missed primary applications deadline - own fault ,any previous experience appreciated

[321]

Actually not strictly true - I want to alter my choice but the deadline was today and if I do so it will be treated as a late application and therefore only processed after all other applications, according to booklet about admissions. Involves heavily oversubscribed schools so could I end up with no place if I mess about anymore ?

The area I've applied is very oversubscribed too (and the deadline was today as well - perhaps same area as you). We were told when we visited the schools to think very carefully about which ones to apply to. Rather than the 3 best, we were advised to take into account how likely it was we would secure a place there, ie perhaps opt for good and closer rather than best but too far away and end up not getting any of the 3 we were allowed to apply for. If that is the case we end up havinng to reapply to the slim pickings left over (probably involving a long journey too)>

In summary I'd say stick with what you've applied for as being a late entry will severely compromise your chances if a good school.

chicagomum, have you found somewhere to move to then?

I would stick with what you've got 321 - late applications are only taken into account after all the other ones are done and if you're in a heavily oversubscribed area, you'll be in real trouble. Having said that, if you are adamant the school you've applied to isn't the one you want, then you might have to start considering alternatives.

Thanks Chicagomum, heard this too.Decisions not my strong point.

Foxinsocks,not yet unfortunately, so have put in the application incase we are still here in september. Still looking and trying to find out how we can go about applying for schools when we move. Don't think you can apply until you have an address. Mind you is it true that legally a child doesn't have to start school until the term after their 5th birthday. If so dd will be 5 early in January 2006, so does that mean she needn't start until after easter 2006?

chicagomum (sorry for hijack 321) I think the problem is that even if that is the case, you still have to get her a place in the school you want whether you start her half way through reception or at the beginning and the places tend to be allocated at the beginning.

Don't despair though - many places come up during the year. We have loads of families who get relocated abroad (and vice-versa), people move house etc. so there's normally some movement in places (e.g. we have had a new girl/boy for the last 2 terms replacing 2 children who's families relocated abroad). Best thing to do is when you have found a house, phone the LEA straight away and tell them what's going on. We did this with Richmond LEA and they were incredibly helpful.

Good luck 321, hope it all works out!

aah who's = whose

We're in Richmond LEA too, and 2 children have already left DS2's reception class, both moving abroad. 2 new children have started, who both didn't get their first choice of school in September.