How do we get into an out of catchment school?

[karise]

DD currently going to the local primary. Secondary it feeds into has just had a really poor ofsted & we suspect it might close in the next few years (long story).
Other local secondaries are over subscribed. What are our best chances of getting her into one of these? I would have thought music, but our local school has performing arts status so that might actually help her into the school we won't want! She will transfer in 2 years. HELP!

We don't have a grammar system I'm afraid

Do some of your local secondary schools have entrance exams? Might she get in that way?

Not that I know of

Could you perhaps draw up a short-list of your favourites and arrange to go and visit/speak to the headteachers? You might be able to find out a way in that way....

I think you have to look at the entrance criteria for all the schools in the area, and see whether she does/could come in under any of their criteria. I believe they should all be able to tell you what their criteria are and in what order they are applied. So things like siblings, distance from school, SEN, religion, specialist school status for arts, sport, technology, whatever. Think about whether she already has/does what they are looking for, or whether she could increase her chances with anything you can do over the next year or two.

I'm just scared we will be one of many all trying to jump ship at the same time!
The other option is private but I'm not sure how long we would be able to afford it for..

I'm just scared we will be one of many all trying to jump ship at the same time!
The other option is private but I'm not sure how long we would be able to afford it for..

Oops!

Move house.

1- Can't afford to
2- Don't want to as we love everything else about where we live!