Hi, we were given our 3rd choice in 2021 and my son started last September. Our first choice keeps a waiting list open for a year - my son is no 9 on the list.
In July, before the start of term, the council told me he was no 2. I held off from buying school uniform as it felt like there was a chance he'd get in.
I wrote to the council again in the middle of August and was told his position had gone back to 8.
The admissions team explained six families had moved into the area and jumped straight onto the list, ahead of son. I know there has to be a system and I know it works for many, but it's gutting when it feels very unfair for you!
Sorry for the longwinded story but essentially I wrote to my MP asking for a fairer system in that you need to have lived in the borough for 12-24 months before you apply instead of 'dive bombing' in after the application process has closed. I can understand if people have moved into the area with difficult circumstances to be considered a priority (divorce/bereavement etc) but to jump to the top of the list JUST because you've moved into a borough a few weeks before the start of term feels very unjust.
The MP's reply was long and genuine and she asked if I knew of any other boroughs that operate in that way.
So my question is, how does your Borough deal with this situation. I've done some research and it seems most operate in the same way as mine which just seems very unfair to local families.
Thank you so much for any replies.