Further to the discussion on whether sibling guaranteed places should follow, I was wondering how people had got on with their allocations.

It appears the catchment for Dalmain has shrunk considerably this year, I think Stillness has also and I know of people who would have got into one of either based on the last 3-4 years but missed out this year. Is this the same borough wide?

If so I wonder if it is the result of bulge classes, changing demographic or something else?

Hopefully those on waiting lists will get 'lucky' once people have confirmed places etc.

We feel incredibly lucky to have gotten a place at Horniman, which is having a bulge class in September. If not for the fortuitous bulge, we wouldn't have gotten a place at any of our six schools, which are also our closest!

I guess the problem with bulge classes is that in 2-3 years the intake will be mainly siblings, making it even harder for people near that school to get in. Of course bulge classes are great for you in your instance where you would not otherwise have got it - congratulations I bet you are relieved!

No easy solutions to the shortage of spaces.