Information

Who are the governors of St Michael’s?

St Michael's Small School Association is a company limited by guarantee and is a registered charity. The school's trustees safeguard the original guiding principles which are embodied in the School Mission.

The management of the company is undertaken by a Board of Directors appointed by the trustees and working closely with the Head Teacher, called the Management Team. Also on the Management Team are a number of non–voting members: two elected parent representatives, three elected staff representatives and others fulfilling specific roles or co–opted onto the Team to bring particular expertise to the service of the school. A number of sub–committees investigate and report on specific areas: Finance, Buildings, Curriculum and Fundraising.

The school is financed solely by donations, bequests and local fundraising activities.

At present there are seven trustees, and the Management Team is made up of five Directors, the Company Secretary, the Treasurer, the Head Teacher and the elected staff and parent members.

How is St Michael’s financed?

As an independent school, St.Michael’s receives no help from central government or the local education authority. The cost of each pupil’s education is almost £300 per month – for 12 months, about £3,600 per year.

Parents must discuss with the confidential assessor what they can afford to pay. That information remains completely confidential but the agreement to pay that sum is part of the Home–School agreement which all parents sign.

However, the gap between family donations and the cost of running the school has to be met by donations from elsewhere. Parents are asked to support fundraising efforts and also to give assistance to the school in whatever way they can.

St Michael’s Catholic Small School is a registered charity: No 1073264.

Weekly personal expenses

Families must pay for uniform, swimming, gym, the weekly hot meal, school visits etc, promptly and regularly. It is very helpful if this can be done half–termly in advance. A small weekly cleaning levy is requested from each family.

Admissions policy

Children from all practising Christian families are welcome. Priority will
be given to:

1. Children of practising Catholics;
2. Children of practising Christians from other denominations;
3. Siblings of children already at the school.

Children with special needs are considered on an individual basis and by interview. Early Years policy follows the guidelines of the Local Education Authority.

Children with special educational needs

Please make an appointment to discuss individual needs. We will then explain what we can provide and discuss whether the provision would be appropriate.

The school week

School begins at 8.50 am. Pupils should arrive a few minutes earlier.

Morning break

11:15 -11:30 am

Lunchtime

13:00–14:00

Swimming is fortnightly, and gym sessions are also fortnightly. A games session alternates with the gym.

Tuesday Assembly: An outside speaker usually takes the assembly.

Wednesday: The school attends the 10.00 am Mass at Our Lady and St. Piran’s.

Homework is set regularly, beginning with daily reading for infants. Pupils are given a detailed timetable.

Contacting the school

We try to maintain very close contacts with parents. Please telephone to discuss any problems or to make an appointment.

We hope the Home–School agreement defines expectations very clearly.

Should parents wish to make a formal complaint, the school’s complaints policy ensures that it can be considered without prejudice.

Progress

Reports are sent twice yearly, at the end of the autumn and summer terms.
A Parents Day is also held to discuss individual progress.