Primary School Offer Day: Your Guide to the Next Steps

Today is primary school offer day, meaning that local councils reveal to parents which state primary school they have been allocated for their child from September 2024.

At Farlington, we understand that this day can go one of two ways. It may be filled with joy and excitement, because you know that your child will begin their education at the school you have had your heart set on for months or even years. Or, it could be a day filled with stress and frustration, as you receive the news that your child has not been offered the school place you had been hoping for.

Don't panic! You DO have options

Starting school for the first time is a huge milestone for both children and parents, and we understand that primary school offer day can be a stressful experience. But it's important to remember that you DO have options. 

Here at Farlington, we have put together this guide to make it as easy as possible for you to navigate the state primary school allocation process and secure the school place that is the best for your child. 

Step 1: Check your offer email or letter

Primary school allocation notifications are usually sent via email, letter or an online portal. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder as well, as sometimes important emails can get filtered out by mistake!

Step 2: Read the offer letter carefully

When you receive your offer letter, read it carefully to understand which school your child has been allocated. Make a note of any important information, such as the start date and term times.

Step 3: Consider your options

If you are happy with the school that has been allocated to your child, then congratulations! You can begin the exciting preparations for September (see our useful article, Top 10 Tips for Starting School, for some helpful advice). 

However, if you are unhappy with the school that has been allocated to your child, it's important to remain calm and remember that there are still options available to you.

Option 1: Appeal the decision

If you believe that your child has been unfairly allocated a school place that is not right for you and your family, you can appeal the decision. You will need to prepare a case and evidence for an appeal hearing. 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 set criteria. They will move up the list if a child above them is accepted into the school or removed from the list, and they will move down the list if another childs 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 wish 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 more personalised learning experience that is based on their individual needs, ensuring that they are happy, thrive and reach their full potential. Children at independent schools benefit from smaller class sizes, which means more attention from their teachers - and children from Reception upwards often enjoy specialist teaching for certain subjects, for example sport, music and foreign languages. Furthermore, at independent schools there is often more emphasis placed upon character development, which can be nurtured through a wider range of extra-curricular activities - at Farlington, our Reception children enjoy weekly swimming lessons, Forest School sessions and dance classes. 

Finding the right independent school

If you are considering an independent education for your child, we recommend taking the following steps:

1. Do your research

Have a look through each school's website, and read through their prospectus online if possible (take a look at our Farlington School Prospectus today). It's also useful to look through online schools’ directories (you’ll find Farlington on lots of online schools’ listings, for example here on schoolguide.co.uk). This will all help you to get a sense of each school's offer, and begin to decide if your child could be happy there.

2. Consider the cost

You might not have planned for the financial cost of an independent school, but it may be more affordable than you think. Different independent schools have different price points, so it is important to check and compare fees (you can view our fees here: Fee Information), as well as bursary and scholarship options. As a Bellevue school, we offer 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.

3. 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. When you arrange a tour of a school, you will view the classrooms, facilities and grounds, meet some of the teachers and pupils and get a general feel for the school. At Farlington, 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 our friendly Admissions Team today!

If you have been left disappointed by the primary school offer you have received today, then please do get in touch with our Admissions Department. We would be more than happy to talk through your situation and discuss your options.

Why not book a place at our next Open Morning? Find out more here: Visiting Farlington