Selective independents- why do they ask what other schools you are applying for

[rosiecottonsocks]

Obviously there's a reason behind it but I'm wondering if it would help or hinder an application to any particular school.

It’s because they are businesses and this is a useful way to gauge their competition in order to analyse their marketing, student communications etc. It shouldn’t help or hinder and you’re absolutely able to decline to give that information.

Thanks I haven't filled it in yet as I was wondering if it might go against our application depending on what we put.

Yes I never filled that info in. You don't have to!

I think it also helps the schools try to work out how many places to over-offer, if they know how many other schools have been applied for. It's in no one's interests for a school to have either too many acceptances or too few.

While I'm busy doing school applications,.. do any you wise people know how they use the personal photo that gets sent in. Is it to weed out the ugly dc 😂 I can't think why they need a photo and a copy of a passport.
Wondering which fine picture of my pfb to use :-) thanks.

The photo goes on file but it isn’t really used in the selection process. This photo is current whereas the passport photo is usually outdated with baby photos etc so they keep the photo to identify the child if needed!

Passport would be to prove that your child is entitled to local rather than international student fees.

@rosiecottonsocks , if you are applying to Kingston Grammar they use the photo at interview stage. The teacher comes into the crowded cafe and seems to know which is your child to go for the interview, it took me a while to remember they had the photo.

@rosiecottonsocks , also if you are in SW London and applying to Tiffin it's good to put on the private school application form so they know if eventually you might be deciding between a full fees place / scholarship place or free place.

Photos are sometimes used to ensure people don’t send in another child to sit the entrance exam, perhaps an older sibling, cousin etc.

They also want to know so that the registrars from various schools in the area (yes, they do all talk to each other) can work out how many actual DC are behind the number of applications received. That can make a difference to how many places they offer, and it's in your interest that they get this right

That's university applications, not schools

Passport can be for either/both
a) proof of age,
b) proof of legal presence in the UK

British BC would do the same

Never had to submit a photo or passport at application stage.

@LIZS definitely asked for passport and picture of dc.
Actually I've moved on to another application now and it's quite different. This one is asking for passport and birth certificate but no photo.

Sigh who knows where the BC is ha!
I'm new to all of this can you tell. Wondering if dc stands a chance with my terrible form filling abilities

The other schools bit is so they can work out how much to over offer by, and also the likelihood of you taking up the offer if you get one. If you are applying to a “safe bet” and the other schools on your list are St Paul’s, City and Westminster then they will feel fairly confident to offer you a place but the chances of you taking it up are slim, so you are one of those candidates they can include when over offering. It can also be used when deciding scholarships etc. You might not accept a place there if you had other offers but with a 50% scholarship then it might make you think twice.

The passport is to determine whether or not the child needs a visa to study in the U.K. tue detail for those interested is here:

www.gov.uk/guidance/schools-admissions-applications-from-overseas-children

Most schools we applied to asked for photo and passport. Passport is to verify birth date at 11+, 13+ - not entirely to do with citizenship.

I just put undecided in ours.