late school application in St Albans - help!

[AbiH]

We are going to be moving into St Albans hopefully before September (if not soon after). Ideally the area we will move to is North Fleetville/South Marshalswick (so in between Fleetville, Oakwood, Bernards Heath and Skywood schools)

This is bad timing on our part as DD is due to start reception then. So, we are facing a late school application or an in-year application.

Has anyone got experience of late school applications?

Is it going to be really difficult/impossible to get into one of the four schools above?

Someone said that Margaret Wix or Windemere are likely to be one of the schools with places - does anyone have experience or views on these?

ANY ADVICE WOULD BE APPRECIATED!!

Hi,

I can only speak for Fleetville as that's where my DD goes. It is over subscribed for reception but it's a big school (three form entry) and lots of people move about so there is a chance for a late entry. My DD started in year 2 mid way through the year, there were two or three places then.

If I were you I'd ring each school and ask them if they know how many places they have filled, how many are spare and about waiting lists, if they have a waiting list put your DD's name down on all of them, you can always refuse it later when it comes up if you no longer want it.

Good luck.

Thanks RightUpMyRue - good to know that there is movement in the area as I was feeling a bit worried about getting in any of them.

Did your DD cope alright with moving schools in yr2?

I think you'll be fine as long as you don't set your heart on one school - much easier to get places after the initial applications anyway. My friend recently moved her dc to Aboyne Lodge which is very hard to get a reception place at.

The good thing is that you'll be quite close to any number of great schools. I'm afraid I don't know Windermere and haven't heard good things about Margaret Wix - sorry, that may be very unfair as I don't know it personally.

Thanks for your message pawsnclaws.

My child does attend Margaret Wix and it's very much improved and now a good school. We like to keep it quiet to keep it small. :)

Hello Chuckey Egg, can you please honestly let me know what you think of Margaret Wix, as we've been allocated it and we've heard very bad reports. Thank you!

Hello joanne

I understand lots of people have been allocated Margaret Wix and are unhappy. I sent my DS there last year and I really can't fault them, the staff are dedicated and have really raised the standards at the school. The bad reputation seems to be hanging over them from the past is unfair and unjustified now. I'm sure you will visit the school, go with an open mind and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Picking up on this thread in Jan 12. AbiH, I wonder if you could update me on how this panned out, please. We've been wondering about whether to move out of N London to NE St Albans for a while, and a horrible violent burglary here 3 weeks ago might have tipped the balance! Unfortunately, we're right in the middle of primary applications for DD, so we'd have to do a late or in year application for her.

You can contact the Herts Schools Admission - and I would recommend that you apply for a late application now - deadline for a late application is 10 Feb -

Ontime closing date: 15 Jan 2012 at 11:59PM
Late closing date: 10 Feb 2012 at 11:59PM
Last date to submit reasons for lateness: 10 Feb 2012 at 11:59PM
Last date for change of address: 10 Feb 2012 at 11:59PM

You can still complete the Application form using your present address - putting down your three preferences...

All the best

Thanks northernspanishlass! will give it a go.