Tag Archives: catchment

What provisions will be made as the temporary site is outside of catchment?

Given the site’s location beyond our catchment boundary we have worked closely with The Heights Parent, Teachers and Friends Association to understand what support parents will need to make the journey as easy as possible. We have created a flexible drop off window in the morning and are currently subsidizing  our breakfast and after school clubs to help working parents overcome the issue of commuting.

Isn’t this just a free “private” school for Caversham Heights? How will you ensure that children from all backgrounds and areas are able to attend?

The Heights was primarily developed to address the capacity issue in North Reading as a whole.  However, when asked by the council for volunteers to put in a bid to set up a new Free School, it was those living in Caversham Heights, in the dual Emmer Green / The Hill catchment and Caversham Primary area that came forward.  In this area, children are only likely to get into their designated schools if they take on a bulge year.  The catchment area has been expanded, based on feedback from the community and the council to include more children that are unlikely to obtain a place in their designated school.

The admissions policy for The Heights is the same as that for Reading Borough Council administered schools.  This does mean that those living closes to the data point (a central point identified within the catchment area, in the absence of a location for the school) and within catchment will have a greater chance of getting a place at The Heights than those further away.  This is the same with all schools in Reading.