Chances of a late prep school place

[Herewegoagain84]

Hi - I was just wondering if anyone knew how oversubscribed prep schools outside London are (think Oxfordshire/Wiltshire/Cotswolds areas). We were due to relocate from London before September when oldest DC starts reception, however my youngest DC has had serious health problems and was in hospital for 8 months which sent everything off course.

We are now in a position to get back on track with the move, and a house that we missed out on a while back is now on the market so we’re thinking of taking the plunge. Problem is our timings are now all off and we’d have to move eldest DC school in January. I don’t mind moving her as if it’s a one off and early on, but wondering whether private preps are completely full or usually willing to add one more?

Many thanks for any advice.

Depends on the school. Some have waiting lists, some don't. You'll have to contact the school you've chosen and put their name down - giving a deposit is usual and if there's space it guarantees your child gets a place.

It depends so much on area/school. But generally I think you’ll be okay. Possibly not in Oxford, but elsewhere I think you’ll find spaces.

Thanks both - I’ll do some calling around, just don’t want to be laughed at by the admissions registrar!

We’ve got a few in Cheltenham, I think you would have a good chance.

You definitely won't be. They will accommodate pupils starting mid-term if they can.

You would have several options in Oxfordshire and they’d happily take partway through a term.

Ok great to hear. Will see how I get on!

You’d be absolutely fine at most preps in Wiltshire - in fact they’d be delighted with an extra child! It’s a tough market for preps here at the moment despite the amount of people relocating out of London.

Most of the Oxford preps would have places, especially girls schools.

You’ll be fine in Oxfordshire. Good Luck with your move.