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Communication and language is one of the three prime areas within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Each prime area is divided into early learning goals, for communication and language these are: Listening, attention, understanding and speaking.

Children at an expected level of development will:

• Listen for short periods of time and respond appropriately to what they hear with relevant questions, comments or simple actions/facial responses (e,g when being read to and during whole class discussions and small group interactions)
• Participate in small group, class and one-to-one discussions, offering their own ideas, using recently introduced vocabulary or repeating phrases/single words.

Students will be asked to attend play assessments where they can be observed in our EYFS setting.

Children must be completely independent when going to the toilet.

Students applying for Years 1-6 must take a cognitive ability test (CAT).

• Year 1 – Children will complete two short cognitive ability tests.
• Year 2 – Children will complete two short cognitive ability tests and a piece of independent writing.
• Year 3-6 – Children will complete three cognitive ability tests and a piece of independent writing.

Students must have a positive supporting reference from their previous school.

Students must complete a successful interview.

Students applying for Year 7-11 must take a cognitive ability test (CAT).

Ideally students will begin their GCSE journey at the beginning of Year 10. If a family wishes to seek admission during the school year or in Yr 11, then we will conduct a full review of the exam boards and make a decision in the best interests of the students.  

Students must have a positive supporting reference from their previous school.

Students must complete a successful interview.

Sixth Form study is designed to allow students to pursue subjects in which they have a particular interest to much greater depth and breadth. As such, students are encouraged to opt for subjects they enjoy with a passion and to which they are willing and able to dedicate at least two more years of study. 

Naturally, a certain level of academic achievement in these subjects is also required for the student to be successful and to enable them to progress to university. Guidance is given from subject teachers about a student’s suitability for a course and we strongly urge students and parents to act on such advice. 

When considering a student’s suitability for entry to the Sixth Form, the following criteria will apply: 

• The student’s track record in terms of: 
  • Commitment to the BSM Learning Ethos 
  • Academic ability 
  • Contribution to school life 
• At least 5 GCSEs at A*-C or 9-4 including English and mathematics (a B is required where the student has taken iGCSE English as Second Language) 
• Each A Level has its own minimum entry requirement, usually a grade 6 or B at GCSE. ‘Please see Sixth Form Entry Requirements’ 
• Where a student has not taken GCSEs it is expected that they can prove an equivalent level of academic ability via alternative examinations or school references. 

Reference – Students must have a positive supporting reference from their previous school.

Students may be asked to take a cognitive ability test (CAT).

Interview – Students must complete a successful interview.

Students wishing to join Year 13 will be considered on a case by case basis.