Didn’t get into your choice of primary or secondary school for your child? It’s a horrible moment, and it’s completely normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed about what to do next.
Here are some practical suggestions for what to do if you don’t get the school of choice for your child.
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You’ve spent all that time carefully weighing up the school options for your child — applying, going to open evenings — and now it feels like the wind has been knocked out of you when you hear they didn’t get the school you wanted.
Take a deep breath first. You are not alone — this happens to many families every year. We’ve put together a few suggestions for what you can do next.
#1. Don’t Panic
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First of all, try not to panic. If you do, your child may pick up on it too. Accept the offer you’ve been given so your child has a place at a school, and then take time to review your options calmly.
My daughter was on a waiting list for our first choice, so just in case she wasn’t offered a place, we researched other schools too. It’s a good thing we did — she ended up going to a different school that actually offered more of the subject choices she wanted.
#2. Remember That You Are Not Alone
Missing out on a first-choice school is a common experience for families in both Ireland and the UK. Knowing that other families are going through the same thing can help it feel a little less isolating.
It’s also worth checking in with your child’s friends’ parents to see what their situation is — they may have been offered a place at a different school too, which can make the transition easier for your child.
#3. Do You Have Grounds to Appeal?
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Next, find out whether you can appeal the decision and what the process involves. Ask the school directly for details of their appeal process.
If you’re in the UK, you have a legal right to appeal to any of the schools on your original application. You don’t need a solicitor, but organisations such as the Good Schools Guide can offer guidance. Made For Mums also has useful tips on how to appeal.
If you’re in Ireland, under the Section 29 appeals process, a parent can challenge a school board of management’s decision to refuse their child a place, through the Department of Education.
#4. Take a Better Look at Other Choices
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Your second or third choice school might offer more than you first thought. Even if it feels like a step down, you can always supplement school life with extra-curricular activities that give your child what they’re missing.
It’s worth leaving your child’s name on the waiting list for your first-choice school, and you can always reapply the following year — not getting in this year doesn’t rule out next year.
Places do sometimes become available during the school year, though your child might understandably be reluctant to move mid-year. Either way, it’s worth staying in touch with the school to find out if a place opens up.
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#5. Consider Homeschooling
If it’s feasible for your family, and you’re struggling to find a school place for your child, homeschooling is worth considering as a temporary or longer-term option. There are homeschooling resources and communities available online to help you get started, and it’s worth researching the requirements that apply where you live before you begin.
Whatever you decide, remember that your child will be okay because they have you looking out for them, doing everything you can to give them what they need.
Hang in there — and good luck.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the first thing I should do if my child doesn’t get their school of choice?
Try to stay calm and accept the place you’ve been offered, so your child has a school place secured. Once that’s settled, take some time to properly research your other options before making any decisions.
Can I appeal if my child doesn’t get their school of choice?
Yes, in many cases. In the UK, parents have a legal right to appeal to any school on their original application. In Ireland, parents can use the Section 29 appeals process to challenge a school’s refusal to enrol their child. Check directly with the school for their specific appeal process and deadlines.
Should I keep my child on the waiting list for our first-choice school?
Yes, it’s generally worth staying on the waiting list. Places can become available during the school year, and you can also reapply the following year if a place doesn’t come up this time.
Is homeschooling a realistic backup option?
It can be, for families where it’s practical. It’s worth looking into the requirements and support available in your own country before deciding, as rules and resources differ from place to place.
What if the second-choice school isn’t as good as our first choice?
It’s worth giving it a genuine chance — many parents find their child settles in well and thrives once they’re there. You can also fill any gaps with extra-curricular activities outside school hours.
Related Articles
- 14 Useful Tips to Ease Your Child’s Transition to Secondary School
- 41 Revision Techniques to Help Kids Study Smarter
- 12 of the Best Books for Kids About Starting School
Save This for Later
Going through the school allocation process can be stressful, so bookmark this page or save it to your parenting folder in case you need it again — for this child or a younger sibling down the line.
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