KENTS HILL PARK SCHOOL · Page 2 of 11 Kingsbridge Educational Trust, a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales with company number 09144847. The

KENTS HILL PARK SCHOOL

Proposed Free School opening September 2018

Report on Section 10 Consultation

Page 2 of 11 Kingsbridge Educational Trust, a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales with company

number 09144847. The registered office is at Oakgrove School, Venturer Gate, Middleton, Milton Keynes, MK10 9JQ

Kents Hill Park School Section 10 consultation – summary report by the Kingsbridge Educational

Trust

This document is intended to report on the following:

1. Raising awareness

2. The range of stakeholders consulted

3. Information provided to stakeholders

4. Methods of consultation, events and activities

5. Results of the formal consultation

6. Conclusions

1. Raising awareness

The Kingsbridge Educational Trust (KET) based in Milton Keynes, submitted a bid to run this new

provision and received the approval of the Department for Education in August 2017.

The following activities were undertaken to raise awareness amongst prospective parents and the

wider community during October/November 2017:

Notification sent to all parent/carers within the existing Trust schools

The consultation exercise sought to raise the profile within the local community (please see

point 2)

Advert placed in local press

KET Board/Local Governing Body briefing

Referenced at open evenings for Year 7 and Year 3

2. The range of stakeholders consulted

A wide range of stakeholders were consulted, these are detailed below:

Prospective parents

Local residents

Members of the public in Milton Keynes (MK)

Local schools in Milton Keynes

Neighbouring local authorities

The Local Authority

Local libraries

Parents of children under 5

Local politicians

Local Councillors

Local Parish Councils

Local media

Internal stakeholders were also consulted:

Staff at all Trust schools

Parent/Carers of all Trust Schools



The objective of the consultation was to inform stakeholders with accurate and appropriate

information.

3. Information provided to stakeholders

Information provided to stakeholders took the following forms:

1. Consultation Information booklet (see appendix 1)

The booklet gave details of the vision, mission, values and ethos of the school; information

on site and location; information on admissions criteria for 2018/19 and 2019/20; number of

places; information on school policies; curriculum; nursery provision; recruitment; key

milestones. The publication included a link to the online feedback from and encouraged

completion and submission.

Details of the consultation drop-in session were included in the booklet.

Stakeholders were advised to contact the Kingsbridge Educational Trust should the

information be required in a different language.

2. Kents Hill Park website

The consultation document was placed on the website and reference to the questionnaire

was highlighted with a link to the online form.

3. Adverts (appendix 2)

The consultation event was advertised in the local press.

Adverts were also placed for the Year 6 and Year 3 open evenings which were held at the

Primary site.

4. Consultation flyer (appendix 3)

A flyer was created and sent to the local libraries, local nurseries and local Parish Councils

requesting they be displayed in situ or online, as appropriate.

5. Drop in session

A drop-in session was held at the Kents Hill Park School primary site for any interested

parties to attend. Attendees had the opportunity to see images of the school buildings,

school plans and speak to KET members of staff on such matters as recruitment and

admissions. Attendees were given a copy of the consultation information booklet and

encouraged to complete and return the survey, either online or paper based.



4. Methods of consultation

The formal consultation was undertaken in a six-week period between 11th October and 29th

November 2017 inclusive. Multiple methods of consultation were undertaken and a wide range of

stakeholders were consulted. A detailed summary is provided below:

Audience Date Communication method

Message Feedback option

All 11/10/2017 Kents Hill Park website Local press advert

Consultation Information booklet

Dedicated online feedback form to be submitted via specific email address or via post. Drop in session highlighted.

Parish Councillors for whom the defined area(s) are included in their Ward

11/10/2017 Email Information booklet, with Drop in session highlighted


Parish Clerks of Parish Councils for which the defined area(s) are included in their Parish



Local nurseries within defined areas

11/10/2017 Email Information booklet provided. Website link provided plus request to make reference to the consultation to parent/carers of children attending the nursery and on their website / newsletter. Flyer also provided for display.


Parent/Carers of all pupils within existing Trust schools

11/10/2017 School Comms Website link provided plus reference to Drop in session.

Via link to online consultation information.



Local Authority 11/10/2017 Email Website link provided plus reference to Drop in session.


Local politician 11/10/2017 Email Website link provided plus reference to Drop in session.


All KET staff 11/10/2017 Email Website link provided plus reference to Drop in session.


All Schools in Milton Keynes



Local libraries 12/10/2017 Email Information booklet notice

Website referenced.

Local Leisure Centre

12/10/2017 Email Information booklet notice

Website referenced.

Prospective Parent/Carers

19/10/2017 and 28/11/2017

Open Evenings for Year 7 and Year 3

Information booklet notice and referenced by staff


5. Results of the formal consultation

A drop in session was held on 31st October 2017. The CEO of the Kingsbridge Educational Trust

and other KET staff were in attendance to provide information and answer any queries/questions

that arose.

The main question that arose in discussion related to the defined areas for years R, 3 and 7.

Anecdotal feedback from these stakeholders suggested that, for year 7 particularly, they would

be keen for the school to include more immediately surrounding areas within the main defined

area.

Circa 20 people attended the event, held over a two hour period from 10am to 12pm.

The Kingsbridge Educational Trust representatives believe the event generated very positive

feedback. This was also very true of the more general discussions held at the Year 3 and Year 7

open evenings. At all events, stakeholders were encouraged to complete and return a

questionnaire and also to keep checking the Kents Hill Park School website for further

information as it becomes available. Where stakeholders emailed in with specific enquiries about

the school provision, these were responded to separately.



14 responses to the formal consultation were received, some online via email and others as hard

copies returned via the dedicated mail box at the above events.

Survey Results

1. What connection would you have with Kents Hill Park School?

Prospective parent/carer 30% 4

Staff/Governor at a local school 14% 2

Other 21% 3

Local politician 14% 2

Member of the public 21% 3

2. If you are a prospective parent/carer, are you considering Kents Hill Park School for your

child/children?

Yes 75% 3

No 25% 1

30%

14%21%

14%

21%Prospective parent/carer

Staff/Governor at a local school

Other

Local politician

Member of the public

75%

25%Yes

No



3. Do you think we should enter into a Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State for

Education to open Kents Hill Park School?

Yes 72% 10

No 7% 1

No response 21% 3

Kents Hill Park School will have strong links with the wider community and will offer

activities and its facilities to the local community. Which of the following activities would

you be interested in?

72%

7%

21%

Yes

No

No response

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Internet facilities

School Hall/Meeting room hire

Education (evening classes/adult education)

Breakfast Clubs

Music and Dance Activities

Half term and hoiday activities

After School Clubs

Sports facilities



4. Would you be interested in serving on the school’s Local Governing Body (LGB)?

Yes 7% 1

No 64% 9

Not responded 29% 4

5. Do you have anything else you would like to add?

The following comments were received:

Comment Board response

I am unsure why a big school is ready to go but only 1 class if being offered for Yr 3 in 2018. I feel two smaller classes would be more beneficial for the children and teachers. Also if the school has all the facilities ready to open Nursery and Reception – why are places not being offer this year (2018)? It seems strange for a school to be built but not used to its capacity when nursery places are filling up and no places are available at neighbouring schools – or children are having to be put on a waiting list. I am aware that Heronsgate is sharing the catchment with this school, and have been told that some of their class sizes can go up to 32! Putting a lot of pressure on teachers/resources. I would prefer for the allocation of children to be spread out and smaller class sizes are in both schools – hence why Kents Hill Park should be a two form entry school from 2018.

The Board noted that the opening of the primary year groups is designed to meet the needs of the local community in line with the Local Authority’s growth strategy. The Local Authority’s forecast suggests that, in September 2018, one Year 3 class will be needed to meet the needs of the population served by Heronshaw Infant School in Walnut Tree. This follows the expansion of Heronshaw from 60 places to 90 places per year group, meaning that 30 more children leave the school after Year 2 to move to a Year 3 place elsewhere. The school is staffed and resourced, and only has funding for, a class of 30 initially.

7%

64%

29%Yes

No

Not responded



Comment Board response

We agree with the arrangements apart from the defined areas. We request that Kents Hill, Walton and Walton Park, and the area of Walnut Tree north of Highgate Over/Fyfield Barrow be added to the infant school and secondary school defined areas. Reason: these residents are the closest to the school. The catchment is in line with existing catchment areas. We understand that MK Council has requested the defined areas that the consultation proposes. If the school is minded to retain those defined areas, then we request that a second priority defined area be defined, comprising the area above, so that any spare places be allocated first to the residents nearest the school, in line with MK Council policy.

As acknowledged by the respondent, the Board note the Local Authority has stated that the defined areas are designed to meet the needs of areas where there is an identified shortfall of places. The secondary defined area is designed to meet an anticipated under supply of places in the southern part of the Milton Keynes Academy catchment area. The Local Authority forecast suggests that families from that area will no longer be able to access places in other schools from September 2018 as the pressure for places continues to rise. The new provision is intended to accommodate this demand. The Board noted that the opening of the primary year groups is designed to meet the needs of the local community in line with the Local Authority’s growth strategy. The Local Authority’s forecast suggests that, in September 2018, one Year 3 class will be needed to meet the needs of the population served by Heronshaw Infant School in Walnut Tree. This follows the expansion of Heronshaw from 60 places to 90 places per year group, meaning that 30 more children leave the school after Year 2 to move to a Year 3 place elsewhere. Whilst the Board note the preference of the respondent is to include areas nearer to the school within the defined areas for both primary and secondary, the Board do not feel it is appropriate to consider any changes at this time but will keep under review through the normal annual review of admission arrangements. Should future evidence suggest there is sufficient demand from the immediate area, the Board will consult on any proposed changes in accordance with the requirements set out in the Admissions Code.

Thank you for sending the Council a copy of the Kents Hill Park School consultation information [booklet]. We have no comments to make.

The Board note the Council’s response.



In 2015 when the LA ran its consultation on opening new schools in Kents Hill Park, the only proposal put forward was the establishment of two separate schools not a single through school. As a consequence, there has been no consultation on the type of school that is now being proposed which may be considered a breach of the requirement to consult interested parties on the establishment of a new school. The implications of opening a through school are different to establishing a primary school and a secondary school and interested parties, including members of the local community, should have been given the opportunity to have their views considered as part of a consultation process. As a result, Kingsbridge Educational Trust should not enter into a funding agreement with the Department for Education until this requirement has been satisfied. The consultation document contains a number of omissions in relation to the overlap of defined areas. The following areas form part of Walton High’s defined area: Kents Hill Park Simpson Ashlands The following area forms part of Kents Hill School’s catchment area: Kents Hill Park The following area forms part of Heronsgate School’s catchment area: Kents Hill Park As Kingsbridge Educational Trust plans to open a through school on behalf of the LA rather than the primary and secondary school

The Board asked the Local Authority for their views on this statement. They advised that the initial specification identified both primary and secondary provision. During the free-school presumption competition process it was made clear to all interested parties that the schools could be bid for as an all-through school. This information was published on the Milton Keynes Council website and the DfE website, as well as the application form. As this is a DfE led process, there were no objections raised by the DfE regarding this additional information being made available. The Board is not aware whether the respondent questioned this at that time. The Board believe that the all-through status of the school was clearly evident in the Section 10 Consultation (Information) document. All stakeholders and interested parties had an opportunity to respond to any aspect of the consultation and question 6 allowed respondents to comment on anything else they wished to raise. No other respondent raised this as a concern. Indeed, the Board noted the very positive responses to the all through status at the Consultation and Open Evening events. The Board noted the admission arrangements are compliant as stated and do not wish to make any changes at this time. The Board noted that the Year 3 pupils on roll from September 2018 will not transfer through to Year 7 until September 2022. The



that was consulted on, it effectively removes 60 Year 6 children from Walton High’s defined area as these students will not be looking to transfer to a secondary school at the end of Key Stage 2 as the catchment area for the primary phase of the new school overlaps Walton High’s catchment area. For the 2017 Year 7 entry, only 164 students of the 240 places taken up live in Walton High’s defined area for its Walnut Tree campus. With the potential removal of 60 students from the school’s defined area, even more students will be attending the campus from outside its defined area potentially putting other secondary schools under increasing pressure. This is especially the case given that it is likely that fewer homes will now be built in Kents Hill Park as a result of a change of land use and the expansion of the Walton development is behind schedule.

Local Authority projections indicate a significant shortfall in Year 7 places by this point if no further places were opened. The opening of Kents Hill Park School will, therefore, support meeting the wider pressure for places. The Board further noted that parent/carers of pupils in Year 6 will still have the option to apply for any secondary school in Milton Keynes and parental preference must be fulfilled wherever possible, in line with the guidelines set out in the Admissions Code.

Summary of responses

The Board of Directors concluded that, overall, the responses to the consultation were

extremely positive, in line with the extensive interest shown at the consultation event and

open evenings, and reflects the interest in, and need for, this new provision.

Conclusion

Following the statutory consultation process, and having considered the responses received,

the Board unanimously agreed that they still wished to enter into a Funding Agreement with

the Department for Education in preparation for the opening of Kents Hill Park School in

September 2018.

Throughout the consultation process, and in considering the responses received, the Board of

Directors took legal advice from their solicitors who did not identify any concerns and

declared the consultation lawful and appropriate.

Board of Directors

Kingsbridge Educational Trust

December 2017

Appendices

Appendix 1 – Consultation Information booklet

Appendix 2 – Adverts for the drop in session and Year 6 and Year 3 open evenings

Appendix 3 – Consultation notice

KENTS HILL PARK SCHOOL

Proposed Free School ning September 2018 ope

Consultation Information Booklet

The consultation runs from Wednesday, 11th October 2017 to

5pm on Wednesday, 29th November 2017.

Page 2 of 22

Contents Kents Hill Park: Executive Summary ....................................................................................................... 3

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3

Responding to the Consultation ............................................................................................................. 4

Drop-in Session ................................................................................................................................... 4

The Kingsbridge Educational Trust: Sponsor and Proposing Group ....................................................... 5

Our Vision ................................................................................................................................................ 5

Ethos ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

Curriculum ............................................................................................................................................... 6

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) ................................................................................. 6

Kents Hill Park School: Site/Location information .................................................................................. 6

Access and transport ............................................................................................................................... 7

School opening hours.............................................................................................................................. 7

Uniform ................................................................................................................................................... 7

Number of places .................................................................................................................................... 7

Nursery provision .................................................................................................................................... 7

Kents Hill Park School: Defined Areas ..................................................................................................... 8

Applying for a place in Year 3 in September 2018 .................................................................................. 9

Applying for a place in Year 7 in September 2018 ................................................................................ 10

Recruitment .......................................................................................................................................... 10

Timetable .............................................................................................................................................. 10

Consultation feedback .......................................................................................................................... 11

Annex 1 – Proposed admission arrangements for Kents Hill Park School for 2018 ............................. 12

Annex 2 – Kents Hill Park School Consultation Feedback Form ........................................................... 20

Page 3 of 22

Kents Hill Park: Executive Summary

Introduction Milton Keynes Council held a competition in 2016/17 for a sponsor to be appointed to operate a

new free school1 located in the Kents Hill Park area.

In order to accommodate this new school provision, Milton Keynes Council identified a site for the

school and initiated a build process which is due for completion in Spring 2018. The School will

become only the second ‘all through’ school in Milton Keynes after Oakgrove School (a member of

the Kingsbridge Educational Trust).

Kents Hill Park School is a brand new, purpose-built school for children aged 4-16 and is scheduled

to open in September 2018.

The Kingsbridge Educational Trust, based in Milton Keynes, submitted a bid to run this new provision

and received the approval of the Department for Education in August 2017.

The Kingsbridge Educational Trust is providing information on the new school provision located at

Kents Hill Park and is seeking the views and feedback of all parties who may have an interest in, or

be affected by, this new school provision.

The Kingsbridge Educational Trust brings expertise in the opening of new schools (Middleton and

Oakgrove), a proven track record of educational excellence and an understanding of the aspirations

of the community of Milton Keynes.

More information about the Kingsbridge Educational Trust and our vision and ethos as sponsor of

Kents Hill Park School can be found on page 5.

1 A free school is an academy school (a publicly funded school independent from the local authority) which has opened from scratch. Free schools are run on a not-for-profit basis. They do not have to follow the national curriculum and can set their own term times, but they still have to follow the same rules on admissions, special educational needs and exclusions as other state schools.

Page 4 of 22

Responding to the Consultation The consultation runs from Wednesday, 11th October 2017 to 5pm on Wednesday, 29th November

2017 inclusive.

The consultation feedback questionnaire can be found at http://www.kentshillpark.school/ (but is

also included for convenience in Annex 2 of this consultation paper) and can be completed and

submitted online at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can complete a paper copy

and return it to:

Kents Hill Park School Consultation

The Kingsbridge Educational Trust

c/o Oakgrove School

Venturer Gate

Middleton

Milton Keynes

MK10 9JQ

If you would like a paper copy sent to you, please contact us on 01908 545300 or write to

Consultation Enquiries, at the address above.

Drop-in Session

There is also an opportunity to attend a drop-in session on Tuesday, 31st October between 10am and

12pm, to be held at the Primary site at Kents Hill Park School (Timbold Drive, Kents Hill Park, Milton

Keynes, MK7 6BZ). Further information about the school will be available and there will be an

opportunity to speak with representatives of the Kingsbridge Educational Trust which will be setting

up the school.

We value your feedback.

Thank you.


11th October 2017

Page 5 of 22

The Kingsbridge Educational Trust: Sponsor and Proposing Group The Kingsbridge Educational Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust (a charitable company limited by

guarantee) with sponsorship accreditation from the Department for Education (DfE). Sponsorship

accreditation is given by the DfE to high-performing trusts such as the Kingsbridge Educational Trust

after a rigorous approval process. It enables the Trust to use its expertise to support and manage

other schools. At the moment the Kingsbridge Educational Trust operates three schools: Oakgrove

all-through, Middleton Primary and Monkston Primary, all of which have Ofsted ratings of ‘good’ or

‘outstanding’. It is based in the Milton Keynes area and is committed to ensuring the very best

educational experience for each child.

‘At Kents Hill Park School, outstanding learning opportunities will be provided for every pupil

regardless of ability. There will be outstanding teaching, excellent behaviour and the highest

standards of achievement. Pupils will be equipped with the skills to make a positive impact in the

world.’ (Kingsbridge Educational Trust).

Our Vision Our vision is to create a truly outstanding school that will cater for all pupils’ needs and abilities and

ensure a seamless educational experience through the primary and secondary years. There will be

an ethos of the highest expectations, an enabling and ennobling curriculum and high standards of

academic achievement and personal development. Underpinning this will be outstanding teaching

and a commitment to understanding the needs of every child whilst preparing them for their future

lives.

At Kents Hill Park ‘all-through’ school we will:

Aspire to the highest standards of academic achievement

Ensure continuity in learning across the school

Provide the very best in teaching and learning opportunities for every pupil

Have the highest expectations of what each pupil can achieve

Place safeguarding at the centre of all we do

Offer opportunities to develop a broad range of skills inside and outside of the classroom

Prepare and equip pupils for the next stage of their school journey

Promote and sustain the very best of British values, including fairness, honesty and justice with

a commitment to equality and public service

Aim to develop a strong community spirit where co-operation and collaboration are encouraged

Ethos We will aim to create an ethos where:

A welcoming atmosphere is created in school and everyone feels valued

Our pupils are happy, feel safe and look forward to coming to school

Pupils are well-mannered and show consideration to others

Page 6 of 22

Pupils work hard and take pride in their achievements

Pupils work together to solve problems and support each other

High expectations are the norm

Curriculum The school will offer a broad and balanced curriculum covering all early year goals and national

curriculum subjects. The curriculum will be imaginative, challenging and fun whilst allowing for a

natural progression through the primary and secondary years. There will be a wide range of extra-

curricular activities on offer and the curriculum will be personalised for those pupils who need

additional support.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) The new school will be fully inclusive for pupils of all abilities. There will be a dedicated SEND Lead

and appropriate specialist provision provided for pupils as necessary.

Kents Hill Park School: Site/Location information Kents Hill Park School is located in the eastern part of Milton Keynes on the edge of Kents Hill,

adjacent to Brickhill Street (V10), Standing Way (H8) and Groveway (H9).

The secondary school site, ultimately catering for 5 form entry to accommodate 750 pupils, is on a

combined area of 5.42 hectares and will include:

Sports Hall and Changing Rooms – these will be available for use by the local community as well

as the school, with hire charges in line with other community sports provision

Hard Ball Court (4 tennis courts)

3G Pitch, U-16 football

Drop off car parking

Playground

Habitat area

Allotment garden

The secondary school is still in the process of being built. When complete, it will be 3 storeys with

the sports hall single storey. In order to maximise the layout of the site, the secondary school sits at

a significantly lower level than the other buildings and as a result the main entrance is accessed via a

footbridge.

The primary school site, ultimately catering for 330 pupils from Year R to Year 6 together with a 26

place nursery, is on an area of 2.2 hectares and includes:

Classrooms

Library

Page 7 of 22

Specialist technology rooms

External playing field and hard play areas

Car parking for staff and visitors

The layout of the site has made the most of the topography of the land and existing trees and

hedgerows. The building has been designed to provide a focal point and new identity to the

community.

Access and transport The safety of pupils and visitors to the school will be of paramount importance. There will be

dedicated car parks and drop off facilities at each site. These will be carefully monitored alongside

possible traffic flow and congestion as the school increases in size. Pupils will be encouraged to walk

and cycle from neighbouring areas as appropriate, using the extensive redway and cycle path

network across Milton Keynes.

School opening hours The school opening hours will be available in due course.

Uniform This is still being finalised but is likely to be maroon and charcoal grey.

Number of places Secondary – The school will open with 120 pupils in Year 7. The eventual total capacity of the

secondary school will be 750, comprising 150 in each year group from Year 7 to Year 11.

Primary – The school will open with 30 pupils in Year 3 only. The eventual total capacity of the

primary school will be 330, comprising 30 places per year group from Year R to Year 2, and a total of

60 places per year group for Years 3 to 6.

Nursery provision The nursery provision is projected to open in September 2019 and will have 26 places for children

aged 2-4. Further information about the nursery will be available in due course.

Page 8 of 22

Kents Hill Park School: Defined Areas

Kents Hill Park School Secondary

The catchment area for Kents Hill Park School Secondary is: Ashland, Beanhill, Netherfield, Simpson,

Tinkers Bridge and Woughton Park (all shared with Milton Keynes Academy) and residents of the

new development in Kents Hill Park.

Kents Hill Park Primary (Year R to Year 2)

The catchment area for Kents Hill Park School Primary Year R to Year 2 is Kents Hill Park only.

Page 9 of 22

Kents Hill Park Primary (Year 3 to Year 6)

The catchment area for Kents Hill Park School Primary Year 3 to Year 6 is Browns Wood, Caldecotte,

Walnut Tree, Walton, Walton Park, Kents Hill (shared with Heronsgate School) and the new

development in Kents Hill Park.

Thinking of applying for a place at Kents Hill Park ‘all-through’ school for your child?

The detailed proposed admission arrangements for 2018 are shown in Annex 1, but an initial

summary is found here:

Applying for a place in Year 3 in September 2018

Kents Hill Park School Primary and Nursery will open with 30 places available in Year 3.

If your child is in Year 2 and is transferring to Year 3 in September 2018, you can apply for a Year 3

place at Kents Hill Park School via the Milton Keynes Council online application portal. For more

information please visit https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/schools-and-lifelong-learning/school-

admissions. You will be notified of the outcome of your application on national offer day, 16 April

2018.

If the school does not have a funding agreement by this date, the offer of a primary place will be

conditional and parents will receive a firm offer of another school place.

Page 10 of 22

The admissions criteria for September 2018 for Year 3 are shown in Annex 1.

Applying for a place in Year 7 in September 2018

The Kents Hill Park School Secondary will open with 120 places available in Year 7.

As national offer day for secondary school applications is on 1 March 2018, it is possible that the

Secretary of State will not have approved the funding agreement for the new school by this

date. Because of this, if your child is in Year 6 and moving up to secondary school in September

2018, you can complete an expression of interest form. Milton Keynes Council will retain this

information until the admission arrangements for the school are determined and, once published,

the council will be able to make offers for places at the school.

The link to the expression of interest form can be found on https://www.milton-

keynes.gov.uk/schools-and-lifelong-learning/school-admissions. You can indicate on the form,

whether you would like Kents Hill Park School to be your first, second, third or fourth

preference. Please note if you have expressed a preference for four other schools on your online

application and the admission arrangements for the school are determined prior to national offer

day, your fourth preference school will not be considered and your expression of interest for Kents

Hill Park School will be placed in the ranked position that you have indicated.

Important note: You should also apply online for an alternative secondary school place via the

normal online application portal which can be accessed via the Milton Keynes Council website.

Further details can be found at https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/schools-and-lifelong-

learning/school-admissions/kents-hill-park-school.

The admissions criteria for September 2018 for Year 7 are shown in Annex 1.

Recruitment The Headteacher designate will be appointed in the Autumn term of 2017. Other vacancies will be

advertised on the website at http://www.kentshillpark.school/

Timetable The anticipated timetable for the proposed opening of Kents Hill Park School is as follows:

- Consultation opens – Wednesday, 11th October 2017

- Consultation closes – 5pm on Wednesday, 29th November 2017

- The Kingsbridge Educational Trust Board of Directors meet to consider responses –

Thursday, 7th December 2017

- The DfE is informed of the outcome of the consultation and the Kingsbridge Educational

Trust Board of Directors consideration of responses received – by 15th December 2017

- Proposed signing of the Funding Agreement between the Secretary of State for Education

and the Kingsbridge Educational Trust – mid-February 2018

Page 11 of 22

- February to August 2018 – preparations continue for the opening of the school

- September 2018 – School opens

Consultation feedback Thank you for your interest in Kents Hill Park ‘all-through’ school. As we prepare for the opening of

the school in September 2018, our website at http://www.kentshillpark.school/ will be updated with

key developments and information relating to the school.

We also have a consultation drop-in session planned, open to all those who may be interested in this

exciting new development, where there will be an opportunity to meet representatives from the

Kingsbridge Educational Trust, view building plans, obtain admissions information and find out how

parents and the local community can get involved to create a school to be proud of. This will also

provide the opportunity to ask questions and share your views.

The drop in consultation event will be held on Tuesday, 31st October between 10am and 12pm at -

the new Kents Hill Park Primary, Timbold Drive, Kents Hill Park, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BZ.

The Kingsbridge Educational Trust is consulting all those who may have an interest in, or be affected

by, the opening. We would appreciate your feedback and views. The consultation will close at 5pm

on Wednesday, 29th November 2017 and all responses will need to be received by then. Our

feedback form can be found at Annex 2. Alternatively, we would welcome your feedback online,

and a copy of our feedback form can also be found online at http://www.kentshillpark.school/

If you or somebody you know requires the information to be provided in a different language, please

email [email protected] with further details of what is required.

We look forward to receiving your comments.


11th October 2017

Page 12 of 22

Annex 1 – Proposed admission arrangements for Kents Hill Park School for

2018

Our School

Kents Hill Park School is a brand new ‘all-through’ school offering educational provision for children

from Reception through to Year 11. It is opening in September 2018, initially with Year 3 and Year 7

only. Admission to Kents Hill Park School Primary and Nursery at any time from Reception through

to Year 6 allows children to access the full educational provision and no additional application is

necessary when transferring from Year 6 to Year 7 (the main point of transfer from primary to

secondary school within Milton Keynes). Kents Hill Park School will promote the highest standards

of achievement, welfare and personal development for all pupils, regardless of ability or

background. This will be achieved through an ethos of the highest expectation and challenge,

supported by consistently outstanding teaching and behaviour. An enabling and ennobling

curriculum and extra-curricular offer that provides for excellence in academia, and a wide range of

pathways and options to develop and nurture individual talent and interest, will be a unique feature

of the school.

Admission number(s)

The school has an admission number of 120 for entry in Year 7, 30 for Year 3 and 0 for Year R.

The school will accordingly admit this number of pupils if there are sufficient applications. Where

fewer applicants than the published admission number(s) for the relevant year group are received,

the Academy Trust will offer places at the school to all those who have applied.

Catchment areas

The catchment area for Kents Hill Park School Secondary is: Ashland, Beanhill, Netherfield, Simpson,

Tinkers Bridge and Woughton Park (all shared with Milton Keynes Academy) and residents of the

new development in Kents Hill Park (see Appendix 1).

The catchment area for Kents Hill Park School Primary and Nursery is:

Year R to Year 2: Kents Hill Park only (see Appendix 2).

Year 3 to Year 6: Browns Wood, Caldecotte, Walnut Tree, Walton, Walton Park, Kents Hill (shared

with Heronsgate School) and for residents of the new development in Kents Hill Park (see appendix

3).

Application process

Applications need to be completed and returned to Milton Keynes Council by the national deadline

of 31st October 2017 for Year 7 and 15th January 2018 for Year 3.

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Admissions for September 2018 – Year 3

Kents Hill Park School Primary and Nursery will open with 30 places available in Year 3.

Applications for a Year 3 place should be made via the applicant’s home Local Authority on their

common application form.

For Milton Keynes residents the Milton Keynes Council online application portal should be used. For

more information please visit https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/schools-and-lifelong-

learning/school-admissions.

The closing date for applications is 15th January 2018. You will be notified of the outcome of your

application on national offer day, 16th April 2018.

If the school does not have a funding agreement by this date, the offer of a primary place will be conditional and parents will also receive a firm offer of another school place.

Admissions for September 2018 – Year 7

The Kents Hill Park School Secondary will open with 120 places available in Year 7.

Applications for a Year 7 place should be made via the expression of interest form at this link https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/schools-and-lifelong-learning/school-admissions. The same form is used for all applicants irrespective of where they live.

All applicants should state whether the school is their 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th preference. In addition, they should also complete the common application form, via the online application portal, expressing a preference for up to four other schools. Applicants who live outside of Milton Keynes should also apply for other schools via their home Local Authority’s common application form.

The closing date for applications is 31st October 2017. Offers will be made on 1st March 2018.

It is possible that the Secretary of State will not have approved the funding agreement for the new

school by this date. If this is the case, any offer for this school will be conditional and made alongside

an offer for an open school under co-ordination.

Late applications

All applications received by the Local Authority after the relevant deadline will be considered to be

late applications. Late applications will be considered after those received on time. If, following

consideration of all applicants the school is oversubscribed, parents may request that their child is

placed on the school’s waiting list.

Any application for a place at Kents Hill Park School Secondary received after the published date for

return, (but before 1.9.18); will only be considered after all on-time applications have been

considered.

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Any application for a place at Kents Hill Park School Primary and Nursery received after the

published date for return, (but before 1.9.18); will only be considered after all on-time applications

have been considered.

In-Year applications

An in-year application is one made for Year 3 or Year 7 (and Reception in future years) after 31st August or for another year group at any time.

However, in the first year of opening, Years 3 and 7 will be the only operational year groups.

For children who wish to attend Kents Hill Park School after September, parents will be asked to

complete an application form. Verbal or telephone applications will not be accepted. Where no

place is available, the applicant will be advised in writing and informed of their right to an

independent appeal.

How in-year places are allocated

For a place to be available for an in-year admission, then the number for the relevant year group will

have to have fallen below the admissions number for the relevant year. When this occurs, the place

will be allocated strictly in accordance with the process and definitions of the oversubscription

criteria (see below).

Places that become available will be allocated to those applicants who have highest priority for

admission including fresh applicants and those already on the waiting list.

Applicants who have not pursued their applications by returning the relevant forms by the relevant,

stated deadline will not be considered to be part of the process.

Children whom the Local Authority allocates a place at the School in accordance with the Fair Access

Protocol will take precedence over those already on the waiting list.

Oversubscription criteria

The criteria in this section apply to entry at both phases of the school.

When the school is oversubscribed, after the admission of pupils with an Education, Health and Care

Plan or a Statement of Special Educational Needs naming the school, priority for admission will be

given to those children who meet the criteria set out below, in priority order:

1. Looked after children and children who were previously looked after but immediately after being

looked after became subject to adoption, a child arrangements order, or special guardianship order.

2. Priority will next be given to children living within the catchment area set out in the map at the

end of this policy.

3. Other children

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Tie-break

If in categories 2-3 above a tie-break is necessary to determine which child is admitted, the child

living closest to the school will be given priority for admission. Distance is measured from the main

primary school entrance for admissions to Years R to 6 and the main secondary school entrance for

admissions into Year 7 and other secondary year groups to the front door of the applicant’s

residence in a straight line using a Local Authority computerised measuring system. For applicants

living in flats, the distance will be measured from the relevant main entrance to the front door of the

ground floor flat underneath the applicant’s residence. In other cases, where it is necessary to

determine the order of priority between two or more applicants at the same distance,

independently supervised random allocation will be used.

Random allocation will not be applied to multiple birth siblings (twins and triplets etc.) from the

same family tied for the final place. We will admit them all, as permitted by the infant class size rules

and exceed our published admission number (PAN).

Waiting lists

The school will operate a waiting list for each year group. Where the school receives more

applications for places than there are places available, a waiting list will operate until the end of the

academic year. This will be maintained by the Academy Trust and it will be open to any parent to ask

for his or her child’s name to be placed on the waiting list, following an unsuccessful application.

Children’s position on the waiting list will be determined solely in accordance with the

oversubscription criteria. Where places become vacant they will be allocated to children on the

waiting list in accordance with the oversubscription criteria. The waiting list will be reordered in

accordance with the oversubscription criteria whenever anyone is added to or leaves the waiting list.

Admission of children outside their normal age group

Parents may request that their child is admitted outside their normal age group. To do so parents

should include a request with their application, specifying why admission out of normal year group is

being requested.

When such a request is made, the Academy Trust will make a decision on the basis of the

circumstances of the case and in the best interests of the child concerned, taking into account the

views of the Headteacher and any supporting evidence provided by the parent.

Appeals

When an application is unsuccessful, there is an automatic right of appeal to an Independent

Appeals Panel. Details of the appeals process will be provided to those applicants who are

unsuccessful.

Page 16 of 22

Notes:

“Residence”

In all cases proof of residence will be required. Acceptable proof of residence includes a current

Council Tax bill or signed rental agreement and an official document which confirms the child lives at

the normal home address.

“Looked After Child”

A looked after child is a child who is (a) in the care of a local authority, or (b) being provided with

accommodation by a local authority in the exercise of their social services functions (see the

definition in section 22(1) of the Children Act 1989) at the time of making an application to the

school.

“Previously Looked After Children”

Previously looked after children are children who were looked after, but ceased to be so because

they were adopted (or became subject to a residence order or special guardianship order). In the

case of previously looked after children, a copy of the adoption order, residence order or special

guardianship order should be provided. This should be supported by a letter from the local authority

that last looked after the child confirming that he or she was looked after immediately prior to that

order being made.

“Checking Information”

The School reserves the right to make its own enquiries to verify any information supplied by the

applicant. If, subsequently, the School finds that a place has been offered in reliance on information

that was materially incorrect or misleading (e.g. the parental address or the applicant’s date of birth)

and the place would not have been offered if the information had been correct, the Kingsbridge

Educational Trust Board of Directors or Local Governing Body may withdraw the offer.

“Further applications in the same academic year”

The School reserves the right not to accept a further application in the same academic year unless it

considers that there has been a significant and material change in circumstance of the parent, the

child or the school.

Page 17 of 22

Appendix 1: Kents Hill Park Secondary School Defined Area

Page 18 of 22

Appendix 2: Kents Hill Park Primary School Defined Area for Year R to Year 2

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Appendix 3: Kents Hill Park Primary School Defined Area for Year 3 to Year 6

Page 20 of 22

Annex 2 – Kents Hill Park School Consultation Feedback Form The following questionnaire forms part of Kents Hill Park School consultation. The consultation runs

from Wednesday, 11th October 2017 to 5pm on Wednesday, 29th November 2017 inclusive and

completed questionnaires must be received by this time.

The questionnaire can be found at http://www.kentshillpark.school/ and can be completed and

submitted online at [email protected]. Alternatively, you may complete a paper copy

and return to:

Kents Hill Park School Consultation


c/o Oakgrove School

Venturer Gate

Middleton

Milton Keynes

MK10 9JQ

Please contact us on 01908 545300 or write to Consultation Enquiries, Kents Hill Park School, c/o

Kingsbridge Educational Trust, Venturer Gate, Middleton, Milton Keynes, MK10 9JQ if you would like

a paper copy sent to you.

If you or somebody you know requires the information to be provided in a different language, please

email [email protected] with further details of what is required.

Drop-in Session

There is also an opportunity to attend a drop in session on Tuesday, 31st October between 10am and

12pm, to be held at Kents Hill Park School at the Primary site (Timbold Drive, Kents Hill Park, Milton

Keynes, MK7 6BZ). Further information about the school will be available and there will be an

opportunity to speak with representatives of the Kingsbridge Educational Trust which will be setting

up the school.


Thank you.


11th October 2017

Page 21 of 22

KENTS HILL PARK SCHOOL – CONSULTATION FEEDBACK FORM

Name

Email address

1. What connection do you have with Kents Hill Park School?

a. Prospective parent/carer

b. Staff/Governor at a local school

c. Other

d. Local resident

e. Local politician

f. Member of the public

2. If you are a prospective parent/carer, are you considering Kents Hill Park School for your

child/children? (please indicate as appropriate)

a. Yes

b. No

3. Do you think we should enter into a Funding Agreement2 with the Secretary of State for

Education to open Kents Hill Park School? (please indicate as appropriate)

a. Yes

b. No

4. Kents Hill Park School will have strong links with the wider community and will offer

activities and its facilities to the local community. Which of the following activities would

you be interested in? (Please tick as many as you would like to)

a. Internet facilities

b. School Hall/Meeting room hire

c. Education (evening classes/adult education)

d. Breakfast Clubs

e. Music and Dance Activities

f. Half term and holiday activities

g. After School Clubs

h. Sports facilities

2 Funding Agreement –A Funding Agreement is the contract between the Secretary of State for Education and the academy trust (here, the Kingsbridge Educational Trust) operating the Free School. The Secretary of State promises to pay the monthly funding needed to run the school and, in return, the Kingsbridge Educational Trust must provide an education that meets certain standards and requirements.

Page 22 of 22

5. Would you be interested in serving on the school’s Local Governing Body (LGB)?

(please indicate as appropriate)

a. Yes

b. No

6. Do you have anything else you would like to add (you may continue on a separate sheet if

necessary)?

Please return your completed form either via email to [email protected], or a paper

copy can be sent to: Kents Hill Park School Consultation, The Kingsbridge Educational Trust, c/o

Oakgrove School, Venturer Gate, Middleton, Milton Keynes, MK10 9JQ. Thank you.

KENTS HILL PARK SCHOOL CONSULTATION INFORMATION BOOKLET

A consultation information booklet about the new school can be viewed on the Kents Hill Park School website at

http://www.kentshillpark.school/.

We would like to ensure that all those that may have an interest in or be affected by the proposal are informed. The

consultation runs from Wednesday, 11th October 2017 to 5pm on Wednesday, 29th November 2017 inclusive and

completed questionnaires must be received by this time.

Drop-in Session

There is also an opportunity to attend a drop-in session on Tuesday, 31st October between 10am and 12pm, to be held

at the Primary site at Kents Hill Park School (Timbold Drive, Kents Hill Park, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BZ). Further

information about the school will be available and there will be an opportunity to speak with representatives of the

Kingsbridge Educational Trust who will be setting up the school.


Thank you.


11th October 2017

Documents

KENTS HILL PARK SCHOOL · Page 2 of 11 Kingsbridge Educational Trust, a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales with company number 09144847. The