Private school application y1 entry

[FlyBirdieFly]

We're relocating from London to Bath and are applying for our son (5, currently in reception) to attend the local private school. He's currently in a state school.
He has been invited to attend a day to meet his new peers and teachers and complete some 'simple worksheets' as part of an application assessment. Our son's writing and reading is a little behind his peers according to his current school. He has a brilliant imagination and is a great storyteller, very creative and is generally very well behaved. He can also be very shy.
I'm a little concerned that as he isn't excelling in his reading and writing he won't be offered a place. During my tour of the school the head told me there are plenty of places available in year 1.
All the local state schools are full and I'm nervous about it now...we could be in a tricky position if he doesn't get in.
The school seems very lovely with a big focus on extracurricular.
Does anyone have any words of advice or experience of a similar situation?

Try not to worry. Its y1 and they may just be checking his capability so they know what work they will need to do with him and who to seat him with etc especially if they have places available rather than it being am entrance exam.

They will be used to shy kids and if he is a great storyteller I am sure they will draw this out when chatting with him.

Good luck with the move.

If there's plenty of spaces if be checking their finances. Lots of preps in financial trouble. The LA has to find you a space so I'd see what that offer.

If they’ve plenty of spaces, I don’t think him being a little behind would prevent a place being offered. I’d feel confident.

Money talks so if there are places they will take you.

Alternative why would you be stuck? Are there no state places at all?

As in I doubt every schools is actually full and of they are they have to find you a space if you move into the area.

How would a school find a space

All ours are full of 30 kids

And waiting lists

So a space can't be found for a local school

Yes may get into the next village school but that's 6/8miles away

Well yes it may be the next village but they will find a place. If over a certain distance they provide transport too. (Most people travel to private schools anyway)

@HidingInAForest , it's depends on the LA but they don't have to provide transport if you have decided to move to the area for an in year admission ie a house move.

No it's a legal requirement.

The LA has to provide transport to your nearest school if the nearest school is over 2 miles (under 8) and 3 miles (over 8) or there are some other cases such as sen or if the walking route is dangerous.

That's not to say they'll provide transport to your old school for example. But if you move to an area and the nearest eligible school is 2/3 miles away then transport will be provided.

Just brace yourself that if he’s a little behind in state school terms the private school are likely to tell you he is very behind / needs lots of SEND support.