matters and for dealing with individual allegations of abuse.
Schools have a statutory duty to act in the best interests of the child and therefore have a duty to make a safeguarding referral to the Child Care Assessment Team (CCAT) within the Social Services Department if there are concerns about a child’s welfare or if there is an allegation of abuse. Parental agreement for a referral will normally be sought from a parent, however, in order to protect a child it will sometimes be necessary to make a referral without parental agreement or in some instances without making the parents aware. This is a sensitive area of work and the support of parents is important when schools implement safeguarding protocols. Please be assured that school staff are working with the wellbeing of your child firmly in mind. Pembrokeshire schools operate a Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation Policy, which is intended to provide a framework for dealing with issues relating to vulnerability, radicalisation and exposure to extreme views.
All Pembrokeshire schools take part in initiatives with Dyfed-Powys Police called Operation Encompass and Operation Endeavour. Operation Encompass is the reporting to schools when a child or young person has been named in any reported domestic incident. Operation Endeavour is the reporting to schools whenever a child has been reported to the police as missing, this will also include when the the pupil has been found.
The Head and DSP are fully sighted as to how to use the information about both initiatives to ensure that a child and/or their families are adequately supported when they have been involved in, or exposed to, a domestic abuse incident or a missing child incident.
xvii) Can my child’s school place be withdrawn?
A school place may be withdrawn if:
- a parent gives incorrect or fraudulent information when applying for an admission. You may be required to provide proof of your address and/or proof of parental responsibility in connection with your application for a school place.
- your child has not started at the school within a month of the accepted start date.
- the offer of a school place is not responded to within 14 days.
- following acceptance of a school place, a new application is submitted and a place is offered at a different school
Part 3 - Transfers between schools
i) What is the procedure if I want to move my child to another school?
The Council is prepared to consider requests for transfers between schools other than at normal admission times. However, if you are seeking to transfer your child, you must first discuss this with your child’s present headteacher, or head of year in secondary school. You should also contact the headteacher of the school you wish your child to attend. As term time transfers are discouraged, they are normally made only at the beginning of every half term, except where they arise due to a change of family address. An application must be completed online in all cases, and this is available on the County Council's website. Please note - the application form will be shared with both the current and proposed school when a child is transferring from one Pembrokeshire school to another.
Applications to transfer will not normally be considered more than 1 term in advance of the transfer. If an application is submitted more than a term in advance, you will receive an email confirming receipt of the application along with notification that the application will be put on hold until the term before your requested start date. Your application will be processed within 15 school days of the start of that school term. Applications should also be submitted at least 1 month prior to the requested transfer date in order for it to be processed on time.
Changing schools can be unsettling for pupils and can disturb class organisation. It should be a last resort and considered only when all other options for resolving problems have been explored. If your request for a transfer is due to concerns about your child’s progress or there are any problems at your child’s school, you should, as a first step, discuss the matter with the headteacher of the present school.
When a school transfer has been agreed parents will be notified in writing by the Admissions Officer normally in the form of an automated e-mail (please check your junk mail box if not received in your inbox). You should receive a response to your application within 15 school days or 28 calendar days, whichever is sooner. Parents will need to follow a link in the e-mail to accept or refuse the place. If circumstances change after the place has been accepted and a place at a different school, or the previous school is required, a new application must be made. Parents should note that the place in the school their child is leaving may already have been allocated to someone else.
At its meeting on 13 June 2019, the Admissions Forum agreed that in all cases of admissions to Community and Voluntary Controlled secondary schools with effect from September 2019, the Admission Number could be breached in the case of applications received from in-catchment pupils. However the Admissions Officer is required to discuss each case with the relevant Head Teacher. The same arrangements apply for primary aged pupils and the Admission Authority use their normal act of discretion to consider each application
ii) How do I add my child’s name to the waiting list?
We do not maintain waiting lists for in-year school transfer applications.
iii) How do I arrange for my child to transfer to secondary school?
Secondary schools in Pembrokeshire offer comprehensive education for pupils of all abilities. The transfer from primary to secondary education normally takes place in the September following a child’s eleventh birthday. For 3-16 schools the pupils will automatically transition to key stage 3, however parents do have parental choice and may choose to apply for another secondary school during the normal admission round process. The headteacher of your child’s primary school can give you information regarding the secondary school that your child should normally attend. There are educational benefits in your child attending the secondary school linked to his or her primary school as part of the ‘Cluster of Schools’, see Part 1xii.
Information on secondary school transfer will be distributed early in the Autumn term via the primary schools, before your child is due to go to secondary school. You will be asked to express a preference for a secondary school by the 31st October by submitting an online application form via the Pembrokeshire County Council website. We strongly encourage you to list up to 3 schools in preference order on your application form. All applications received on time will be considered together and you will be informed of the outcome on the common offer date. Information on how we consider applications which are received late, after the deadline date can be found at Part 1x.
We advise that you do not wait until the last minute to submit the application in case you experience technical difficulties. Please also be aware that if you have not received a confirmation email of your application – then we have not received this and so it has not been submitted correctly.
If there are more applications for places than there are places available the oversubscription criteria in Part1viii will be applied.
A school place may be withdrawn if a parent gives incorrect or fraudulent information when applying for admission. You may be required to provide proof of your address in connection with your application for a school place, e.g. in the form of a signed tenancy or purchase agreement, recent utility bills, child benefit letter or bank statement (dated within the last three months), when applying for a school place.
Please note that if more than one application is submitted for the same pupil, the most recent application will be used for processing purposes and any previous applications will be cancelled. We encourage parents to check with the Admissions Team prior to submitting a duplicate application because if a new application is received after the closing date then the new application will be classed as late and may have a bearing on whether a child is allocated a place.
Please see Part 2iii for further information on parental preference.
You should not assume that attendance at any open/transition day or evening for prospective secondary pupils will result in admission or the provision of transport.
If the Council’s records indicate that you have still not applied for or accepted a secondary place for your child to start in year 7 in the September, or that you have not made other arrangements, the Education Welfare Service will contact you.
Appendix 1 Pembrokeshire County Council website links
Inclusion and Additional Learning Needs
The Inclusion Service promotes achievement and wellbeing for all children and young people. In essence, it means making sure that all children and young people have access to the same opportunities and services as everybody else and receive a high quality education, which is broad, balanced and relevant to meeting their individual needs. The Inclusion strategy states that the majority of school age learners can and should be educated with others of their own age in their local community school which is properly equipped and fit for purpose. If you would like some general advice and guidance about your child’s additional need you should contact the Parental Partnership Service by telephoning 01437 776354.
School meals service
School meals are provided by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Catering Team.
Education transport
There is a statutory duty for Pembrokeshire County Council (as the Local Authority) to provide pupils of compulsory school age with free transport to their catchment school or their nearest suitable maintained school if they live over the statutory walking distance.
Free transport will be provided according to The Learner Travel Wales Measure - Operational Guidance and Pembrokeshire County Council’s school transport policy and further information can be obtained from the school transport page on the Pembrokeshire County Council website.
Appendix 2 Explanation of terminology
Academic Year
School year commencing 1st September and ending the following 31st August.
Admission Number
The number of school places that the admission authority must offer in each relevant age group of a school for which is the admissions authority. Admission numbers are based on the “Measuring the Capacity of Schools in Wales” regulations and relate directly to the school’s capacity.
Catchment Area
The geographical area intended to be served by the school.
Compulsory School Age
A child reaches compulsory school age in the term following their 5th birthday. A child ceases to be of compulsory school age if they have attained the age of 16 on the prescribed school leaving date, or before the next school year, which is the last Friday in June.
County Council
This is the local government body responsible for the organisation and maintenance of the education services. In Pembrokeshire this responsibility falls on Pembrokeshire County Council. The Local Authority undertakes a range of statutory functions.
Curriculum
All the activities and opportunities for learning provided by a school.
Maintained School
A school funded and maintained by Pembrokeshire County Council (as the Local Authority).
Non-maintained or Independent School
A school not funded or maintained by the County Council.
Nursery
School places for children from the term after their 3rd birthday until they become of Reception school age.
Primary School Place (Reception Class)
School place starts the Autumn term after the child’s fourth birthday.
Sibling
Pupils with full, half or step brothers or sisters, or adoptive or foster children, attending the preferred school, whilst living in the same household at the time of admission and are of statutory school age.
Voluntary Aided (VA) (Church in Wales or Catholic) School
A maintained school that was set up by a voluntary body (usually the Church in Wales or the Catholic Church). Aided schools control their own admissions and Religious Education syllabus and employ their own staff.
Voluntary Controlled (VC) School
This is a maintained school in which Religious Education is provided according to the Authority’s agreed syllabus. Some denominational instruction maybe offered.
Appendix 4 Admission arrangements and oversubscription criteria for voluntary aided schools
Links to Admission arrangements and oversubscription criteria for voluntary aided schools
St. Marks VA School, Haverfordwest (opens in a new tab)
St Oswalds VA School, Jeffreyston (opens in a new tab)
St Aidans VA School, Wiston (opens in a new tab)
Ysgol Yr Eglwys yng Nghymru Penrhyn Dewi VA School, St Davids (opens in a new tab)
The Federation of St Teilo’s Catholic Primary School, Tenby (opens in a new tab) & Mary Immaculate Catholic School, Haverfordwest (opens in a new tab)
The Federation of Holy Name Catholic Primary School, Fishguard (opens in a new tab) and St Francis Catholic Primary School, Milford Haven (opens in a new tab)
Appendix 5 The Teaching of Welsh and English in Pembrokeshire Primary and Secondary Schools
The Teaching of Welsh and English in Pembrokeshire Primary Schools
School type |
Curriculum |
Language of School |
Outcomes |
|
1 (English medium school) |
All pupils experience areas of learning through the medium of English. At least 15% of the learners’ school activities (both curricular and extra-curricular) will be in Welsh. A learner in a school of this category will be able to read, write, speak and listen in English according to age and ability, and will have some understanding of Welsh. Welsh will be taught and assessed as part of the Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE) for languages, literacy and communication. |
English is the school’s main language of internal communication as well as with parents and carers. There is recognition that creating a Welsh language ethos within the school will support and encourage positive attitudes towards Welsh language use. Some Welsh used as a language of communication with pupils to improve capacity to use everyday Welsh. The school communicates with parents either in English or in both languages
|
Normal expectation is that pupils will transfer to English medium secondary provision and continue to learn predominantly through the medium of English, learning Welsh as a second language. |
|
TR2 (Transitional School) |
English medium school/provision or those with a high proportion of Welsh provision transitioning to being a dual language school/provision over time. Curriculum provision and learners’ school activities will reflect an increase in Welsh medium provision over time. |
The increase in Welsh provision over time would reflect the everyday use of the Welsh language. The school communicates with parents in both languages
|
This is a bridging category between two main language categories. These transitional arrangements enable schools to plan how they will realise an increase in Welsh-medium provision over time. Increasing the Welsh-medium provision, in order to move to the next category, Category 2 would be the outcome. |
|
2 (Dual Language) |
At least 50% of learners’ school activities (both curricular and extra-curricular) will be in Welsh. This could be achieved in different ways depending on the school context. It could be by using full Welsh-medium immersion up to age 7 with choice offered in the other year groups, or that 50% of school activities are in Welsh throughout.
A learner in a school of this category will be able to speak, read, write and listen in English and Welsh according to age and ability. Welsh language skills will be further strengthened by increasing the amount of learning opportunities (curricular as well as extra-curricular) offered through the medium of Welsh. Where Welsh is used as a medium of learning, occasional English is used at times to reinforce the learners' understanding
|
Welsh and English will be used for internal communication as well as with parents and carers. There is clear understanding that maintaining a Welsh language ethos within the school will support positive attitudes towards Welsh language use. Both Welsh and English are used in the day-to-day business of the school. Language of communication is determined by nature of curricular provision. The school communicates with parents in both languages. |
With the right support, learners could progress to a Category 3 Welsh-medium secondary school. |
|
TR3 (Transitional School) |
Dual language (Welsh and English) school/provision transitioning to being a Welsh medium school/provision over time Curriculum provision and learners’ school activities will reflect an increase in Welsh medium provision over time. |
The increase in Welsh provision over time would reflect the everyday use of the Welsh language. The school communicates with parents in both languages
|
This is a bridging category between two main language categories. These transitional arrangements enable schools to plan how they will realise an increase in Welsh-medium provision over time. Increasing the Welsh-medium provision, in order to move to the next category, Category 3 would be the outcome. |
|
3 (Welsh medium school) |
All learners are taught fully in Welsh, with English being used on occasion to ensure understanding during early immersion. From aged 7 onwards at least 80% of learner’s school activities (both curricular and extra-curricular) will be in Welsh. Foundation Phase – medium of Welsh. Key Stage 2 (KS2) – at least 80% of teaching through medium of Welsh. |
Welsh is the school’s main language of internal communication. Communication with parents and carers is in either English, Welsh or bilingually as needed. This is a school with a strong Welsh language ethos at its core, supporting and enabling learners’ Welsh language use in all social context in and outside of school. |
Pupils, regardless of home language will be able to transfer to Welsh medium secondary provision and by the end of KS2 will have reached equivalent standard in English to that reached by pupils in predominantly English medium schools.
|
The Teaching of Welsh and English in Pembrokeshire Secondary Schools
School type |
Curriculum |
Language of School |
Outcomes |
|
1 English medium school
|
All pupils experience areas of learning through the medium of English. At least 15% of the learners’ school activities (both curricular and extra-curricular) will be in Welsh. Welsh will be taught and assessed as part of the Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE) for languages, literacy and communication. A learner in a school of this category will be able to speak, read, write and listen in English and according to age and ability. |
English is the school’s main language of internal communication as well as with parents and carers. There is recognition that creating a Welsh language ethos within the school will support and encourage positive attitudes towards Welsh language use. Some Welsh used as a language of communication with pupils to improve capacity to use everyday Welsh. The school communicates with parents either in English or in both languages
|
Any pupils choosing Welsh medium options if available could be assessed through the medium of Welsh in those subjects at all levels. Most pupils would be assessed in English and progress to English medium post 16 study.
|
|
2 (Dual Language)
|
A learner in a school of this category will be able to speak, read, write and listen in English and Welsh according to their age and ability. Welsh language skills will be further strengthened by increasing the amount of learning opportunities (curricular as well as extra-curricular) offered through the medium of Welsh. Depending on the amount of time devoted to learning through the medium of Welsh and use of the Welsh language outside the classroom, learners would be able to apply their Welsh skills in a range of different Areas of Learning and Experience. At least 40% of learners undertaking at least 40% of school activities (both curricular and extra-curricular) in Welsh. |
Welsh and English will be used for internal communication as well as with parents and carers. There is clear understanding that maintaining a Welsh language ethos within the school will support positive attitudes towards Welsh language use. |
Any pupils choosing Welsh medium options, could be assessed through the medium of Welsh in those subjects at all levels and may potentially progress to study at post 16 through the medium of Welsh in those subjects. Most pupils would be assessed in English and Welsh and progress to English or Welsh medium post 16 study.
|
|
3 Welsh medium |
A Welsh-medium School offers a wide range of their Areas of Learning and Experience through the medium of Welsh. At least 60% of learners undertaking at least 70% of their school activities (curricular and extra-curricular) will be Welsh. Category 3 schools are expected to continue to reflect the linguistic context of the area whilst working towards increasing their Welsh-medium provision over time. |
Welsh is the main language for internal communication. The school will communicate with parents and carers in either Welsh, English or bilingually as needed. There is a robust Welsh ethos, supporting and enabling learners to use Welsh in all social contexts in and outside of the school. Learners will be able to speak, read, write and listen in Welsh and English according to age and ability. |
Assessment at Key Stage 3 (KS3) and Key Stage 4 (KS4) will be through the medium of Welsh in all subjects apart from English or other languages. Pupils will be able to progress to Welsh medium Post 16 provision. |
|
3P Designated Welsh Medium
|
A Designated Welsh-medium School delivers all Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLE) through the medium of Welsh. 100% of learners will undertake at least 90% of their school activities (curricular and extra-curricular) in Welsh. |
Welsh is the main language for internal communication. The school will communicate with parents and carers in either Welsh, English or bilingually as needed. There is a robust Welsh ethos, supporting and enabling learners to use Welsh in all social contexts in and outside of the school. Learners will be able to speak, read, write and listen in Welsh and English according to age and ability. |
Assessment at Key Stage 3 (KS3) and Key Stage 4 (KS4) will be through the medium of Welsh in all subjects apart from English or other languages. Pupils will be able to progress to Welsh medium Post 16 provision. |
|
T2 and T3 Transitional Sub-categories |
These are bridging categories between two main language categories as for Primary Schools above. These transitional arrangements enable schools to plan how they will realise an increase in Welsh-medium provision over time. Increasing the Welsh-medium provision, in order to move to the next category, is the aim of the transitional sub-categories. Therefore, T2 bridges a category 1 and 2 school, with the aim of becoming a category 2 over time and T3 bridges a category 2 and 3 school with a goal of becoming a category 3 School over time. |
The increase in Welsh provision over time would reflect the everyday use of the Welsh language. The school communicates with parents in both languages.
|
Assessment would be aligned to the increase in Welsh provision and according to the bridged categories as above. |
Part 1 - Choose and apply
i) When can my child start school?
In Pembrokeshire, children are eligible to attend school on a part-time basis from the first term after their third birthday and full-time basis from the first term after their fourth birthday. Please note that compulsory education commences from the term following their fifth birthday. The date of your child’s birthday determines when he or she can start school, regardless of the date when the term starts and the table below shows when your child may be admitted to school. A timetable of deadlines and notifications can be found in Part 1v. Parents can opt to defer their child’s start date anytime up until the child is of compulsory school age; for more information please contact the Admissions Officer.
The majority of Pembrokeshire schools cater for pupils from 3+ and children may attend full time the term following their fourth birthday, or part time the term following their third birthday. Please refer to the schools list for further information. Where arrangements exist between schools and private early years providers, pupils may commence at the school setting at the beginning of the second or third term following a child’s third birthday.
The schools for which the above applies are as follows:-
School with 2nd term entry nursery places - Broad Haven CP
Schools with 3rd term entry nursery places - Maenclochog CP, Narberth CP, Roch CP, Tavernspite CP, Templeton CP, Ysgol Bro Preseli
Schools with full time entry nursery places - Holy Name RC, Puncheston CP, Ysgol Eglwyswrw
The tables below are a guide to show when children would be due to start Nursery based on their dates of birth and the school (as above):
Born between 01/09/2024 - 31/12/2024
First term entry nursery - Jan-28
Second term entry nursery - Apr-28
Third term entry nursery - Sep-28
Full time entry nursery - Jan-29
Born between 01/01/2025 - 31/03/2025
First term entry nursery - Apr-28
Second term entry nursery - Sep-28
Third term entry nursery - Jan-29
Full time entry nursery - Apr-29
Born between 01/04/2025 - 31/08/2025
First term entry nursery - Sep-28
Second term entry nursery - Jan-29
Third term entry nursery - Apr-29
Where schools do not accept part time pupils in the term following their third birthday, the applications will still be processed in the same cohort of children according to their date of birth and the Admissions authority will inform parents of the relevant start date for the particular school.
The law does not require a child to start full time education until the beginning of the school term following the child's fifth birthday. However, pupils are provided with a full-time place the term after the age of four years and are strongly encouraged to attend full time in order to receive the full benefits of Foundation Phase education and experiences. The age range of each school is shown on the Schools list
ii) How do I apply for a part-time education place for my 3 year old child?
All children in Wales are entitled to a free, part time early education place in an approved early years setting from the term following their 3rd birthday and prior to gaining full time entry into school (term following their 4th birthday).
Pembrokeshire County Council agrees to provide the funding received from Welsh Government to offer all 3-4 year olds in Pembrokeshire a minimum of 10 hours funded part-time education in an approved setting during the school term. Parents can choose to take up the child’s entitlement in either a maintained or a non-maintained setting:
A maintained setting – a nursery class in a school offering 10 hours or more a week of Foundation Learning. For further information on how to apply for a part-time education place in a maintained setting, visit the Pembrokeshire school admissions webpage
or
A non-maintained setting – This could be a private day nursery, a playgroup or a Cylch Meithrin that has approved status offering up to 10 hours a week of funded early education over a minimum of 3 days. This can be accessed over 2 settings.
All non-maintained approved settings who receive the funding:
- are registered with the local education authority to deliver early education.
- are Inspected by CIW and ESTYN on a regular basis
- supported by a qualified teacher on a regular basis
- have appropriately trained staff
For further information on how to apply for a part-time education place in a non-maintained setting, visit the 10 hours of Funded Early Education – 3-4 year olds webpage
The Childcare Offer for Wales: The Childcare Offer for Wales provides 30 hours a week of government-funded early education and childcare for eligible working parents of 3 to 4 year olds, for up to 48 weeks of the year. For further information visit: Childcare Offer Wales
FLYING START:
Childcare:
From the term after their second birthday each child will be offered a place at a registered Flying Start playgroup for 12.5hrs a week over five days for up to 39 weeks a year.
Health:
Your child’s wellbeing comes first, the health team will offer extra support and advice throughout pregnancy and the first four years of your child’s life.
Parenting:
Flying Start offers a variety of parenting support services where parents pick up advice and skills, swap ideas and share common experiences through our structured groups and informal groups such as Parent & Toddler’s and Baby Massage.
Early Language Development:
Early Language Development is supported through a range of activities including play, crafts, songs and stories in a group setting or in your home.
Please contact the Flying Start Information Officer to see if you are eligible for the Flying Start Project on 01437 770004.
iii) How do I choose a school for my child?
Each school in Pembrokeshire serves a defined area, known as its catchment area. To find out the name and location of your local school enter your home postcode into the “Services in your Area” search facility on the Pembrokeshire County Council website. Upon choosing the actual address on the subsequent screen, a list of “Nearby Services” is displayed; pressing the “Schools” button will display a list of all catchment schools for the address in question. There is no guarantee for admission to the chosen school, even if you are living in the catchment area.
Details of the area served by each school are available at the school, or on the County Council’s website. Most pupils attend the catchment school serving their area, but you may express a preference for a different school. Before doing so, you should read the Clusters of Schools Part 1xii and School Transport information, which consider the educational and transport implications of your child’s attendance at your preferred school.
A list of schools is available on the County Council’s website.
This shows the following information (for the previous school year):
- The school’s language category
- The age range of each school
- The capacity of the school and resulting admission number
- The number of pupils on roll
- The number of written applications received for places at the school
- The number of successful appeals
If you are considering moving into the north east of Pembrokeshire, you need to be aware that Welsh is the main medium of life and work in schools in that area.
You are advised to contact the school you are considering in order to obtain a copy of their prospectus and arrange with the relevant headteacher to visit the school before making your decision. Please note – a visit does not guarantee a place at the school. In addition, you may obtain independent information on a school’s performance by visiting the ESTYN website (opens in a new tab) in order to view the findings of its most recent inspection report. ESTYN is the office of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales – You may also visit the My Local School (opens in a new tab) website, which provides access to school data for anyone with an interest in their local school.
iv) How do I apply for a Nursery and/or Primary place for my child?
Applications for places in all Pembrokeshire schools should be made online via the Council's website by the deadlines shown in Part 1v. If you do not have access to a computer/laptop/tablet/smart phone please visit your local library or Customer Service Centre to use their facilities. Schools can also assist you in completing the online form. In exceptional circumstances, for example, where parents do not have an e-mail address, hard copy forms are available from the Admissions Team.
By law, all applications for admission must be made by means of a completed application form (online). Please note that telling the headteacher of your preferred school is insufficient to secure a place and that they are also unable to make a decision on offering a place. In the case of voluntary aided schools, the admission officer will share details of VA school applications with the relevant headteacher in order for a decision to be made by the admissions committee of the governing body of the school on whether or not a place can be offered.
Offers to any school operating on more than one site will be to the school and not a particular site. The site that children attend is a matter for the internal organisation of the school. Appeals cannot be made against the site allocated.
You may be asked to provide proof of your address, e.g. in the form of a signed tenancy or purchase agreement, recent utility bills, child benefit letter or bank statement (dated within the last three months), when applying for a school place.
We would encourage you to express a preference for more than one school in case the first preference cannot be met. All applicants will be admitted to a school unless the Admission Number for that school is exceeded. The County Council will then allocate places according to the oversubscription criteria shown in Part 1viii.
If your child is admitted to Nursery education at a school, this does not guarantee your child a Primary School place (Reception class). You must re-apply for a Primary School place.
The Reception year class starts the Autumn Term (September) of the academic year in which a child attains the age of 5. If there are more applications than Primary places available, the oversubscription criteria explained in Part 1viii will be applied.
Once a School place has been agreed, if you wish to defer entry to school, this request must be made in writing (preferably by email to admissions@pembrokeshire.gov.uk) to the Admissions Officer and can only be deferred within the academic year (unless for Reception – see below), otherwise a new application must be made. We advise parents to discuss any such request with the school, however without a written request to the Admissions Officer, no deferment will be agreed. If the child has not started at the school within four weeks of the agreed start date the place will be withdrawn and a new application will be necessary.
Parents applying for a Primary School Place (Reception year group) for their child (during or after the normal admission round for these places) may request that entry is deferred until their child is of compulsory school age (term after 5th birthday). If your child was born in the summer term then your child would go straight into year 1. The admissions authority will, in these circumstances, hold the agreed place for the child so that the place is not available for another child. As above, this request must be made in writing (preferably by email to admissions@pembrokeshire.gov.uk) to the Admissions Officer.
v) When should I apply for a place at my preferred school?
Admissions Application Timetable Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools
Provision |
Children Born Between |
School Start Date |
Application Deadline Date |
Notification Date |
Offer response deadline |
Appeals Closing Date |
Nursery Place |
1 Sept 2024 to 31 Aug 2025 |
January, April or September 2028 |
30 April 2027 |
By end of July 2027 |
Within 14 days of receiving offer email |
No right of appeal for Nursery admissions |
Reception Place |
1 Sept 2022 to 31 Aug 2023 |
Autumn Term Sept 2027 |
15 January 2027 |
16 April 2027 |
30 April 2027 |
Within 10 working days of notification |
Secondary Education Transfer** |
1 Sept 2015 to 31 Aug 2016 |
Autumn Term Sept 2027 |
31 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
15 March 2027 |
Within 10 working days of notification |
**Pupils in 3-16 or 3-19 schools will not be required to apply for a transfer to the secondary element of such schools, however, if they would like to apply for a different school these timescales will apply**
Applications for Nursery and Primary School places can be made at any time; all applications received by the deadline date are considered together, no preferential treatment is given to early applications. Applications received after the closing date will be processed as late applications and will not be considered until those received before the deadline have been allocated and may reduce your chance of getting a place in your preferred school. To avoid disappointment and maximise the chance of obtaining a place at your preferred school please ensure you submit your application by the specified deadline date.
We strongly encourage parents to list up to 3 school choices on their application form, in preference order and would also advise that you do not wait until the last minute to submit the application in case you experience technical difficulties.
Please note that if more than one application is submitted for the same pupil, the most recent application will be used for processing purposes and any previous applications will be cancelled. We encourage parents to check with the Admissions Team prior to submitting a duplicate application because if a new application is received after the closing date then the new application will be classed as late and may have a bearing on whether a child is allocated a place.
vi) What are Co-ordinated arrangements
The Welsh Government has published new requirements which have been imposed by the Education (Co-ordination of School Admission Arrangements and Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2024 and came into force on 28 June 2024.
The scheme is for local authorities to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, that every parent of a child living in the local authority area who applies for a school place within the normal primary and secondary admission rounds, receives an offer on one, and only one school place on the common offer day for these school places.
Pembrokeshire County Council already operates a successful co-ordinated scheme, and so this will continue with some minor changes to take place beginning in the 2027 primary and secondary intakes. The changes will include amended deadline dates for admissions applications to be submitted (31st October for Secondary applications and 15th January for Primary applications) and a shorter period for parents to accept offers of places (two weeks). Notification dates can be found in the above table at section 1v.
Parents will continue to submit an application for a primary and secondary school place via the Pembrokeshire Council website. An application for a VA School will continue to be forwarded to the Governing Body who will make the decisions in line with their school’s own admissions arrangements. A response to all applications will be sent to parents directly from Pembrokeshire County Council’s admissions service.
There will be no change to the way that in-year applications are processed.
As we do not have the ability in Pembrokeshire for parents to apply via our common application form for schools outside of our local authority, parents will remain advised to submit any such applications to the local authority in which the school is located. We will continue to share information on cross-border applications with our neighbouring authorities to assist with the co-ordinated scheme
vii) Will my child be eligible for school transport?
You are advised to check if you are eligible for free transport before you decide which school to send your child. You can check if you are eligible for school transport on the school transport website.
All transport enquiries should be made directly to the Transport Department by contacting School transport or phoning 01437 775222.
viii) Do schools have a limit upon the number of pupils that can be admitted?
Yes. All schools have a capacity from which an Admission Number is calculated. All schools must admit pupils up to their admission number.
The Admission Number will reflect the capacity of the school for each year group and your child will be allocated a place at a school unless the year group is full. If the number of applications to a school is the same as or less than the Admission Number, all applicants will be admitted. If the number of applications exceeds the Admission Number, all applications will be assessed against the over-subscription criteria and places awarded accordingly.
ix) How are school places allocated?
Pembrokeshire County Council is the Admission Authority for all community and voluntary controlled schools in Pembrokeshire. The Council’s admissions policy and the oversubscription criteria shown below apply to all community and voluntary controlled schools in Pembrokeshire.
Children will be admitted to the preferred school when provision and accommodation allows. If there are more applications for admission to Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools than there are places available, the County Council will use the following oversubscription criteria (applied in order) to prioritise applications from parents expressing a preference for the school:
Oversubscription Criteria for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools - in Priority Order
1. Current and former Looked After pupils of authorities in Wales and England in accordance with S.22 of the Children Act 1989 as amended by the Social Service and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016.
2. Pupils with an IDP that names the School
3. Exceptional medical, psychological or additional learning needs (note a)
4. Pupils living in the catchment area of the school, who will have a sibling of compulsory school age, at the school, at the time of admission (note b)
5. Pupils living in the catchment area of the school, who have attended a feeder school (note c)
6. Pupils living in the catchment area of the school
7. Pupils living outside the catchment area of the school, who will have a sibling of compulsory school age, at the school, at the time of admission (note b)
8. Pupils living outside of the catchment area of the school, who have attended a feeder school (note d)
9. Pupils living outside of the catchment area of the school
N.B. where there is an IDP naming a particular school then this must be stated clearly on your application form. Such applications are dealt with separately and prior to the oversubscription criteria being applied.
Notes
a) Medical or Psychological Needs can be for either the child or their parents. To be considered under this criterion parents must provide independent supporting evidence at the time of application, which sets out why the preferred school is the most suitable school for the child and the difficulties that would be caused if the child had to attend a different school.
Supporting Evidence which would be considered appropriate would include:
i. Letter or report from one to the following registered health professionals; Specialist Consultant, Community Paediatrician, Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist. The letter or report must be based on the professional’s own knowledge of the child / parent’s condition and circumstances.
ii. Letter or report from a registered Social Work professional, which must be based on their own knowledge of the child / parent’s condition and circumstances.
No priority will be given under this criterion if the required evidence is not produced at the time of application.
Additional Learning Needs must be confirmed by the Local Authority’s Inclusion Service.
b) A sibling is a full, half or step brother or sister, or adopted or foster children, living in the same household at the time of admission.
c) A feeder school is a primary school within the same ‘cluster of schools’ as a secondary school.
Where preferences exceed places available, priority will be given under each oversubscription category to multiple birth siblings (e.g. twins or triplets). If the last child to be admitted up to the Admission Number is one of a multiple birth, then the Authority will also admit the other sibling(s).
For the oversubscription categories that include a sibling criteria (categories 4 & 7), if preferences exceed places available priority will be given to multiple birth siblings and then to those pupils who are closest in age to the sibling already at the school (i.e. pupil with a sibling in year 3 would have a higher priority than a pupil with a sibling in year 6. For a secondary school admission a pupil with a sibling in year 9 would have higher priority that a pupil with a sibling in year 11).
In the case of a 3-16 or 3-19 school, a pupil with a sibling in a separate phase will not meet the criteria in categories 4 and 7 by virtue of the school having separate admission numbers for primary and secondary phases (e.g. a primary aged pupil with a secondary aged sibling in the same school).
In the case of a tie, places will be offered to pupils living nearest to the school, measured by the shortest walking distance from the nearest available school gate to the point where the pupil’s private dwelling meets the public highway.
The County Council utilises a Geographical Information System (GIS) to calculate home to school distances in miles. The shortest route is calculated using Ordnance Survey (OS) data from where the applicant's home meets the public highway to the point where the nearest school entrance meets the public highway. The co-ordinates of an applicant's home address are determined using OS data and a Property Gazetteer. In the event of any disputed distances, an officer measures the distance using a vehicle with a calibrated odometer.
It is important that all applications are received by the set dates so they can be considered together and the oversubscription criteria applied fairly and equitably in each case. This will also enable any appeals to be dealt with promptly and allow the decision to be made in good time before the child is due to start school. Early applications are not given priority – all applications received by the published closing date are considered together.
Where there is a shared parental responsibility for a child, and that child lives with both parents or person with a legal parental responsibility, for part of the week, then the main residence will be determined as the address where the child lives for the majority of the school week (i.e. 3 out of 5 days) or the address where the child benefit is paid.
Should the County Council be unable to offer a place to a child at their preferred school during the normal admission round (Primary and Secondary) due to oversubscription, your child’s name will be added to the waiting list until 30th September in the school year for which they have applied. Thereafter it is the parent’s responsibility to submit a further application. The priority for any places which become available will be given according to the above oversubscription criteria and not according to the date on which the application for a place was originally submitted.
See Appendix 4 for the oversubscription criteria for Voluntary Aided schools.
x) How will I be told the outcome of my application for a school place?
You will receive notification from the County Council’s Admissions Officer, on the common offer date, see Part 1v for Admissions Timetable, which will give the outcome of any admission application. Where a place is offered, parents must accept via the link in the offer email sent out by the Admissions System within 2 weeks.
In the event that you no longer require the school place, please use the link within the offer email to ‘refuse’ the place, or alternatively write to inform the Admissions Officer (by email to admissions@pembrokeshire.gov.uk) as soon as possible.
In the event of your application being rejected, the email/letter you receive will outline the reasons for such a decision, information that your child’s name has been added to the waiting list (for nursery applications where we are unable to offer places, pupil’s will only be added to a waiting list upon request by the parents) and information regarding your right of appeal against the decision, see ‘What are my rights of appeal? Part 2x.
Please note that there is no right of appeal for nursery applications (i.e. non-compulsory school age children).
xi) If I miss the published admission deadline, how will my application be dealt with?
Late applications for places, i.e. applications received after the closing date, outlined in Part 1v (unless there are exceptional reasons why the application is late, which must be explained at the time of application), will be processed after the published common offer dates, and within 15 school days/28 calendar days (whichever is sooner) of that date, or if received later, then within 15 school days/28 calendar days (whichever is sooner) after the date that the application is submitted. This means that if your preferred school is oversubscribed, even if you are making an application for your child to attend the catchment school, you may be less likely to be allocated a place if your application is late. Any places offered will be given according to the above oversubscription criteria and not according to the date on which the application was submitted.
We strongly encourage you NOT to wait until the last minute to apply for a school place in case you experience technical difficulties. Please also be aware that if you have not received a confirmation email of your application – then we have not received this and so it has not been submitted correctly.
If you change your mind about your preferred school after submitting your original application, you must complete a new online application form. If this application is made after the published closing date, your application for the new preference will then be treated as a late application even if your original application was received on time. The same applies if you submit a duplicate application after the published closing date.
xii) Can I apply for a school outside Pembrokeshire?
Yes, but in this case, you should apply to the County Council maintaining the school of your choice. All County Councils produce an information booklet for parents and include application criteria and guidelines.
If you wish to apply for a school place in one of our neighbouring County Council areas, applications should be made online to the appropriate authority:
Carmarthenshire (opens in a new tab)
Director of Education & Children’s Services
Carmarthenshire County Council
The Department for Education and Children
Building 2
Parc Dewi Sant
Jobs Well Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3HB
Tel: 01267 246500
Ceredigion (opens in a new tab)
Director of Education & Community Services
Ceredigion County Council
Department of Education & Community Service
Canolfan Rheidol
Rhodfa Padarn
Llanbadarn Fawr
Aberystwyth
SY23 3UE
Tel: 01970 617911
xiii) What are Clusters of Schools?
Schools in Pembrokeshire work on a ‘Cluster of Schools’ basis and there is close co-operation between them. The aim of the Cluster of Schools model is to strengthen links between schools in a way that ensures progression, continuity and support for pupils as they move through the different stages of their education. Children normally transfer to the link school within the Cluster of Schools. Some primary schools ‘feed’ more than one secondary school because their catchment areas overlap.
Please note that admission to secondary schools is based on whether or not your home address is in the secondary school’s catchment area and not the primary school attended. Where, therefore, a pupil has attended a primary school which is not their designated catchment area school there is an increased probability that they may not be admitted to the same secondary school as their peers and fellow pupils. In many instances, these issues will not apply, however as they have caused difficulties for parents in the past it is recommended that you consider and have planned for such eventualities before making your final choice of primary school.
xiv) What if I want a Church influenced education for my children?
General information about Church in Wales and Catholic schools can be obtained from the appropriate Diocesan Director of Education. Addresses and contact details are as follows:
Church in Wales
Revd John Cecil
Diocesan Director of Education
The Vicarage
Steynton
Milford Haven
SA73 1AW
Tel: 01646 692974
Email: CecilJ7@hwbcymru.net
Catholic Church
Mr Paul White
Diocesan Director of Education
27 Convent Street
Swansea
SA1 2BX
Tel: 01792 652757
Email: education@menevia.org.uk
Applications for places in voluntary aided church schools must be made online using the Council's website. However, decisions in relation to admissions are made by the admissions committee of the governing body of the appropriate school. Each of these schools have their own oversubscription criteria, details of which can be found in their Admissions Arrangements, links to these can be found in Appendix 3.
Application responses to normal round applications will be sent to parents via the Pembrokeshire County Council Admissions System on the common offer dates as detailed in section 1(v) above and parents will be required to respond to the offer within 2 weeks. Responses to any nursery, late applications or transfers into the school at other times of year will be sent out to parents directly from the school.
xv) How do I apply for Sixth Form Education?
Admissions to secondary schools’ Sixth Forms sits within the umbrella of the county council by virtue of the fact that it is the Admissions Authority for all community and voluntary controlled schools. However, the day to day arrangements for administering such applications is delegated to the relevant secondary school. Arrangements for admission to Sixth Form Education should be discussed with the individual school. The school will provide you with an application form. Should your application be unsuccessful, details will be provided within the refusal letter on how to appeal.
xvi) How do I apply for Portfield Special School and School Based Learning Resource Centres (Attached units)?
Admissions to Portfield Special School and designated Learning Resource Centres attached to mainstream schools are dealt with by the Authority’s Inclusion Service on the basis of pupils’ assessed level of learning difficulties and complex needs.
If you currently reside in Pembrokeshire and would like to apply for your child to join or transfer to the above, then you are advised to contact The Parent Partnership Service who will be able to offer you advice and assistance.
If you are due to move into Pembrokeshire then you are advised to refer to our website and scroll down to the information on the Move into County School Application Process - Specialist Provision and Settings - Pembrokeshire County Council.
Please be aware that our normal timescales do not apply to any applications for a specialist provision or setting.
xvi) Teaching of Welsh and English in Schools
The County Council asserts its belief in the educational value of acquiring two languages. The aim of this bilingual policy is to educate pupils so that they are thoroughly bilingual in the use of both Welsh and English on leaving the primary school so that they can participate fully in the bilingual community of which they are a part.
The Council wishes to ensure that all pupils are able to access Welsh medium education of the highest standard and has a clear vision for developing and expanding this provision. This vision is articulated in the Council’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan and is based on the following key principles, i.e.
- To recognise every child’s right to learn Welsh and to promote the benefits of bilingualism;
- To increase the percentage of pupils opting for Welsh medium education and to ensure that it is available to all learners, within a reasonable travelling distance from their homes;
- To build upon past achievements and to promote the highest academic standards possible;
- That learners who have attended a Welsh medium setting in the primary phase will be encouraged and expected to continue with this when transferring to subsequent key stages in the secondary phase.
Welsh medium secondary education is now accessible to children in all areas of Pembrokeshire and the Council’s aspiration is that this is replicated for primary education.
All schools have language categories that define the extent to which they teach Welsh, and Pembrokeshire currently has a mixed economy of Category 3 Welsh Medium, Category 2 Dual Language, Transitional and Category 1 English Medium schools. Welsh Government’s current language categories are outlined in Appendix 5
Further information regarding Welsh Medium Education in Pembrokeshire can be on the Pembrokeshire County Council Website
Welsh Language Centres in Secondary Schools
As outlined above, the development and expansion of Welsh medium education remains as our vision and we recognise the importance of creating opportunities for all Pembrokeshire pupils to become bilingual. Pembrokeshire has three Language Centres whose objective is to provide intense Welsh language learning to enable children to gain a level of fluency needed to transfer to education in a Welsh medium school.
These Language Centres operate from Ysgol Bro Preseli, Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Ysgol Caer Elen (that also operates a satellite at Ysgol Bro Penfro) and the provision is targeted towards pupils in key stage 2. The three centres support latecomers to Welsh with a two year part time course which has a strong focus on developing pupils’ oracy, reading and writing skills with language patterns and vocabulary based on classroom practice, and expressive language in order to support the natural integration of pupils into their schools. Language centre staff communicate regularly with the pupil’s school and parent to discuss pupil progress.
Due to a Welsh Immersion grant from Welsh Government pupils that enter Welsh Medium education as latecomers to Welsh in Years 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 will be offered additional support to facilitate the early acquisition of Welsh skills. This support is delivered by part-time peripatetic Welsh teachers at the child’s school and bridges the provision of the Language Centres.
Admission to schools in Pembrokeshire - Information for Parents
2027 - 2028
Admissions to School Service
For a copy of this publication in Braille, larger print or audio tape or an alternative language, please contact Pembrokeshire County Council on (01437) 764551
Please note: The information in this booklet is relevant and accurate at the time of publication. This booklet is reviewed annually and replaces all previous versions. Some adjustment of policy, regulation, provision and resources may be necessary for, or during, the academic year 2027/2028.
Foreword
A message from the Director of Education, 1 September 2026
Dear Parent or Guardian
This booklet is designed to assist you in making important decisions about which school your child can attend.
To inform your decision making, we recommend that you visit local schools, read the school prospectus and visit the My Local School website (opens in a new tab)
Prior to making your application, please use the transport eligibility checker to consider the transport options available to you. The transport checker can be found here – Transport eligibility checker
Whilst most applications are successful, it is not possible for all applications to succeed.
This booklet explains the process of application and appeal in the event that you do not get your first choice. It is important to note that a successful application to a school does not in any way imply that transport to and from the school is provided.
I wish your child every success in the future.
Steven Richards-Downes
Director for Education
Pembrokeshire County Council
Tel. (01437) 764551
Local Charter
Admissions to School Service
As at January 2026 there were 61 schools in Pembrokeshire serving 8776 Full-time and 825 Part-time Primary pupils, and 7079 Secondary age pupils
Pembrokeshire County Council is the Admission Authority for community and voluntary controlled schools in Pembrokeshire and the Admissions Team deals with all schools’ admissions and transfers, except to voluntary aided schools. The Admission Authority for voluntary aided schools is the governing body of the school concerned.
What you can expect:
- to receive reliable and impartial advice about schools and expressing a preference
- to have your application for a school place handled fairly and efficiently
- that the offer of a place will be made in good time (subject to your application being received in time)
- a place in your preferred school, unless there are more applications than the admission number will allow entry. If this occurs, all applications will be assessed against the oversubscription criteria
- to be informed of the County Council’s policies relating to admissions
- to be informed how to receive a school prospectus and how to arrange a school visit and other relevant information relating to schools in Pembrokeshire
- information relating to the right of appeal, to an independent appeals panel, if you are not allocated a place at your preferred school
- an open, fair and effective complaints procedure if you are not satisfied with the services you receive.
What we can expect:
- for parents/guardians to provide all necessary information as requested when submitting an application form and to contact the admissions team as soon as possible if something has been entered incorrectly
- for parents/guardians to read this booklet and to therefore be aware of the way applications are dealt with and the timescales involved
- for parents/guardians to list up to 3 schools in preference order on the application form for normal round applications (Primary - i.e entry into the reception year group, and Secondary - i.e entry into year 7)
If your child has reached compulsory school age and you are not allocated a place at your preferred school, you have the right of appeal to an independent appeals panel. Any parent (except one whose child has been permanently excluded from two schools) whose child is refused any school place, or young person who is refused a place in a school sixth form, has a statutory right of appeal to an independent appeal panel (this right of appeal does not extend to applications for nursery education). Parents of young people who have had an offer of a place withdrawn also have a right of appeal.
You must submit your appeal in writing. Details of how to appeal will be included with your letter/email of notification and are also included in this booklet. If you are dissatisfied with the service provided you may make an official complaint.
Equal opportunities
The policies and practices of the County Council relating to the admission and transfer of pupils and the provision of school transport are not discriminatory and comply with the Equality Act 2010.
Information on the teaching of English and Welsh in Pembrokeshire schools is in Part 1, xvi.
If you feel you have been treated unfairly from an equal opportunities point of view in connection with school admissions or transport please contact:
Admissions:
David Thompson,
Education Access & Compliance Manager
Education Directorate
Tel: 01437 764551
Email: admissions@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
School Transport:
Statutory Transport Officer
Transportation & Environment Directorate
Tel: 01437 764551
Email: school.transport@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Complaints
The County Council Complaints, Compliments and Comments procedure
Data Protection
The information given on the application form will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. The information on the form will be used for the administration of school admissions or transfers.
Admissions Fair Processing Notice
Admissions Fair Processing Notice