Almost there, but not quite – Waiting List Woes

You get through the ISEB Pre-test, fly through the interviews… only to get a waiting list offer.

Don’t despair! 

A waiting list place is NOT a rejection. You are still in the picture.

In 2020, five of my boys moved from reserve to general places at Winchester. One of my boys moved from the Eton waiting list and one of my girls has just moved off the waiting list at Downe House to the delight of her parents.

 

Why do schools have waiting lists? 

It is no secret that families apply to multiple schools. If a school makes 10 offers, they can assume that a proportion of the candidates will not accept, or may drop out later. Hence the waiting list.

 

Why do students move from the waiting list?

Some students may have a couple of options to consider. Once they give up their places, the schools will go to the waiting list to fill the gaps.

Other places will become available after scholarship exams take place. For example, Winchester candidates for Election will generally be holding offers for Commoner places. Once the Election results are released, the Commoner places become available. Harrow and Eton also release places pending scholarship results.

For many reasons, students may not be able to take up their places at the school. Once families notify the schools, the places will be released.

 

When do students move from the waiting list?

Places released by scholarship results: check the timing of the results on the school websites.

For ad-hoc places, these really can come up at any time. I have had last-minute offers from some amazing schools because someone has dropped out. Acceptance really does depend on how flexible (and patient) you can be.

 

What happens at Eton?

Your son will be re-assessed with the rest of the waiting list boys in Year Seven. You will receive information about this from the Registrar closer to the time.

 

What do I do if I have a waiting list place?

Come and talk to me and I will advise you on a plan of action.

 

Is there hope? 

You need to be realistic and consider alternative options. In my experience, most school waiting lists really are genuine. The school likes your son or daughter, feel they would thrive with them, but simply can’t fit them in.