How quickly are places offered from the waiting list?

[UndertheMapleTree]

I realise I should probably have patience but… we have a place at a primary school for DS but we are now going to be moving (still within the same London borough) next month and that school will be too far for him to walk.

I called the Lewisham admissions on Tues to ask about a particular school that wasn’t on our original list, but would be lovely. The woman I spoke to said there were two spaces currently and only one person on the waiting list so to get my form in super quick as they haven’t started processing late applications yet. We got the new preferences form in that same afternoon but haven’t heard anything yet and I am obviously convinced someone else who will be living much closer phoned her about two mins after I did!

Does anyone know if it normally takes a while for them to actively match the spaces to the waiting list? I get they must be very busy with people moving etc but my paranoia is strong.

I don't know if every area has the same dates, but here applications for the second round of allocations had to be in by 9th May. It states they start to be processed by 19th May and then it can take up to 4 weeks to send offers. By that time frame, you'll hear by 16th June. Obviously different areas may be different, but I wouldn't be concerned yet. From what they've said, you stand a good chance. It just depends how many other people have processed a late application for that school.

It varies from Authority to Authority. Ours has made 2 rounds of subsequent offers since 16 April.

It is currently half term in most places. That may account for some of the delay.

I would also try telephoning the school you are hoping for. Initially I didn’t because I didn’t want to hassle and be annoying but I do think it helps to open a dialogue so they know you are definitely interested.

Our borough made its second round offers mid May and now it’s just running through acceptances and offering places as and when they arise.

I think apparently after half term, the schools may start to reach out to parents to book in home visits . This process could prompt those who have accepted a place thus far but their circumstances have since changed and do not wish to take up the spot.

That is what I am hoping anyway!

We have now secured an offer for September (we initially got into NONE of our five preferred NW London) but are holding out for our top choice where we remain on the waiting list.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone! I am trying to stay chilled, and remember that they’re coordinating places and schools across the borough but I just keep worrying about late applicants or anyone else doing what we’re doing and adding another preference as we’re currently quite far from the potential school, till we move.

Hopefully as soon as half term is over they might start allocating - I don’t know if anyone we know on a waiting list in Lewisham has heard.