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• CONSULTATION OUTCOME: HWS Admission Arrangements for 2026

HWS Local Governors and HWLP Trustees have now determined the Admission Arrangements for September 2026. The outcomes are summarised below with an explanation of the rationale for each decision following: 

HWS Admission Arrangements Consultation 

• Proposal 1: Increasing the HWS Published Admission Number (PAN) from 210 to 220. Outcome: Not adopted 

• Proposal 2: Changes to Feeder Schools Admissions Criteria. Outcome: Not adopted  

• Proposal 3: Amending the Catchment Area. Outcome: Not adopted 

• Proposal 4: Amending the Process for Application Under the Exceptional Circumstances Criterion. Outcome: Adopted 

• Proposal 5: Amending the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) for Children of Staff Applications at HWS and Sixth Form. Outcome: Adopted 

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Proposal 1: Increasing the HWS Published Admission Number (PAN) from 210 to 220 

• This change was proposed to help meet the demand for secondary school places at HWS, which in turn would support the existing HWS curriculum delivery model and enrichment offer. 

• Outcome: Proposal not adopted given that a permanent change to the Hinchley Wood School PAN is not supported by projected demand for secondary school places in the local area at the current time.  Clarification from colleagues in Kingston-upon-Thames has demonstrated that the proposed Free School in Norbiton will be sufficient to meet demand for secondary school places in the Borough. 

Proposal 2: Changes to Feeder Schools Admissions Criteria 

• This proposed change was intended to recognise the distinct links between the Trust’s primary phase schools and the Trust’s secondary school, creating a seamless 4-19 pathway for pupils. The proposal aimed to prioritise pupils from Hinchley Wood Primary School and Thames Ditton Junior School, with an additional feeder category for pupils from Long Ditton St Mary’s and Claygate Primary School. 

• Outcome: Proposal not adopted, given that many respondents expressed concerns about fairness to local families, potential socio-economic impact, the school’s inclusive reputation and the broader implications for our community.  The decision not to adopt this proposal supports our strategic intention to remain a Trust at the heart of the local community, working collaboratively with schools within and beyond the HWLP. 

Proposal 3: Amending the Catchment Area 

• The proposal sought to adjust the existing HWS catchment area by removing an area on the western edge of Claygate and adding the Surbiton River Roads area to the east of HWS’s existing catchment.  The intent was to align the catchment area with potential demographic shifts in Elmbridge and an excess of demand over supply described in a number of documents related to pupil place planning for Kingston-upon-Thames. 

• Outcome: Proposal not adopted given that discussions with the Kingston Place Planning team and Kingston Primary and Secondary Headteachers stated in January 2025 that there is no longer any identifiable need for additional capacity to meet demand for school places in the Borough of Kingston.  Concerns were also acknowledged regarding the exclusion of Claygate pupils and so the decision was made to leave the HWS catchment unchanged.    

Proposal 4: Amending the Process for Application Under the Exceptional Circumstances Criterion 

• This change was proposed to require applicants seeking priority under the exceptional social/medical need criterion to complete an additional Supplementary Information Form (SIF). The aim was to enable applicants to clearly outline their case, ensuring that HWS is demonstrably the only suitable school for their child. 

• Outcome: Proposal Adopted 

Proposal 5: Amending the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) for Children of Staff Applications at HWS and Sixth Form 

• This change was proposed to align the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) for Children of Staff applications with Surrey County Council guidance and the School Admissions Code 2021, ensuring fairness and transparency in the admissions process. This change was intended to improve the wording of the SIF for Children of Staff without altering eligibility criteria. 

• Outcome: Proposal Adopted 

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HWS Local Governors and HWLP Trustees deeply appreciate the time and effort parents/carers, governors, neighbouring schools and Trusts have taken to engage with this consultation. We understand that it has sparked genuine concerns about future opportunities for children in our community, and we want to reassure all stakeholders that our priority remains unchanged— providing the very best education and support for every pupil in our care. 

The relationships with our neighbouring schools are incredibly important to us and we are committed to working closely with them to strengthen partnerships and enhance opportunities for all children in the local area. We feel privileged to be part of a community with so many excellent schools, and we look forward to continuing our shared commitment to openness, collaboration and delivering the best possible education for every child. 

 

Any objections to these arrangements must be referred to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator (OSA) by 15 May 2025. Further details on how to submit an objection can be found on the OSA website.