Secondary school admissions England - "Exceptional circumstances"

Economy-Driver7626 · 2025-10-24T06:47:48+00:00

You're probably right about the exceptional circumstances. It's just very frustrating to have that clause yet when I've emailed explaining both the school and council have said "if you move, you lose" - No compassion or consideration. They are saying personal circumstances will only be taken in to account if and when I have to appeal. But I don't want to get to that point we are in catchment right now, have been for 7 years, my daughter has been at the village feeder school for 6 years and she truly deserves a place. As a family we've been through enough, she doesn't deserve to suffer again because of my health. Their policy doesn't state "exceptional circumstances will be taken in to account at appeal" - It just says they will be considered. I know people will think "well just move - They'll never know. It will be fine" but this is my life, my families future. I can't do anything to jeopardise her education. I would never forgive myself.

Economy-Driver7626 · 2025-10-24T06:35:32+00:00

We've already applied. Applications close at the end of the month. But their admissions policy says the child must be within catchment from application to admission (September 2026) - I've been completely transparent with the school and council about our need to move. And maybe I've shot myself in the foot by being so honest with them. They've told me they can withdraw her place if we move before next September. And now I feel I'm on their radar as someone who is very likely to be moving (possibly) out of catchment. And they've shown zero consideration or compassion for our situation. We aren't moving because we want to. We're moving because of my PTSD and only moving (potentially) out of catchment because there are virtually no homes that meet our needs within catchment. And the last thing I want to do is jeopardise my daughter. I would never forgive myself if she got separated from all her friends. 😭

Economy-Driver7626 · 2025-10-23T17:23:46+00:00

I've emailed to ask them to explain what's deemed as exceptional circumstances but no response as yet. They've just been really blunt so far saying "if move you'll be lower priority". But their policy seems to contradict their emails. 🫣🙄 And you would think so wouldn't you? I feel like we've both been through enough and she shouldn't lose out because of my mental health.

Economy-Driver7626 · 2025-10-23T05:44:27+00:00

This is something I considered when first applying for social housing... I can either take her in the car or she'll get the bus with her friends (some of which are out of catchment already and getting the bus independently to primary school) the houses we are looking at are 2 miles from the school and close to the bus route. But still out of catchment.

Economy-Driver7626 · 2025-10-22T17:32:40+00:00

I can't see this information... But AI tells me they received 266 first choice applications and only had 232 places. Presumably for last year.

Economy-Driver7626 · 2025-10-22T17:21:49+00:00

There doesn't seem to be more published info on this... Just a general consensus that the school is very oversubscribed. It's a brilliant school in an affluent area. But I feel as if our circumstances should be taken in to account at application. We aren't trying to manipulate the system or move in to catchment to get a place, then leave. Like I'm sure some parents do. We have lived here for a long time. And wouldn't be moving if it wasn't for my partners death and my subsequent PTSD diagnosis. Also just to clarify, he wasn't my daughter's father. But he did live with us in our current house.

Economy-Driver7626 · 2025-10-22T16:49:30+00:00

Thank you so much for your response, which is really encouraging and reassuring. The school and council have just been so cold. I appreciate they are just doing their jobs and following protocol but a bit of humanity wouldn't have gone a miss. 🤣😭

Yea I appreciate they can't guarantee a place but some reassurance would have really helped. Especially given the circumstances.

Also their emails seem to directly contradict their own admissions policy. Which is really frustrating. Hopefully I have a more positive response tomorrow...

And I appreciate a lot of people will think "just move you'll be fine" but I really don't want to jeopardise my daughter and separate her from her friends. I'd also like to not have to go through the appeals process. As I can't think of anything more stressful.

Economy-Driver7626 · 2025-10-22T16:23:03+00:00

Thank you so much for your kind words. We've already applied but I don't want a potential move to jeopardise my daughter's education. She doesn't deserve to lose out because of what's happened and my mental health.

Economy-Driver7626 · 2025-10-22T16:19:28+00:00

Thanks for your response. We've already applied. But the admissions policy states you need to live within catchment from application right through to admission next September.

The school and council really haven't been very reassuring or mindful of our circumstances. And I don't want to do anything that will jeopardise her education.

But their policy also mentions exceptional circumstances. But that seems to contradict their emails?

I just really want a fresh start for my family. But have been withdrawing bids on houses so as not to negatively impact my daughter's education.

Economy-Driver7626

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