The New School Rome

Admissions policy

The New School Rome offers a British education in terms of curriculum, ethos and method for students from the international and local community in Rome. The school seeks to recruit students who share its mission and values and who will contribute positively to the school community. The school is open to all children irrespective of race, ethnicity, culture, nationality, gender or religion. In addition places are offered to students irrespective of academic ability although children with additional needs will be assessed carefully to determine whether the school can meet them.

It is not the policy of the school to admit a child into a year group above his/her age. In determining the age appropriate group the British academic year will be used (1 September to 31 August).

All students entering the school in Year 2 and above are expected to have a reasonable and age-appropriate level of literacy and oral fluency in English to be able to access the curriculum. A programme of support lessons in English as an Additional Language is provided although the school may ask parents to seek further help outside the school.

It is an expectation of the school that at least 1 parent has proficiency in English both spoken and written since students will require support in and exposure to this language at home. All communication between the school and home will be in English.

In making an application for a place at The New School Rome parents should confirm that they have read and understood the admissions policy and general application terms.

Admission criteria:

In addition to assessment results, references and reports the following criteria may be taken into consideration:

• Native English speaker
• Citizen of UK or an English speaking country
• International expatriate or Italian expatriate returning to Italy where previous schooling has been in a similar school or exclusively in English
• Siblings at school
• Child of a former student
• Make up of year groups (gender/first language)

In addition to the above, there are some academic measures considered for entry into Year 12:

Current NSR students need at least B grades in the IGCSEs they wish to take on at A-level. If a student has less than a B the decision to admit the student onto the course is taken by the subject teacher and may involve a trial period.

External students will need to complete detailed tests relevant to the A-level subjects they wish to take in Year 12 in addition to tests in English and maths.

Admissions procedure

• Parents are kindly asked to apply by completing an application form online uploading all the necessary documentation (e.g. relating to learning needs where appropriate). They are also asked to send a copy of the most recent school report in order for the application to be processed.
• On receipt of this information parents will be invited to visit the school and meet the Chairperson (headteacher). If school visits are unable to occur then this can be done via Skype/Facetime.
• Assessment: students aged 6 years and 6 months and above are required to undertake a Cognitive Ability Test (CAT4) and an age appropriate assessment. For primary this means an assessment of maths and English by the class teacher. Students may also be asked to draw a picture of themselves using the Goodenough Draw a Man scale. For secondary this means a test in English and maths with more specific tests being conducted for Year 12. Further assessment may be required by the school’s Learning Support coordinator and/or the school’s EAL teachers where appropriate and/or necessary. Children are invited to spend a morning or a day at the school.
• Admissions into Early Years 1 and 2 In addition to the whole school admissions requirements, children applying for Early Years will be asked to visit school with parents for at least a morning. Teachers will observe the child within the group and stage an informal interview with parents. Current teachers will also be contacted. Current research - and the school’s own experience - demonstrate that children born in July and August usually require more time to achieve EY goals. These children will therefore have an extended settling in period and may also be required to spend extended time in EY before moving on to Year 1, when recommended by EY teachers. Places in Early Years will be allocated to children who:
  • Demonstrate school readiness
  • Can cope physically with our environment
  • Are sufficiently independent
  • Show age appropriate proficiency in their home language
  • Are fully toilet trained

Offer of a place: a decision on whether to offer a place or not will be taken by the Chairperson (headteacher) in conjunction with the class teacher (primary) and senior teachers. Parents will be informed via email of the offer of a place (and any conditions attached) and have 2 weeks in which to accept or decline the offer.