high school

[Kavim]

Dear all,
I am living in Ipswich and got a school which is don't prefer but confused of next steps. can someone enlighten me of better/preferred high schools in Ipswich in terms of academics, better environment as my child is a bit reserve type. any suggestions/thoughts are most welcome.
We are thinking moving the house so can flex based on school.

Thanks in advance!

I think you need to post again with the title 'Ipswich High Schools' because you need to attract people with regional knowledge!

I'm not sure it's possible to appeal a decision just because you want a more academic school, it would need to be more specific. Have a look at some of the appeals threads on here.

Good luck!

Have you just been allocated a place for starting in year 7 in September?

You can go on waiting lists for schools you prefer, or you can appeal if there's a strong reason why a particular school would be beneficial for your child (eg they offer a language they have a particular interest in).

There may be some schools that haven't filled their places - you could get a place in one of those easily, but they tend to be the less well-regarded schools. Where there is a waiting list, you have to wait for someone to decide they don't want a place there after all. There's quite a lot of movement right now, as those going private turn down the state school place they've been offered, so if you're near the top of the list on your first choice, you may be lucky. Later on, you're waiting for people who are re-locating to free up a place.

Moving house won't necessarily get you into a different school at this point. It would only change where you are on the waiting list, as distance from the school is usually one of the admissions criteria. It doesn't help moving from number 20 to number 5 on the waiting list if only 3 places ever become available. Also bear in mind that if a school takes an extra two pupils on appeal, then three pupils will need to leave before anyone is admitted from the waiting list.

Sure, Thank you!

We have been offered based on catchment which we aren't happy and our preferred choices shows waiting list. Wondering on next steps but understand moving house doesn't guarantee a place in school that we prefer.

Thanks for details shared which is very helpful.

OP unfortunately moving house now (your child is in year 6?) will not gain you a place anywhere, as applications and allocations have happened. What it will do is move you up the waiting list of the school you move near to. But that still may not mean you gain a place there, as you are relying on someone declining their place. Also I would imagine moving would take a few months at least.

I would look at waiting lists and perhaps appealing as PPs say.

What is there about the school you prefer that would make it specifically suitable for your child? There are lots of threads on this board with bags of helpful appeal advice.

How to check the waiting list? Is that transparent?

The local authority will be able to tell you - I believe waiting lists are not usually pulled together until a while after allocation day (not sure how long - a couple of weeks?) to give people a chance to accept or reject spaces, take up a space in private school etc.

You can go on a waiting list for any school you prefer, not just the ones you put on the form. I believe they are usually updated each year - in other words you need to let the school know after September that you want to stay on the waiting list, as of course many children end up being happy with their allocated school and don't wish to move.