11-year-old desperate to start comprehensive school but stuck on waiting list

Moving from primary school to comprehensive school can be a daunting time for many children and even their parents.

But it can be even more daunting for those who have been unable to get a place in their chosen school.

Eleven-year-old Hollie-Mai Williams was hoping to have started comprehensive school this week, but is instead being home schooled while stuck on a waiting list.

Hollie-Mai lives in Abertridwr, which is within the catchment area for St Cenydd Comprehensive School. She also attended Cwmaber Juniors, which is a feeder school for St Cenydd.

Her mother, Hannah Williams, has tried to appeal the decision not to give Hollie-Mae a place at her chosen school, but with no success.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Hannah admitted she was late sending the application for a place at St Cenydd, but this was due to the fact her mother was ill in hospital at the time.

“She’s seeing all her friends excited about starting comprehensive school, but she’s feeling withdrawn,” Hannah said.

“Our appeal for a place at St Cenydd was unsuccessful. We were offered a place in St Martin’s but Hollie-Mai begged me not to send her anywhere else.

“She’s been feeling anxious and wasn’t eating or sleeping. She’s settling down a bit now though.”

Earlier in the summer, the new Year 7 cohort visited St Cenydd for an induction day, but Hollie-Mai was unable to attend because her place at the school had not been confirmed.

This meant that while her friends were visiting their new surroundings and preparing for life in comprehensive school, Hollie-Mai was missing out and feeling uncertain over whether she would even be going to the same school as her friends.

“We’re just on the waiting list at the moment. We’re fourth on the list but can’t see much change.”

According to Hannah, Hollie-Mai is one of 11 children on the school’s waiting list.

The situation has also caused issues for Hannah, who was due to start a college course this month but has since had to pull out due to home schooling commitments.

School placements are managed by Caerphilly County Borough Council, as opposed to the schools themselves. However, the criteria the council follows is set nationally.

A spokesperson for the council said: “The council’s Admissions Policy must be applied consistently. Places are allocated up to the school’s admission number with those in catchment being offered a place first for all on-time applications.

“We are unable to discuss individual cases, however we can outline that we aim to offer parents a place at a preferred school as standard practice, where possible. All children are offered a school place.”

The spokesperson continued: “There is a right to appeal to the Independent Appeals Panel, and the outcome of the appeal hearing is binding upon the school and the local authority.

“Popular and strongly performing schools are very attractive and often receive applications from pupils from outside of catchment which generate a waiting list. When this happens, the council utilises a published oversubscription criteria to manage these waiting lists.”