Can a school stop you from applying

[slickrick]

For 11+ if your child is at a prep school?

[standwellback]

Would not have thought so, you mean for state grammars?

[LIZS]

No they can't but if it is a 13+ school they may not be as supportive with practice papers , extra classes and references.

[slickrick]

I have registered with a independent senior school to move my child at 11. I have just received a letter to say that as he is at a prep school the main point of entry is at 13 therefor I should discuss this with my head.
I do not want my child to stay at his rubbish prep school until 13 the new head has ruined the school. What can I do?

[standwellback]

Urghh, I have heard of this happening, one school told me that they have a sort of unofficial 'no poach' clause with other schools so will not take a child out of usual transfer time.

I think you will have to toe the line, speak to the Head, express your concerns. Perhaps get things in writing and then approach the other school again. If you have valid reasons, I cannot see why the other school would not want your child (if they have a space).

[Lonecatwithkitten]

It is not impossible you need to meet with head of prospective school and explain why you want to move at an unusual time. With good well thought out reasons you will be able to enter, but there is a lot of made of allowing them to be the big fish in the small pond before they move.
Try not to be derogatory to your current school, but put forward positive benefits for your child of moving at 11.

[scaevola]

Maybe. Some schools have agreements about when they will accept applications.

If the 11+ entry is solely for children at schools which finish at end year 6, and ier main entry is at 13+, then it will be hard to persuade them as they will have projected numbers of classes on that basis. But if it's more evenly split between the two entry pints, and you are very clear that you want an 11+ move (and you can persuade your head at you are leaving regardless) then you might make progress.

[Clavinova]

I know KCS Wimbledon ask you to discuss your application with your prep school head - more to do with the suitability of the child applying (very academic school) I think as they only have a very limited number of places at 11+ and they don't let you reapply for 13+. I think you have no choice but to meet with your current head now - be polite and hope for a good reference.