Going to ESF in different catchment area (primary)?

[MommyTo3]

Is it actually possible to get accepted in an ESF school which is not your catchment area school. We're currently applying Year 1. We're in QBS area and although I am comfortable with the school, my only concern is that the school still looks very "Asian" to me (and my blond / green eyed girl). I am all for diversity but I am wondering whether Bradbury (from what I've heard) doesn't have a better mixture. We're on Tai Tam Road, so basically 2 / 3 minutes away from Bradbury catchment area and I know people in our building going to Bradbury but only because they basically moved from Stanley to Tai Tam.

Please advise. I'd like to know if this is actually possible. If not, I'll live with it too.

Thanks!

 

[rani]

It is possible, but I don't think you can request it. Have heard if 1 school is oversubscribed, ESF sends a letter to parents giving them the option of selecting another ESF school, usually the one closest to your catchment area. This happened last year with Glenealy/Peak schools and Kennedy/Bradbury.

J

 

[MommyTo3]

Thanks. I figured something like that. Is it correct that Kennedy was oversubscribed and overflow went to Bradbury. If it's the other way around my chances would be even slimmer. I also think QBS is usually not a problem. I can always give them a call and ask ... can't hurt but I doubt it will happen.

 

[oceaqua]

Dear Moms,

Can anyone advise which is the better school - Glenealy / Kennedy? I can use my own and my mother's address.

O

 

[Seb's Dad]

both glenealy and kenendy are fine schools, although very different. while my child goes to kennedy and overall we are very pleased with the school, i think the majorty would say that glenealy is the better school due to its intimate size (two class levels per yearband vs five for kennedy) and strong special needs program.

then again, kennedy is right across the street from stanley ho which gives us access to swimming lessons 2x a year. each school has its pros and cons, and an excellent pta.

however, i strongly caution you to use the address where you reside, instead of your mothers. the competition for both these schools is very strong, and if you gave the incorrect address and someone shopped you on it (and believe me, it does happen), you could risk losing your place at all ESF schools. that's a huge risk, especially when there is no "bad" choice.

 

[oceaqua]

thank you so much, dimsum mom. can you tell me what kinds of special needs programme they have in glenealy?

 

[Seb's Dad]

hi oceaqua, i've only heard via word of mouth how good the sp. needs program (and it might not even be called that) is at glenealy. our son attends kennedy, and i would hate to give you inaccurate information. what i do know is that parents are very pleased with the support they receive.

 

[notmyaisle]

Further to OP's question, it may be worth stating your preference on application as, I have just received confirmation of receipt of application to ESF and, I quote...

"Please also note, dependent on applications received there may be a need for school re-zoning to balance numbers across schools."

If you at least let them know you are happy to go to a particular school, instead of "catchment", then it might work in your favour.

 

[MommyTo3]

Further to OP's question, it may be worth stating your preference on application as, I have just received confirmation of receipt of application to ESF and, I quote...

"Please also note, dependent on applications received there may be a need for school re-zoning to balance numbers across schools."

If you at least let them know you are happy to go to a particular school, instead of "catchment", then it might work in your favour.

Yes, I read that too, but I think QBS is usually OK, but you never know. I'll give them a call. I would go with either 2 (Bradbury or QBS), and it doesn't matter, since we litterally live on the boundary (a 5 minute walk is Bradbury).