Objective and Preamble

Silvermine Academy welcomes applications from all students who meet the academic and behavioural expectations of the school. The Board reserves the right to refuse admission based on a history of serious behavioural misconduct that may compromise the well-being, safety, or educational experience of other students.

The Board also reserves the right to allocate a limited number of seats to promote transformation and ensure a diverse and inclusive school environment.

The objectives of this policy are to:
a) Ensure a fair and transparent admission process.
b) Outline the procedures for application, selection, and enrolment.
c) Establish clear criteria regarding age, documentation, and school capacity.
d) Define the role of the Board and admissions committee in decision-making.
e) Provide guidelines for the waiting list process when capacity is reached.

General Admission Principles

1. Non-Discrimination: No student will be denied admission based on race, gender, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status.

2. Behavioural Considerations: Admission may be declined if a student’s previous school record indicates repeated behavioural misconduct (e.g., violence, bullying, substance abuse, or severe disciplinary breaches). This decision will be made at the Board’s discretion.

3. Confidentiality: The school may request disciplinary reports or conduct reference checks with previous schools as part of the application process.

4. Financial Responsibility: Parents/guardians must commit to paying school fees as per the enrolment agreement. (A student enrolling with a sibling(s) in the school. All accounts must be settled for students to be accepted into Silvermine Academy.)

5. Transformation Considerations: The Board may reserve seats for students from underrepresented backgrounds to promote diversity and inclusion.

Admission Procedure

1. Application Process

The following steps apply to new admissions:

1. Enquiry & Initial Contact

   • Parents/guardians express interest in admission.

2. School Tour with Parents/guardians and prospective student(s)

3. Submission of Application Forms

   • Completed application forms must be submitted along with the required documentation:

     • Copy of the student’s birth certificate

     • Most recent school report

     • ID copies of parents/guardians

     • Proof of residence

     • Any additional reports (academic, medical, or behavioural if applicable)

4. Screening & Interview

   • The Principal (or a delegated admissions officer) will review applications. 

   • Under the confidential report the school may contact the student’s previous school for behavioural and academic references.

   • An interview with the student and parents/ guardians will be scheduled. Parents will receive a copy of the relevant school policies and enrolment contract ahead of the interview. 

5. Decision by the Admissions Committee

   • Applications are assessed based on:

     • Academic performance

     • Applicant’s drive to contribute to the school community

     • Behavioural history

     • School capacity

     • Parental support and commitment to school policies

   • The Board reserves the right to decline admission based on behavioural concerns or if admitting the student would disrupt the learning environment.

6. Notification of Outcome

   • Parents are informed of the outcome via email.

   • The policy agreement and enrolment contract are to be signed after the interview. 

   • If accepted, an acceptance letter and welcome pack are sent.

7. Payment of Enrolment Fee

   • To secure the place, the enrolment fee must be paid within a maximum of:

     • One month if starting in the same academic year

8. Final Enrolment Steps

   • Once the enrolment fee is paid:

     • The student is added to the school’s systems (D6, CEMIS, and finance records).

     • IT access is provided (email, Snapplify, EDUvelopment, behaviour tracking).

   • A school orientation may be scheduled for new students.

Waiting List Process

1. Application & Placement on the Waitlist

• If a grade is full, parents may still apply for admission.

• The student will be placed on the official waiting list.

2. Selection When a Seat Becomes Available

• When a seat becomes available, the Admissions Committee will review all students on the waiting list and select a candidate based on the criteria outlined below.

• Parents will be notified within five working days once a decision has been made.

3. Selection Criteria for Waitlisted Students

When selecting students from the waiting list, the Admissions Committee will consider the following factors:

1. Academic Readiness & Performance

   • The student’s previous academic record and ability to meet Silvermine Academy’s academic standards.

   • For students entering Grade 10-12, the availability of their chosen subjects.

2. Behavioural & Disciplinary History

   • A student’s behaviour record at their current or previous school.

   • Students with a history of serious disciplinary issues may not be prioritised for placement.

3. Sibling Priority

   • Students with siblings currently enrolled at Silvermine Academy may receive preference.

4. Transformation & Diversity Considerations

   • The Board may allocate places to ensure diversity and inclusion within the student body.

5. Alumni & Community Links

   • Children of Silvermine Academy alumni or students with strong ties to the local community may be given preference.

6. Date of Application

   • The earlier an application was submitted, the higher the priority (subject to all other criteria).

7. Commitment to Silvermine Academy’s Ethos

   • Parents and students must demonstrate commitment to the school’s values, policies, and culture.

4. Acceptance & Confirmation

• Once offered a seat, parents must accept the placement within 48 hours.

• The interview should be conducted and the enrolment fee must be paid within seven days to secure the place.

5. Appeals & Review

• If a student is not selected from the waiting list, parents may submit an appeal to the Board within 10 working days of notification.

• Appeals must provide new supporting evidence for reconsideration.

• The Board’s decision on appeals is final.

Capacity and Class Size Limits

The Board has determined that the school’s total capacity is 115 students, with the following limits:

• Grades 8-9: Maximum 23 students per grade

• Grades 10-12: Maximum 23 students per grade

As a rule, the School does not generally accept students in Grade 11 & 12 due to the progressive nature of the curriculum. 

Final Provisions

• This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with legal and educational standards.

• The Board reserves the right to amend this policy if necessary.

Conclusion

Silvermine Academy aims to create a supportive, disciplined, and academically excellent environment. This policy ensures that students who align with our school’s values and expectations have access to quality education, while the waiting list process maintains fair and structured admissions when seats are limited.