11+ London no place

[Foamshrimp]

Does anyone have any experience of the mid-level London indie co-educational schools having last minute places eg in summer holidays. Am thinking of the Emanuel’s and Harrodians etc? We have had a shocker I think it is fair to say - interviews but no wait lists. State where I live not an option - only possible non religious school for which we are in catchment gets really poor GCSE results. Help!

[Foamshrimp]

So sorry keeping. I have the head calling but things look to be stuck until after 5 March so I am going to try to keep myself together until then. I hope your wait list turns into an offer.

[keepingmynerve]

Ah, foamshrimp, this seems to be the same story, all waiting until the offers fall into their places. The annoying part is with so many people applying for so many multiple places it fuels the over subscription, but then many sit on their multiple offers and don't decline. I feel in the end it needs to become more like universities with first second and third choices so there is more transparency and schools get a better clarity of who really wants to be where.....probably a pipe dream and too late for me anyway.
We are not in a prep so I am looking into other schools, but so difficult. I have been told a lot keeps changing all the way to September but hard to remain confident of that.
Good luck to you too!

[tickingthebox]

Just reading this and wanting to wish you luck....

We were surprised last year, we did one aspirational, one likely and TWO back ups

1st response was from one of the back-ups - a NO
Then Aspirational was an outright No
Then the likely - waitlist
Then the second backup - fortunately for us this was a yes.

It certainly taught me that you should never rely on anything!! If I had my time again DS would have sat 5 or possibly 6 exams. I would never go for three (if I had I would have had 2 no and a waitlist).

I would also have put him in for a practice at one of the early sitting schools.

[keepingmynerve]

Hi Tickingthebox, yes I think I would have him sit more, I have realised I should have looked at more, but we are in a school to 18 so can stay, just not happy and want to move for many reasons, so I suppose we didn't really do this with the same focus as those at prep schools....hindsight and all that. Hoping the waitlist comes good, or I am going to have to try to lobby others every which way I can!

[northlondoncat]

Have you thought about John Lyons School in Harrow. Good network of buses and good results. Their 11plus has passed but occasionally have availability due to non central location. Met line very accessible but depends of course where you live !

[Foamshrimp]

Thanks v much northlondon. Hadn’t heard of it before but sounds good.

[AnotherNewt]

Fingers crossed for you for next week

[Foamshrimp]

Thanks AnotherNewt! Nothing concrete yet but holding my nerve

[1ndig0]

OP - this happened to a boy in my sonl's year. They called St James in Ashford (good coach service) - they interviewed him and he did an assessment and offered a place within days.
Also try Radnor House.

[LondonUSAmum]

There is a new co-ed school in central London, Eaton Square Upper School Mayfair. I think similar to Wetherby in that everyone getting a place for now at least.

Good luck!

[Foamshrimp]

Thank you 1ndig0 and London. And thanks to all posters who have helped me. Really kind of you all! I am now pretty sure we will have some options but just a waiting game now.

[OhHappyDayz]

How have you got on OP? Been thinking about you as friends of DC have been in the same boat. I hope you've got some options by now. It's a horrid process.

[Foamshrimp]

Thanks OhHappy. Really kind of you to follow up. We think we are supported now at least up until 13. Thanks all you wonderful people for your support.

[sanam2010]

Foamshrimp, you have received such a wealth of great advice on here, it would
be so helpful for parents in future years who may end up in your situation if you could share what happened a bit more specifically.

[Dontblameitontheboogie]

Just to clarify: DS sat the entrance exams to St James as a late applicant last week, together with 5 other boys, and was offered a place the next day. No idea if they still have places for this September, but it's certainly worth speaking with them about 13+.