Sion School Admissions | Book a Visit Today

Our Lady Of Sion

Admissions

The only way to really understand what makes SION so special is to come and experience it for yourself. We are a warm, inclusive community that welcomes prospective families throughout the year, whether at one of our dedicated Open Days or at a time that suits you.

You’ll soon realise that we’re not defined by sprawling grounds or grand buildings, though our original 1862 architecture offers a certain timeless beauty. SION is defined by a feeling. A sense of belonging. A place where your child is known, understood, and genuinely valued.

It’s in the way our children support one another, and in the way our teachers nurture each child’s potential with care and attention. It’s a community built on mutual respect, where wellbeing comes first, every voice is heard, and every individual is valued. With small class sizes and an independent curriculum, we create the space for young people to thrive, academically, socially, and emotionally.

It’s something you can only truly feel when you walk through our doors.

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Wherever you’re starting from, you’re welcome here

We welcome children throughout the year, depending on availability, and are happy to work within your preferred timeframe, whether you’re planning years ahead or need something more immediate.

Whether your child is transferring from another school or exploring independent education for the first time, we are here to guide and support you.

At Sion, we understand that every child is different. Some may feel lost in larger schools and need the warmth of a close-knit community where they can truly be seen and heard. Others may benefit from a fresh start in an environment that nurtures both their confidence and wellbeing.

We also recognise that some children, despite their energy and eagerness to succeed, may hold back their true potential in school environments where a love of learning isn’t always celebrated. At SION, our culture, shared by both teachers and students, actively encourages enthusiasm, curiosity, and full immersion in learning, creating a space where every child feels confident to engage, grow, and thrive.

If you feel SION might be the right place for your child, we would love to start a conversation.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Admissions

We know that choosing the right school is a big decision, and we’re here to make the process as clear and supportive as possible. Whether you’re considering SION for Nursery, Junior, Senior School, or Sixth Form, our admissions process is designed to be personal, welcoming, and tailored to your child.

Below, you’ll find a simple step-by-step guide to how admissions work. For more detailed information about each stage and year group, just scroll down, we’ve included everything you need to know to help you take the next step with confidence.

Step 1: Explore Sion

Visit our Admissions Page
Read about our Nursery, Junior, Senior, and Sixth Form offerings
Browse our blog for helpful insights and parent stories

Step 2: Book a Visit

Attend one of our Open Days or arrange a personal tour at a time that suits you
Meet our staff, see our classrooms in action, and get a feel for the Sion atmosphere

Step 3: Register Your Interest

Contact our Admissions Registrar to express your interest
We’ll guide you through the next steps and answer any questions

Step 4: Taster Days

Your child will be invited to spend two taster days with us
This helps them settle in and allows us to get to know them in a relaxed, natural setting

Step 5: Assessment (if applicable)

Nursery & Reception–Year 2: No formal assessment, just observation during settling sessions
Years 3–6: CAT4 entrance assessment in literacy, numeracy, and reasoning during taster days
Senior School (Years 7–11): CAT4 entrance assessment in quantitative, verbal and non-verbal reasoning + interview + school reference
Sixth Form: GCSE results, school reports, and a discussion about subject choices and aspirations

Step 6: Parent and/or Child Meeting

A warm and informal interview with the Headteacher
A chance to discuss your child’s needs, interests, and how we can support them

Step 7: Offer of a Place

Following the taster days, assessments, reference and meeting, we’ll let you know the outcome
If successful, you’ll receive a formal offer and enrolment details

Step 8: Welcome to Sion

Once your place is confirmed, we’ll support you with a smooth transition
You’ll receive a welcome pack and be invited to induction events

Sion Nursery School

Children are welcome to join our Nursery from their third birthday. There is no formal entrance assessment at this stage. Instead, we invite each child to attend two gentle settling sessions, giving them the opportunity to explore the environment and meet our caring staff. These sessions also help us ensure that we are the right fit for your child. Following these visits, places are offered based on how well each child settles and engages during their time with us.

Sion Junior School

Reception, Years 1 - 2

From September 2025, our Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils will learn together in a nurturing and structured environment that reflects the Key Stage 1 approach, supporting both academic and emotional development during these important early years.

Before joining, we invite prospective pupils to spend two taster days with us. These gentle, welcoming sessions help children become familiar with our daily routines, meet their future classmates and teachers, and begin to feel at home in their new surroundings. There is no formal entrance assessment at this stage, our focus is on ensuring a smooth and confident start.

Admission is based on the child’s experience during their visit, along with a friendly conversation between the Headteacher or Admissions Registrar and the child’s parents. Priority for Reception places is given to children already attending our Nursery, as part of our commitment to continuity and community.

Years 3 To 6

From September 2025, our Lower Key Stage 2 class will bring together Years 3 and 4 into a dynamic and energising cohort, limited to a maximum of 20 pupils. This combined class is led by a qualified teacher and supported by a QTS-accredited learning support assistant, creating a highly effective and enriching educational environment.

The innovative structure promotes individualised learning, enabling tailored instruction that meets the unique developmental needs of each child. The smaller, mixed-age group promotes meaningful peer interaction and collaboration, enhancing both social and academic growth.

With the dedicated support of the learning assistant, pupils benefit from focused, responsive guidance that maximises engagement and achievement within a nurturing, inclusive community.

From Year 5 onwards, children embark on a pivotal educational journey as they transition into distinct year groups. This structured approach not only facilitates focused preparation for the challenges of Senior School but also ensures that each student continues to receive the personalised attention and nurturing relationships that are hallmarks of our Junior School experience.

Before a place is offered, we invite prospective pupils to spend two taster days with us. These visits allow children to experience the rhythm of the school day, meet their peers, and begin to feel part of our community. It’s also a chance for us to get to know your child in a relaxed and natural setting.

During their time with us, we gently assess each child’s literacy, numeracy, and reasoning skills with an online, multiple-choice, CAT4 assessment. This helps us understand their academic potential and ensure that Sion is the right fit for their next steps.

Admission decisions are made by the Headteacher following the taster visit and a friendly conversation with the child’s parents. Our aim is always to ensure a smooth and confident transition into school life.

Sion Senior School

Years 7 To 11

All prospective pupils are invited to spend two taster days with us. These visits offer a chance to experience daily life at Sion, meet future classmates and teachers, and begin to feel part of our close-knit community. It’s a gentle introduction designed to help each child feel secure and confident from the very beginning.

Entrance assessments are typically held in January, though we are happy to arrange alternative dates throughout the academic year if needed, including school holidays and at the end of the school day. The assessment is an online CAT4 test, administered by GL Assessments, which looks at verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative reasoning.

There is no strict ‘pass or fail’, we look at the whole picture. Offers of a place are based on a combination of CAT4 results, a warm and informal interview with the Headteacher (involving both the student and their parents), and references from the child’s current school.

Our goal is to ensure that Sion is the right fit for your child’s educational journey and personal growth.

Sixth Form

Admission to our Sixth Form is open to both current Sion students and those joining us from other schools. Entry is based on GCSE results and a review of recent school reports, helping us ensure that each student is well-prepared for the academic challenges ahead.

As a general guide, students should achieve at least a Grade 7 in the subjects they wish to study at A Level, along with a minimum of Grade 4 in both English and Mathematics. These benchmarks help us support students in choosing courses where they can thrive and succeed.

We take a holistic approach to admissions, looking not only at academic readiness but also at each student’s aspirations, interests, and potential. Our aim is to create a Sixth Form experience that is both ambitious and deeply personal, where every student feels known, supported, and inspired.

Helpful Blogs for Prospective Parents

From in-depth guides to GCSEs and STEM subjects, and what they really mean in today’s world, to interesting topics and expert opinion, our blogs are designed to help parents gain deeper insight into the world of SION education.

Admissions

Wherever you’re starting from, you’re welcome here