3+ 4+ 5+ 7+ Support thread 2019

[mumteacher]

In previous years I have started these threads to help and support all those involved in the independent school admissions process.

I wasn't going to start one this year as I know I would not be able to check back on it as regularly as I would like, which then defeats the purpose of the thread.

However, after numerous positive PM's about the threads I think it would be a shame not to start one where at least the hand holding can continue. 🤝

There are many many people who have been through the process and 'live to tell the tale' . There are also other tutors I know who read this thread and it would be great if you all could help and support and share your ideas👏🏼

(Roll on 2019!) 😉

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/3073499-3-4-5-7-support-thread-2018

Thank you @organiccoffee, I’d been waiting all afternoon for a call and they’ve just sent an email...and it’s a no 😭

Really don’t know whether to just try for the 8+ or just look elsewhere-has anyone been in this situation and willing to proffer advice?

@wishthiswasmorefun
It's so close, give it another try. Otherwise you will be haunted by the what-if questions for years until 13+. I told myself, if we made to the interview, then we would try again if not successful.

@organiccoffee, what happened if I may ask? I’ve just been in without the head of DS’s school-we discussed were we too pushy? Why did they give us mixed messages...and is there still a waitlist if anyone pulls out? Would be truly grateful to hear it from a mum who’s been through this, a heartfelt thank you xxx

With the head

Have read and re-read @touchlinedad story a hundred times...I just keep praying people have paid a deposit just to keep their options open...but in my heart of hearts I just know it won’t be my story...but you’re right I have to do the 8+ otherwise I couldn’t live with the what ifs, already feel so stupid for only starting his preparation 2 months before-it was all the annual leave I could get!

I know in the past, there were parents putting down deposit for both wus and spj. So by deadline, both schools will have the same boy in their list. But I don't know whether the school will still call the wl if that boy pulls out at a very late stage, eg. In the summer holiday. Or will they rather let go a place? That I don't know.

You may wish to let the school know you will always be interested.

For DC, we had the discussion about whether to do 8+ when doing 7+, after so many agonising nights, we agreed we would do 8+ only if they are rejected at interview stage. If they couldn't make it to interview, then probably it's not the right stage for them.

@organiccoffee, thank you, because the SPJ offers came out earlier-probably unlikely, and they are probably so sick of us calling they won’t want to hear we’re interested-it’s so hard to know what to do in order to approach a school once the door closes. SPJ made it VERY clear they wanted him back at 8 ( he got told off millions of times) and he’s a summer baby, but DS really wants WUS, he said he made 2 friends, which he hasn’t managed in 4 years of prep school!
Just don’t want them to think I’m the author of the Stalkers manifesto!

Is your DS at his first choice school now? Really hope so xxx

Yes, one at first choice, another one to go in a couple of years.....

Oh that’s wonderful to hear! So glad it worked out, I’m guessing you didn’t have the madness of the 8+! Xx

The schools are usually empathising and understanding, so they shouldn't be offended by your calls. Just be polite which I'm sure you'll be. And you have nothing to lose anyway.

@organiccoffee, honestly, you will never know how much more bearable you have made today ❤️

Does anyone know if any 7 plus schools have now gone to their wait lists?

Have any of the mums been to the ncls offers meeting and know if they looked like they over offered or if they might go onto the wait list. The school is being a little cagey

@lonmum1234 is NLCS still holding their offer today as I heard school was closed?

Does anyone know how many over offers HAbs has made at 4 plus?? Are many likely to reject I wonder??? We are on the reserve list. Ahhh such horrible waiting game and the snow has put it all one day back I think

We maybe giving up a habs place but are on the wait list for ncls. Not sure about over offers. The problem is the schools are not transparent even though it's our little ones and parents that are caused so much stress. We are in the ncls wait list but no idea how many over offers made.

Sorry just saw. Yes school closed.

@lonmum1234

I know...doesn’t seem fair..I don’t really understand why they don’t disclose what number your child is on the WL. Is NLCS’s deadline also wednesday at noon? Do you have any friends on the Habs/NLCS waiting list?

@Alwayspinkshoes offer meeting was cancelled today at the last minute. It's now been rescheduled for Monday. Not ideal since we were going to sit down as a family over the weekend and make a final decision.

@alwayspinkshoes
What offers does your daughter have? Do you have Habs as well?

@hereshope - we have Channing and SHHS and waitlist NLCS. Didn’t try for Habs.

I know another who has their daughter on waitlist for Habs but have accepted Channing given Channing could withdraw offers.

Are you just waiting for Habs? Or do you have other offers to fall back on?

@alwayspinkshoes

Thanks for the info. We only tried for Habs but we do have Manor Lodge and potentially a good local state school.

@hereshope

The wait is painful isn’t it? You just have no idea how much they over offer by and so the likelihood of going to waitlist. And even if they did go to waitlist - how do they decide who gets it? Is the waitlist ranked?