Your child starting school for the first time is a huge milestone for every family and we understand that this can already be a daunting experience. Edenhurst Prep School has put together this guide to make it as easy as possible for you to navigate Primary School Offer Day to secure a school place that will be best for your child.
School offer day can go one of two ways; filled with joy and excitement because your child will begin their education at your first choice school, or stress and frustration because they were allocated a place you are unhappy with.
If you are happy with the school that has been allocated to your child, then congratulations! You can start preparing for the next steps, such as buying school uniforms and books. However, if you are unhappy with the school that has been allocated to your child, it’s important to avoid stress and carefully consider the many options available to you.
Option 1: Appeal the decision
If you believe that your child has been unfairly allocated a school place, you can appeal the decision. The appeal process can be lengthy and there is no guarantee that you will be successful, but it is worth pursuing if you feel strongly that your child has been unfairly treated.
Option 2: Join a waiting list
Most schools in the state sector will operate a waiting list system, depending on whether there are spaces available. Your child’s position on a waiting list will be determined by a set criteria. They will move up the list if a child above them is accepted into the school, or is removed from the list and they will move down the list if another child meets more of the admissions criteria.
Option 3: Consider an independent school
If you are unable to secure a place at a state-funded school that meets your child’s needs, you may want to consider an independent school. Independent schools are not governed by the local authority and have more flexibility in their admissions policies.
Independent schools can offer your child a customised learning experience based on their individual needs to ensure they are happy, thrive and achieve the best of their ability. Children benefit from smaller sizes and more attention from specialist teachers. Compared to state schools, there is more emphasis placed upon character development which can be nurtured through a wider range of extra-curricular activities.
Steps if you are considering an independent school:
- Research schools – Look at websites (www.edenhurst.co.uk), prospectuses, or schools’ guides to get a sense of their offer and if your child will be happy and thrive there.
- Consider the cost – You may not have planned for the financial cost of an independent school, but it can be more affordable than you may think. Different independent schools have different price points, so it is important to check and compare fees as well as bursary and scholarship options. Edenhurst offers an interest-free monthly payment scheme, which can allow for easier budgeting and help make payments more manageable for you. The fees for each term are split into three equal instalments and paid during the first three months of the term.
- Visit the school – There is no better way to get a sense of a school than to see it in person and assess if it is the right place for your child. View the facilities, assess the atmosphere and meet some of the teachers and pupils. At Edenhurst, we offer personalised tours at a time which is most convenient for you, so you don’t have to wait until the next open day.
Talk to Edenhurst Prep School today!
Located in the Westlands, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Edenhurst Preparatory School is an independent day school and nursery for boys and girls from 3 months to 11 years. If you have been left disappointed following School Offer day, then contact us today. We will be more than happy to talk through your situation and discuss your options with you. Please call Mrs Clair Wardle, our Admissions Officer, on 01782 619348 or email clair.wardle@edenhurst.co.uk.
Come and see Edenhurst in action at one of our forthcoming events:
Reception Taster Morning
Friday 19th April, 9:00 – 10:30am
This special event is designed to help prepare children for the transition to Reception and will be led by our Assistant Head Teacher (EYFS and Pre-Prep), Pastoral Lead and Reception Teacher, Mrs Catherine Bartholomew. If you are interested in attending, please call Mrs Clair Wardle, our Admissions Officer, on 01782 619348 or email clair.wardle@edenhurst.co.uk.
Open Week
Monday 22nd – Friday 26th April 2024
Come and see our school and nursery in action, talk with our team about our curriculum, events and activities, and explore our facilities, including the astroturf, outdoor garden, planting area, Science laboratory, Art and Design Technology Suite, Library and teaching classrooms. Tours will be available from 9:30am-3:30pm every day for School and between 9:30-11:30am and 1:30-3:30pm for Nursery. If you are interested in attending, please call Mrs Clair Wardle, our Admissions Officer, on 01782 619348 or email clair.wardle@edenhurst.co.uk.
