Changing mind after giving notice to leave

[BeFluentHiker]

Hi

I have two kids in an independent school. The fees are getting a bit much and there is a chance we will move in the coming year. Hence I am considering giving the required term's notice to take them out.
However, they both like the school and, if things work out, I would like to keep them in.
If I give notice now but change my mind later, what are the chances we could lose their places? In the current climate, I doubt they are oversubscribed but not sure how I would find out.
Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

Ask to give ‘rolling notice’ - usually you need the Head’s permission for this but it’s a good way of doing it if you are unsure. Explain the circumstances that you have posted here and I can’t see them saying no. Rolling notice means you are on permanent notice but haven’t decided yet. You can ask to come off of it if and when you know your children can stay if it’s feasible for you.

All schools might have their own way of dealing with things and may be flexible, if like you say, they are undersubscribed.
We would allow 'provisional notice' which meant you are thinking about leaving at the end of the term, but it might change. There will come a point where they need to fill the place (if they can) so that will be the point of no return.

If you're moving in the next year, it might be simpler to keep them where they are until you know for sure otherwise it could mean another move for them.

It's always worth speaking to the school and explaining your situation as they might be more flexible than you think!

Thanks - I had no idea that was an option so I'll definitely ask!

Depends what’s the class numbers? E.g if your child has 16 in a class and they max out at 22 providing it’s not yr3 - I think you would be pretty safe. Equally look at the other 2 classes too if it’s 3 form entry (do you have class list of children names etc) you can judge if they are at capacity or not. Watch out for yr3 though quite a bit of movement from external people so harder to judge the numbers.

I’d be amazed to hear of any independent school turning down pupils at the moment (which they’d effectively be doing to you if they held you to it). They will nearly always find the space no matter what…