How on earth do you manage to get your DC into an oversubscribed school?

[ripsishere]

Due to a change in circumstances, we are moving to the LB of Sutton. I have four schools that I would like DD to go to, all have massive waiting lists.
We (that is she and I) moved from abroad, bought a house and got her into a feeder school for the oversubscribed school she was due to start in September.
DH was unable to find a job locally so we hare moving to London.
I went down for two days and stayed with a lovely MNer (thanks frank) and tried to find a house to rent.
Unfortunately, there were very few. I have got one, all that is needed is contracts signing. DH is still abroad so it will have to be done by email.
The point is HOW the actual fuck does one go about getting into a decent school at this late point in the year?

[dexter73]

Is there no chance of your dh commuting from where you live at the moment?

[ElizabethSwann]

Tbh rip I think you have to hope and pray. However, if you cn't get your DD into a decent school there is nothing wrong with adding her to the waiting lists for all preferred schools because almost certaainly vacancies will come up mid year. Obviously this means she might start off in a less good school for a few months.

[AngelEyes46]

Agree with Elizabeth - you will be pushed up the waiting list due depending on where you live. I am croydon borough and I asked our admissions dept how much movement there is between March and December of any year and they said around 300! Sutton isn't as big but due to their grammar schools, there is a some movement in that area.

[Northernlurker]

You need to look at as many schools as you can and get on the waiting list for anything that is possible. Then when you have your address your position on the list will be adjusted according to the local admissions criteria. I assume you're renting for 6 months? If the school she ends up at is awful you could always spend those 6 months looking for another rental on the doorstep of a school you like. It's possible that could work out.

[ripsishere]

No, we are physically moving. We aren't doing the six month rent thing. DH couldn't commute. It is nearly 250 miles away that we live now.
I'll just have to dedicate next week to trying.
We did consider him living away M-F and me and her staying here. Unfortunately I gave up her place at the local, very oversubscribed school. Someone in Warrington will now be rubbing their hands with glee.

[ripsishere]

Thanks, it seems the London stuff is different to the rules up here.
I'll just have to plough on. We've got the house, DH is arranging for our furniture to be shipped directly to that rather than come here then go down.
It is all so trying.

[mummytime]

Also do appeal! Find out things like classroom sizes to help your case, that the school can take another pupil and that it is the best school for your daughter. You may be lucky and someone might move so giving you a place. I have known plenty of people move into an area and get their children into very oversubscribed schools, so it can be done.

[sashh]

All schools have to have a couple of places for people moving into the area so you have a better chance if you apply as someone moving in than as someone who has been there for 10 years.

[ripsishere]

Glad to hear the last thing. Thanks. Will get on to it tomorrow. The long BH weekend really slows things down. Although to be fair, I didn't have a house until Thursday.

[mankyscotslass]

Sorry, but I don't think the schools having to keep places is true.

I'm just begining to look at secondary schools and entrance criteria though, so not 100% sure on my facts.

I think there is special provision for Crown Servants/forces moving into an area, but other that that it's the Fair Access Protocol that applies.

LEA have to find you the nearest school with places, if there is nothing that would be considered reasonable (and remember they can expect DC to travel a fair distance for Secondary), then the Fair Access protocol would be applied to make space for your DC. (I think)

Admissions or PRH could tell you more.

[mummytime]

Schools DO NOT keep places, they may have to take crown personnel over their admission numbers, but they don't reserve places (sometimes they do give them places in the normal admissions round although they haven't moved yet but have got thei relocation orders). LAs also have to find you a place although some try to wriggle out. They can also force a school to take additional pupils under fair access.

[ripsishere]

Ah, back to square one. We are not service personnel. I assume by that you mean forces (Army, Navy, AF)?

[mankyscotslass]

Yes, Forces, or the FO, for Crown Servants.

[mummytime]

The LA still has to give you a school place once you live there.

[mankyscotslass]

Mummytime is correct - they do have to find you a place, but not necessarily at the school you want.

If you don't get the school you want, you can always try the appeal route - no guarantee of success, but always worth a try.

[ripsishere]

I know, it's just the variability of the schools.
Unfortunately, there are some outstanding ones and people rent houses to enable them to apply .
I went to the local area boards on here. There was someone fishing for a house to rent. Reading between the lines it was for that purpose.

[YouBrokeMySmoulder]

Rip are you talking primary or secondary? There is some movement at some schools especially in primary at prep age for boys. Whereabouts are you renting?

[ripsishere]

Secondary. She is just 11 and will go into the first year of senior school.
We are renting in Worcester Park.

[AngelEyes46]

How does it work for grammar schools? Could rip try wallington girls (dd to take the exam outside the normal cycle)?

[YouBrokeMySmoulder]

Oh I see, yes that is tricky. I have no idea how in year admissions for the grammars work if that is the issue. Where else are you looking? Can you afford private until a place comes up?