Year 1 admission in private schools

[butternut3]

Hey!

My husband and I have a situation.
We have been in London for a year now and my son started his nursery in Feb 2021. It was a tough start but eventually he settled in well.

Now my husband has another job offer for which he will have to move out of Uk for 2 years and then come back to London in 2025.

My son is supposed to start his reception in 2024.
I want advice how do I deal with this situation.
He will join in year 1 in a private school in London.

How easy is it to get into year 1, are there ever seats available at schools here. Or do schools can offer deferred entry. Meaning he can sit for reception assessment in coming November and then request school to join in 2025. How tough would it be to get admission in year 1.

Has anyone been in this situation. Do schools consider transfer cases.
I am considering schools like Habs boys , Highgate, UCS,

Thank you !
Please help.
Also I would want to know which month are the reception assessments generally in private schools.

Yes there is a lot of "churn" in London preps (families move in and out all the time)

Assessments for the main admissions are typically in December or January (check the websites of the schools you are interested in for specifics). Assessments for ad hoc places (ie joining at any time outside the main admission points) can take place at any time.

I doubt a school would specifically hold a place for you (they won't carry a gap in reception). But it's worth having these conversations with the Registrar about timings and procedures, and how they assess those returning from overseas (ie can't just pop in, may be on a different curriculum)

Always remember that even if it's not your preferred school, Hill House in Chelsea is very international (so lots of churn, and lots of experience in assimilating new arrivals) and you could look for a place there for years 1&2, stating on if you like it or moving at 7+/8+ if you want somewhere different

Year 1 won't be a standard entry point, state or private. You can ask if there may be space(London schools do get turnover) but unless you are willing to pay in the interim I doubt it is guaranteed.

I know those schools quite well. You will need to be assessed, and go on a waiting list. You’ll only get a place if someone leaves so it really depends on movement.

DS is at another private school very similar to the ones you’ve mentioned, and there’s normally 1-2 new boys in Yr1. But he needs to pass the assessment, and to be frank they’ll only take him if your son is going to slot in well and not need a lot of support.

I would narrow it down to a couple of schools. Then phone the Admissions Secretary for clarification. Each school will be different and much depends on their popularity.

I can't speak for the others, but habs no longer have a 5+ entry point. You if you're considering habs boys you'll have to wait until 7+, as it's very very oversubscribed. It's very unlikely families would move before the 7+. For other London preps that aren't as oversubscribed I'm sure they'll have spaces, privates always have spaces unless it's one of the major preps like habs, merchant Taylor's etc. That have set entry points and families usually register years in advance

Thank you so much everyone for your response. I am really worried about this whole move and getting admission in the right school. I would prefer a all through school and that's all the more reason to stress.
Thank a lot everyone. I should visit schools and talk to the admission office. 🙏🏻

There will be a place somewhere - there are always families moving as a pp says - but it may not be at your top choices. The only way to guarantee that would be to pay for the entire reception year whilst not using it.

I wouldn’t worry so much about finding a through school personally, he is nursery age, you won’t know what senior school will suit him yet.

Hey thanks @minipie
Honestly yes he is too young.
But from my own experience in my past ,, during my primary years I changed 5 schools. It was too bad all because of my fathers transfers. Don't have good memories/ experiences at all .. based on this I believe that kids shouldn't move schools unnecessarily 😔
But yes, will try to take the best decision based on our current situation.

Would you consider staying in London for the second year, so your child does Reception in your preferred school, and travelling abroad every holiday?

@SquashesPumpkinsAutumnBliss
I don't mind staying back at all. It's a good idea indeed. Thanks a tonn !