3rd on waiting list for SW London school - WWYD?

[rhools]

I know this is a bit of a "how long is a piece of string" type question.. but I am going to ask it anyway and if anyone can help answer it based on their experience, it would be greatly appreciated. I have recently moved into the area and have put my eldest DD down on a waiting list for YR 1 at a prep school in Kingston. My second DD has just been offered a place in Reception starting Sept 2012 at this same prep school. My question is what is the likelihood that my eldest daughter will get a place by Sept 2012? Is there a good chance or should I consider a different school? IS there typically alot of movement? This is my first preference school, I really love it. My second preference school has a place for my eldest daughter now but will not be able to confirm my second daughter until Feb/Mar of next year. So in the same dilemma with the second school, but I get the impression that with the second school, both girls would get a place. Do I take the risk and wait for a place at the first school? WWYD??

Thanks in advance!

Where is she at Reception at the moment? I would imagine there'll be some movement within the year and you'll probably be able to get both girls in but I'm no expert. Would your DD1 move up the waiting list when DD2 starts due to sibling priority?

She's in Yr 1 at the moment at a local school so I would move her mid year this academic year.

There are 2 girls above her in the waiting list with siblings already at the prep school.

How large is the school? If there are only 15 children in Yr 1 then your odds are slimmer than if there are 60. If it were a state school I think your odds would be good, but not an expert on prep schools though,

Given the current economic climate I would reckon you would get into your first choice school.

There are 44 children in Yr1, so 2 classes.

As most people in Kingston work in central London I would expect to see some movement during the course of the year. Especially as you'd take up place as soon as it came available. Especially with 44 places available. Would it matter that much if DD2 started a little bit before DD1 if a place didn't come until the next academic year?

I would stick with it - in my daughter's school there has been at least one child has left and been replaced (!) in each year. And there are 2 classes in each year group. So chances that 2 spaces would become available by Sept are good. You need the third place so it will be a case of keeping your fingers crossed , keeping in touch with the school so that they know you are serious. If not by Sept 2012, then pretty sure by Christmas. Also some people may not want tot ake up a place mid - term or mid-school year so let the school know if you are happy to so that.

Also I would go with your first preference school - there's a reason you like it! Go with your gut feeling!