Transferring schools

[Symons80]

We are 9th on the waiting list for starting a new school in Wimbledon in Year 8 (has 240 students in year 8, so it’s a big school), anyone been in a similar position and got a place in September?! Wondering how long I’m going to have to home school her and hoping we get a place asap!

Tbf no one here can know – if someone did get a place from ninth on the WL at their local school, it (obvs) doesn’t mean that you will.

Personally, and even tho year 8 is sometimes a year chosen to move as it's not so crucial as (say) year 10, I doubt that nine year 8 students will leave the school by the end of next month. That’s what you need, basically, isn’t it?

Did you move into the area? Your LA is obliged to find you a school place so no need to home school (unless you want to of course). I would be inclined to accept that – you can still stay on the WL for the preferred school.

Is there usually a lot of movement in this school? 240 pupils per year is pretty average for secondary schools where I am tbh. But being in London may mean a greater mobility.

Remember those 8 families ahead of you might not take up a place.
Also check if you need to reapply for the waiting list for the new school year.

Remember waiting lists change all the time and your child’s position may drop as others may have a higher priority for a place according to the oversubscription criteria. People may have moved into the area over the summer and be without a school place / out of education so will need a place quickly. Has the LA offered any place?

Nine is quite a lot of kids leaving at once, although population mobility varies between areas. However it's possible that if places become available after the start of term, some of those above you on the waiting list will have just got settled in another school and turn down the place because they're okay with where they are. It might depend how many of those children are on the waiting list because they're new to the area, and how many are children who have not settled in the school they went to in year 7 and are desperately hoping for a move. I guess this year there may also be some whose parents have decided they can't afford private any more.