To have changed our mind over first choice primary school

[Greyscreendream]

Posting here for traffic....

So primary school allocation day is tomorrow and it’s fair to say we’re feeling nervous.

In the fortunate position of having two good primary schools close by and we were really torn as to which to choose as number 1 and 2.

In the end we plumped for the slightly further away faith school option as it had a better Ofsted report but ever since application we’ve been slightly regretting our choice, thinking that our DD might benefit from the closer walkable and larger school on our doorstep for the increased social opportunities it can provide. (Am worried smaller schools can inadvertently end up a bit cliquey...).

Latest Ofsted report for faith school (published in March) now rates it the same as our nearest school and it’s fair to say this has compounded the feeling we may have made the wrong choice. There has always been less chance of getting our first choice school (due to distance/regular church attendance) which is why we put it first. Our second choice is pretty much definite as we are so close. Our fingers are now crossed that we don’t get choice one but my question is what do we do if we are allocated our first choice? Is there any chance we can get our second choice instead or will we just go to the bottom of the list if we don’t accept allocated school?

Appreciate we’re in a fortunate position to have two good schools to choose from but am worried that we may have limited DDs social opportunities by selecting a school a car drive away.

You must accept what you are given but can then look at going on waiting lists etc for the school you now want. If you decline it you won't get offered anything else and you could end up with nothing or something you really hate miles away. Sounds like either school would be fine !

I regretted our first choice last year, luckily we didn’t get it! DD got our second choice (which had become our first), and nearly a year later I’m so glad. We were actually offered a waiting list place at our original first choice in July but turned it down.
It will all depend on whether your closest school is oversubscribed. If you get allocated your first choice and your second is oversubscribed then basically I don’t think you’ve got any chance. If it has spaces after the place allocations are done then I imagine you will be able to apply for a place there.

Please excuse multiple posts of my initial question. First time user confused by the technology

Not at all unreasonable to change your mind. It is really important to accept your allocated place but you can then make a late application to your preferred school. Whether you get it depends on whether it has spaces or not following everyone accepting their places.

Thanks for the responses. Soydora (sorry don’t know how to flag) that’s exactly it. We submitted our application the day before the deadline as so undecided and have gradually realised we regret the choice. Sadly all the schools here heavily oversubscribed including our closest school that we now would like.

Another one here to say if you do get 1st choice then accept it and ask to go on your preferred school’s waiting list.
Don’t reject the offer you get as you could end up with nothing or a terrible school.

Great advice thank you. So we accept our allocation. But realistically what are our chances of getting into a heavily oversubscribed second choice school?

No idea about the appeals process, but we opted for the smaller non catchment school (with a - at the time - worse ofsted report). It’s been wonderful. I would say the only downside is lack of breakfast club and afterschool options (there are clubs but few for KS1). But we’ve loved the small school and it’s not been cliquey at all. In fact, everyone is really lovely and the older ones really take care of the little ones. So I don’t think there is necessarily a reason to despair. Your gut clearly led you that way for a reason.

But realistically what are our chances of getting into a heavily oversubscribed second choice school?

Unfortunately probably minimal, but not impossible. It depends on their waiting list.
I just want to say though... don’t worry. In hindsight DD1 would have done well at both schools, and it really wasn’t worth all the agonising. If your DD gets your first choice then I’m sure she’ll be fine! As long as you’re prepared to drive for play dates etc then I really don’t think there will be an issue.

They usually tell you what position you are on the waiting list so you would have a good idea once you make the late application. A few places often become available due to house moves, people opting for private schools etc. so it is worth a try.

Thank you for the responses. We will be keeping everything crossed. Just realised how much I would enjoy walking DD to school (on the days that I am off) and this may not be possible ever. Plus she’s an only child so having friends close by is really important.

Either way, I will update tomorrow!

If it’s any comfort I have found it to be the other way around. The smaller the year level the more everyone plays with everyone where as larger year levels have more opportunities for cliques. Ultimately if the are both of an acceptable standard then it’s really not going to be that bad wherever she goes.

Your second choice sounds better. I’m a big believer in the benefits of walking to school and feeling part of a local community. If you don’t get it you can phone the Lea and if the other school wasn’t oversubscribed you should still be able to change. If it was then you can go on the waiting list. Sometimes they move really quickly so it’s worth going on it as you might get a place before September.

Go on the waiting list. Positions are worked out based on the same admissions criteria.

Ultimately though I'm sure either school they would thrive at.

Which did you get OP?