House move, preferred school full, gutted

[Slimpleton]

Just venting really and hoping to hear some experiences where it turned out ok...

Moving house to a lovely village, big part of it was being part of a proper community with loads going on. One school in the village

Son is transferring into year 1 in September (current school too far away.) checked in with school towards beginning of the moving process and they had space in reception so all seemed likely to be fine.

Getting close to exchange now so contacted school to look round and they have now said they are full! I'm so so gutted for my son, all other schools nearby will be a drive where as this would be a 5 mins walk

I'm just really gutted, obviously will go on waiting list - it's a two form entry school so definitely possible that someone will leave but I'm not holding much hope it will happen before September

Anyone have any experience of this where a place has opened up between may and September?

Any other advice, feel so bad for my son as he was excited about moving schools and we only really want to do it once

People with school aged children tend to move at the end of the academic year/over the summer so don’t lose hope!

Keep positive op!! You might not get in immediately but your child will most likely get a place

My child got a place in Y1 in September. We weren't moving areas but schools for various reasons.

Me too! Except reception full. I'll wish for you if you wish for me and hopefully all the extra good energy will have a positive effect!!

Appeal!

In what grounds? It's ICS.

You do know appeals often cost money out of school budgets, don't you?

I can't appeal as I haven't applied yet! I've now applied for in year (so reception) in case randomly a place becomes available before the end of the summer term so we can nab it! Then applications for September can only be made from June so will reapply then and hope a place becomes available over the summer! Thanks for your support and views everyone! I've not given up hope it's just such a shame and has put a dampener on the move! I hate uncertainty!

OP, I promise I mean this in the nicest possible way, but calm down. You will most likely get a place. Your dc is young enough to integrate anywhere. So if (when!) a place comes up, they will settle in and make friends immediately.
I only say this as I panicked so much when my DC were reception age, everything seemed like such a life changing event. But they surprise us at every turn and make us feel silly for worrying 😆
You will most likely get a place, they will settle and be happy x

Aww thanks I know he will settle anywhere, thankfully he's pretty laid back and v social, it's more the other aspects like having to drive to school instead of walk, gp's were looking forward to picking up from school but they don't drive so wouldn't be able to if at another school, and selfishly after a year of a massive stressful commute with children I was looking forward to some me time back in the morning before work without ferrying around in cars! But yes hopefully it will all work out and a place will come up sooner rather than later! Thank you!

It changed so much in our school, in the younger years pupils seemed to chop and change all the time! It’s more than likely you will get a place at your preferred school. It might not be straight away but it most likely will happen.
But honestly, I lost so much sleep over mine when they were younger, I honestly feel a bit daft because it always worked out in the end.

Hi there,

I know this was earlier this year but looking for stories of hope- any out there? What happened for you @Slimpleton?

Hi! Thanks for tagging, well it was a happy outcome! We had given up hope, applied as our first choice anyway and as expected got rejected , so I emailed the school to confirm I was on waitlist, and they emailed back saying 'actually something's just changed and we do have a space!' was confirmed same day! Ridiculously lucky and we are so thrilled, he's settled in great!

My advice is just to be 'that' mum! Politely of course, call the school and the council and ask for any advice, plead your case etc. everyone was really sympathetic and helpful in my experience although I realise there was an element of luck too!!

Good luck if you are in the same position!