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In-year admissions

What is an in‑year admission?

An in‑year admission is when a pupil applies for a school place outside the normal Year 7 September intake, for example because:

  • you have moved house,

  • your child needs to change schools during the year,

  • or you have moved into the area part‑way through the academic year.

Who handles in‑year admissions for Thomas Keble?

Thomas Keble School is an academy and is its own admissions authority. This means:

  • Applications are made directly to the school, not centrally by Gloucestershire County Council.
  • The school decides whether a place can be offered, in line with its published admissions policy and the School Admissions Code.

Step‑by‑step: how to apply:

1. Complete an in‑year application form (attached below)

Parents/carers must complete Gloucestershire’s In‑Year Application Form (the common form used across the county).

  • A separate form is needed for each child.

  • You can submit the form by email or directly to the school office.

2. Send the form directly to Thomas Keble School

Applications should be sent straight to Thomas Keble, not the local authority.

The school admissions team (overseen by the school) will then:

  • check availability in the requested year group,

  • consider the application against the admissions criteria.

3. Decision by the school

Thomas Keble will usually respond within 10–15 school days.

A place can be refused if:

  • the year group is full and admitting another pupil would prejudice efficient education, or

  • another lawful reason under the admissions code applies.

If the year group is full

Waiting lists

  • Thomas Keble operates a waiting list for in‑year admissions.
  • Waiting lists are ranked according to the oversubscription criteria, not by date of application.
  • Being on the waiting list does not guarantee a place will become available.

Right of appeal

If an application is refused:

  • parents have a legal right to appeal to an independent admissions appeal panel.
  • appeal details will be provided with the refusal letter.

In‑Year Fair Access Protocol

Thomas Keble School participates in Gloucestershire’s In‑Year Fair Access Protocol.

This means:

  • certain vulnerable children (for example those without a school place or with challenging circumstances) may be placed at the school ahead of others on the waiting list, even if the year group is full.

Children with SEND or EHCPs

  • If a child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), admissions are handled through the local authority SEND team, not standard in‑year admissions.

  • Parents should speak to their caseworker at Gloucestershire County Council.

 

FAQ about our school:

1. The School Day

What time does school start and finish?
School runs from 08:45 to 15:15 each day (32.5 hours per week), with registration or assembly 08:45–09:00.

What does a “typical day” look like?

  • 08:30 – Site opens
  • 08:40 – Move to tutor rooms
  • 08:45–09:00 – Registration/Assembly
  • Five 60‑minute lessons, with break (11:05–11:25) and lunch (13:30–14:15)

Are water bottles allowed on desks?
Yes, water bottles are allowed in lessons except in science labs/DT for safety.

What is the toilet policy?
Generally, pupils are expected to go at break/lunch or during the 5 minutes given to move between lessons. Students are discouraged from asking to use the toilet at the start and end of lessons, but teachers may permit them during a lesson at other times.

2. Homework & Digital Platforms

How is homework set?
Homework is always posted on ClassCharts, accessible via the website or app.

ClassCharts login details?
Parents/carers receive access emails during the first week of term using the email address held in the school system.

How is homework handed in?
It varies by subject:

  • Upload on ClassCharts
  • Platforms such as Sparx (Maths) or Seneca (various subjects)
  • In books or on paper in class
  • Teachers may accept emailed work when needed

What is Sparx Maths?
An online platform used for maths homework.

What is Seneca?
A digital learning and revision platform used by several subjects, including science.

What if there’s a submission issue?
Teachers can remove incorrect negative points if an issue has arisen about handing in work. Reprographics can print homework from email attachments via reprographics@thomaskeble.gloucs.sch.uk.

3. Clubs & Activities

How do children join clubs?
Most clubs require no sign‑up—students simply attend. Staff take a register of who has attended each session. Clubs usually finish at 16:15 unless stated otherwise.

Where is the club list?
The full Extra‑Curricular list is on the school website and updated each term (usually within the first two weeks). Look at Curriculum > Extra Curriculum. It is also posted in the weekly Parent Bulletin.

Is there a homework club?
Yes—after school weekly until 16:15. Specific days are posted in the Parent Bulletin each week.

4. Meals, Payments & Cashless Catering

How do pupils pay for meals?
TK uses a cashless catering system (see Information > Cashless Catering) linked to School Gateway. Log in details are shared in the first week, parents log in and add money which students can spend at the canteen. On the first day, a partial fingerprint is taken of each student. Students use this scan to pay at the tills. Parents may opt out and we can provide a pin number if preferred.

Is there a daily spend limit or buffer?
Yes, there is a daily spend limit of £6 for each account.

Free School Meals (FSM)

Students in receipt of free school meals may purchase a main meal and dessert each day. Government guidelines prohibit purchasing drinks as water is provided free of charge.

Where can I see menus?
Menus are on the Lunch Menus under the Information tab page

5. Communication & Contacts

How do I access ClassCharts?
The ClassCharts page (Information > ClassCharts) explains all features, including behaviour, homework, attendance and timetables. Parents receive login details in the first week.

How do I report an absence?
Report absence via:

  • Phone: 01452 770301, press Option 1
  • Email: attendance@thomaskeble.gloucs.sch.uk
    Parents must notify the school by 10am on the first day, and again each subsequent day.

How do I contact staff?

  • Admin: admin@thomaskeble.gloucs.sch.uk
  • SENDCo: Emily Belcher – sendco@thomaskeble.gloucs.sch.uk 
  • General enquiries: admin@thomaskeble.gloucs.sch.uk
    Parent bulletins, guides and newsletters are on the Information pages of the website.

What should I do if I have concerns about my child’s wellbeing?
Your child’s tutor is the first point of contact. Tutors are supported by the Head of Year, who can be contacted via admin@thomaskeble.gloucs.sch.uk. (Tutor system is described in general pastoral guidance on the website.)

Student email format
All students receive a school email ending @tksch.uk for Microsoft 365 and platform logins.

6. Settling In

What if my child finds mornings overwhelming?
Please contact your child's Tutor in the first instance to discuss.

  1. In-year application form
    DOCX File

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