Admissions Procedure

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Admissions Procedure

In brief there are 5 key phases in the admission procedure.  This applies for both day pupils and residential pupils.  Greater explanation of each phase is available in Donaldson's Admissions Policy.  Please contact the school for a copy.

• Referral: Most initial enquiries are made informally through a telephone/ textphone call or email. All such enquiries are directed to the Deputy Head Teacher who is responsible for all referrals and admissions.  The Deputy Head Teacher is happy to discuss informally any aspect of the referral and admissions process at any time during the school year.
• Admissions Assessment: In order to ensure that Donaldson's can meet the language, educational and social needs of a young person referred for placement, each pupil will be offered an admissions assessment.
• Trial Placements: Trial placements may be offered if appropriate after a successful admissions assessment.
• Post-Placement Review: The purpose of the post-placement review is to review the placement and to identify any changes that need to be put in place to better support the education and care of the pupil.
• Placement: All placements are designed to best meet the needs of the individual pupil. We take into account the views of the young person, parents/carers, Donaldson's multi-disciplinary admissions assessment team and the views of professionals from the referring Local Authority or Health Trust. All placements are subject to annual review.

As part of the application process for residential pupils we strongly encourage a visit to Donaldson's for a full tour of the Lodge to see where your child will be residing.  For more information on our residence please visit Our Residence section.