As one of the leading international schools in Kenya, Braeburn School offers world-class education for children from nursery level through to secondary school, preparing them for success in a globalized world. As a member of the Braeburn Group of International Schools, the school follows a structured admissions policy designed to ensure a smooth transition for both new students and their families.
If you are considering Braeburn School for your child, understanding the school’s admissions process, requirements, and key policies will help guide your decision. This article provides an in-depth look at Braeburn School’s admissions policy, including age requirements, documentation, testing procedures, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect when applying to Braeburn School and how to navigate the process effectively.
The Braeburn School Admission Process
Braeburn School’s admission policy is designed to ensure that all students are placed in the year group best suited to their age, educational background, and individual needs. The school adheres to a structured age-based entry system, with a few exceptions made for children with additional educational needs.
1. Age Requirements for Entry
Each year group at Braeburn has specific age requirements to ensure students are placed in the correct learning environment. Here are the age requirements for each year group, with the child’s age being determined as of August 31 of the year they intend to join:
- Creche: Must be 2 years old
- FS1 (Nursery): Must be 3 years old
- FS2 (Reception): Must have turned 4 years old
- Year 1: Must have turned 5 years old
- Year 2: Must have turned 6 years old
- Year 3: Must have turned 7 years old
- Year 4: Must have turned 8 years old
- Year 5: Must have turned 9 years old
- Year 6: Must have turned 10 years old
- Year 7: Must have turned 11 years old
- Year 8: Must have turned 12 years old
- Year 9: Must have turned 13 years old
These age requirements ensure that students are placed in year groups where they will be developmentally ready for the curriculum and classroom environment. This system is part of Braeburn’s commitment to providing a well-balanced education that supports the emotional, social, and academic development of each child.
2. Supporting Documents Required for Admission
To complete the admission process at Braeburn School, parents must submit the following supporting documents:
- Copy of Passport or Birth Certificate: Proof of the child’s identity and age.
- Previous Two Reports: Academic reports from the child’s current or previous school.
- Leaving Certificate: This document is required if the child has previously attended another school.
These documents help the school assess the child’s academic history, development, and suitability for admission.
3. Placement Based on Age
Children are generally placed in year groups according to their age, with one notable exception: children with additional educational needs. In such cases, children may be placed in a year group below their age group, but this decision is only made after careful evaluation. The school ensures that placement is made in the child’s best interest, and this may involve assessments from educational psychologists or other specialists.
It is important to note that Braeburn does not place children in year groups above their age group, regardless of academic ability or prior schooling. This policy is rooted in the belief that it is crucial for children’s emotional, social, and physical development to be aligned with their age group. Additionally, it supports their language and communication development, particularly during the early years.
4. Waiting Lists and Priority for Siblings
In instances where a year group is full, new applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Admissions to the waiting list are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. However, children with siblings already enrolled at the school are given priority when spaces become available. This sibling priority helps ensure that families with multiple children can enroll all their children in the same school.
Braeburn also offers a discount on tuition fees for siblings, making it more affordable for families with more than one child attending the school.
5. Differentiation and Academic Support
Braeburn School is committed to catering to the individual needs of each student. The school employs a differentiation strategy in the classroom, ensuring that each child’s learning requirements are met. Teachers may use different teaching methods, tasks, and learning outcomes to accommodate the diverse learning styles within the classroom.
Where possible, Braeburn also implements setting in subjects like Mathematics, English, and Modern Foreign Languages, starting from Year 2 and above. This allows students to be grouped based on their abilities, providing more targeted and effective teaching.
6. Additional Educational Needs and Support
Braeburn School prides itself on being an inclusive school, welcoming students with mild learning difficulties. The school provides additional support through mainstream classes, with the option for some students to withdraw from one or two subjects if necessary. This decision is made in consultation with parents, the student (if age-appropriate), and the teachers.
Parents are required to inform the school of any known or suspected additional educational needs their child may have prior to admission. This ensures that appropriate support can be put in place before the child starts school.
Once admitted, children with additional educational needs may undergo further assessments, and if necessary, parents may be advised to seek external specialist support. If Braeburn is unable to meet the needs of a child despite the best efforts of the school, the school may recommend alternative educational provisions and will work with the parents to ensure the child’s academic needs are met elsewhere.
7. English as an Additional Language (EAL)
For students who are not fluent in English, Braeburn provides a tailored English language support program. The level of support offered depends on the child’s proficiency in English and their age:
- EYU and KS1: Students are supported in mainstream classes, with additional assistance for both beginners and those with a more advanced knowledge of English.
- KS2 and KS3: Beginners undergo an intensive English course, usually for an hour a day over a period of 10 weeks. This course helps students improve their oral and written English skills, while they continue their studies in other subjects.
This support ensures that children whose first language is not English can quickly adapt to the school environment and thrive academically.
8. Physical Disabilities
Braeburn strives to accommodate students with physical disabilities, ensuring that all children have access to education within the limitations of the school’s facilities and environment. While the school does its best to support students with physical disabilities, the level of support may depend on the specific needs of the child and the available resources.
9. Admission Testing
Braeburn conducts pre- and post-admission testing to assess each student’s ability to access the school’s curriculum. These tests help the school understand the child’s strengths and areas for development, which in turn allows teachers to set appropriate academic targets and support the student’s progress effectively.
10. Medical Form and Health Considerations
Once a child has been admitted, parents are required to complete a medical form detailing the child’s health history and any ongoing medical conditions. This information is crucial for ensuring the child’s safety and well-being while at school. The medical form must be submitted before the child’s first day at Braeburn.
11. Leaving the School
If parents decide to withdraw their child from Braeburn School, they are required to give one term’s written notice to the headteacher. If such notice is not provided, the parents will be charged one term’s fees in lieu of notice. This policy ensures that the school can manage its resources and make adjustments accordingly when a student leaves.
A Clear Path to Enrollment at Braeburn School
Braeburn School’s admissions policy is designed to provide a structured, transparent process for both parents and students. From age-based entry requirements to support for children with additional educational needs, the school ensures that all students are placed in an environment that fosters their academic, social, and emotional development.
For families interested in enrolling their children at Braeburn School, understanding the admissions process is crucial. By providing the necessary documents, adhering to age requirements, and being aware of the school’s policies on sibling admissions, educational support, and additional needs, parents can ensure a smooth and successful application process.
Braeburn School’s commitment to inclusive education, differentiation, and support for all students ensures that each child can thrive in their educational journey. Whether you are a first-time applicant or a returning family, the admissions process at Braeburn School offers a pathway to high-quality education that prepares students for success in an increasingly globalized world.
