Does a reputation for being oversubscribed or being difficult to get into make a school more desirable?

[CruCru]

I have applied to a bunch of schools (not yet chosen / got in as DS is 2) and I'm wondering whether schools that I think of as hard to get into are perceived as being more desirable than they should be. What are your thoughts?

Does hearing that a school is difficult to get into make you think that it must be better than others?

I assume you mean public fee paying schools?

If so, I would say, yes it would say something about their standards. If I pay I would look for the best I can afford.

Saying that it may not necessary the best school for my child. A high sought after school which focuses very much on academics may not necessary fit a child more drawn towards other subjects or with 4 still very playful.

The public schools around my area are known for strict routine and academic focus even in reception! very different from what state offers. So we have quite a number of parents who could easily afford public but don't like this approach.

Also, with all schools, standard can change so if a school is great now it doesn't mean it is great in 2 years.

Absolutely. Perceived scarcity is a basic principle of consumer psychology.