Regrets?

[Mermaid1971]

Has anyone regretted giving up a grammar school place for a highly selective independent?

I think that parents just pick what’s best for their child at the time. I think it isn’t uncommon to apply for grammars and top indies with a stronger preference for one or the other.

If the indie is comfortably affordable, then just go with whichever school suits better.

What if changed our minds. Do you think can change things around at this stage?

If you have given the place up, you will need to go onto the grammar waiting list - you won't just be given the place back. Whether you get in for September will depend on how the waiting list moves and where you are on it.

I thought that might be the case.

Mermaid, what happened?

We had the same decision this year and went with grammar.

Phone up the school ASAP and get back on the waiting list. It would depend on the score your DC got and potentially your distance from the school. If a good score, they will leap over some others on the waiting list. However, at this late stage and in the current economic climate it will be difficult. Saying that, there are always 1-2 children that don't turn up to school on the first day.

You will probably be liable for the first terms fees at the independent, but a drop in the ocean versus 7 years of fees if that's your concern

@Whycantthisbeeasy score has no part to play in Bucks grammar school admissions. You just need to get 121 and then normal admissions criteria apply (looked after children, siblings, catchment, county etc).

OP. We turned down a grammar place for an independent. I did have a huge wobble with COVID19 etc but we can afford it and all the reasons we put it above the grammar still held.

What is your wobble? If it’s affordability then that’s different to wondering if you made the right choice.

Thanks Zodkebud. The score does make the difference in our area - then ranked by distance.

Any news Mermaid1971? Did you get back on the wait list for the grammar?