What chance occasional place for independent schools?

[SoAtko]

Hi all, unfortunately we did not get the ideal school place offered for our DD and are wondering if anyone has experience in getting an occasional place. How likely isn't? How often do they come up? Are there tests every time? In particular we are asking about Kensington Prep, Wimbledon etc

What year? From what I have seen there is less movement in reception, a bit in years 1 and 2, quite a lot in year 3 and 4 and then it tails off as people start gearing up for senior entry. For academic schools like you mention, your child will be assessed for occasional places and of course the assessments get more challenging as you go further up. Of course the standard required will also depend on how much competition there is - ie do they have just one or two occasional spaces and multiple applicants, or many spaces to fill and only a few applicants.

It’s worth finding out when any class shake ups happen in your preferred school as that will be a much easier time for your DD to enter a new school.