Admission to the school will not be denied because of nationality, sex, race or creed. The decision to admit an applicant resides with the academic staff. Applicants will be accepted for admission only if the admission is in the best interests of the applicant and the school is able to meet the needs of the candidate. The school seeks to assemble a comprehensive profile of each applicant. The specific information required may vary slightly with the age of the student, but it will include:
High School Admissions Policy
For admission to the High School, the school must receive the student’s previous school transcript. The school may offer a conditional acceptance to the student if unofficial records are received directly from parents, but a final decision must await the receipt of official school records. An exception can be made in an extraordinary situation.
Academic and Social Probation
In addition to the above, the school has two special categories of admission: Academic Probation and Social Probation.
Academic Probation
If a Principal notices that the previous school may have different standards or curricula, or the student’s previous grades or standardized test scores or other information may give cause for concern, the principal may elect to place the student on Academic Probation. During the period of probation, the student must maintain a grade of C- or better in all major academic subjects or the student may be asked to leave the school.
Generally, students on academic probation experience additional monitoring and extra help. If, after the end of the first semester, the student has not achieved the minimum grades required, the parents may be advised that they should begin looking for a school which can better support their child’s needs. The school will make suggestions and assist the parents in finding a more appropriate environment. The situation will be reviewed at the end of the year and a final decision taken in consultation with the Principal and Head of School.
Academic probation may also be used to support any student who is failing courses and at risk of not gaining credits
Social Probation
ACS reserves the right not to accept students with previous disciplinary infractions. Given the range and response to such infractions, however, students with previous disciplinary records may be considered to be admitted on Social Probation.
In such cases:
At this time, an admissions meeting will be required which would include the appropriate Principal, the Head of School, the Dean of Admissions and the Boarding House Parent for potential Boarders. The purpose of the meeting will be to decide whether the school can accept the student and any conditions of enrolment which may include:
All confidential correspondence will be kept by the appropriate Principal in his/her confidential file and all other steps will be taken which are necessary to protect the privacy of the student and family.
Social probation, a behaviour agreement or care plan, may be used to support any student at any time, whose behaviour or wellbeing is a cause concern.
Non-English Speaking Students
Non-English speaking students above the age of 15 are not admitted to the High School. Only students who can demonstrate a level of English that is defined as “advanced” or better will be admitted. The school will test applicants in order to determine proficiency.
Seniors
- A completed application
- Full school records and transcripts
- Any results of standardised testing
- Academic references from previous teachers
- A questionnaire completed by the student or by the parent on behalf of a younger applicant
- Where applicable, a psycho-educational evaluation and independent educational plan
- Medical records, to include submission of a letter certifying health clearance for children entering the Early Childhood Programme
- On occasion, an interview with the candidate.
High School Admissions Policy
For admission to the High School, the school must receive the student’s previous school transcript. The school may offer a conditional acceptance to the student if unofficial records are received directly from parents, but a final decision must await the receipt of official school records. An exception can be made in an extraordinary situation.
Academic and Social Probation
In addition to the above, the school has two special categories of admission: Academic Probation and Social Probation.
Academic Probation
If a Principal notices that the previous school may have different standards or curricula, or the student’s previous grades or standardized test scores or other information may give cause for concern, the principal may elect to place the student on Academic Probation. During the period of probation, the student must maintain a grade of C- or better in all major academic subjects or the student may be asked to leave the school.
Generally, students on academic probation experience additional monitoring and extra help. If, after the end of the first semester, the student has not achieved the minimum grades required, the parents may be advised that they should begin looking for a school which can better support their child’s needs. The school will make suggestions and assist the parents in finding a more appropriate environment. The situation will be reviewed at the end of the year and a final decision taken in consultation with the Principal and Head of School.
Academic probation may also be used to support any student who is failing courses and at risk of not gaining credits
Social Probation
ACS reserves the right not to accept students with previous disciplinary infractions. Given the range and response to such infractions, however, students with previous disciplinary records may be considered to be admitted on Social Probation.
In such cases:
- The admissions office probes the nature of the infraction and collects all applicable documentation which should include the specifics of the infraction, information on the consequences and that school’s procedure. In addition, other material will be collected, including recommendations and comments from those involved with the student’s progress and any other supporting documentation.
- If at any time, it is decided that the school should not continue with the application, the file should be signed by the principal and counter-signed by the Head of School.
- If, however, the school can further consider the application, an interview with the potential student and his/her family will be required.
- If, after the interview, the school continues to consider the application, contact with the current school will be made to verify details, check progress, address any issues raised in the above meetings and to ascertain what the requirements would be should the student remain in his/her current school.
At this time, an admissions meeting will be required which would include the appropriate Principal, the Head of School, the Dean of Admissions and the Boarding House Parent for potential Boarders. The purpose of the meeting will be to decide whether the school can accept the student and any conditions of enrolment which may include:
- Acceptance on social probation
- The School’s right to immediate dismissal without further process
- Regular meetings with principal, health teacher, counsellor and/or outside counsellor
- The school’s right to impose other conditions
All confidential correspondence will be kept by the appropriate Principal in his/her confidential file and all other steps will be taken which are necessary to protect the privacy of the student and family.
Social probation, a behaviour agreement or care plan, may be used to support any student at any time, whose behaviour or wellbeing is a cause concern.
Non-English Speaking Students
Non-English speaking students above the age of 15 are not admitted to the High School. Only students who can demonstrate a level of English that is defined as “advanced” or better will be admitted. The school will test applicants in order to determine proficiency.
Seniors
- The school will not issue its diploma to any student who has entered after the start of the 2nd semester of his/her last year or who has not earned at least four of his required graduation credits at ACS Cobham.
- For these students, the School will assist in making arrangements for the previous school to issue its diploma. The student may participate in all senior activities, including graduation.