Sandringham - chances via Continuing Interest

[Concerned222]

Our son hasn't been allocated any of his ranked schools and we're naturally gutted. Closest non-faith school (and ranked 1st) is Sandringham. We fall 140metres from last allocated place. Do we have a realistic chance of getting in? Has anyone been through CI with Sandringham, and how did you get on?

There is always a bit of movement so you might by ok. I know a few families who got Sandringham in previous years but Verulam was their first choice, so obv when they were successful with the CI list for Verulam, their Sandringham places were freed up. Plus there will be a few people who will opt for private. I'd wait till the second round comes out before giving up hope

Round 2 has happened today and disappointingly/ agonisingly he's moved from 2nd to 1st on CI. A horrible waiting game continues...

That's a shame but the nature of waiting lists. Did no-one get in from the second round then? Where has he been allocated (if you don't mind saying)?

Great news - just got Sandringham! A massive sigh of relief and much celebrating.

He had been allocated Townesend which, whilst a nice school with good facilities, really needs five years to up its game to deliver truly consistent high standards. We didn't want our son to be part of that experiment - he's bright and would stagnate in the process. In time (and imho with a new head) it will be very good.

So for those who may read this in the future, here's what I found out from a very helpful guy at Herts CC about Sandringham;

• In the past 5 years, typically only 2 or 3 children make it through Continued Interest (and that's from first round to its close in late August).
• in 2009 no child was offered a place through CI
• the rules changed in 2014 which meant places are allocated on closest child to the school. Before that it was closest school to the child. This will mean that in the future CI will become even harder.
• 122 children were on the CI list for Sandringham this year. Almost 1200 children applied for 180 places.
• about five children were still sitting on two places even at this stage (Sandringham and private). Due to Sandringhams strong reputation, don't expect any to take up their private school place at a late stage.
• those that are sitting on two places can be compelled to make a decision. You can't select a private school by accident, so you are deemed to favour that route and the state place can be taken off you by the school itself (as they are self administered). Remember, schools want pupils who want to be there.

our nightmare is over though. Best of luck to everyone else.