Pre-prep reserve list

[justasmalltownmum]

Hi all
My 3yo had an interview for a pre prep.
There was 100 applicants for 40 spaces.

They said she has made it on to the reserve list. The deadline for accepting a place was last week.

They still haven't offered her a place. Is it a firm no at this point?

First child and first time navigating prep schools.
TIA

It's always worth calling them directly to find out the situation.

They have said she is still on the list and if anyone drops out before the academic year begins they will let us know.

But how likely is that to happen?
Do prepreps usually have long reserve lists?
TIA

Some may hold more than one place or wait for a state place, so there will be some movement over the Easter break. You may , or may not, benefit accordingly. Do you have a back up plan?

@LIZS

Some may hold more than one place or wait for a state place, so there will be some movement over the Easter break. You may , or may not, benefit accordingly. Do you have a back up plan?

Thanks for replying. Why specifically easter break?

Schools usually know how many people will drop out and only put a child on the reserve list if they really think they will be able to give them a place. As the HT of my DDs grammar school said - I can only offer her a reserve place but if she has a reserve place she will get in.

State school allocations come out mid April so some parents have pre-prep as backup for not getting into an outstanding state school.

Have you applied for any back up options?

State school allocations come out mid April and a term's notice for withdrawal from a private school place is usually due before Summer term starts, or Autumn term fees are payable in lieu. So this tends to be when decisions are made.

@dreamsarefree

State school allocations come out mid April so some parents have pre-prep as backup for not getting into an outstanding state school.

Have you applied for any back up options?

Yes have applied for local state.

@LIZS

Some may hold more than one place or wait for a state place, so there will be some movement over the Easter break. You may , or may not, benefit accordingly. Do you have a back up plan?

Haven't heard back from preprep.

Although state school places were only allocated today. DC did get in to the local state.

I want to email the preprep admissions office, but the receptionist is quite rude. Her reply is always: if something becomes available we will let you know.