Dd is first on the waiting list...

[Tea1Sugar]

For our first choice school for reception this year which I'm encouraged by. But when, if at all, will a place be offered? We have in the interim accepted a place at another school. Thanks.

There's no way of knowing when you might get a place. Someone could decline a place tomorrow or there might be no movement for 2 years during which time, your DD moves down to 7th on the list.

If you know how many Reception places are available and how much mobility there tends to be, this might give you some idea. (e.g. if there are 120 Reception places and lots of movement you probably have more chance than if there are 15 places and no one ever moves!)

Tea how do you know you are first?

I rang the school this morning and they told me.

Do be aware you can move down as well as up the waiting list - if someone moves in and has a higher priority.
Otherwise it depends on the school, how big it is, how much movement in your area etc.

It's a two form entry CoE primary, 60 reception places for September in SW London. We are 0.3km away which is why we've been placed at the top of the list according to the school office this morning. I so want her to get in it's stressful!

If you are in an area where lots of children go private, you may well get in, as some maybe holding 2 places.
Sometimes these people don't give up their place. They do t turn up to the induction day in June and are contacted by the school and then give up the place.
I would keep ringing every 2 weeks. It can't hurt.
Sadly a place might not come up until part way through next year or even later...that is a different decision then.
I should think you have a fairly good chance though, as it is 2 form entry.

Someone moving into a house 0.29 km away would move above you in the waiting list - twins moving in 0.295 km from the school would push you two places down the waiting list....it's a bit of a 'how long is a piece of string' question.

DD was a late applicant to reception, due to a move, and got in from 2nd on the waiting list. However, no other child was admitted to her year from the waiting list until year 3, as nobody else declined their place or left. It's just the luck of the draw.

You may or may not get a place. Ds is in a 2 form entry infant school, often has army children, so places do come available... a place was available for the first time this year at Easter, he's year 2.

And the person who got the space had only moved to the area a month previously. His younger brother (year 1) is now top of the waiting list for there-he wasn't before his brother got in on distance, but now because he's sibling he is.

Far too stressful just for a four year old to go to school! The borough said they can "release information" from Monday...

Tea1Sugar:

Hang in there. You are allowed to stay on a waiting list for as long as you like. So you just have to keep in contact with your preferred school.

It may be that you have to start at your second choice school in September - but people do move away - so my advice would be to contact the school again (if you haven't heard anything) around Christmas and reiterate your desire for your child to remain on their wait list.

HTH

Fingers crossed for Monday for all others awaiting to hear if they've got a place from a waiting list .