HILL HOUE WAITING LIST

[Xashax007]

My son was born in the beginning of 2012 and after registering him at HH, I was told I am on the waiting list.

Is anybody there who successfully registered at HH , but thinking of choosing another school?

Please, this is a serious issue, I live in the area with no catchment whatsoever.

All 2016 reception entries in prep schools are full!!!!
Its not even 2015 yet.

Please contact me via a message

Xashax007

[Xashax007]

Sorry, I meant the Hill House School in Chelsea.

[basildonbond]

There will be a reception place for your child somewhere - don't panic! Have you even looked at nearby state schools? The private-schooling population in central London is very transient and there is always movement in and out of even the most sought-after schools. you could start your child off in reception at wherever has a place and then move him at a later date. The early years curriculum is virtually identical across both sectors.

[meditrina]

Try not to panic!

First come first served may well have full lists by now, but as BasildonBond says there is loads of movement in London.

Schools which have assessments will accept registrations (with no advantage for applying early). Have you considered any?

As you mention catchment, I'm guessing you would prefer a state school, and that you live in one of the 'black holes' where you are not close enough to any to be sure of an offer. But do remember that in those circumstances your borough has to find a place somewhere (though it may be an inconvenient journey).

[Xashax007]

Thanks for your responses.

I would prefer if my son to start at prep school early, so I dont have to go through this again until 11+

I have a couple of selective prep options, but that is no guarantee he will get in at all. At his age children may not be willing to answer question asked by a stranger.

Does anyone have experience of HH waiting list movement?

[LittleBairn]

Xash you don't have to stay in the state school till 11.
The usual tactic is to register for state schools incase you can't get a prep school place then you stay on the waiting list and transfer as soon as a place becomes open.
If you are only just registering now then I'm afraid you are probably too late for many London prep schools especially the selective ones most close their lists by the time the children are two years old.

[Xashax007]

Ok, so if I am on a waiting list for a prep school, then this list is valid for availabilities later on..?

Thats alright then... I think. I am on many waiting lists now LOL.

This system is so stressful :-(

[Xashax007]

LittleBairn, I am not in catchment for any state school, but i might get a place at one thats not that good.

[LittleBairn]

Yes being on the waiting list, especially a few, means it is still likely you will get a place. A lot of families will have their child down for multiple places once you are passed the admission period when those parents will have to accept or deline a place spaces will open up for the waiting list children.

What age is your DS in September? If he's still 4 and he didn't get a prep place you could keep him at his nursery for another term or two while waiting for a place.

[MMmomKK]

Xashax - hello again :)

Try calling Eaton House the Vale - get on their list as well. They are a very good back up school, in case you don't get your 1st or 2nd choice right away. It is a mixed school nominally but has a majority of boys. Also - they have places often very late in the process as many people who are on their list end up going elsewhere.

Last year, in a moment of panic over my DD2's Reception place in February/March - I called them and there still were places. And it happens every year.

[Xashax007]

Thanks MMmomKK, great advice.

[Michaelahpurple]

Make sure you have other options but I would be very surprised if you didn't get a place at Hill House. Because it isn't selective but is largely first come everyone applies to have it as an option. Lots will therefor disappear and go elsewhere, freeing places. Plus HH tends to have an even more mobile customer base than already high levels in chelsea, which whisks a fee more away.
You have lots of time so look around to see if you fancy any of the "selectives" to give more options and I expect you will get a place if you want it

[Xashax007]

Thanks, Michaelahpurple

Hopefully, I will get a place at HH :-(

I loved it. I visited it and it was lively, children seemed happy and it would be all sorted till, 13+.

Bad luck I left it all so late, but how could I have known...!

[cherokeee]

Xashax --many parents think of HH as a great option because it eliminates the stress of 8+ exams (for boys). However, my observation is that parents become very stressed and very competitive at around Year 3/4 when the boys start to become "ranked" by ability and results and start to prepare for 11+ pre-tests for senior schools. They also have formal exams at least twice a year and perhaps three times a year to get the boys ready for senior school entrance exams (and also to aid in the "setting" by subjects).

The London private school entry system is challenging whatever route you take -- but please don't be under any illusion that you would eliminate "stress" by going to a school like HH that does up to 13. The fact that most senior schools now pre-test at 11 means the pressure and competitiveness begins very early at HH (as I assume it does at other prep schools, other than the ones that feed into senior schools, such as King's and Colet Court).

[Greengrow]

You will be entitled to a state school place. However I would not have considered state schools and you may be the same.

However could you have known? that just depends on your family and friends if you'd have know. Where I live - a bit further out - the emphasis at the best schools is on who passes to get in not how early you register which is fairer and ensures you get brighter children in the class. Central London schools do not operate on the same basis.