was defined by the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. All students are funded by their local authority. For year 7 entry it has a published admissions number of 243, which is 8 form entry. Applications are made through the local authority transfer procedure system. The school is responsible for defining the order of priority when more than 243 children apply. Pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan which names the school, are automatically offered a place. Places then go to Looked after children/previously looked after children, then to children with exceptional medical or social need, then to children with siblings in the school, and children of members of staff. Finally other children are selected by the distance they live from the reception area in the South Wing building. Year 12 entry is dependent on students having five level 5 GCSEs or better, including English and Maths. For some courses, requirements may vary. There are a minimum of 50 extra places available for students transferring from other schools. Curriculum As of 2010, the school follows the National Curriculum in Years 7–11 and offers a broad range of GCSEs, (national exams which are taken by students aged 14–16) and A-levels (national exams taken by pupils aged 16–18). The school has no affiliation with a particular religious denomination, but as is required by law, religious education is given throughout the school, and students may opt to take the subject as part of their GCSE options. Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum is covered during years 7, 8 and 9, though most subjects will commence using Key Stage 4 (i.e. GCSE) material during year 9. The 'Core Key Stage 3 Subjects' are English, Mathematics and Science. The Foundation Subjects are Art & Design, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education, Technology, Information Technology, Modern Languages. Additional Subjects are Religious Education, Drama and Wellbeing. The five cross-curricular themes are Careers, Wellbeing, Economic and industrial awareness, Environmental education and Health education. Key Stage 4 students study up to 10 GCSEs, depending on their ability. There are four core subjects studied by all students and four options delivered by a varied options system. This allows for the study of three separate sciences, as well as two languages and a range of courses, including vocational options. French, German, Spanish and Mandarin are offered. The English Baccalaureate will be awarded to