An application to join Somervale School can be made at any time throughout the academic year for any year group with available space. The chances of obtaining a place are stronger if you are living in our catchment area, although this is still not guaranteed.
Our catchment area is:
Please click here for Somervale's Admissions policy.
Please click here for Somervale's Admissions Appeals Timetable.
If you wish to make an application, please click here to download an application form, or contact the Head’s PA, Hannah Jones, hjones@somervaleschool.com to make an enquiry.
“My child’s transition from primary school was handled in a very sensitive and professional manner and there was a great deal of interaction leading up to the big day. As a result, she has had an excellent start to her secondary education, her confidence has grown considerably and we are delighted with her progress.”
Parent of a Year 7 Student
A Smooth Transition to Somervale
At Somervale School we run lots of activities which help make the transition from primary school to secondary school as smooth and successful as possible. These activities include Year 6 Transition Day, Induction Evening and Summer School.
The transition process begins with Open Evening in September when all Year 5 and Year 6 students and their parents and carers are invited to tour the school to gain a sense of what life will be like in a secondary school. In Year 6, Senior and Pastoral staff visit all Year 6 students coming to Somervale during the summer term. They also speak to Year 6 teachers at the primary schools.
We hold an Induction Day in July where students get a chance to experience new lessons and begin the process of making new friends.
This is followed by an Induction Evening for parents.
A summer school is held in the summer holidays to allow students to meet fellow students and participate in a wide range of activities to help aid a smooth transition into September.
In Term 2 of Year 7, we offer all Year 7 students a residential experience at the Forest of Dean Study Centre. The central purpose of this experience is to build the tutor group into a mutually supportive team. To this end, the Year 7 Tutor accompanies the group.
We look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 students who will be joining us in September. Once your place at the school has been confirmed you will have frequent contact from the school and our transition staff. In March, we send out details of our Admissions Portal which will be used for us to send important information/correspdonces during the Transition period as well as collating the relevant Admission Forms.
All admissions to Year 7 for a September start must be submitted through the council. The only exception to this is "In Year" admissions which are after the school year has begun.
| Early September | Prospectus packs are sent to all Year 6 pupils in local primary schools inviting them to attend our Open Evening. |
| Mid September | Somervale School Open Evening. This is an opportunity for prospective parents and pupils to view the school, meet the staff and current students. A range of activities is on offer within the different subject areas, with the aim of providing a flavour of what life would be like at Somervale School. There is also an opportunity to hear from the Headteacher about why Somervale is such an excellent school. |
| September/October | After Open Evening, daytime tours of the school are available – we would encourage all prospective students and parents to visit to see the school at work. |
| 31st October | The national deadline for applications. Any applications or changes received after this date are classed as “late” and won’t be considered until after all the “on time” applications have been processed. |
| Nov-Mar | Local Authorities liaise and allocate places based on our published admissions criteria (which can be found in our Admissions Policy here). |
| Beginning of March | National offer date. Local Authorities will inform their own residents of places offered, either by second class post or via email for online applications. |
| Mid March | Parents must reply to offers made by this date. Once all responses are received, late applications and changes of preference can then be considered. |
| Mid April | Local Authorities confirm the final list of students to schools. |
| Late May/Early June | Appeals are heard for any children who were unsuccessful in gaining a place. We understand that it can be unsettling when there is uncertainty about a school place, so we do our best to organise appeals as soon as we possibly can, and certainly well before the national deadline of 6th July. |
| May/June | Visits to students at their primary school. As soon as all the visits to the local primaries have been completed, our transition team will draw up the tutor groups to ensure a fair mix of gender and ability. |
| July (First Thursday) | All Year 6 children spend the day at Somervale School. This is when they meet their tutor and tutor group for the first time; have the opportunity to sample some lessons and experience moving around the school to change classrooms. |
To view the Summer School Plan 2021 please click here.
