This policy is in accordance with the National Education Policy Act No. 27 of 1996; The South African School Act No. 84 of 1996; The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa No. 108 of 1996; and the Eastern Cape School Education Act No. 1 of 1999.

St Dominic’s Priory School provides a forward looking education based on a proud tradition of service.  The school promotes an ethos of Gospel values, respecting the cultural diversity of our communities, and in order to live out our special character we find it necessary to adhere to the following admission criteria:

1.         Our preferences in enrolment are:

(a)          Siblings;

(b)          Children of past pupils;

(c)          Catholics, especially from the local parishes;

(d)          Children from the geographical area;

(e)          Children whose parents work in the area.

2.         A learner outside the feeder area is not precluded from seeking admission, however access cannot be guaranteed.

3.         Our school strives to accommodate the needs of all learners within our resources.  However, children with special educational needs might need to be referred elsewhere.  The Principal and educators will carry out the necessary assessment to determine the above criteria.

4.         Our school supports the religious and educational policies of the Catholic Church and instruction takes place in accordance with this ethos.  Parents and learners are expected to recognize, respect and accept this special ethos.

5.         Our school follows a programme of Religious Education which manifests its special Catholic ethos.  No pupil may be excluded from this programme.

6.         The medium of instruction is determined by the school’s Board of Governors.  All communication and record-keeping will be done in accordance with that language.

7.        The age requirement for admission is in accordance with Departmental regulations.

8.         Our school’s Mission Statement and Education Policies must be adhered to by all parents and learners.

9.         All applications should be completed by March for Grade 1 and Pre-Primary (Grade R and Pre Grade R) of the preceding year, and July for Grade 2-7,  so that accurate budgeting for the following year can be done.  Only in extreme circumstances will learners be accepted after this date.

10.       When seeking admission to our school the parents/guardians will be supplied with the following:

            Application Form

            Fee Structure

            Aftercare Fees

            Admission Policy

            Learner Particulars Form (from Grade 2)

            Prospectus / Mission Statement

11.       The following documents are to be submitted with the Application Form:

            Copy of Birth Certificate

            Copy of Clinic Card

            Copy of both parents ID’s

            Copy of Baptismal Certificate (Catholics only)

            Copy of most recent school report

            Learner Particulars Form (from Grade 2)

12.       The School Principal will interview prospective parents/guardians, with the child present.  All the necessary forms must be completed and submitted to the school before the interview.

13.       Upon acceptance of the applicant, the parents/guardians will receive the following documents:

            Letter of Acceptance (immediately)

            School Code of Conduct

            Parent Handbook

14.       Upon receipt of the Letter of Acceptance, the parents/guardians will be required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of R1500 to secure the applicant’s place at our school.  Successful applicants who have paid the registration fee and then decide to enrol their child at another institution will not be refunded.

15.       Entrance Tests may be administered after the learner has been accepted.  This is for placement purposes and to determine the appropriate grade.

16.       School fee payments will be made by debit order, or through the electronic banking system, monthly or annually – no cheque or cash payments will be accepted.

17.       School fees paid in advance for the year (by 1 February) will be discounted by 5%.

18.       A discounted tuition fee is offered to more than one sibling attending St Dominic’s Priory at the same time.

19.       A Transfer Form must be presented to the school’s office upon arrival on the first day (from Grade 2).

20.       An admission register of all learners is kept.

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