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Original poster

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

57 replies

ripsishere · 09/06/2012 08:46

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?

OP posts:
tiggytape · 09/06/2012 09:37

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tiggytape · 09/06/2012 09:30

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Original poster
ripsishere · 09/06/2012 09:23

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.

OP posts:
Northernlurker · 09/06/2012 09:19

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.

AngelEyes46 · 09/06/2012 09:16

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.

ElizabethSwann · 09/06/2012 08:55

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.

dexter73 · 09/06/2012 08:50

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