Admissions

We do not typically ask students to sit entrance tests, instead we prefer to look holistically at their academic record and references from the schools and teachers who know them well. 

1. Strong academic performance, as determined by school reports/transcripts/references and, if necessary, an indicative assessment at Halcyon.
2. Good intrapersonal skills; self-discipline and a curious, independent sense of inquiry.
3. Good interpersonal skills; the ability to collaborate effectively with peers and adults and to build positive social connections.
4. Positive engagement with extra- or co-curricular activities.
5. Personal engagement with activities which support the community.
6. Sufficient English language proficiency to access learning. The school reserves the right not to admit applicants whose command of English would not allow them to access the curriculum and have a reasonable opportunity for success.

Applicants for whom there has not been a full, accurate, disclosure of educational records, including all previous Educational Psychology Assessments, will not be considered for admission.

We accept applications throughout the school year, dependent on space in each grade. Throughout the Admissions process, Halcyon’s Director and Admissions Committee will get to know your family on an individual basis.

As we review your application, we will aim to demonstrate the holistic, thoughtful and balanced approach to decision-making that we expect from our students.

Stage 1

Parents are requested to complete an application form and arrange payment for the application fee.

Stage 2

We ask that applicants submit a completed student questionnaire, followed by the submission of two (G6 – 8) or three (G9 and above) academic years reports, transcripts and teacher references. If an applicant has any additional reports (for example: an Educational Psychology Assessment or a medical needs report) these should be shared with us at this stage.

Stage 3

We will review the range of documents and references that you provide as a whole, aiming to achieve a fair and objective understanding of your child’s approach to learning. This evaluation is made collaboratively by the Admissions Committee, which includes our Director. All applicants who demonstrate they meet our admissions criteria will be offered an informal interview with our Director.

Notification of a decision will be made shortly after your child’s interview.

In the UK, Additional Needs are referred to as Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Policy

Students with special educational needs who meet the Admissions Criteria will be welcomed, provided Halcyon has sufficient capacity to meet the applicant’s needs, and that these learning needs can be supported after the school has made reasonable adjustments.

SEN application requirements – Stage 1

Parents must disclose whether their child has any special educational need(s), and if they have been enrolled in any non-standard educational support or wellbeing programme during their previous schooling.

SEND application requirements – Stage 2

Parents must provide Halcyon with full details of any special educational needs pertinent to their child, including support programmes, Educational Psychology Assessments, or social-emotional evaluations. If no such evaluation is available, we require parents to provide an independent educational psychologist’s report.

Policy

Students with physical or medical disabilities will be welcomed, provided they can be reasonably, safely and comfortably accommodated in the building, in off-site facilities, and through the school’s timetable after all reasonable adjustments have been made. There is limited wheelchair access to some but not all areas of the school.

Why do we request these details? Read our Admissions Policy on our Policies Page.

Application requirements – Stage 1

Parents must disclose whether their child has any physical or medical disabilities, and if they have been enrolled in any non-standard educational support or wellbeing programme.

Application requirements – Stage 2

Parents must provide Halcyon with full details of any disabilities pertinent to their child. Applicants with medical or physical disabilities may be required to submit an independent medical report outlining the accommodations that would be required of the school.

We can consider your child for admission only after receiving a complete, accurate disclosure of educational records, including all previous psychological/educational testing, such as Educational Psychology Assessments.

Students must have sufficient English language proficiency to be able to access learning. Our English Plus programme is designed for students whose English language skills are not yet proficient enough to access the mainstream curriculum. English Plus students must: a. have at least a working proficiency in English and b. be expected to exit the English Plus programme and enjoy success in a first-language English class, within 12 – 18 months of enrolment.

Halcyon values the importance of family and, subject to space availability, may give priority to the admission of siblings who meet the relevant criteria, provided Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the application process are completed one academic year in advance of the year of admission. After that period, they may be considered as part of the regular admissions process.