How early to apply for north London private schools?

[Josieandthecats]

Hello everyone back again with school questions!

We are now potentially considering private schools and looking at the schools in North London, how early would you need to apply for a Y3/Y5 entry or is it still based on occasional places?

Some websites say first in first out on the waiting list but what does that mean? If I apply now for 2 years time, will that mean I'm at the top of the list? I've heard of people applying to some of these schools as soon as the child is born!

Thank you

I think you have to take a place when it comes, so if it’s when your child is in yr 2 or yr 4 you can’t just defer it.

people don’t seem to have big problems getting in anywhere atm, so don’t listen to scare stories from years ago. Most schools need kids (ex genuinely excellent state schools which are always full)

People might be applying for pre-school or reception places at birth, but not Y3 or Y5.

It will be a bit different for all of them, but the websites will tell you.

Some have a standard intake in Y3 (at 7+), for which you'll probably have to apply the autumn before you want the place, and there will usually be an assessment.

There won't be a standard intake in Y5, so you're dependant on a place coming up when you want it. As PP says, places are becoming more common!

The usual process is to let the school know you want a place and if there is one / one comes up, you'll do an ad hoc assessment (usually). Schools that go through to 18 can be quite competitive inY5/6 with people trying to avoid 11+.

Depends on the school. Some are intense and if you don't apply basically after birth you ain't getting in. I'm looking at you Trevor Roberts. We applied when DC was 9 months and told we were way too late.

That's what I heard for The Hall too!

Any suggestions for schools? We were considering Trevor Roberts as its co-ed but looking for more options.

Would prefer co-ed but open to single sex if they're close by as I will be doing pickup and drop off.

Apply to as many as possible. Mine is in one in the area and it’s really not about you choosing them or whether they are coeducational but about them choosing your child.

It seems a real mix- Lochinver is full at Yr3 but Salcombe and Vita et Pax have space as does St John’s (appreciate these are outer N London/Herts).

Despite the VAT stuff, there’s enough people willing to pay.

@NLseneca i know loads of kids who got into TR at odd times and a very little notice…

The hall you can apply until age 2 and they don't discriminate by when you apply as long as before deadline