If I have have missed independent school application dates for sixth form - is it worth calling to ask if there is wiggle room?

[teenageangst2023]

Long story short, DS who is predicted 8/9s across the board at his state school may be able to get independent funding to go to sixth form at independent school - we appear to have missed lots of the deadlines - I thought they would be the same as for state.
Is it worth calling to see if there's wiggle room?

Yes

Of course, nothing to lose.

100%. Unless the school is bursting at the seams, they'll be keen to hear from a good calibre student. Why wouldn't you? For the sake of a phone call?

I'd say it's worth calling but be prepared to have them say no. It's only 3 weeks until 6th Form offers can be made so most schools will be some way through their process and may well have issued their first round rejections. If they have, it's unlikely you'll be able to join the process.

Independent schools work on a much more and hoc basis than state. We have applications come in all the time, up to and including post results day.

Yes call, or even meet, but be aware that from the first time you speak, you’re doing a sales pitch for your child. So not ‘hi is there flexibility in the deadline we missed’ but more ‘hello I wonder if it is possible to have a quick chat with the admissions officer? Your school is an absolutely perfect fit for my son but unfortunately we weren’t able to apply earlier in the year. We’ve now secured funding and I wondered how you would approach and application from him if we put one in late, would be still be considered?” Etc