Edinburgh private schools - missed deadline dates?

[StarsAreWishes]

I know that the answer will be just to speak to them, but any advice?

We had previously talked to DS about whether he wanted to go to one of the merchant company schools, but he decided he wanted to stay at current high school.

He is now feeling disillusioned with the school and wanting to reconsider … but for entry in Autumn this year. So we have missed the application deadline and haven’t even had a visit or any interaction with the school.

Also, how hard is it generally to get in? I know S1 entry is hard, but had been told it’s easier for higher years. He’d be looking for entry to S5.

Straight A student in prelims, no current extracurricular activities (one of the areas of disillusionment with current school - there is very little of interest on offer).

The offers are going out today/tomorrow (we are waiting for GWC S1 entry results). I think they operate a waiting list but they put the kids who would have been accepted but were perhaps pipped to it on the list first.

I am under the impression the deadlines are strict but you may as well speak to them and see? GWC admissions people are super lovely and helpful (in our experience anyway!).

I also understand from research and not from experience that the difficulty of getting in varies across the schools but other people will be able to speak with more authority on that.

Thanks @Horses4

My thinking is there must be some kind of process for people e.g. moving in to the area

Also that while the S1 entry is popular, there is less movement in the more senior years (or at least, that was the case when I was there - not many new faces each year)

PS - good luck!

Yeah, I would assume that is the case, and obviously his academic record would stand him in good stead. I hope they can help!

And thank you, daughter is anxious about letter day!

From their FAQs, definitely worth a chat

Many many years ago I moved to private school at S5 level, boarding. It was summer term I think, pretty short notice anyway, and all the schools we looked at had no issue with entrance for the next term. There's quite a bit of movement in S5 I think.

Thanks both . I’ve made an appointment to speak with admissions.

Oh, great, hope they are able to help you. Daughter got an offer so she is delighted.

My son entered Heriots in S5 and although we registered in time, I got the impression that it would have been fine even if we hadn't. They will be giving offers to those who applied according to the published timeline around now, but not all offered will accept, leaving some spaces for late applicants . . . I would have thought anyway.

@Horses4

Oh, great, hope they are able to help you. Daughter got an offer so she is delighted.

Oh that’s wonderful @Horses4!!! I am so pleased for you

And thanks @bluebkke that’s good to know