Is there a nervously awaiting primary admissions thread?

[drspouse]

Or have I just started the first one?

[drspouse]

We've only put down schools we looked at (we only put down 3, we looked at 4 and liked 3 of them).

If we hadn't liked 3 we would have looked at some others but we are pretty certain to get no 3 even if we don't get 1 or 2.

[NormaSnickers]

I'm waiting too, we live semi-rurally and are well within catchment for our closest (and preferred) school but next nearest are both 3 miles away and I hate the idea of having to drive DS to/from school for the next 7 years so really hoping he gets a place at local school. It has two Reception classes and neither was at full capacity after Sept 15 intake so am hopeful he'll get in.
Am slightly apprehensive but DS's 4th birthday next week is proving a good distraction at the moment!

[Mner]

We're waiting for DS. We're rural and in catchment so it should be ok. But i know my heart will be pounding opening the email when it comes.

Good luck everyone!

[Inkymess]

I just checked our and it says 18th! I thought it was still 16th - thx 😮

[Mner]

Ours is 18th

[Chilver]

Do most people just put down 3 choices? We've put down 6 - outer London - and we only fit the criteria for catchment and the catchments are so small (less than 500m lst year and will be smaller this year) that I am even worried we won't get into any despite being 342m away from one school!

[Gizlotsmum]

I put 2 as only 2 I wanted and there are always spaces in our catchment school as it is so bad

[Chilver]

Oh, and we only find out of the evening of the 18th.... even more waiting!

[SomedayMyPrinceWillCome]

I guess we're lucking where we are (quite central London), we have up to 6 preferences & could reasonably expect to get a place at all 6 schools.
Still really really want no1 though!

[MoggyP]

The first/original thread is for this year is here

But it was in 'education' not 'primary education' so people might not have spotted it.

[Chilver]

Thanks tiggytape, I guess I'm just being a bit precious (and stressed) about this! I feel I can't plan anything as so much will depend on which school, and then after school options. I am trying to work out working hours etc with my company (currently part time and want to stay part time but part time hours to fit around school pick ups if possible) and each school has different, or no after school provision etc.

In our area there is such high demand, and 5 of our 6 preference schools are outstanding, that if she gets in to our closest school, not one of our friends' children, despite being within roads of us, will be in the same school. But that is the least of my worries!

[ShowOfHands]

We only get 3 preferences. I put

1. School we need DS to go to or we're going to need to teleport
   
2. Other school which is okay but struggling and getting worse
   
3. Nearest school which we're guaranteed a place at but I wouldn't send a rabid dog to

[Mner]

10 days to go then for most of us. Eeek!

[MrsBungle]

We did not get first preference with dc1 on offer day and went on the waiting list at about 4th I think - we were offered a place in the July thankfully so it's not all doom and gloom even if you don't get your first choice on offer day.

[ShelaghTurner]

We should be ok (signed in at church, in catchment, sibling etc) but even so, will be a lot happier when it's done and dusted.

[Greentriangle82]

That's reassuring mrsbungle! Just 3 preferences here in the north west

[ShowOfHands]

Oh I've done the application thing before. And banged my head against a brick wall whilst explaining it to other people. You need to use your preferences wisely. All of them. Ideally, you need a school you absolutely will get into somewhere on there.

If DS gets option 3 or even 2, we'll accept and await movement on the waiting list of school 1.

Or I could do what an acquaintance did and put down one oversubscribed school and flirt with the head. I'll let you know how badly that plan unfolded on the 18th.

[Chilver]

How does it work if you get accepted into your first choice but now actually want your second choice? Do you ask to go on the waiting list of the second choice then?

[meditrina]

"How does it work if you get accepted into your first choice but now actually want your second choice? Do you ask to go on the waiting list of the second choice then?"

Yes. If offering you your first choice, the LA will think you're happy at this point having got exactly what you asked for. So you'll not be added to waiting lists of schools you said you like less than the offered one.

But people do change their minds, and in those cases you have to take the initiative and ask to be added to the list of a lower preference school (or even one you never applied for in the first place). Then cross your fingers and hope for some movement off the lists.