The long wait for thousands of parents facing one of the first major milestones in their child’s education is almost over. 

On 16th April, families of three and four year olds will discover which primary school has offered their child a Reception place starting this September. Parents of children in infant schools that end at Year 2 will also find out about junior school allocations for Year 3 entry. 

While the vast majority of families will receive one of their preferred choices, Government figures in recent years show around 93% of children are offered their first choice rising to 98% within their top three, some parents will inevitably be disappointed. 

So, what should you do if you are one of them? 

According to Georgie Hunter, Head of Pre Prep at Highfield and Brookham School in Liphook, Hampshire, there are several clear steps parents can take in the immediate aftermath of receiving their offer. 

“First and foremost, take a moment before reacting,” said Mrs Hunter, who leads the independent nursery, pre prep and prep school on the borders of Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex. 

“It is completely natural to feel disappointed if you have not been offered your first-choice school, but the most important thing is to ensure your child has a secure school place for September.” 

Mrs Hunter advises parents to accept the school place offered even if it is not their preferred option. 

“While this may feel counter intuitive, accepting the place ensures your child is guaranteed a school in September. You can then take time to consider your next steps calmly whether that is a waiting list, an appeal or exploring alternative schools.” 

Once a place has been accepted, Mrs Hunter says parents can then explore three main options, joining a waiting list, appealing the decision or considering alternative educational settings including independent schools. 

“Waiting lists move more often than parents expect particularly in the weeks and months after allocation day,” she explained. “It is always worth asking to be added as places can and do become available right up to the start of term.” 

On appeals, Mrs Hunter advises parents to proceed carefully. 

“Appeals must be based on clear and relevant grounds and it is important to understand the local authority process fully before submitting one. They can also be emotionally demanding and do not always result in a change of outcome.” 

However, she added that for some families, results day becomes a moment of reflection about wider educational choices. 

“Each year we speak to parents who begin to reconsider what they want from their child’s early education. Not because state schools are not strong, they absolutely are, but because they start to think more broadly about environment, breadth of experience and the kind of start they want their child to have.” 

Mrs Hunter highlighted that independent education can offer a different structure in the early years, particularly in Reception and Key Stage 1. 

“At Highfield and Brookham, children benefit from a broad curriculum from their very first year including specialist teaching in music, PE, swimming and Forest School alongside core literacy and numeracy,” she said. 

“This breadth is not about accelerating learning but about building confidence, curiosity and enjoyment at the very start of a child’s school journey.” 

She also pointed to the practical benefits many families value once children are in school. 

“One of the most common things parents mention is time,” she said. “When co-curricular activities are available on one site, families often find they spend far less time travelling between clubs in the evenings and at weekends. That simplicity can make a real difference to family life.” 

Another key distinction she said is continuity of teaching. 

“Specialist teachers often remain with children across multiple year groups which means they build a deep understanding of each child over time. That consistency helps support both academic progress and pastoral care.” 

Mrs Hunter added that early identification of needs is another advantage in smaller well-resourced environments. 

“Whether a child needs additional support or further challenge, interventions can be put in place quickly. The focus is always on ensuring children feel confident, secure and ready to learn.” 

For families who are newly considering their options particularly those who may have relocated to the area, Mrs Hunter emphasised the importance of community. 

“School is not just about education it is about belonging. Strong relationships between children, parents and staff can make a huge difference in those early years especially for families new to the area.” 

She concluded: 

“If today does not bring the result you had hoped for it is not the end of the journey. It is simply a moment to pause and consider what comes next. 

“For some families the right path will still be the one they had planned. For others it may be the moment they begin to explore something different. The most important thing is finding the environment where your child feels happy supported and ready to thrive.” 

To discuss Reception or Year 3 places at Highfield and Brookham School email our Admissions Registrar Charlotte Cottrell or call 01428 728000.