In Year Application to another school - what do I write?

[TheBFactor]

Hello everyone
I need advice on filling in an "In Year Application Form" for another school please.

I only have one other school in mind, but the form is asking me to pick 3. Do I have to put the names of other schools on the form even though I only have 1 in mind?

What do I put in the section for "Why do you want your child to move school" ?

Ds is at a school we are not happy with, so do I say the honest truth, or do I have to be diplomatic? I don't really wish to trash the old school (either in person or on this form as the old school gets to see this form and they will see my comments), so what do I say, simply:

"We are unhappy with where we are now and feel that ds would be happier at the new school"?

Is this too vague, how specific do I have to get?

Thanks for any advice.

You do not have to fill in all three schools. However, filling in all three spaces makes no difference to your chances of getting in to the school you want. If there are other schools that would be acceptable if the preferred school is full you should put them.

You can safely ignore the question asking for your reasons. If there is a place available at the school you want they have to give it to you. If the school concerned is already full giving more information about your reasons won't result in a place appearing. If you want to fill it in the suggestion in your post will be fine.

Thanks very much for replying. So I can just leave it blank?

The school I like has places, it isn't oversubscribed and I was told if I apply now they will take him.

They can't refuse the place just because you leave that space on the form blank. If it were me I would just put something vague and non-specific - "I feel that my son will benefit from a transfer to the new school", say. Doesn't say anything but avoids some jobsworth in admissions complaining that you haven't filled the form in properly.

I should emphasise that I don't know if there are any jobsworths in your LA! Many admissions teams are excellent. Sadly some are not so good.