Anyone been offered two school places and not yet turned one down?

[FunkyNora]

Hi. Im asking because like so many others here, the whole school admissions thing is doing my head in. A very close friend of mine wasnt offered any of her 'preferred' schools. The school offered isnt even in our village. She has now paid a terms fees at a private school. She is 4th on a waiting list for her nearest community school, but has been advised to consider going private - just in case she doesnt get a place at the school by September.

I know that 4th doesnt seem too bad, but she cany afford to take the risk for such an oversubscribed school with 24 siblings in this intake's reception class.

I know people do turn down places quite late and some dont turn up at all, but anyone currently 'sitting on' two, or more places?

By the way, anyone know why local authorities do not co-ordinate their application and offer dates? Surely the massive disparity creates part of the problem?

LEAs vary. I know that I still had 2 places at this stage. Places become available right at the last minute, but it can be nerve-wracking.

LEA's coordinate all applications and you are only allowed to hold ONE lea offer. If you do not accept your offer, then you are out of system and have to write back informing that you have still made edu provision for your child (private, home ed etc)

However, many people in your friend's situation hold onto both private and state place. Obviously she will have to choose by September.

The LEA has no way of knowing about private school places. They do not have anything to do with private offer allocation - different thing.