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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

Secondary offers day 2020

221 replies

UselessTrees · 28/02/2020 11:58

Anybody else anxiously awaiting offers day for England secondaries on Monday? Obviously nothing I can do about our choices at this point, and yes it will probably all turn out fine, but I'm suddenly doubting everything and driving myself mad worrying about it!

OP posts:
c00k1e · 02/03/2020 17:16

First choice here too! Glad that’s over until next year. Good luck to everyone waiting to hear

WhenDoISleep · 02/03/2020 17:21

Against absolutely all expectations DS got his first choice - based on distance he wouldn't have got in for the last 5 years, so he must be one of the very last admitted on distance. We were resigned to our third choice, so a great feeling of relief now, although slightly bittersweet as he really wanted another school, but it just didn't happen for us.

Original poster
UselessTrees · 02/03/2020 17:25

Fourth choice Hmm

Oh well, on to the waiting lists we go. Fingers crossed.

OP posts:
HWest1832 · 02/03/2020 17:36

Third choice here in Wandsworth, London (a school in a different borough, Hammersmith & Fulham, as zero chance of our top 3 in our neighborhood!). As I predicted, so no surprises for us.

HWest1832 · 02/03/2020 17:39

Fourth choice, I meant.

rumpusboo · 02/03/2020 17:44

Hi, we live in Sutton and applied using a paper form as we live in a new build and the application website did not recognise our address. I have just got home and we haven't got a letter yet. I have a very distressed little girl here. Is anyone in the same position? Thanks

Singlemamatoone · 02/03/2020 17:48

We have been offered a school we never had on our list nor do we want it, Im so upset and have a sad DS

HWest1832 · 02/03/2020 17:48

I think they post letters today so you should get it tomorrow or so. I believe I read that somewhere today. Good luck.

rumpusboo · 02/03/2020 17:51

@HWest1832 hopefully, thanks

Longwhiskers14 · 02/03/2020 17:55

Singlemamatoone Are you in London? We've been told that locally to us (north London) lots of parents who are considering going private still apply for a state place to keep their options open, then usually turn it down. So join the waiting lists asap and you might get a better outcome.

GolfForBrains · 02/03/2020 18:00

London. Must have been something very strange going on with the birthrate because DD got our long shot first choice, her sister two years ago was way down the bottom of the waiting list and didn't get in, and last year was even further off so we were expecting 2nd or 3rd choice. Accepted the place quickly before the council get a chance to say oh, sorry, we made a mistake...

Longwhiskers14 · 02/03/2020 18:12

GolfForBrains* That's interesting because I recall from reception applications that the cohort for their year was a large one. And yes, we accepted the place quickly too, for the same reason!

PhonicTheHedgehog · 02/03/2020 18:23

golfforbrains
In London too and the last distance offered must have shrunk by at least 50% for us not to get first choice. Would have got in every year for 8 or so years.

PhoenixMama · 02/03/2020 18:25

We're in North London and we got our first choice - so thrilled! Catchment shrunk a tiny bit again this year but not as bad as previous years, still under half a mile though!

Singlemamatoone · 02/03/2020 18:33

How do you join waiting lists? Just let the school know?

SJaneS48 · 02/03/2020 18:45

Nope. If you are London you automatically go on the waiting lists for schools listed as a higher preference. Some other counties also follow this practice - but some don’t so you really do need to know your county’s procedure! Kent where I live you have to apply.

SJaneS48 · 02/03/2020 18:46

As below:

Secondary offers day 2020
Mummadeeze · 02/03/2020 20:06

Second choice but we are happy. On the waiting list for first choice but may decline it if we get it as couldn’t decide between first and second order in the first place. Kind of hope the dilemma won’t arise again to be honest!

fatarse · 02/03/2020 20:14

Hoping for advice. We have today had our state school offer of Lady Margaret School. We have an Indy offer for PHS and IPS but have ruled out IPS because it’s co-ed. Question is, PHS vs LMS what would you do. Money isn’t an issue. I hope everyone got good news today. x

HappyMumLdn · 02/03/2020 20:30

Let’s say I was offered my 2nd place school, and am on the waiting list for 1st, if the opportunity arises for the 1st choice, will I still have the choice to decline the 1st it further down the line or will they automatically swap us over. DS is coming to terms with his 2nd place as he has friends going, and may not want to go for the 1st anymore down the line?
Hope this question makes sense Hmm

QuarterMileAtATime · 02/03/2020 20:35

Yes HappyMumLdn, you'd have the choice and wouldn't have to take your first choice if offered to you at a later date.

QuarterMileAtATime · 02/03/2020 20:37

First choice grammar school for DS. So pleased for him!

HappyMumLdn · 02/03/2020 20:40

Amazing thank you @QuarterMileAtATime

WingDefence · 02/03/2020 20:52

@fatarse you might be better off starting a thread in the Secondary Education or Education topics (the latter may have more of an independent school focus) to get advice from people who know those specific schools :)

fatarse · 02/03/2020 20:57

Thanks Wing - I realised I posted in the wrong thread!