We have an unsatisfactory catchment school, daughter No 1 tried it for a term and escaped as offered a place at our next nearest school which had been our first choice. She is thriving there.
Daughter No 2 (a millenium baby) was not offered a place at this school for yr 7, Sept 2012, as we are out of catchment (just!), hers is a high birthrate year and our local authority did not offer siblings priority at the time. She is in year 7 at a third school which is good but it is obviously far less than ideal having the girls at different schools. Daughter No 2 wants to join her sister too.
We have applied for a place at our school of choice twice as places became available but to no avail. I have been told that a place might become available at the end of summer term...I have also requested an appeal.
Our local authority have changed their criteria for school applications so that from September 2013, siblings have priority over those in catchment (sod's law, eh?!) Also, this September, the school is taking a whole extra class in year 7 as the current year 11 have an extra class which will be leaving soon (sod's law again!).
I kind of hope that the introduction of sibling priority might help us this time...
Any help, tips or support gratefully received.
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Secondary education
trying to get second daughter into same high school as her older sister.
DianeMay · 27/06/2012 14:42
If sibling link is going to be prioritised over catchment in the future then you should have a better chance applying for a place in 2013. In the meantime apply anyway, and appeal if you are turned down, make the point that you would be prioritized next year anyway and go on the waiting list. Find out what position DD2 is on it and check occasionally to ensure that she is stilll on it. For the appeal, don't just rely on the sibling link (though it's obviously relevant as otherwise the admission authority wouldn't be changing their rules) - show why school number one is the best one for your daughter. Briefly mention the chopping and changing of the rules and number of classes and the fact that your daughter has clearly been unlucky in this respect. If the sisters are particularly close and want to be at the same school, it might also be worth mentioning this.
We won an appeal on sibling grounds some years ago - DD2 had been denied a place on the basis that DD1 was about to go into the 6th form, the rules governing the definition of a sibling having been changed to the disadvantage of our family (and using a somewhat questionable consultation process 
).
Good luck. 
Well done! Thanks for letting us know. I expect both your DDs are pleased as well.
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