4+ reserve list

[justasmalltownmum]

Looking for others experience really.

My Dd4 is on a reserve list for a preprep.

There was no movement in April when state school places were allocated.

How likely is it she will get a space before September?

Intake is only 40 children.

TIA

Depends entirely on the school and the location.

If it is a first choice, central London school catering to wealthy parents it is unlikely that parents will change their minds and take a state place. They may however opt for a more sought after school if a place comes up. If it caters to the globally mobile some may relocate before September. But you need to look at where you are on the reserve list and how they operate it. Is there a strict order? Or if a minor celebrity comes along will they go to the top of the list?

If it is a school in a Zone 2/3 area with good state provision some parents may opt for state primary if they are offered a state place between now and September. Others may relocate before September. So there will be some movement. Again though look at how the reserve list actually operates.

If you are outside London there is less mobility and by now most families will have made a firm decision.

In your position I would try and reinsure - either with a state place or a back up private school. A second private option will cost you a terms fees though if your first choice school does come up.

I would have a chat with the registrar. They will not be completely honest, but if they have a reserve list of 20 and you are number 15 you will be able to draw your own conclusion

They are very cagey about the information they give out. All they keep repeating is that she is on the list, won't say what number or how long it is.

I don't think there will be any movement now as it was incredibly hard to get in to in the first place. Here's to hoping though

When we moved to surrey there wasn’t a space for reception so we moved him to another pre - prep school. A place did come up March / April time but he had settled in school so we wasn’t moving him….

any other siblings within your family to jump up the waiting list? We had 4 children being able to join the school so we went to the top of the list.

plus if it’s co-Ed they all love girls so you might get in above a boy! Naughty to say but true

good luck