In the academic year 2007/2008, 418 equal first preference applications were received. Second and third preference applications were not, therefore, considered. Following the procedure for selection into grammar schools, the number of requests was reduced to 335. The planned admission number for each Year Group was, and remains at 180 and the Admissions Authority applied the over-subscription criteria approved by the Secretary of State. 180 places were duly allocated - 2 to children in public care, 3 to students with statements of special educational needs, 54 to children whose siblings were already attending the school and 121 allocated using the distance criteria which pertained at that time. 116 applications were unsuccessful.

Parents should note that for 2008 applications, the "equal first preference" system no longer applies and that equal consideration will be given to all applicants who name The Thomas Aveling School as a preference.

Applications for entry to the School in September 2008 should be made using the Medway Council Common Application Form, which will be provided by the Local Authority (LA). Clear guidance will be given to parents by the Local Authority (LA) in their Booklet entitled "Admission to Secondary School September 2008: A Guide for Parents" which will be distributed by your child's primary school.

The Admissions Authority of The Thomas Aveling School wish to provide parents with the following important information and guidance at the earliest opportunity to assist them with their application:

The application process:

• Parents should refer to The Thomas Aveling School Policy for Admission of Pupils. A copy of this will be made available with each prospectus.
• The Thomas Aveling School is a Foundation School and as such, the Governing Body is the Admissions Authority, hereafter known as the Governing Body Admissions Authority (GBAA).
• The Planned Admission Number for Year 7 from September 2008 is 180.
• Should the number of applications exceed the Planned Admission Number of 180, the GBAA will apply the school's over-subscription criteria, which has been approved by The Secretary of State, in the following order:
  Over-subscription criteria:
  1. Children in public care
  2. Current Family Association, ie. sibling in the school at the time of application. ('sibling' means a brother, sister, step-brother, step-sister, foster-brother, foster-sister, who is living in the 'parental' home, that being the same address as shown for the applicant on the Application Form).
  3. Nearness to The Thomas Aveling School - 'Nearness to The Thomas Aveling School' will be measured using Medway Council's Geographical Information System. This computerised system is based on Ordnance Survey Mapping where the distance will be measured by the shortest available walking route between the child's home and the school, which includes footpaths where applicable. The seed point for measurement at the school is calculated at the central point between the east and west courtyards.

It should also be noted that the GBAA are required under the Special Needs Code of Practice to consider placements for children who have a full Statement of Special Educational Needs and where this school is named as the most appropriate school.

Fraudulent applications/withdrawal of offer

In fairness to all applicants, the GBAA will ensure that reasonable checks are made to ensure the accuracy of details as stated on application forms. Any intentionally misleading applications or false claims to residence may lead to the withdrawal of any offer which may have been made and could affect further children's applications for a place. Failure to respond to an offer of a place within a reasonable time may also result in withdrawal of the offer.

Refusal of a place/right of appeal

If, having applied the over-subscription criteria, the school is unable to offer a place, parents will be contacted in writing and advised of the reason why a place could not be offered. They will, at that time, be given information about their right of Independent Appeal and details of how to make their appeal.