Children are entitled to be enrolled at the government school that is designated for the intake area within which the child’s home is situated and that the child is eligible to attend. Parents may seek to enrol their child in the school of their choice.

Enrolment Numbers and Buffer
The enrolments ceiling for Parramatta High School is 848 students based on available permanent accommodation. The school has set a buffer of 60 student positions, which is included in the total of 848. Places in the buffer are not offered to non-local students.

The primary criteria for acceptance of non-local enrolments will include the availability of appropriate staff and permanent classroom accommodation. Therefore, the number of classes in each year is a prime consideration for staffing and accommodation. Outlined below are the ceilings for the number of classes in each year group.

Non-Local Placements
Non-local enrolments after the commencement of the school year, must not generate demand for extra staff or create disruption. If at any stage of the year, the demand for non-local places exceeds availability, the school’s placement panel will consider and make recommendations on all non-local applications.

The placement panel is chaired by the Principal (who will have the casting vote), one staff representative and one school community member nominated by the school’s parent organisation.

The application of the criteria to individual cases will be the responsibility of the placement panel. Only matters presented on the application form will be considered. Minutes of meeting will be available on request by the School Education Director.

Criteria for Non-Local Enrolments
The Principal, in consultation with the local community, has determined the criteria for non-local placement which are applied equitably for all applicants. Parents will be provided with an explanation of the decisions of the placement panel, in writing.

• Structure and organisation of the school
  
• Siblings already enrolled at the school
  
• Compassionate circumstances including medical reasons
  
• Availability of subjects or combination of subjects to meet Department of Education & Training and Board of Studies requirements
  
• Proximity and access to the school
  
• Safety and supervision of the student before and after school
  
• Special interest and abilities
  
• Access to co-education

No person will be discriminated against in enrolment on the grounds of their sex, age, race, disability, sexual preference, transgender or marital status.

Waiting Lists
A waiting list current for one year may be drawn up for non-local applicants. Parents will be advised in writing if their child is placed on a waiting list and his/her position on that list.

Appeals
Where a parent wishes to appeal against a decision of the placement panel, the appeal should be made in writing to the Principal. The Principal will provide assistance, such as an interpreter, for the appeal to be set out in writing. The School Education Director will consider the appeal and make a determination. The purpose of the appeal is to determine whether the stated criteria in the school enrolment policy have been applied fairly.

Enrolment of Non-Australian Citizens
It is the school’s responsibility to identify all temporary visa holders, noting expiry dates when reviewing application forms. The school will need to sight original documentation. Students may be directed to the International Students Centre or for assessment at an Intensive English Centre before enrolment is finalised.

Transition from Year 6 to 7
Students from government primary schools will usually enrol in high school using the Expression of Interest for Placement in Year 7 at a NSW Government School Form. Students from non-government primary schools will need to collect this form from a NSW government high school and return the completed expression of interest form to their first choice NSW government high school. Office staff must check the address supplied by applicants for authenticity against a reference point such as telephone account, electricity account or rates notice. Staff should also sight the student’s birth certificate, passport or travel document where the student is not an Australian citizen.

Information to be provided for all other enrolments
Parents wishing to enrol their child at Parramatta High School (other than Year 6 to 7 transition) should contact the school to obtain an information package. The school will contact the applicant, in writing, to indicate the outcome of the application. An interview may be required.

The parent or caregiver will need to provide any of the following documentation in support of the application

• Two documents for Proof of address (such as the rental agreement, telephone account, electricity account, rates notice, etc),
  
• a previous school report
  
• birth certificate, passport, travel documentation
  
• Australian citizenship certificate
  
• Immunisation certificate
  
• Family Law Court orders, Apprehended Violence or Personal Violence orders or other relevant orders
  
• An Authority to Enrol in a NSW Government School from the International Students Centre or Temporary Visa Holders Program Unit

If the number of non-local enrolments exceeds the places available, then such applications will be referred to the placement panel. If the school has reached its maximum enrolment in a year group (less the buffer), then the Principal will notify the non-local applicant in writing, that a position is not available and whether the student has been placed on a waiting list and at what position. The parent has the right of appeal as outlined earlier in this policy.

The Principal will always contact a student’s previous school to confirm enrolment, to make them aware of a possible transfer and to ensure that the clearance procedure has been followed.

Enrolment for a student from a NSW government high school will not be effected without a Transfer Certificate.

Enrolment of Students with Disabilities
When students with disabilities are seeking enrolment into regular classes, an appraisal of the students educational and support needs will occur. This may occur as part of planned transition process or at the time of seeking enrolment.

Primary School Principals generally alert the High School Principal when they are aware that students with special educational needs wish to enrol at the High School. The High School Learning Support Team will be involved in the transition process. This may involve seeking assistance from Regional Office.

In determining the most appropriate enrolment options a number of factors will need to be considered including:

• Expressed desire of parent / caregivers
  
• Appraisal of Educational and Support needs
  
• Capacity to provide the level of support required
  
• Availability of support services at alternative locations

Students with disabilities participate equally in orientation activities and depending on need may require additional orientation programs.

Staff are made aware of the strengths and support needs of disabled students and special attention is given to developing appropriate interaction between students, especially in playground situation.