References for reception class admission

[godzillasmum]

Hi all, I'm new to the country and am very perplexed by the schooling situation. I've read on some school websites that they require references for admission to reception class - what are these and how do we get some? References for my 2 year old? or for mum and dad?

Many thanks for any info - so confused!

If it is for a religious school, then I have heard that some ask for a reference from your parish priest / Vicar etc to confirm that you have been attending church regularly, if religious affiliation is on the admission criteria.

If it a religious school, the additional information would usually be referred to as a supplementary admissions form. Is this what you are referring to? Otherwise, perhaps you could link to one of the websites in question so people can see exactly what is being requested.

If it is a state school, the only kind of supplementary information allowed by law is a faith one, if you applying for a faith place. This kind of reference is supplied by a priest, and should state your level of attendance. The supplementary form is usually available on the school website, or will be readily available if you ask for it.

For a private school, you need to ask exactly what they want (there is no standard procedure) and then work out the best way to fill it in.

The only other thing (which will probably confuse OP even more - as it does me) is random selection. I'm not sure if I understand this so if anyone can help?

When a school allocates places they start off by giving places to everyone in the first admission category (which will be looked after children). If there are still places left they move on to the next category and so on. Eventually they will reach a category which has more applicants than there are places (which could be the looked after children category but that is unlikely). They need a tie breaker to sort out which children in that category will get places. Most schools use some kind of distance based tie breaker. Some use random selection which simply means the successful applicants are chosen at random. In effect, all the names are put into a hat and you draw out names until you have filled all the places.

Thanks everyone for your info - will keep that in mind for faith schools. Though I have also seen it required for private non-faith schools as well. Well, at least now I know there's no standard way of doing this that I've totally missed! Thanks again!