Private primaries - Reception offers

[Lily7050]

I have seen many threads asking to help to choose between 3-4 offers of Reception places.
Just wondering how do people actually secure 3-4 offers if the offers are made at different times with different deadlines for deposit payment?
I was under impression people paid deposits and then would loose some of the deposits. Deposits are usually between £2K-£4K.
We had an offer from a school which T&C say "In the event that the Pupil fails to take up the place at the School following the return of the Acceptance Form, a full term’s Fees in lieu of notice will be due to the School and the deposit shall not be refunded. These provisions shall apply irrespective of whether any notice by the Parents has been given.".
I understand in addition to the deposit we will have to pay (and loose) the extra money to make up for a full term's fee if our circumstances change. A full term fee is around £7K.
Do people have to loose £14 (£7x2) or even £21K (£7x3) when they secure 3-4 offers and then choose?

That sounds pretty nonstandard. Usually with enough notice given (ie a term or two) you only lose the initial deposit of 2k or whatever, which many parents do, but not the full amount. I've just checked ours and we'd lose the deposit of 3k for one of the schools we applied and not the full term if one term's notice is given. They also say that if they fill the place you also get the deposit back.

So yeah, your situation seems nonstandard.

That seems weird.

Bute offer 4+ way earlier than most girl Preps and ask for a terms fee as deposit, nearly 7K, they let you wriggle out if you give enough notice same as other poster said and you're not liable for September 2023 fees and again if they fill the place you get the deposit back, which is likely for a popular prep. The good preps will operate waiting lists.

Some parents can simply afford to take the hit and take things to the wire with prep offers , waiting for their dream school to open up on waiting list.

Even in your example, if their was a death of one of the parents or something serious of that note, I'm sure some leniancy would be shown by the bursar and the school and an 'arrangement' would be made, like they release you of the Autumn fees but keep your deposit.

Like all things admissions related its all smoke and mirrors, especially Prep reception places as the school certainly isn't offering based on academic ability from play date 4+ assesents, or ballots or sibling policies. Its guesswork or fate.

assessments!! Sticky keys on laptop😡

Thanks @shutthe and @preppingforlife .

Interested to see if you had managed to talk to the admissions team for this school that has non-standard T&Cs to check if there was any wriggle room?

It seems very unfair that they would ask for the first term fees especially if you give them plenty of notice (more than a full term) which would allow them to find a replacement!