waiting lists, how does it work?

[drwitch]

If I accept school A but put myself down for the waiting list for school B and another parent does the reverse and we are both at the top of each list should we both get our preferred school?

You can only be offered a place if there is one so, in the situation you describe, a place would become available once a child leaves one of the schools which could then be offered.

Also to add that in some areas you would get a place in this scenario. My area does 'reconsideration' - which is essentially where they re-run the allocation process using all the people and places who have asked to go back into the system by 30 April. You are allocated the school automatically if successful, so in your situation both parents would be told they had their preferred school without either having to wait for a space/acceptance process. Only after that process do they run an actual 'waiting list' system.

Surely this would only work if you were both at the top of the list too. Not fair if someone closer (if distance criteria) than you is waiting for a place.

Nick - the OP does say assuming you are both top of the waiting lists.

:) oh yes I see that now!

I think it's the hypothetical ponderings of someone trying to figure out their waiting list chances rather than an actual live situation

I understand. We started off with no offer, (middle school) the 3rd choice school and now 2nd place school, which we are happy with. Have actually removed DS off the 1st choice waiting list because he just wants security.

I too did all the what ifs! :)

Me too. We got our third choice (although never actually expected our second) and did all that. Now, to add complexity, I have visited third choice school again and liked it so much I'm wondering whether to go through reconsideration at all!