Year 1 transfer, Entry to Year 1

[Cikolata]

My daughter started reception at a private school in central London. I have serious doubts about it. There are families in out class that have 2/3 kids in the School, which should be good - vote of confidence. But, I find the school functions with an extremely commercial mindset. Before we received anything about curriculum, we found out how to donate to their charity and HOW MUCH, we found out which local restaurants give discount. I want to leave :( There is one school I want, which we had failed to enter from Reception. Will try for year 1 entry. Any tips please? I hear this other school if very elitist. I was very surprised when we couldn't get in, because the lady, who did the assessment seemed to be impressed by my daughter. Stupidly, I did not ask the reason why we could not enter. I assumed I didn't think they could say much. This is not an exam after all. I should have asked/ showed continuing interest then. I thought this other school was good for early eduction, was highly recommended, is very strong in arts subjects.

[Cikolata]

What is unbelievable to the ignorant me is that the registrar of our school is an older lady (in hr 50s), seems caring/ trustworthy/ experienced. Having started the school, I understand she is the screensaver, inside are all very young woman, seems to be chosen for their physical characteristics! as found appealing by the headmaster, who is a very charismatic and energetic man driven solely by a financial interest, rather than educational.

[Zodlebud]

It’s a private school. They are commercial enterprises and out to make money. If that is the only gripe you have with the school then I think you might have problems at ANY private school.

Also, looking at all the prep schools I have ever visited, they have a lot of younger female teachers on the staff list. Not once have I made any kind of assumptions about their ability to teach based purely on the way they look.

Do you have problems with the education your child is receiving? If so then absolutely move them.

Many central London prep schools are going to have a similar vibe. They are in one of the most expensive cities in the world and serve a wealthy market.

[YerAWizardHarry]

Really? You genuinely think the teachers are hired because of their looks rather than their teaching skills? Nothing to do with the fact that "taking care of yourself" doesn't mean you can't be good at your job I'm a student teacher and I'd say 85% of the females on my course have either dyed hair/false nails/eyelash extensions etc etc and are beautiful women BUT they're also absolutely fantastic future teachers who any school would be bloody lucky to employ

[Cikolata]

I think I did not explain myself well. I decided to move, what I need advise on is not whether I should or not. Best of luck to you in your chosen careers @YerAWizardHarry and @Zodlebud No doubt a very fulfilling profession.
What I meant to ask was tips about HOW TO MANAGE the transfer to the new school - what to do so that they take us. I will not be answering comments that require me to justify why I find this school to be (obviously more) economically motivated (than other) and why I find the quality of teaching unacceptable to me - it would go without saying that age and looks are not the only concerns.

[BluebellsGreenbells]

You need to ask questions first. With answers you have a starting point.

They may be over subscribed.

It may be based on achievements.

You won’t know unless you ask.

[GU24Mum]

Prep schools are likely to have various differents sets of procedures so without knowing which school it is, no-one can answer accurately.

At bottom line, if they don't have space, its a no at least for now but you can ask how you get onto the waiting list. If it's selective/very selective you probably can't do that unless your child sits the exam and you are told that they'll put him/her on the waiting list. If it isn't selective, they may just put him/her on the list.

If there's a space then you need to find out what the entrance criteria are ie is it exam/taster day or just paying money!

[PatriciaHolm]

Assuming the other school is also a private school, all you can do is talk to them. Sometimes they will run waitlists for children who don't make the cut initially, but I would imagine you would know if you were on it.

If they didn't accept your child for a reception place and didn't put you on a waitlist, I think it's unlikely they will now take her in Year 1. Have you any other options? Maybe you should look at your State options.

[Zodlebud]

With private schools you:

1. Phone them up to see if they have a space
   
   
2. If they do then you ask if any assessment is required and if so ask for a date. If successful then you get a place.
   
   
3. If they don’t then you ask if they have a waiting list and if they do then you join it. Then it’s a waiting game until a place becomes available.
   
   Some schools won’t assess a child they have already assessed recently and ask you wait until a later date. For example, by us there is a school which will only reassess a child at 7+ if they weren’t successful at Reception stage.
   
   The process itself depends totally on the school itself.

[HandfulofDust]

If the other school is selective it's unlikely they will have places suddenly cropping up in Y1 for students who didn't pass the original assessment. So if you're really unhappy with the current school I'd look further afield. I would also say your DD probably did nothing wrong as the assessment day. The reception assessments are especially accurate they'll tend to choose children who show more advances language skills as well as fine motor and reasoning abilities but really this kind of test done on a single day at age 3/4 isn't especially accurate.

[LIZS]

Bearing in mind you are only a few weeks in, you could ring other private schools to enquire about vacancies with a view to moving asap. Not much point waiting it out if you are already unhappy but you would almost certainly be liable to pay fees now until Easter if you left. I too fear you may find other schools similar but presumably you have visited them. Why did your dc not get into the other school first time?