If you’re going to contact private schools about making a late application, you need (somewhat ironically) to be prepared!

Seriously, spending a little time on it now will give you the best possible chance of getting a successful approach. Desparate choices are rarely the best choices.

Here is a quick list you should check off before you start calling schools:

i) Prioritise your private school requirements

Let’s assume you are late because you are new to the private school system. You’ll first need to outline and prioritise your basic requirements. Our application guides go into more depth about each consideration below. But, to get you started, note down your requirements for:

• Time and age of entrance
• Single sex or co-ed
• Religion/ethos
• Academic level
• Facilities
• Specialist support
• Wraparound care
• Budget
• Location

Now take a moment to prioritise these. Let us know if you need a Top School Guide weighted school decision matrix.

ii) Review location

When you are making a late private school application, you need to be flexible and open-minded.

Of course anyone looking for a day place will want it close to home, but try to cast the location net as wide as possible. Perhaps there are schools on your commute to work? Maybe an extra 10 minutes school run each way could open up some options?

Keep in mind that your school commute is about time, not distance. At school-run-o’clock some places that are further away as the crow flies might still be quicker to get to.

Depending on your child’s age and your personal circumstances, you could even consider weekly boarding. This could significantly widen the range of available and suitable private schools.

iii) Get your school application documents together

Schools will tend to require:

• The past 2 years of school reports
• Child’s ID
• Any Ed Psych report

Make sure you have these ready in well organised, clearly labelled electronic files.  You may be asked to immediately send these to any schools that can consider an application.

iv) Prioritise your target school list

The number of available schools to target will be greatly influenced by your location. Greater London, for example, has a much higheer density of private schools than a small village out in the provinces.

As you are applying late you need to cast the net wide. You will likely encounter a fair few rejections, so remember to be flexible and open-minded at this stage. You can be pickier once you actually have a few available schools!

!Don’t skip the groundwork!

This initial groundwork is well worth the short time it takes. Once you’ve finished these preparations, give yourself five minutes to put the kettle on or pour a stiff drink, as you’ll need to be on top form for Step 2.

First, you need to suss out which schools can consider your late private school application.

The best way is to call them. You can also use these calls as an opportunity to further investigate each school’s suitability for your family.

Here is a useful crib sheet for any parent calling up private schools to enquire about making a late application:

1. 1. Quick introduction. Acknowledge you are late, explain that their school would be a really great fit, and ask if there’s any chance of applying for a Year X place starting in MM/YY.Be prepared to explain why you are late if asked, and to answer some initial questions about your child and family.
   2. If there is an opportunity to apply, note down details of what you need to do next. It’s also worth politely checking how well the school meets your requirements (“could I please just clarify the times for your breakfast and after school clubs?” etc.)
   3. If you are told the school is not accepting any more applications, you still need to ascertain if whether the situation might change:
      Are the offers out already?
      What’s the acceptance deadline? (They might not tell you but if you can find out from a friend, then you can plan to call the school again during acceptance deadline week.)
      Is there a waiting list?
      If so, how many are ahead of you on it?
      What would the next potential entrance point be, and when is the registration window for this?

Collate the information you need

Private school admissions staff can occasionally come across as a bit cold and “gatekeeperish”, but the majority will be warm, empathetic, and keen to help you however they can.

Once you have exhausted your list of schools (and voice), you should have three separate categories of school: Definite “no”s, Definite “yes”es, and some “maybe”s. Some “maybes” might be stronger than others.

Make sure you follow up immediately with any schools which have requested you do so. Also record all the notes you’ve made for each school and set up any useful future reminders on your phone.

You should now know what your immediate options are, and if there’s a chance that something interesting might pop up in the near future.

Take a little breather and objectively review your requirements in more depth. If you have time to visit any schools, go as soon as you can to weigh up which one(s) will be the best fit. Get your young person involved in the decision making process.

Secure a place at your best immediately available school

Let’s be clear again: You do not want to be left with no school at all. For obvious reasons, you must never rely on a waiting list place becoming available.

Hopefully you will have uncovered an available place at a school which is absolutely perfect. At the very least, it should meet at least enough of your requirements.

If so, get on with securing the place as soon as you can. There will be other people in the same boat as you, and schools will not want to keep offers open for too long.

Chances of a school upgrade?

It would be best if you are really happy with your new school place, and have now finished your late privste school application. Your child will likely be apprehensive enough about changing school, so they’ll benefit from the certainty of knowing where they are going.

However, if you are still not completely satisfied you could still pursue those waiting-list schools. So don’t be shy about chasing. Follow up until you get an outright “no” from every school you prefer.

Do keep in mind that you will lose any deposit you have already paid, and check the required withdrawal notice period on the school contract you have signed. Schools understandably need to protect themselves from last-minute withdrawals, so often include a clause which will make you liable for the first term’s fees (or more) even if your child does not attend!

Future private school upgrades

Standard entrance points for private senior schools are at age 11+, 13+, and 16+. Depending on your young person’s current age, you might be able to apply when standard registration windows are open in future.

Have a look at Top School Guide’s application guides section for further details about each entrance point.

Top School Guide can manage your late private school applications

Late private day school applications are tough work. There are a lot of plates to spin, bets to hedge and calls to make.

Top School Guide can quickly understand your priorities and identify suitable schools. By knowing each school and what they are looking for, we can sometimes open doors which are initially closed.

So if you would rather delegate the whole task to an experienced expert, then please get in touch.

+44 1892 862554

hello@topschoolguide.com