2 independent schools - exams on the same day - january

[newtothis15]

what to do if exams are on the same day? do I inform the school that we are sitting exam at a different school?

Depends on the school. We were in this position and I called up both schools, one offered an alternative exam date, one didn’t. It’s possible neither will offer an alternative date and you’ll have to choose.

what did you say on the phone? i am not sure what to say, feel extremely awkward!

We were offered a different day. Call them and just explain..I’m sure it’s not uncommon. Good luck!

I just said I had noticed x school and your school had the same exam date, and wanted to know what the procedure was. I’m sure it’s pretty common!

Yes, fairly common. Putney High, Surbiton have clashes this year. So do SPGS and another school. Most schools have alternative dates. It’s perfectly okay to ask the school - it’s not like you’re dating them and have gone exclusive ☺️. All schools know that you apply to more than one, it’s not a black mark on your file...

If your DC is potentially academic scholar though, bear in mind alternative dates may not qualify for that perk.

I wonder if it is deliberate?

I wouldn’t be awkward most people are applying to a lot of schools and the schools know that. Just call and ask them if there is an alternative date

It really depends on the schools. Some can be difficult, others not at all. You need to speak to them (by now most will be aware of their clashes unless they are geographically opposed ?) and say that you really want to sit both and do they have a reserve etc Which ones are they OP?