Deferring entry

[JaimeT]

We're 3 and 2 on our top choice schools waiting lists respectively. Is it worth deferring entry to our allocated school in the hopes of getting into one of them?

Why defer? What will you do in the meantime?

Double check with the Council but I am pretty sure you can accept the offered place and stay on the waiting lists for your higher preference. Don't reject it as I think that actually ends your whole application.

DD's already in full time nursery. I would only defer to January in the hopes she would get in somewhere else before then, mainly to avoid starting her somewhere only to move her again.

Makes sense
How big are the schools you are waiting on? I would think you have a pretty good chance of getting in unless they are only 1 form entry

Top choice is only 30 admissions but 2nd is 90...

I would double check with the council how things are this year, but from my experience a few years ago, you can accept the place you've been offered and ask to remain on the waiting list at your top choice school. The school will then tell you when/if a place becomes available which could be before term starts, or after your little one has already started the other school. You should keep in contact with your preferred school to check any movement in the list.