Thank you all it’s really been a rollercoaster and I share lots of emotions expressed on this thread. It’s been really supportive and helpful in putting things into perspective, when it would’ve been difficult IRL to talk about this and get people to understand.
@Tr0ubled I really identify with you, it’s so not about league tables/academics etc, but about DD’s character, the opportunities, clubs etc she has expressed interest in ( having said that there is one thing the school we’ve ended up with offers that 1st choice doesn’t and I’ve been using this to try and sway her feelings). It’s also about how it would’ve worked perfectly for the family dynamics. I too had hoped there would be a lot of WL movement even though I did suspect, somehow, they would’ve tried to compensate for the challenges.
@HeliK I wish your DD the best at BHS, @eglantine7 yours the very best at IPS. I hope they settle nicely and find things they love and make lovely friends that will make all this inconsequential.
@Iamsodone all the best to your DD too, glad you are all feeling happy with your choice. Like you, for me, it’s the fact that DD is not excited that kills it for me, she told me she was disappointed in herself, honestly it broke my heart. All her older siblings got into their first choice schools and were really excited, and she is very aware of this. On the plus side we got an email from JAGS, saying she did very well and she should be proud of her achievements and they believe would thrive in the school etc. It’s unfortunate they couldn’t go to their WL, in the past they would’ve been able to put smiles on faces of some on WL etc. They had their largest number of applicants ever and the competition was fierce. They will leave her on WL till September because occasionally, and esp due to Brexit and the pandemic this year, they get some movement. I initially didn’t want to show her the email because I didn’t want to raise her hopes again, and really want to focus on getting her happy and if possible excited about her new school. But I felt I had to show it to her, to lift her spirits. It did lift her spirits and we’ve swiftly moved on to looking at opportunities for her in her new school, visiting, the site. Etc. We will drive down today and take a walk down the path.
@Oceane11Plus, thanks for your kind words
@GoldenRuby and @indimum yes thanks walking down the path is what we will start with. We know a few people in the school and some that have left. And they’ve all had or are having a wonderful time there.
Yesterday we celebrated with DD and just had fun together as a family. You are correct she will be fine. I also now need to get excited as well ( obviously DD doesn’t realise this is WIP for me too).
This has ended up being longer than I planned 