Accepting 2 primary school offers?

sReq | uTeK

Hi all, I would appreciate any advice on the following situation.

Our daughter has been accepted to a great school to start primary this September 2017. However, now there is a chance we could be moving slightly out of the catchment of this school prior to September.

A couple of days ago we received another offer of a primary school that would be close to the house we may be moving to.

Although we would prefer the first school I am worried we might not be eligible anymore if we move. Is it possible to accept the offer of this second school aswell just for maybe 2 weeks until we are sure if we are making the move or not? I understand we are fortunate to have the choice and we would be holding an extra spot which could be seen as selfish. But I don't want to say no to the second school and then also lose the place in the first of we do move! We would be in a very unfortunate position then.

So basically, are we able to accept this second place or is there some sort of system like POD or whatever that can tell the schools we have already accepted a place elsewhere?

Please no judgement... Just looking for objective answer. Thanks in advance!

Big Bag of Chips

If she has been offered a place in the school you'd prefer her to go to, then just accept that place. If it's still within driving distance to where you might be moving then I don't see the issue in bringing her there. People often move house without moving school if it's in a reasonable distance, so it's not like the place will be taken off your child just because she no longer lives within the boundary.

sReq | uTeK

Big Bag of Chips wrote: »

If she has been offered a place in the school you'd prefer her to go to, then just accept that place. If it's still within driving distance to where you might be moving then I don't see the issue in bringing her there. People often move house without moving school if it's in a reasonable distance, so it's not like the place will be taken off your child just because she no longer lives within the boundary.

Yes this would obviously be the ideal. And we did accept the offer months ago when it was offered. But the school is very oversubscribed and is quite exclusive to the parish and catchment. If we were to move prior to her starting she would more than likely lose her place.

AndrewJRenko

It certainly causes difficulties for school principals and other parents on waiting lists if you accept a place and then turn it down at short notice or just don't show up, as sometimes happens. Worst case, it can lead to a school losing a teacher if it takes them below the threshold.

sReq | uTeK

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

It certainly causes difficulties for school principals and other parents on waiting lists if you accept a place and then turn it down at short notice or just don't show up, as sometimes happens. Worst case, it can lead to a school losing a teacher if it takes them below the threshold.

Yes I understand this. But we wouldn't be doing that. We need to give an answer by tomorrow and at the most it would be 2 weeks (so the start of June) before we let whichever school know we cannot attend. I'm just worried we will end up losing both places if we don't accept this second offer. I just wanted to know if there are implications for us if we do this.

Big Bag of Chips

There is no central database. Unless the schools share information with each other then they won't know. Will you be moved before the end of June? If not then how will the school know whether you're moving or not. You will have received the book list and start date before the school closes for summer. So just take the place you want most and say nothing!

You mightn't even be moving!! Or if you're only moving a short distance delay it a few weeks!

sReq | uTeK

Big Bag of Chips wrote: »

There is no central database. Unless the schools share information with each other then they won't know. Will you be moved before the end of June? If not then how will the school know whether you're moving or not. You will have received the book list and start date before the school closes for summer. So just take the place you want most and say nothing!

You mightn't even be moving!! Or if you're only moving a short distance delay it a few weeks!

Thanks for this! We will know the first week of June. I just think it'd look dishonest or make us look bad if we didn't say anything then told them about the change of address the week after she starts. I know this might sound really silly but I'd worry about the implications for her if they thought we had not been honest about the address change etc... I know I'm probably over thinking it!

I think we will just accept the second place and then when we know for sure in the next 2 weeks about the move I will ring whichever school we will be declining and let them know. I know it might put someone else out for the 2 weeks but I don't really think we have too much choice otherwise. Thanks again for all the advice!

byhookorbycrook

Why not ring the first school and explain your case?

pawrick

Go with the school which suits your childs needs best and let the other school know as soon as possible that you will not be sending your child there in September.

There is no official system in place for schools to share information on potential enrollments but some may cross check with neighboring schools particularly in high demand areas or as they may seek extra resources e.g. teaching posts based on projected enrollments in the coming school year. If they fail to achieve the projected figures they risk losing any additional posts based on these projections.

Big Bag of Chips

If you'll know by the first week in June, that's plenty time. Just let whichever school know immediately once you're not taking the place.

sReq | uTeK

Thanks again for all the replies. Yep we will accept and then cancel one place first week of June. School won't even have finished then so hopefully they will fill the place (I'm in no doubt they will as my daughter was number 50 on the waiting list of the one that was offered yesterday!). So i think there will be takers. Thanks again my mind has been put at ease!

Moonbeam

Accept both and then as soon as you know ring the 2nd school so they can offer the next person a place.