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How long can state state schools hold a place when it becomes available during the academic year?

30 replies

Boosee · 20/04/2024 09:44

We're moving and have to move our child from independent school but as we had to give a term's notice she will stay until end of summer term. We applied to state schools last term but they were all full and she was on WL. I just found out that a place has come up in the state school we applied to near us. I've asked them if she can start later in the term in July as we've already paid fees for current school. The admissions person stated they would need to check if they can hold the place for that long. Haven't heard back so wondered if anyone has experience of this or knowledge re. if this is something that is possible? Thank you

OP posts:
TeenDivided · 20/04/2024 10:40

In Hants it is 4 school weeks.
Personally I'd just get on and move. School fees money is gone regardless.

indianwoman · 20/04/2024 10:38

Depends on the LA. Mine is 10 school days.

MarchingFrogs · 20/04/2024 10:19

clary · 20/04/2024 09:54

Yeh my understanding is that they will only hold the place for a very short time - like a week or so. Especially if there are others on the WL. I would just move her if you are going to move her anyway. The fees are a sunk cost now.

I would be surprised if the school agreed to hold the place past the second half of this term, especially if it was offered by virtue of the OP's DD being ranked first on a waiting list (rather than being the only one interested in a place in that year group). Here, applications ate not usually accepted for more than a half term in advance, and a start date ranging from 'next day' to c.two weeks hence is more usual once a mid-year place has been offered.

clary · 20/04/2024 09:54

Yeh my understanding is that they will only hold the place for a very short time - like a week or so. Especially if there are others on the WL. I would just move her if you are going to move her anyway. The fees are a sunk cost now.

howshouldibehave · 20/04/2024 09:49

I would imagine that as soon as someone else came into the area and wanted that place, it would be given to them to fill? If you’ve got to pay the fees anyway, can you just move her now and secure the place?

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