Private school priority list

[namechange1122]

Does anyone have any experience of independent prep schools openly prioritising children of ex pupils / alumni?

Myself and all my siblings went to an independent prep school and I want to send DC there but it's notoriously difficult to get into, and I'm curious whether the fact that myself and siblings attended (20+ years ago now) will make an iota of difference? Or does it just not work that way these days?

Curious to know your thoughts.

In my experience it's just a nice to know. If two pupils were exactly the same on ability criteria and one came from a family who had deep connections with the school then perhaps but they won't prioritise your child if another one performs better in the entrance exams (unless you come from a family who are huge donors to the school!)

Thanks very much for replying. Makes sense. It's a primary school so there aren't entrance exams as such, more like an assessment but I presume the same notion still applies. Not big donors sadly!

GD is at the same prestigious private school that her DM attended. GD had to pass the assessment like everyone else.

How would they even know? Is there a family history box on the application form?

Well they already know us because we still are in touch with the school regularly, both as part of the alumni and as regular attendees of the summer / Christmas fetes and Christmas carol services etc, and also the secretary is still the same as when I was at the school 25 years ago and is still friendly with my mother. So I wouldn't have to call and announce it, I was just curious if it made any difference.