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3+4+5+7+ support thread mumteacher 2021

447 replies

Mumteacher1 · 16/11/2021 01:32

I know it’s a little later than usual but here it is! #letsdothis

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

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/primary/3780207-3-4-5-7-Support-thread-2020-Mumteacher

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Hopefulmum7 · 02/02/2023 11:24

We were waitlisted for UCS and have an offer for Highgate and the hall. Going with Highgate.

hopefulmum16 · 02/02/2023 11:27

@Hopefulmum7 at 4+? We have highgate offer too and waitlisted for UCS - didn't do Hall. Loved Highgate overall more but worried about logistics as we are in QP. Do you want to connect to chat on Highgate separately?

Hopefulmum7 · 02/02/2023 11:31

@hopefulmum16 yes for 4+. Yes sure, would be great to connect with a future classmate for our son!

mumoftwo86 · 03/02/2023 08:14

Let’s hope the others move I’m also worried about being in touch too much vs not being in touch at all however the school I’m after doesn’t historically go into waitlist nor do many places get turned down because it educates so many kids around here. Trying to keep faith!

hopefulmum16 · 03/02/2023 08:21

@mumoftwo86 which school is it? We have also heard UCS over offers so getting to the waitlist would be near impossible and we cannot risking our other offer which is a great school

RebeccaRabbit3 · 03/02/2023 08:51

@hopefulmum16 But you can’t ‘endanger’ and existing offer. It’s yours until right up until the deadline. I’m waiting to see if the wait list on my preferred school moves early next week before taking up one of our two other offers. They can’t give your place away until after the deadline they’ve given you, so there’s no reason to worry. You might as well wait till the last minute if you’re waiting for your preferred school.

RebeccaRabbit3 · 03/02/2023 08:53

Also nobody (unless they happen to work in the admissions office of the specific school) knows how much a school over offers by on a particular year. Very frequently these schools do end up going to the waiting list. So it’s worth it in our opinion to wait and see

hopefulmum16 · 03/02/2023 13:25

@RebeccaRabbit3 yes, we are waiting on Our preferred one which has a deadline of 7th Feb noon, and our other offer is 8th Feb. people say our offered school is better in most ways but its the logistics thats making us go for the waitlist one. Logistics aside, I actually even love the offered school more. Its tricky. Anyway if the waitlist doesn’t move by 7th day end, our decision is made !

RebeccaRabbit3 · 03/02/2023 14:08

@hopefulmum16 yes I totally understand. I’m having similar struggles with the options/ logistics for mine. Don’t want to spend my life sitting in traffic! It’s going to be an interesting few days at the beginning of next week.

Ivyfly · 03/02/2023 15:29

Feels like there need to be a broker for offer change. I am sure there will be families sitting on opposite offer/ waitlist and just wish they could have swapped before the deadline.

hopefulmum16 · 03/02/2023 15:33

@Ivyfly lol that's a good business plan! Once this is over, lets kickstart this :D we were told by so many parents, who had offers from our preferred schools that they would happily swap with us lol

RebeccaRabbit3 · 03/02/2023 15:40

@Ivyfly @hopefulmum16 ha yes, excellent idea!!

hopefulmum16 · 03/02/2023 15:42

one of our friends did say on the last day it will be like a football transfer so stay close to emails/phone!

Ivyfly · 03/02/2023 15:44

The schools need to have a consortium system , when offers are out - they ask parents to input preference order , then algo can sort it out.. with some brokerage needed for limited cases. Also I don’t understand why they don’t do the assessment jointly - they can have rep teachers in the same room - it is just too much for little ones to run from assessment after assessment in a dull Jan.

FeelingAnxious248 · 03/02/2023 16:11

agreed with the offers above or have an American university style "early decision" where you only apply to your preferred school at first and the offer is binding...

ISW2022 · 03/02/2023 16:12

I absolutely agree! As someone who isn’t form the U.K. originally, I’ve been dumbfounded by the 4+ madness. I understand these schools are all in competition with each other but surely there must be a more efficient way of doing this!

FeelingAnxious248 · 03/02/2023 16:14

others above! obviously this is all getting to me and I don't even know how to type anymore...

hopefulmum16 · 03/02/2023 16:28

I think the sad reality is, more kids, less seats - the easiest would be just increase seats.
Also I am also not from here originally, I mean back home, people do compete for schools but 'logistics' isn't a problem. There are school buses which don't cost an arm and leg and everybody is happy!

FeelingAnxious248 · 03/02/2023 17:23

Is it really more children and less seats though? how many girls born between sept 2018 and Aug 2019 have parents that can pay £25k a year for the next 14 years for their children's education living in the North/North West London area? The mind boggles!!

Ivyfly · 03/02/2023 17:30

the thing is how many applicants are really from local area . I know many families come from out of London to do highgate assessment. Also families apply schools around the whole of London and surrounding and then decide where they live

Ivyfly · 03/02/2023 17:33

FeelingAnxious248 · 03/02/2023 17:23

Is it really more children and less seats though? how many girls born between sept 2018 and Aug 2019 have parents that can pay £25k a year for the next 14 years for their children's education living in the North/North West London area? The mind boggles!!

I remember my old boss told me the private school fees are too low nowadays vs 20 years ago. More people in high earning jobs and more sources of wealth , while school space have not increased dramatically since.

FeelingAnxious248 · 03/02/2023 17:36

I actually think the opposite... 20-30 years ago, a single income family with a doctor parent could send their child to a private school. That wouldn't be the case anymore. Either way, good luck to everyone in this waitlist limbo hell! It is madness.

hopefulmum16 · 03/02/2023 17:41

Agree with what Ivyfly said- when we went to Highgate open house, people were there even from Canary wharf (which I thought was far). but yes people apply to schools and if they get a top school (specially a through school), they move

hopefulmum16 · 07/02/2023 12:33

Waitlists move guys - stay strong!

Mayfly12 · 07/02/2023 12:49

@hopefulmum16 Have you had luck with a waitlist? Fingers crossed for everyone waiting. Hopefully today or tomorrow there will be some movement