Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Site stuff

Join our Innovation Panel to try new features early and help make Mumsnet better.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

MNHQ

Primary school admissions - MNHQ needs your thoughts!

808 replies

RowanMumsnet · 08/04/2015 15:25

Hello

We've been asked (in advance of primary school places allocation announcements in England, Wales and NI next week) for MNers' thoughts on the current systems for allocating primary places - so as ever we thought we'd come to you for your insights.

What do you think about how your LA allocates places? Have you found the process stressful? Do you think the difficulty/stress varies widely across the nation - and if so, which locations are particularly difficult and which are relatively stress-free? If you're in Scotland, where the system is different, do you think it works well (or not?) Would you support a change to the allocation system - and if so, how would you like to see it changed?

Any thoughts welcome. Best of luck to anyone waiting to hear about their child's place.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
JemFinch · 08/04/2015 15:48

I'm very lucky in my area of SE london - DTs are down for our nearest school which is RC. We are practicing and distance hopefully wot be in an issue. We have two schools not much further away that I would be happy with if it came down to it.

Already terrified about secondary applications though...

MTWTFSS · 08/04/2015 15:44

Its sad, before this school admissions thing I was really enjoying having children :( Not very fun at the moment!

TeddyBear5 · 08/04/2015 15:40

Presumably MNHQ meant First School admissions and allocations too... Wink

MrsLettuce · 08/04/2015 15:38

I don't live in the UK anymore but the school admissions system as well as the general state of the school system is absolutely top of my reasons not to move back whilst the children are still school aged. I really feel for those who have to deal with it all.

MTWTFSS · 08/04/2015 15:36

WhoahThereCrazyHorse I don't want a faith school either :(

MTWTFSS · 08/04/2015 15:32

The problem is in any area there are some schools better than others, so everyone tries to get into the best ones and some children are left to go to the not so good schools :( It would be lovely if we lived in a world where all schools were excellent!

Sirzy · 08/04/2015 15:31

I think its hard, especially in areas where there is a shortage of spaces. I guess there will never be a 'fair' method for allocations as long as there is a shortage of places and in a lot of areas a short of choice in the faith school, or not, side of things.

I benefited last year from the distance rules as My locality to the school got ds into a very over subscribed school. Even so it was still a worrying time as the school was by far the best to meet his needs locally.

WhoahThereCrazyHorse · 08/04/2015 15:30

Won't be stressful until we don't get any of our 5 choices - but are allocated a school miles away or a faith school that happens to have places left (we are atheists) due to all of the schools in our area being oversubscribed.... Not looking forward to next Thursday, or the inevitable appeals that will follow.