Who this policy applies to
This policy applies to all student recruitment and admissions activity at Orpheus, and to all staff involved in recruitment, assessment and funding processes.
Our approach
Orpheus:
- Operates a non‑discriminatory admissions process
- Applies consistent criteria to all applicants
- Seeks to improve diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity
- Complies with the Equality Act 2010, SEND legislation and funding requirements
Admissions decisions are based on individual assessment, not comparisons between applicants.
Who Orpheus supports
- Orpheus is a day college for young disabled people aged 18–25
- We are not a residential college, though a limited number of supported housing places are available
- College capacity is monitored closely to ensure learner safety, high‑quality provision and regulatory compliance
Key admissions principles
We will only offer a place where we are confident that we can:
- Keep the learner safe
- Meet their needs, including those set out in their EHCP
- Support the development of independence and progression
Places are not prioritised based on family connections, staff relationships or previous alumni links.
The admissions process
- Enquiries are acknowledged promptly and handled fairly
- Applications are processed in date order, except where legal consultation deadlines apply
- Each application is reviewed individually using consistent criteria
- Applicants may be invited to information events, tours and assessment meetings
- Decisions are communicated clearly and in writing
- Where a place is declined, reasons are explained with reference to the SEND Code of Practice
Funding and placement offers
- Most students are funded by their local authority or the DfE
- All offers are conditional on written funding confirmation and available capacity
- Places are allocated on a “first funding confirmed” basis
- Supported housing is only available alongside a funded education placement
Private funding is considered only in exceptional circumstances and cannot be used to gain priority.
Changes or withdrawal of offers
Orpheus may withdraw an offer if:
- New information shows needs cannot be met safely
- Funding is not confirmed
- Capacity has been reached
In such cases, applicants may be placed on a waiting list or invited to defer, where appropriate.
Transparency and accountability
- Admissions information is published on the Orpheus website and in the prospectus
- Recruitment data is reviewed to monitor fairness and accessibility
- All personal data is handled in accordance with GDPR
Training and oversight
Staff involved in recruitment receive appropriate training to ensure consistent, lawful and ethical practice. The recruitment process is overseen by senior leaders, including the Principal and SENCo.
