How to apply for big school?

[Sara_H]

Just some advice.

We're about to submit an application for our son's secondary school place. Our preferred school isn't our feeder or catchment school.

The school in question is under subscribed for catchment places, but does usually have to reject some out of catchment applications, so I'm looking for top tips on how to word our application for maximum chance of success.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Please find enclosed bundle of £50 notes.

 

[hobbitonabike]

Have you visited the school? Made an appointment with the head? Go along and show lots of interest and enthusiasm. Positivity can go a long way and certainly can't hurt. If you are pro active and make a positive impression maybe it will help you stand out in their minds? Just few ideas...not from any experience I might add!!

 

[Davidc]

"Dear Head Teacher

I'm holding sensitive information on several OFSTED inspectors which they wouldn't want their partners to see"

(Although I suspect there may be laws against this technique)

 

[Sara_H]

Yes we've been to the open evening, there wasn't a chance to meet the head personally though.

 

[DCLane]

You're looking to include aspects such as sporting/cultural interests & achievements, church involvement (if a faith school), specific reasons for school selection for the child.

We've been through this with our eldest, who managed to get a grammar place via an entrance exam. The youngest starts with his tutor this week for next year's exam as we'll be going through the same process in 12 months time!

 

[Sara_H]

You're looking to include aspects such as sporting/cultural interests & achievements, church involvement (if a faith school), specific reasons for school selection for the child.

We've been through this with our eldest, who managed to get a grammar place via an entrance exam. The youngest starts with his tutor this week for next year's exam as we'll be going through the same process in 12 months time!

Thank you for your helpful reply. So it's a mix of big up my son, and big up the school?

 

[threebikesmcginty]

[QUOTE 2681642, member: 1314"]innit[/quote]

Just don't say innit at the end of every sentence.

innit

 

[mark st1]

Why do you want that particular school and not one in your catchment area out of interest innit ?

 

[mr_cellophane]

Rent a flat in the catchment area works round here. No need to live in it as no one checks. No one wonders why you apear to have left a 4 bed detached house in a nice location for a 2 bed flat on the edge of a council estate either.

 

[Sara_H]

Thanks CCers.

@mark st1 it's a simple comparison of the two schools using all the information available. One is clearly better suited to our sons needs.

It's a shame as our catchment school is literally at the bottom of the road, where as the school we hope to get him into is about 4 miles away which means school bus or bike, though that's no bother in the grand scheme of things innit?

 

[mark st1]

Id tell them that then im sure they would appreciate the honesty and the fact you have chosen them ahead of the one that's a stones throw away will show you have done your research on the 2 schools.

Going through the same atm although luckily our local school my lad has fallen in love with we went to an open evening on Tuesday night the stuff they have on offer is unreal nowadays !! Just the thought of him going though makes me nervous he is still my little boy (nearly 11 though )

 

[Puddles]

Yes we've been to the open evening, there wasn't a chance to meet the head personally though.

Can you not make an appointment to see the Head?

 

[mr_cellophane]

[QUOTE 2682036, member: 1314"]The oldest has only been mugged once, which is alright.[/quote]
Sounds OK. A teacher got stabbed at my old school just after I left. Last I heard he gave up teaching and was a failed candidate for a Police Commisioner

 

[Sara_H]

Can you not make an appointment to see the Head?

I could try..it's a big school, 1800 pupils, so head may not have time to see all perspective parents.