Advice on trying to get on waiting list for a private to start in September

[flomo26]

I’m having second thoughts on the (state) school my son is due to start in September and was looking for advice on waiting lists for private options. We are in the SW London area - and I know they are notoriously difficult to get in to. Does anyone know of any (for boys or coed - pref coed) that might be open to a late applicant or have shorter waiting lists? SW area or would consider around Surbiton, Thames Ditton, Walton area. I know it’s unlikely but just a huge amount of schools would be great to get any guidance. If the school is particularly good for dyslexia (potentially for another child) would be a bonus but this is a tall order I know! Thanks

Surely this year, given the Covid crisis, late vacancies will be easier to find, even in London so I would draw up a list and just ring round to get an idea of how it’s looking. St James (boys) is probably too far for you, but is known to take late applications.

Try Ewell Castle - I'm sure they will be accommodating. Yes also St James at Ashford or Radnor House in Twickenham.

Whereabouts are you? Fulham Senior School might be an option. Northwood Schools are opening a new senior school in Streatham, their website says they still have places.

Thanks for messages - we're based in Tooting area but would consider moving if needs be. I thought there might be a bit of movement give the circumstances so will start checking them out. Thanks so much

Northwood
Newton Prep

If your ds could manage the journey by tube to Morden then Kingswood House on the edge of Epsom is a possibility. It goes up to age 16 and the senior part is newish, it will have space.

Hello - I would get on the phone and call them all - in this environment you never know

St Johns
Whitgift
Trinity
Epsom
Fulham Senior
st George's
Reeds
Radnor
Kew House
St James
Emanuel
Ibstock
Bromwood Hall
Halliford
St Benedicts

You never know, one of the above may entertain an assessment and put you in the list.

And Claremont Fan (CO-Ed).

Thanks so much!

Royal Russell is another to try

Kingston Grammar School (private) is co Ed. In the central of Kingston with good transport links. It's competitive to get into but you never know with the current situation they may have a spare place.

I wouldn't get your hopes up - It's been an incredibly competitive year and I know more than one child who is returning to prep for 2 years to "have another go" at the 13+, as they got no places.

I'm seeing no signs of people withdrawing children or dropping places (yet!). I posted on here as thought it was interesting that with the current situation I thought waiting lists would be moving with people deciding to go to state but they aren't.

I would be aiming to look for a place "when it becomes available" Choose some schools - get your ds on the waiting list and wait for a place - all schools seem to loose 2-4 per 100 kids per year, with people relocating, moving countries etc etc.

@Bakeachocolatecaketoday - I think people (at least in the schools I know) aren't withdrawing because a) they've seen how much better the online teaching has been in their schools b) job losses (so far) aren't impacting on the sectors parents work in.

I am very grateful for the good teaching DS2 in Year 10 has had compared to his peers in local state schools.