Independent schools - is there such a thing as a waiting list

[Numbkinnuts]

Or if the child is likely to succeed , passed the entry requirements , they will get in regardless ?

Have had no experience of the independent sector until now when applying for sixth form. We missed admissions dead line but the school have offered DS to sit entrance exams and interview next week. The 'door' has been opened because as well as being bright he is a talented sportsman.

Have really no idea how the independent sector works.

It will depend on the school. My son's school is very selective and has 5 kids apply for each place at yr 7 and 7 kids per place at year 9. They sometime have in year admissions if people leave due to moving away. Another local school has an entrance exam.but mainly to see what levels the child is at before they start. But even that is now turning people away now as demand is high in our area.

Good luck with the interview.

There may be spaces as they tend to over offer in anticipation that some will hold multiple offers and either not meet entry requirements or opt to go elsewhere, including some current pupils. Deposits and a terms fees or notice will be due mid April. If they have reached capacity now it may be that spaces appear then.

Yes there is ... people drop out, circumstances change ... but I think most schools keep it very short at this time of year so as not to raise hopes inappropriately...... longer when everyone's juggling places and the kid who has 7 offers hasn't decided which to accept...

It is school dependent some will be delighted he’s “bright and a talented sportsman” and will bend over backwards to offer a place even though you’ve missed the admisdions deadline.
Others (usually the most selective and high achieving) will have already offered out all the places in their 6th form, and might have a couple on a waiting list hoping a place will come up in August because either an existing pupils or a new one unexpectantly fails to make the grades. At these schools the fact that you’ve missed the admissions deadline in your loss not theirs because they’ve already had lots of very high calibration applicants to choose from.

Calibre not calibration!

The independent sector is so carried that it really must be treated as several different sectors. First question that arises is is the school a public school? How big is it? How popular is it with international families? Boarding only or do they take day pupils? Etc. In practice the most selective schools offer places based on entrance exams then form a waiting list for the remainder in case spaces free up. Less selective schools will typically operate a waiting list but require that children sit an entrance exams prior to commencing to ensure that they are suited to the school environment. It really depends on the school, they all have different policies.

Thank you all .

The school are aware that we cannot afford the fees without a scholarship being offered. DS would have to weekly board or even full board because of the distance and possible sporting commitments.

We have never been able to afford private education for our children but it was suggested to us that we should try for a scholarship for DS and we are now at this stage.

Nothing ventured nothing gained.

Scholarships are frequently worth little in money terms. Have you applied for a bursary? I’m amazed they have not allocated all scholarship awards and bursaries by now. Very unusual to have £££ left over.

Well, two different points here, really.

With regard to places, there is always the possibility of an internal or external 6th form candidate messing up their GCSEs and losing their place OR changing their mind about A level choices and having to move in search of another course OR deciding that boarding is no longer for them etc etc

Sports scholarships (possibly topped up by a bursary) can be a way in at 6th form. For example, DS’s school looked kindly on a late application by a County left handed bowler, but only because their cricket team was short of that particular skill! My nephews’ school openly recruit for boys who play in certain rugby positions to join their 6th form - sometimes talking to opposing schools’ parents after Year 11 matches!

If they are offering him the chance to sit exam and interview now, presumably there must be places available? If they are full for September (and they must know roughly how many don’t make the GCSE requirement each year and over offer accordingly) why is it worth them spending time on your ds? People leaving after Year 11 will need to hand in notice by the start of term.

Maybe more of a worry is will all the bursary money be allocated for next year already, as I assume that must go out with original offers? Maybe they didn’t allocate it all, or some bursary candidates have turned down their offers putting money back in the pot.