Waiting List Query - 2nd vs 1st preference

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bridgeford
Posts: 28
Joined: Mon Oct 12, 2015 11:12 pm

Waiting List Query - 2nd vs 1st preference

Post by bridgeford »

What happens if the applicant has been allocated a place at second preference school on the offer day, while on the waitlist for the first preference? If the applicant has accepted the place at 2nd preference, and after a while also gets an offer from the 1st preference (once the waitlist is resolved).

Does the applicant necessarily have to accept the 1st preference or can she choose to stay with the initial allocation at the 2nd preference (due to change of mind)? Is she forced to accept the new offer or can she decline the new offer?
Guest55
Posts: 16254
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:21 pm

Re: Waiting List Query - 2nd vs 1st preference

Post by Guest55 »

Check with your LA - with some you get a choice but with some you are automatically given a higher preference when/if it becomes available.
kenyancowgirl
Posts: 6738
Joined: Mon Oct 21, 2013 8:59 pm

Re: Waiting List Query - 2nd vs 1st preference

Post by kenyancowgirl »

If, you have already decided that you are happier with the second choice school, you can simply tell the LA that you no longer wish to be on the waiting list for the first preference school. Otherwise, it is as Guest describes - some will assume the first preference is what you actually want, others ask you specifically if you want to change.
Daogroupie
Posts: 11099
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 3:01 pm
Location: Herts

Re: Waiting List Query - 2nd vs 1st preference

Post by Daogroupie »

Our LA, Herts, will continue to follow your wishes as stated on the CAF form. So if you decide you are happy with your second choice you really need to tell them or you may end up with your first choice.

A parent from our local primary agreed to put a girls school first as her dd was desperate to go to the same school as her friend. But the parent really wanted the local co-ed so the younger brother could attend the same school.

On allocation day she was allocated the local co-ed and her mother was delighted. Three weeks later she was allocated her first preference which she then turned down. She was then left with no school as Herts had already reallocated her second choice school.

She went six agonizing weeks with no school until finally another place came up. So if you want a lower preference let your council know. DG
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