Faith school waiting lists- is there movement?

[krisskross]

Hello

we missed out on a reception place at our chosen RC school by 0.01 of a mile and are third on waiting list.

In your experience is there ever much movement before Sept? They have told us to wait 2 weeks for people to accept/ decline place then contact them again.

What, realistically, are the chances? Thanks.

i think it depends on the area - some move lots, others don't. The LEA or school should give you an idea based on previous years. Last year in my DD RC school, the intake was 60 and there were tons on the waiting lists (inc lower priority siblings) and there wasn't one movement on the waiting list.

There are no other RC schools in the area though so everyone who got it probably really wanted it. If everyone accepts then its less likely, i'd consider how good the school is, what other schools are nearby that others may move to etc. In my area DD school is not only the only RC school in town but also the best ofsted school so obviously anyone who got it held on tight!

However i've read loads about city areas, london etc were there are tons of movement so you need to think about whats available locally.

missing by 0.01 miles is very annoying - in many ways miles would be better! 0.01 is just awful :( Cant believe there could be 2 closer than you!

I know someone who has got a place for her DC at a very sought after RC school but is going to reject the place and send him private. So places do come up. It is certainly worth being on the waiting list especially as you are so close to the max distance so far.

sunnyday123 I can't imagine your post will have been heartening for the OP.

Iamnot would you have liked Sunnyday to lie about her experience just to make the OP feel better? How would that help?

Did you ask the school if they have offered places from the waiting list in previous years?

My experience is also that our local RC school which has an intake of 45 offered all places last year, was then asked by the LA to accept a further 15 as a bulge class (or half-class) which they did. No-one turned down their place and only one place came up during the year. Sorry not to be more positive but it can depend on area.

iamnotinterested

I am sorry if you think my post seemed negative - was certainly not intended - more realistic. I also did point out that i've read that many areas have lot of movement :)! I am not an expert at all on admissions so my comments are only from experience.

But it also does heavily rely on the area - if there are no good schools other than the RC one then there is likely to be less movement and visa verse so local area is very important imo.

The reality is lot of RC schools are oversubscribed and lists tend not to be as fluid as others - usually as you have to satisfy such strong criteria to get in in the first place

I do sympathise lots with you OP considering this monday i expect to be told dd2 wont get in dd1s school as we are out of parish so wish you best of luck :)

thanks for your thoughts everyone, it is useful to hear peoples experiences.