Open Entry Applications
To support and welcome diversity within our school community, the JESS Admissions Policy enables applications for a limited number of ‘Open Entry’ places to admit pupils who will make a significant contribution to the sporting, artistic, creative or academic life of the school. Please note, Open Entry applications are for students currently in Years 3 to 9 only. An ‘Open Entry’ refers to an application which demonstrates an exceptional level of talent to ensure a balanced school community which encompasses and celebrates creative, sporting, academic and/or musical talents. Applicants need to qualify in two out of three areas to all allow them to submit an ‘Open Entry’ application.
Academic
- Performing well above age-related expectations and exceeding across the curriculum.
- A mean Standardised Age Score in progress testing across English, Math and Science of 115+
- CAT4 mean score of 115+
- Evidence of intellectual curiosity and independent learning.
Performing Arts/Art
- Technical Proficiency and Creative Expression; demonstrating skills and artistry significantly beyond peers.
- Formal Qualifications. A Minimum Grade 5 ABRSM (or equivalent) required, higher grades expected for older year groups.
- Strong stage presence, vocal clarity, and confident movement.
- Ability to work effectively in ensembles and take creative risks.
- Performances with outside academies will be favourable, along with achievements in LAMDA examinations.
Sport
- Elite-level ability or clear potential.
- Evidence of performance at school, club, or representative level.
- Demonstrated ability at regional or national level, or clear pathway potential.
- High technical skill, tactical understanding, and athleticism.
- Commitment to training and competitive mindset.
- For individual sports only official times will be accepted.
As a guide, for an ‘Open Entry’ application to be considered, your child must have excellent academic scores in English, Math and Science (a mean Standardised Age Score across three subjects of 115+) together with a CAT4 minimum score of 115+. It is essential that copies of your child’s most recent school reports and CAT4 results, as well as any coach or teacher references which you feel will support your child’s ‘Open Entry’ application are provided. Please note all references need to be annotated with the role title of the referee as well as contact information.
If your child meets the above criteria, please contact our Admissions team on admissions@jess.sch.ae to apply. Please note that only applications that meet the above criteria will be considered. Applications that meet the criteria and are approved will be invited in to undertake appropriate assessments, performances and interviews. Our Admissions team will contact you if the ‘Open Entry’ application is approved.
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