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As a parent or guardian, School Allocation days are filled with anticipation, fuelled by the hope that your child will be allocated a space at your preferred school. However, with increasing numbers of children applying for schools, the demand for certain schools is on the rise.  Every parent and guardian want what’s best for their child as you want to ensure that they are happy and can thrive as embark on their next chapter of their lives. The early years of secondary school are key to your child’s education and, the right school can ensure they flourish later in life too. Your child deserves to attend a school that not only recognises but supports that.

wycliffe boys smiling

I’m not happy with my child’s Year 7 placement, what’s next?

Every year, parents and guardians around the country face the overwhelming news that their child hasn’t been offered their first-choice school, leaving parents and children unhappy with the school place they’ve been offered. While it can be easy to panic in this situation, try not to worry as there are a few options you have that can be taken:

  • Accept the place you’ve been offered
  • Join waiting lists for alternative schools
  • Appeal to your local Council to have your case reviewed
  • Be patient and wait for the Council to issue re-offer available spaces.

To find out more about how you can appeal or to identify the position you are on the waiting list for your preferred school, you can contact the primary school admissions department at your local council to enquire.

What Other Options Do I Have?

Now you’ve applied for alternative senior schools, joined waiting lists for second-choice schools or submitted an application form to appeal, what else can be done? While there are other options available, we understand they may not be applicable to everyone’s lifestyle and it’s important to make the decision that’s right for your child and your family.

A few examples of other options parents have taken in the past have been to either home school their child or consider moving to a new area although these options may not be viable for everyone. What’s more, the latter option does not automatically guarantee a space at your chosen school for your child as this normally has to be done before allocation day so your residency can be confirmed.

two wycliffe students reading a book in class

Consider Independent Senior School Options

Making the move from a state school to a private school can seem like a big jump, not to mention can incur costs you may not have planned for. However, it could be the best option for your child long-term to give them a life-long enjoyment of learning and prepare them fully for the outside world. While a private education can come with tuition fees, they may not be as out of reach as you may think. Considering sending your child to an independent school may mean one or two less trips away each year or delaying that new kitchen you’ve been dreaming of but can have far-reaching benefits for your child including:

  • Smaller class sizes to enable a tailored learning approach
  • More academic freedom and opportunities for extra-curricular activities over state schools
  • Vast facilities to provide an education both inside and outside the classroom
You could have three children with different interests and abilities and all would be well catered for.

Wycliffe Parent

Why Wycliffe Secondary School Could Be a Good Option for Your Child & Family

Wycliffe’s Broad Curriculum

As your child grows, their opportunities grow with them. Here at Wycliffe, we offer a broad curriculum in Years 7 and 8 with Drama, Art and Design Technology as part of Pupils weekly lessons. With a range of 20 options for GCSE and Sixth Form Students offered the chance to study 29 subjects including three BTECs in Digital Production, Sport and Business our curriculum is both extensive and inclusive for our Pupils differing talents and ambitions.

Benefit from Smaller Classes

At Wycliffe, we offer smaller class sizes than a regular school, we believe that this contributes to a successful learning environment and supports children who both flourish in a classroom environment as well as those who need more specific support. Benefits of small class sizes include:

  • More one on one time with teachers,
  • More time for individualised feedback and marking
  • More time to support pupils emotionally
  • More personalised instruction
  • More opportunities to be heard

Extra-curricular opportunities For Year 7 & Beyond

An independent education aims to develop the whole person – not just from the academic perspective. While we are focused on our pupils achieving their best academically; we are passionate about ensuring they thrive in other ways, such as creatively and spiritually, as well as building confidence and independence. Our secure campus with amazing facilities enables an extensive extra-curricular programme giving pupils a range of opportunities to try new things or build on talents they may already have. From fencing to beekeeping to performing arts, and trips and expedition days (when restrictions allow); we have something to suit every child and personality.

A Beautiful Countryside Setting & Outstanding Facilities

Wycliffe’s Independent School is based in the beautiful countryside of Gloucestershire. Our campus and facilities provide an inclusive, safe and stimulating environment where pupils can be creative, innovative and thrive; allowing them to reach their full potential. As well as having access to vast green spaces, our pupils can benefit from our state-of-the-art facilities including a full-size Astro-turf pitch, swimming pool, Boat House, Art and DT workshops and theatre.

Wraparound Care and Occasional Boarding

We understand that every family’s situation is different which is why we offer various options for before and after school care. There are late afternoon Prep sessions until 5.30pm and pupils can join the boarders for supper at 5.45pm and stay until 6pm. Day pupils can board on the odd night (as and when needed) or commit to a regular boarding night(s) on a weekly basis.

Excellent Pastoral Care

Wycliffe are proud to provide quality pastoral care, so you know that your son or daughter is cared for and nurtured throughout each stage of their educational journey. We have been recognised for the positive relationships our staff have with all our pupils and support we provide as a community.

Our Value-Added Programme

Wycliffe’s value-added is one of the best in the country as they aim to support year 7 children through continuous monitoring, tracking and assessments meaning the pupil’s progression is reviewed regularly to help put strategies in place to help them succeed. This means you can have peace of mind that your child will develop and thrive at Wycliffe.

Talk to Wycliffe Today

If you and your child are unhappy with the place you have been offered following the recent allocation days for Year 7, learn more about Wycliffe Independent School and how you can apply for a place or, for further information, contact us today.

Wycliffe’s Independent School is based in the beautiful countryside of Gloucestershire welcoming students from the age of 3-19 in our Pre-Prep School, Prep School and Senior School.

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