This section includes information for those interested in making an application for their child to attend Donaldson's, or those representing a Local Education Authority who are considering placing a pupil within the school. It includes information about the type of pupils we cater for and also how to apply for day and residential places. In all cases we strongly encourage parents, carers and pupils to visit the school for a personal tour and the opportunity to ask questions.

Donaldson's School Admission Statement

Donaldson’s School offers day and residential places to deaf* pupils and pupils with speech and language disorders, who benefit from being educated in a bilingual BSL/English teaching and learning environment.  This environment ensures the development of full communication potential, using a range of strategies such as BSL, Sign Supported English (SSE) and lip-reading. All pupils receive an individual Communication Profile and each pupil’s language development and learning is based on the profile. Pupils may follow a curriculum that aims towards accessing and attaining National qualifications. 

However, many of our pupils are likely to have Additional Support Needs – (such as Autism; Learning Difficulties; Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties), and require a differentiated curriculum and more intensive pupil support to facilitate their learning.   Additionally, we will offer places to hearing pupils with severe low-incidence speech and language disorders, who benefit from visual systems of education, including TEACCH, BSL, and Sign Supported English (SSE). All pupils are admitted following individual assessment, in line with the Donaldson’s Admissions Policy.

Donaldson's School Admissions Policy details every stage of the admissions process for our pupils which we advise any interested parents or authorities to familiarise themselves with.  Download the Admissions Policy (PDF, 120KB)

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 the Admissions Policy.

• Referral: Most initial enquiries are made informally through a telephone or textphone call or email. All such enquiries should be directed to the Principal who is responsible for all referrals and admissions.  The Principal 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 are offered after a successful admissions assessment. All types of placement are offered initially as trial placements. During the typically three to six month trial placement, the young person attends Donaldson’s and is fully integrated into the School and residence (where applicable).
• Post-Placement Review: The purpose of the post-placement review is to review the trial placement, confirm a permanent placement, (or occasionally, terminate 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 our Residence to see where your child will be residing.  For more information on our residence please visit our Residence section.

*deaf is used to cover Deaf pupils, hard of hearing and deafened