Admissions Policy

Approved by: Board of Governors
Date of Approval: 27/01/2026
Next Review Date: 01/09/2026
Responsible: Administration Director / Academic Director / Head of Admissions / Head of Parent Engagement

1. Introduction and Rationale

English International School – Baghdad (EIS-B) provides an international education, delivered through the English medium, to children aged 3 years to 18 years.

The purpose of this Admissions Policy is to ensure that the process of admission to the school is fair, transparent, and equitable for all applicants. The policy outlines the actions the school will take once a parent or carer has expressed an interest in applying for a place for their child at English International School – Baghdad.

The policy also explains the steps that parents or carers must follow to make an application. Clear guidance and timeframes are provided to ensure the admissions process is timely and well understood by all parties.

1.1 Organisation

English International School – Baghdad (EIS-B) provides full-time education for children aged 3 to 18 years. To ensure children’s needs are met at different stages of development, pupils are organised into year groups determined by age.

The academic year follows the international system, starting on 1 September and ending on 31 August. Children are placed in a year/grade group based on their age on 31 August of the academic year. Pupils remain in their assigned year/grade group for one academic year before progressing to the next year group.

EIS-B recognises that children do not all develop at the same rate, particularly in the Early Years. Therefore, some flexibility may be applied. Any decision to place a child in a year group different from that stated in this policy will only be made following detailed discussion with parents and with parental agreement prior to registration.

1.2 Year / Grade Groups by Age

Early Years Foundation Stage / Kindergarten

  • Pre-K: 3–4 years
    (3 years on 31 August)
  • KG1: 4–5 years
    (4 years on 31 August)

Primary

Key Stage 1

  • KG2: 5–6 years (5 years on 31 August)
  • Grade 1: 6–7 years (6 years on 31 August)

Key Stage 2

  • Grade 2: 7–8 years (7 years on 31 August)
  • Grade 3: 8–9 years (8 years on 31 August)
  • Grade 4: 9–10 years (9 years on 31 August)
  • Grade 5: 10–11 years (10 years on 31 August)

Secondary

Key Stage 3

  • Grade 6: 11–12 years
  • Grade 7: 12–13 years
  • Grade 8: 13–14 years

Key Stage 4

  • Grade 9: 14–15 years
  • Grade 10: 15–16 years

Key Stage 5

  • Grade 11: 16–17 years
  • Grade 12: 17–18 years

2. Admissions Procedures for Parents and Carers

The steps below must be followed in order.

2.1 Application

Parents are encouraged to complete the application form in person as a hard copy and to visit the school. Appointments can be arranged by telephone or email with the Admissions Registrar.

The application form includes:

  • Parent or legal guardian contact details
  • Child’s personal information
  • Medical information, including vaccination records

At registration, parents are also required to complete:

  • Consent for photographs and video recordings
  • Consent for first aid and administration of medication
  • SPA (to be shared with the child)

2.2 Submission of Documents

Parents or carers must supply paper copies in person to the Admissions Registrar at EIS-B of:

  • Parent or guardian identification documents
  • Child’s ID/Passport
  • Child’s medical records

These documents must be submitted within 14 days of making the application, whether submitted online or in person.

2.3 First Appointment

Once the application form and all required documents have been received, parents or carers will be invited to attend a meeting at the school. The child for whom the application is being made is expected to attend.

During this meeting, parents will meet with the School Principal, counsellor, or teacher, who may conduct an assessment or informal observation. The purpose is to determine whether the school can meet the child’s educational and developmental needs. Parents will also have the opportunity to ask questions to confirm that EIS-B is the right setting for their child.

An informal observation may be offered for children under 8 years of age. Admission may be refused if the school is not equipped to support the child’s specific needs or if the child’s level of English would significantly restrict access to the curriculum.

EIS-B reserves the right to refuse admission where needs cannot be met; however, parents will be signposted to alternative provision where possible.

2.4 Admission Decision and Offer Letter

The Academic Director will decide whether to accept, refuse, or request a further meeting. Parents will be informed of the outcome by email within 7 days of the first appointment.

If a place is offered, parents will be informed of:

  • The proposed start date
  • The year group placement
  • The deadline for payment of registration and term fees

Individual feedback from assessments will not be provided.

Parents may also choose to decline the offer and request that all submitted information is returned or deleted.

2.5 Registration

To accept an offer, parents must confirm acceptance in writing within 7 days of the offer letter and pay the registration fee in full. The term fee must be paid in full no later than one month before the agreed start date.

English International School – Baghdad reserves the right to withdraw an offer if the admissions process is not followed as outlined above.

3. Oversubscription and Priority

If applications exceed available places, a waiting list will be maintained by the Admissions Registrar. Only children who have attended a first appointment and received an offer letter will be placed on the waiting list. Parents will be notified by email if a place becomes available.

Priority will be given to:

  1. Siblings of children already enrolled at EIS-B
  2. Children identified as gifted or talented
  3. Children of staff members

4. Admissions for Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Some disabilities or learning needs may not be identifiable at the time of admission. Parents are required to disclose any known or diagnosed SEND on the application form and during the first appointment. Full written documentation must be provided prior to accepting an offer.

The Inclusion Coordinator and/or designated staff will assess what reasonable adjustments may be required. If the school is unable to meet the child’s needs, this will be explained to parents and the place will be refused.

If SEND becomes apparent after admission, the school will work with parents to explore reasonable adjustments, which may include the provision of a shadow teacher by parents. If EIS-B is ultimately unable to meet the child’s needs, parents will be supported in identifying a more appropriate setting.

5. Data Protection and Disclosure of Information

Parents are expected to:

  • Sign the Home–School Agreement
  • Provide all relevant medical, psychological, and educational reports
  • Disclose developmental concerns
  • Follow recommendations for further assessments
  • Understand that withholding vital information may result in withdrawal

The school will:

  • Store all information securely and confidentially
  • Return or delete documentation if an application does not proceed
  • Act professionally and promptly
  • Support the child’s welfare and settling-in process

6. Appeals

If a place is refused, parents may re-apply in writing within 3 months. A second meeting will be arranged, after which the Principal’s decision will be final. There are no further appeals.