Private tutoring agency, Tutors International, today provided advice for parents whose children did not get accepted at their chosen independent or private school.
Adam Caller, independent education consultant and founder of leading provider of private tutors, Tutors International, gives advice for parents who are currently in the midst of school admissions nightmares.
“We’re in the middle of admissions season, and many parents are just now finding out that their child didn’t get accepted into their independent school of choice,” says Mr Caller. “It can be exceedingly disappointing for everyone, but you should keep a clear head and plan your next steps – whether that is an appeal, an alternative school or home tutoring.”
Some children will be assigned to the waiting list if a school was over-subscribed but the pupil met the rest of the school’s admission criteria. If a student has been rejected from an academically selective school on the grounds of poor exam or interview results, parents can appeal the decision if there were good reasons for poor performance on the day. Contact the school directly and ask about the appeal process.
Mr Caller gives advice depending on the circumstances:
Waiting lists
If a child has been put on a waiting list for a school, parents should remember that the school has not ‘rejected’ the child, and it may be the case that the school has inclusion criteria to fulfill.
Mr Caller recommends writing to the school, “thanking them for their acceptance onto the waiting list, and making it clear that should a place become available, you would be eager to take it up.”
Situations do change, and places may become available over the summer, or perhaps next term.
Full-time home tutoring
When a child has failed to secure a place at the chosen school and there are no suitable alternative schools, parents often consider full-time home tuition. Not only does this come with numerous benefits around flexibility, and depth and breadth of education, it can be cost-effective too.
Full-time tuition for the duration of a child’s primary school education can provide an excellent academic grounding, and a tutor can help a student prepare for entrance exams, interviews, and becoming part of a school community.
State education
Parents need to remember that there are several common entrance points for private schools, and more chances will come up at ages 7 and 11. If parents decide to opt for a state school in the meantime, or even for the duration of their child’s academic life, engaging a broad-skilled private tutor for after school, weekend and holiday support can supplement a state education.
If parents plan to re-apply for their chosen private school after a period at another school – whether that is a state or an independent school – it’s important to find out what preparation the school will provide for the child for entrance exams at aged 7 or 11. A part-time private tutor not only brings up the academic standard of the pupil, but can coach them in interview techniques, how to sit exams, and support them in the period after successful admission.
For more information about full-time and part-time private tutors, visit www.tutors-international.com.
