Son will start reception September 2024, is now too late to register and get into any private schools in Hampstead?

[Fruitandveg3]

We are looking to move to Hampstead so I am registering my son to private schools in the area but I know it’s so late compared to those that register their child at birth to private schools. Anyone have experience getting in having registered late?

Not at all. They don't close registrations till Sept- Nov. The ones you register for at birth are few and far between. It's a low birth year anyway.

Not too late. Call the schools you're interested in and ask. DCs school seems to fill up quite early but there's always some movement as children get offered preferred state school places (and have applied to private as a back up option) or offers from other privates schools etc. so even if they're 'full' you may still get a place.

Not too late for most. And even those that accept signups "at birth" wouldn't expect to finalise their 2024 intake this early. They may happily take a completed registration form and deposit cheque regarding what a 3 week old baby will do in 4 years time but they will want to meet the child and watch them at play during the months before the planned admission before actually confirming the place.

You can apply for UCS 4+ entry online, if that’s on your list.

https://www.ucs.org.uk/admissions/apply-online/reception-application/

This is all reassuring. So even though they say they accept based on when parents registered their child, hopefully even though I’m probably at the far end of the list we get accepted somewhere. I’ve already registered to two schools and will register for a few more. I do prefer a co-Ed school over an all boys school

We register DD for her private primary - she was 24th on the waiting list and still got a place. People register with multiple schools but will drop away when places are offered & deposits required.

Some yes some no. Too late for the hall, Trevor Roberts, and hereward house, but plenty others you can still register.

@preppingforlife Yup, those are the ones mainly that rely on early registration. However you could still contact them now. They normally expect children to visit the year prior to entry so if you're keen on some, still try OP. Your child is in a low birth year so anything can happen.

My dc were in prep schools in Hampstead and did the 7+ exams and in schools here now. You need to get them registered asap. My dd is 5mo and already on waiting lists. Don't be too reliant on you having time, spaces have become much more competitive. My ds has just done the 7+ and it was a year like no other. So I would get going immediately.