Help! Didn't get into preferred school

[peanut29]

I found out this morning which primary school my little boy has got into. I didn't get my first two choices (which I am in the catchement area for!) but I got my third which is in the centre of town & will require me to drive rather than walk. I put this school as my third choice as it is a very good school but never even contemplated having to go there as am right on top of my 1st & 2nd choice schools! I only really put it on my list to cover my back as there are worst schools he could be sent to. I really don't know what to do, I have spent all morning upset and am in tears at the very thought of this mess. I had set my heart on my 1st choice for so many reasons. Has anyone else had this problem b4? Would an appeal be worth it? I hope someone can help

You can appeal, but it probably won't work and will be very sstressful. Ring your lea or your preferred schools direct and ask to be put on their waiting lists. You can go on both and they work through them fairly quickly as people move away, go private etc. I know loads of people in the same situation as you who have got their first choice eventually. Good luck! And do it today, as others will be doing the same.

There are a few other threads similar to this one on 'primary'. Have a look and see what you can find. (sorry can't do links .)

Get in touch with the school secretary at the schools of your 1st and 2nd choice and explain your predicament to her. If you can get the secretaries on your side, it's a leg up. Also, put your Son on 1 and 2 school's waiting lists, and you can phone them regularly to check on his position. Appeal may well be worth it as you are in catchment for these schools. With any luck unquietdad will look in on this thread and offer one of his useful links.

Try not to panic - good luck.

Would they entertain an appeal if you had named the school offered though ?

This happened to us last year. We didn't appeal as we had to have a really strong case and we just didn't have one. We were on the waiting lists (ring the schools and ask to be put on them) for our 1st & 2nd choices (about 10th on each) but he never got in. Our 3rd choice has turned out to be the best choice! My DS is nearing the end of Reception and I'm actually really pleased he didn't get into the other 2 schools now, in spite of a slightly longer journey. Can you go and have another look around your 3rd choice? I hope it works out for you.

Definitely stay on the waiting lists. This worked for someone I know. There may be some people who don't take up their place for whatever reason and there is still time for a bit of a shake up in the places before Sept. Good Luck!

If you are in the catchment for your 1st two choices, make sure you are on the waiting list - and find out what number you are on it. many many people get in before - or even within the first week of term. People move, decline places, or just don't show up on the first day.

Are your first two choices one-class entry schools, or ore? More chances of places, the more classes there are!

Thank you to everyone who replied to me, you have all made me feel so much better. I contacted the LEA & that advised me to call back next tues as they will have all the waiting lists complete by then & can tell me where I am on them. Fingers crossed!!!!
Again, thankyou to everyone. I have never used this site before but will def do again as I didn't realise everyone would be so helpful. I will keep you updated as & when I hear anything

Accept the offered school place though, so at least you have that incase the others don't come through.

peanut is yet to experience the dark side of MN

Appeal, appeal, appeal. It IS worth it if you have good grounds and do your homework. Talk to ACE and look at Ben Rooney's book "How To Win Your School Appeal".