Thomas’s Clapham for entry Sept 2020 Post Reply

[ClaphamMum199]

Hello,
Just looking for some advice or experience from anyone who has been though / or is currently going though similar regarding entry to Thomas’s Clapham for next September 2020.
We didn’t move to the area until our oldest was 10months so unfortunately we have only ever been on the reserve list for Thomas’s Clapham (albeit our second daughter was born after we moved so now has a confirmed assessment for entry 2022). We went to see the school twice earlier in the year and each time made a concerted effort to stay after and speak to both the Head and registrar. We have also stayed in touch frequently with the registrar since then making it very clear we were super keen (and she acknowledged this aswell).
We were thus very hopeful that we would be able to get our daughter an assessment despite only being on the reserve list but have recently been told that this year there are a high number of siblings and particularly girl siblings including those born in the same month as our daughter (April).
As the assessments don’t take place until November we are wondering whether to just keep calling in case anything might change between now and then, or whether to just give up! We have another school option but Thomas’s is definitely our preferred one for a number of reasons, not least that it’s right on our doorstep which makes it even more frustrating! Also frustrating that our second daughter has a confirmed assessment for 2022.
Any advice or experience from anyone who has been through or is going through similar would be extremely welcome.
Many thanks!

[Southsider]

We were in this exact position a couple of years ago and didn't end up getting an assessment in the end - there was no movement on the list whatsoever that year.  It does look like there is quite a bit of movement around school places in general at the moment due to Brexit so it could be different this year?  

Back then I was gutted not to even get the chance of an assessment but we've ended up at a school that we love so it all worked out in the end.  So much so we turned down this year's Thomas's assessment for my youngest (although he's a boy so sadly doesn't sound like that would benefit you). 

All you can do is what you're doing - stay in touch with the school regularly (I thought the new registrar seemed MUCH nicer than the old one we dealt with so that's one thing!) but I would also very seriously consider other options too.

Either way it will all turn out well, I'm sure.  And on the off chance it doesn't, there's always the option to move in year 1 if you'd still prefer Thomas's then - places always become available due to all the movement in and out of London.  Good luck!  

[ClaphamConnery]

It is definitely worth continuing to express an interest. I know two families who got a call the day before about an assessment and some people change their mind on the actual day. I would email the registrar but not too often just letting her know you can make yourself available at short notice should a slot come up. 
Good luck and do remember there are so many good schools in the area, you will love the school your dd ends up attending in all likelihood!

[ClaphamMum199]

Thanks Southsider and ClaphamConnery for the advice - helpful and reassuring!

[Happychange18]

Hi, curious to know if you got an assessment?my little boy is on the waitlist for 2021 as well and I’m stressing about whether he will get a space.

[ClaphamMum199]

Hi Happychange18 I posted you a private message a while back but only just noticed that it’s still unread. If you would like any more advice feel free to message me!

[Sarah1991]

Thanks for the advice guys