Change in preference - secondary

[Shiningstarr]

Has anyone ever made a change in preference for secondary school, after the application deadline?

I'm aware it will be treated as a late application, there's not much I can do about that.

I just wondered if it was a smooth process, did you have to give any reasons for the change of preference?

Are you changing your preference now when you already have a place? If so, you would need to get on the waiting lists of your preferred schools. I don't think they would ask why, but if so, I would just say 'a change in circumstances' or something vague.

I don't understand. Haven't secondary places come out already?
So if you have a place and prefer somewhere else, apply and get on the wait list.

@BendingSpoons

Are you changing your preference now when you already have a place? If so, you would need to get on the waiting lists of your preferred schools. I don't think they would ask why, but if so, I would just say 'a change in circumstances' or something vague.

Yes that's right, have accepted a place at nearest school, but due to severe bullying have decided to change to a different school.

If the school has places available would it be a straightforward process do you know?

I'd keep your current place, and go on the wait list for the school you'd prefer.

As others have said accept the place you have been offered and then request to go on the waiting list for your now preferred school. Get on the waiting list as soon as you can as places may be becoming available now.

I'm assuming the bullies are from your primary school and you have found out that they will be going to the current same DC as your child?

@Lindy2

As others have said accept the place you have been offered and then request to go on the waiting list for your now preferred school. Get on the waiting list as soon as you can as places may be becoming available now.

I'm assuming the bullies are from your primary school and you have found out that they will be going to the current same DC as your child?

Yes that's right. We have already accepted the secondary school place, and that's where most of her class are going. We thought things could be sorted but it definitely can't be now, and my daughter desperately wants a fresh start away from these people.

If the school has space and no waiting list they usually have to offer you the place. If you tried to appeal it may not carry much weight as secondaries are large enough that cohorts and friendships tend to remix and policies are in place to deal with bullying.

You can now make late applications to any other schools you are interested in, and if they don’t have a place you will go on the waiting list in order of their admissions criteria.

Do not in the meantime decline the place you have.

Secondary schools have big intakes. At our introduction meeting we were able to give names of any children that we did not want D.C. to be in a tutor group with. Also any preferences to be with friends. I would write to the allocated school and explain the bullying and that it is important that your Dd is not in a class with the bullies.

Are the primary school aware of the issue?

If they have places, then it will be straightforward. You will just need to ask how to apply for a place and then they will give it to you. If they don't have places, then the quicker you get on the waiting list the better. (Places will be offered based on how well you meet the admissions criteria not waiting time, so your chances will depend on that.) If there are no places, you could consider appealing, but that is obviously much more stressful.

@CarmenThePanda

You can now make late applications to any other schools you are interested in, and if they don’t have a place you will go on the waiting list in order of their admissions criteria.

Do not in the meantime decline the place you have.

Secondary schools have big intakes. At our introduction meeting we were able to give names of any children that we did not want D.C. to be in a tutor group with. Also any preferences to be with friends. I would write to the allocated school and explain the bullying and that it is important that your Dd is not in a class with the bullies.

Are the primary school aware of the issue?

I've already been in touch with the transition lead for the secondary school we have a place at, she has said my DD won't have to be in the same form as any of the bullies, but this won't mean she won't see them around the school eg. At lunch, break, on the school bus etc.

I started a precious thread on this and most of the replies advised going to a different school.

Primary are aware of the issue but nothing gets done about it. The problem is that it's not just in school, but weekends and after school where she is being excluded and also bullied online via Snapchat.

@BendingSpoons

If they have places, then it will be straightforward. You will just need to ask how to apply for a place and then they will give it to you. If they don't have places, then the quicker you get on the waiting list the better. (Places will be offered based on how well you meet the admissions criteria not waiting time, so your chances will depend on that.) If there are no places, you could consider appealing, but that is obviously much more stressful.

Thanks that's really helpful. I was hoping that may be the case in that if there are places we will just be allocated it.

There's two different alternative schools to choose from, so I'm hoping if one doesn't have space then the other will.

It does sound like a fresh start and a new group of children is what your daughter needs. I hope you get a place at a new school quickly.

It makes me so angry that so often bullies get away with it - despite schools claiming to have anti bullying policies.

@Lindy2

It does sound like a fresh start and a new group of children is what your daughter needs. I hope you get a place at a new school quickly.

It makes me so angry that so often bullies get away with it - despite schools claiming to have anti bullying policies.

I know, it's such a shame. My daughter has one term left, but I've had to de-register her now. It's that bad. Her mental health is paramount and I have to protect her. We have tried everything.

My daughter will now miss her prom, and residential, but there really is no other choice.

I've managed to do it!! I've contacted our local council school admissions today, and they told me what I had to do. There are plenty of spaces at the alternative choice secondary, so she will be offered a place within 2 weeks!!

So so happy and daughter is thrilled. 🎉

That's really good news. I hope your daughter can now look forward with excitement to starting her new school in September.

@Lindy2

That's really good news. I hope your daughter can now look forward with excitement to starting her new school in September.

Thanks so much xx

Yr6 girls and stuff like snap chat are s

Are such a hotbed of issues. The poor kids can't escape it. Unless they just block the bullies

That's great news OP. I know a lot of people like it when primary classes move to secondary together but the reality is that a lot of baggage moves as well and it can be very unhelpful. I hope your dd has a good start at the new school in September