Number 10 on the waiting list for a Catholic school

[jfpklondon]

Dear all, my daughter is number 10 on the waiting list for a catholic school in London, was wandering if anyone had thoughts on her chances in relation to the likelihood of movement between now and the start of term in September `15. There were 240 places offered so less then 5% of those would need to drop out for her to be accepted.
Would appreciate your thoughts and advice

Thanks

[Unexpected]

Impossible to say really. How popular is the school? If it is one that is generally popular, fewer places will come available. Can you ask the school how many places they typically offer from the waiting list each year? Or if her current primary is a "feeder" school or generally sends lots of children there, they may be aware of children getting in from the waiting list in the past. Do remember though that her place on the waiting list can go down as well as up.

[jfpklondon]

Thanks for your responses, it is a popular school and will be a number 1 choice. it is however surrounded by private schools which may be a factor. I will ask how their waiting lists have performed in recent times that is a good question, I have also asked for appeal paperwork

Thanks again

[meadowquark]

My son was No. 11 on a waiting list in a popular London primary catholic school (60 places). We got a place on 31st August. I think you have a chance.

[thatstoast]

I have no advice. I assumed this thread was going to be about David Cameron!

[jfpklondon]

Are you entitled to find out how many of the 240 places are 2nd place options therefore getting an idea of how many could still be trying for their No 1 option?

[Whyjustwhyagain]

I don't want to be negative, but rather just urge some caution. Please remember that other parents will be looking add their DC name to waiting lists if they haven't been offered a school that they like, so your dc could move down as well as up the list.

[jfpklondon]

Agreed Whyjustwhyagain, I guess its a case of not being complacent but finding out as much information as we can. I am willing to turn up at the school on the 1st day of term to replace any no shows if we get high enough on the list

[Whyjustwhyagain]

A friend of mine 'threatened' to do that if her dc hadn't been offered a place by September. Luckily for her it all worked out though, good luck to you

[jfpklondon]

Thanks tiggytape, you certainly know your stuff fair play to you. Spoke to the school, there are 80 siblings in the 240 places so they won't shift but still leaves a pool of 160 so still a chance. Last year they took 20 from the waiting list so still a chance that my daughter at number 10 is possible. Finally, they expect movement after next Monday 16th March as that is the 2 week deadline since place date to accept the place given apparently. We will keep trying and will ring weekly until it is not possible anymore.

On a related matter, do you have good examples of valid appeal reasoning as we have that as an option also

Thanks again

[jfpklondon]

Thanks Tiggytape, another valid question in relation to the upper year numbers which I will ask next Friday (I don't want to hack them off pestering them). That question and the possible movement is something to keep us positive, did not realise that it would be so stressful and mind occupying, cannot think of anything else until this is resolved

Thanks again