Francis Holland Regents Park waitlist

ForestOfDave · 2023-02-21T17:50:29+00:00

Francis Holland Regents Park is our first choice school but my DD is on the waitlist. Despite me gently asking for where she might be placed on the list, I've had no concrete reply from the registrar to allay my worries. Does anyone have any experience of the FHS waitlist - length, propensity to move, at what pace, how much they might over-offer, etc.? In fact, anything to give me hope or help me accept that it won't be where my DD will end up after all! Thank you.

Shiningsun · 21/02/2023 18:19

For God’s sake, can someone explain to me the rational behind this kind of secrecy around waiting lists? What would they lose if they are transparent? Like informing parents that “your child is at 30th position and seeing the data from past few years, we usually are able to offer seats to students up to 50th position on wait list. But each year is different. Please bear with us while we try to get back to you with more news.”

Iluvperegrines · 21/02/2023 18:24

My experience of waiting lists is they wanted to manage our expectations.
Whilst we were 4th on the waiting list, that could have easily and quickly changed if another child joined the list meeting more criteria.
We were told we were 4th on the list (I phoned weekly) but they always said remember that could change for the worse.
Could you ask and say you understand it could change either way, you’d just like an idea?
We eventually got through the waiting list and I hope you do to!

Dodgeitornot · 21/02/2023 19:12

@Iluvperegrines surely this is only relevant to state schools? I can't imagine how your position on the waiting list for an independent could get worse.

Original poster

ForestOfDave · 21/02/2023 19:30

Iluvperegrines · 21/02/2023 18:24

My experience of waiting lists is they wanted to manage our expectations.
Whilst we were 4th on the waiting list, that could have easily and quickly changed if another child joined the list meeting more criteria.
We were told we were 4th on the list (I phoned weekly) but they always said remember that could change for the worse.
Could you ask and say you understand it could change either way, you’d just like an idea?
We eventually got through the waiting list and I hope you do to!

I have asked but the question was swerved unfortunately.

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SamPoodle123 · 21/02/2023 20:31

My dd has an offer at FHSS and they sent an email yesterday asking if we can let them know if we will accept asap because there are many on the WL who want the spot. It seems like a general email they sent out to the offer holders who have not yet confirmed yet...so it seems they are trying to move things along. However, I do not think it is fair to send out this type of email until they had the offer event!

SayMyNameProperly · 21/02/2023 20:59

Does seem a tad premature @SamPoodle123. It appears that all the schools have their events this week so people are hopefully making their decisions very soon.

Shiningsun · 21/02/2023 21:23

What offer holder events are tomorrow? Apart from G&L

SamPoodle123 · 21/02/2023 21:58

Emanuel has one tomorrow as well.

parietal · 21/02/2023 22:02

My DD started out at no33 in the waitlist for another north london private girls school and got an offer 2 weeks later. so there can be a lot of movement in the lists - don't give up

Shiningsun · 21/02/2023 22:18

SamPoodle123 · 21/02/2023 21:58

Emanuel has one tomorrow as well.

Different timings I hope? Both are so popular and attractive.

AnnieApple123 · 21/02/2023 22:26

I couldn’t give you any figures but, as a former 11+ tutor in that area, I can tell you that historically there has usually been significant movement. For the majority of those applying, it won’t be their first choice. This is particularly true as it’s a consortium school (unless I’m out-of-date now?) so lots of people will add it an extra choice even if they’re not very serious about it as it won’t require sitting any more exams. Obviously the school is aware of this and over-offers somewhat yet still a lot more places become available later on IME. Hope it works out for you.

Original poster

ForestOfDave · 22/02/2023 08:56

That's heartening @AnnieApple123. I've heard similar anecdotes because the the school is (still) part of the N London 11+ consortium. Let's hope that's how it'll play out this year too.

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yeOldeVictorians · 22/02/2023 11:07

Shiningsun · 21/02/2023 21:23

What offer holder events are tomorrow? Apart from G&L

NLCS offer event today
CLSG had theirs yesterday

SamPoodle123 · 22/02/2023 11:13

Shiningsun · 21/02/2023 22:18

Different timings I hope? Both are so popular and attractive.

Show quote history

Emanuel gives 3 different days for their holder events. We did not go to the one today because it clashed with her G&L one. But we will go to Emanuel tomorrow. It is our first time actually viewing the schools so it is good to get a tour and ask questions. Makes it hard to make a choice though, as each school we see we really like.

Kittylondon · 23/02/2023 19:35

I think we know a couple of kids with offers there who have other schools and will probably give them up, if that offers any hope ..

Original poster

ForestOfDave · 23/02/2023 21:09

Kittylondon · 23/02/2023 19:35

I think we know a couple of kids with offers there who have other schools and will probably give them up, if that offers any hope ..

Definitely @Kittylondon. Definitely!! Thank you for cheering me up 😊

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stclair · 25/02/2023 16:53

@ForestOfDave we are in the same situation waiting for Queens. A back up school deadline is on Wednesday so I’m really hoping we aren’t going to have to pay the deposit there if we have a chance with Queen’s after. My hair is getting greyer by the day!

Original poster

ForestOfDave · 25/02/2023 17:23

stclair · 25/02/2023 16:53

@ForestOfDave we are in the same situation waiting for Queens. A back up school deadline is on Wednesday so I’m really hoping we aren’t going to have to pay the deposit there if we have a chance with Queen’s after. My hair is getting greyer by the day!

I'm so sorry you're in the same boat. My nerves have been well and truly shot!!

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Kittylondon · 25/02/2023 20:31

stclair · 25/02/2023 16:53

@ForestOfDave we are in the same situation waiting for Queens. A back up school deadline is on Wednesday so I’m really hoping we aren’t going to have to pay the deposit there if we have a chance with Queen’s after. My hair is getting greyer by the day!

The deadline for Queens acceptance is Monday 6 March so you might not know before then. Although the offer holders events are this Monday. Just giving you the information so you know even if it’s not what you’d like to hear.

Original poster

ForestOfDave · 25/02/2023 23:27

That's helpful to know @Kittylondon. Thank you. Our second choice school offer has to be accepted on Thursday of this week (3rd March). I'd rather pay a deposit there but get a place at FHS over the next week or so than miss out on FHS completely. It's not ideal by any means but something I've already got my head around. Grr.

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stclair · 26/02/2023 09:05

@Kittylondon yes, thanks, the office told me they may not get much movement before the 3rd. Timings are not great for us!

NHMama · 27/02/2023 10:30

We gave up a place at FHS RP on Friday. Good luck!

Original poster

ForestOfDave · 27/02/2023 11:27

Ha! Thanks @NHMama ! Let's hope some more make a similar decision. May I ask which school you opted for instead?

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Satman · 27/02/2023 14:53

GD offered a place at FHS this morning off the waiting list...There will be movement this week as State School apps open up and parents may switch from independent schools. Anyone have an idea hoe FHS compares to Queens College london?

NHMama · 27/02/2023 15:59

ForestOfDave · 27/02/2023 11:27

Ha! Thanks @NHMama ! Let's hope some more make a similar decision. May I ask which school you opted for instead?

Still undecided. Betweeen LEH, G&L and FHSS. Leaning towards FHSS.