Admissions

The best way to get a feel for our school, is to come and visit. We are an inclusive school, and always welcome prospective parents whether during normal school hours – when you can get a feel for how the school operates on a daily basis – or during one of our Open Days. Every child and family is unique – the start of your journey into Sion education should be no different. Some children will be joining us from other independent schools, while others join us for their first step into independent education. Whatever your situation, we would be delighted to arrange to show you around in a way that works for you. If you have any questions, or if you would like to make an appointment to visit, we would be delighted to hear from you, so please get in touch with our Admissions Registrar.

Admissions Procedure

Most of our pupils progress through the school from our Nursery or Junior School in Reception class and stay through to Sixth Form. However, we welcome children to join Our Lady of Sion at any stage, subject to places being available and would welcome you to enquire so that we can begin having conversations about your journey at Sion. We welcome day pupils only so do not offer boarding places.

Sion Nursery School

From their third birthday, children can attend our nursery. There is no entrance examination at this stage and instead, we invite children to attend two taster sessions. A place will be offered subject to a successful outcome of these.

Sion Junior School

Reception, Years 1 - 2

Taster days: Prior to the offer of a place, prospective pupils are invited to spend two days with us, to introduce them to the daily routine and ensure a secure and confident start in their new school. There is no entrance examination at this stage, admission is at the discretion of the Headteacher/Admissions Registrar following the child’s introductory visit and an interview with his/her parents.  Priority for the Reception class is given to pupils who already attend our nursery.

Years 3 to 6

Taster days: Prior to the offer of a place, prospective pupils are invited to spend two days with us, to introduce them to the daily routine and ensure a secure and confident start in their new school.

Assessment: Children are tested in literacy, numeracy and reasoning, informally during their taster days. We gauge each child’s academic potential and reach an agreement as to whether we are the right match for your child’s educational journey.

Admission: The offer of a place is at the discretion of the Headteacher following the child’s introductory visit and an interview with his/her parents.

Years 7 to 11

Entrance Exams:  For both current and prospective students, entrance examinations are held in January although it is also possible to sit them at other times during the academic year.  The entry examination is an online CAT4 test administered by GL Assessments.

Admission: While there is no ‘pass or fail’, the offer of a place will be subject to results in verbal, non-verbal and quantitative reasoning. Entry will also depend upon a parent and student interview with the Headteacher, and satisfactory references from previous schools.

Taster days: Prospective pupils are invited to spend two days with us, to introduce them to the daily routine and ensure a secure and confident start in their new school.

Sixth Form (VIsion)

Admission for ALL students, both internal and external, is dependent upon GCSE results and satisfactory school reports. Students should achieve at least a Grade 7 in the subjects they wish to pursue at A Level and have gained Grade 4 in English and Mathematics.

General information

Should there be evidence of particular academic or behavioural needs, which cannot be accommodated within this school, we will recommend an alternative environment more specifically designed to cater for such pupils’ requirements.

In the unlikely event that a child displays problems not detected during his/her initial visit or does not settle here, we reserve the right to ask parents to seek an alternative school. This action would be taken only as a last resort and following at least two consultations with parents.

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