Girls’ school criticised over ‘first come, first serve’ offers

‘They seem not to appreciate that they are dealing with children. The system is badly flawed’

A LEADING girls’ school has been criticised by parents for its “first come first serve” offer system.

The £17,000-a-year City of London School for Girls sent out letters offering more places than it actually had. Those who failed to accept their place swiftly were stunned to learn that the place no longer existed despite being told the deadline to accept was March 6.

One mother wrote on the parenting site Mumsnet: “[The letter] gave no indication that they had applied airline style overbooking. They seem not to appreciate that they are dealing with children. The system is badly flawed and their handling of the situation has been callous.”

The school sent out offers to girls a week ago but the places were filled within days.

Another parent wrote: “Daughter is absolutely shattered by the abrupt withdrawal of the offer just a few days after the lovely personalised letter: ‘My future is over’ and ‘They’ve ruined my life’.”

The school accepts 75 youngsters every year and the girls must pass an entrance exam and interview. If they are offered a place, their paperwork must be hand delivered to the school with a £1,500 deposit.

A CLSG spokesman said: “The school operates a transparent admissions process which is clearly explained in our documentation. We are fortunate to be a very oversubscribed school operating from a relatively small site.”

Some parents said they had been waiting to find out where they had been offered a state school place first.

The school said the offer email had details on about the first come, first serve policy.

Those who have been unsuccessful in getting a place will be added to the school’s waiting list.