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Original poster

11+ London no place

66 replies

Foamshrimp · 13/02/2018 08:12

Does anyone have any experience of the mid-level London indie co-educational schools having last minute places eg in summer holidays. Am thinking of the Emanuel’s and Harrodians etc? We have had a shocker I think it is fair to say - interviews but no wait lists. State where I live not an option - only possible non religious school for which we are in catchment gets really poor GCSE results. Help!

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FanDabbyFloozy · 13/02/2018 09:58

Xpost. If your head is new and hadn't built up credit in the local area, ask for the deputy or some other experienced person to do it.
They need to be able to say that your son is as academic/sporty/kind as all the kids they have sent to X and Y schools before, and back up with exam results internally. Knowing the child is key.

FanDabbyFloozy · 13/02/2018 09:53

Last year, this happened to a child we know. She had sat a lot of schools so didn't look serious for any. In the end, she went boarding.
As a boy, you've more options thankfully at 13+ even if it's hugely unsettling.
If you're at a prep now, I'd be insisting on the head hitting the phones on Monday - I wouldn't rely on waiting for the state school admissions on 1st March. This is more applicable at the top end - e.g. QEB or Habs, that is the question.

Original poster
Foamshrimp · 13/02/2018 09:52

All good ideas thanks! Will start a list and call first thing Monday.

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Original poster
Foamshrimp · 13/02/2018 09:49

Thanks, yes a prep. Am in touch with head who will help I am sure but head is new and not sure of their experience level at this.

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jeanne16 · 13/02/2018 09:44

Fulham Prep and Wetherby are both prep schools that have opened senior schools. They may be worth a call.

Bringonspring · 13/02/2018 09:39

Ibstock-near Putney

nocampinghere · 13/02/2018 09:36

Emmanuel i'd be amazed.. Over 1000 applicants this year. very tough to get in, long waiting lists...

nocampinghere · 13/02/2018 09:35

depends where you are in West London.

iirc both Halliford and St James's in SW London/Surrey had an extra April admissions round the year my DC was applying for secondaries. I'm sure there will be others.

Or as you have a ds do a yr7 & yr8 prep (there should be space as girls and some boys will leave at 11, eg Twickenham Prep, Newland House) and apply for 13+ ?

cakeisalwaystheanswer · 13/02/2018 09:24

I have DCs at 3 SW London schools and I'm constantly shocked by the comings and goings of London families. Expat families return home, UK families are posted abroad, state school places become available, other more suitable private school places become available and most baffling of all is the huge number of DCs moved to specialist drama schools.
Places will come up but you are in for a tough wait. Someone else was in the same position last year but it worked out, see if you can find the thread and maybe pm the poster. There is nothing you can do until state school offers are made, even then some parents will pay a deposit for a school place they won't take. A 13+ prep is a good backupand I would find somewhere but I would keep it in reserve until September whilst you look elsewhere.
IF your DS was interviewed he is of the standard these schools are looking for so if at the end of the summer they have an empty desk they will take him.

pigshavecurlytails · 13/02/2018 09:06

So is he at a prep? Because if so the head should have been onto this already, not waiting for you to get in to touch. He or she will have known before you did.

Original poster
Foamshrimp · 13/02/2018 08:43

Thanks All. Will speak to the head but it’s half term of course so can’t meet until next week and I want to get ahead of the game if I can and have my own research ready. Anyone know what preps will have places?

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pigshavecurlytails · 13/02/2018 08:33

Where is he now? If a prep, the head should sort this.

noitsnotteatimeyet · 13/02/2018 08:32

This happened to a child in my dc’s class - they went to a prep school for Y7-8 and at 13+ got a place at one of the schools you mention. There are lots of spaces at prep schools which go up to 13 so your child won’t be school-less come September

Original poster
Foamshrimp · 13/02/2018 08:32

Boy. West London but I am looking for co-ed if at all possible. All ideas greatly appreciated.

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mumoftwokidsboygirl · 13/02/2018 08:28

I would say call the school in first week after half term .. they will tell you the truth .. good luck !

ourkidmolly · 13/02/2018 08:22

Loads of schools accept take last minute applications, don't panic. Depends where you are in London? Boy or girl?