Secondary School

[Leivaman]

Hi mums

Quick quesstion that I'm sure one of you can help with.

My son (after an appeal) attends St Thomas More Language college (school) and it's time for us to choose my daughters secondary school. She wants to go to the same school. My dilemma is whether on the Wandsworth Secondary Schools application form to include another school in case St Thomas More don't accept her. I guess my question is simply can I rely on the sibling criteria that the school would automatically offer her a place because her brother attends?

Thanks for your help in advance

Regards

Put another school - it won't do any harm. Normally a sibling would 'win' if a criteria is over-subscribed. Where do you fit in the criteria, i.e. are you practicing RC etc. (letter supported by your priest)?

If it's a faith school they do not always guarantee places for siblings. Regular attendance at an RC church or baptism into the Catholic faith may be a higher priority for admissions than siblings. Therefore I would include at least one (preferably 2) other preferences on my application form.

It is a catholic school and both my children are baptised and recently had their communion. Do you think that is sufficient for the school?

I will however take your advice and include a couple of other schools.

Our local comprehensive no longer goes on the sibling criteria. First to get a space are special needs and children in care. After that it's purely done on distance. We were able to state why we were choosing a particular school, so you may decide to mention that the fact that it's easier/better to have two children at the same school.

So on the above basis, I would certainly put another choice. That way, if you don't get your first, your second will be taken into account when allocating spaces for that school.

yes, put down other options, and at least one that you would be very likely to get a place in, too.

There is no disadvantage in putting down other schools, but a big potential disadvantage if you don't!

If your children fulfill the 'catholic' criteria for the school why did you need to appeal?

It's always a good idea to put down more than one school, I've been around here for a few years now and have seen the anxiety it can all to often bring when you don't.

I think Tiggy has laid out all the reasons why it might be an idea to list some other options!

Belt + Braces = peace of mind.

Hi Calmingmiranda

Bit complicated about why I had to appeal.

Basically the school's administration Department lost the priests letter - thankfully I had a copy of it at the appeal which surprised all of the appeal panel and though the school initially put my son on a waiting list for admission in 2013, because of a cancellation they offered him a place 1 week after he started classes at another school. We're all very happy with the outcome though as we ended up getting him into his first choice...phew....