Moving Schools in a Different Area

[tiggerthebouncytiger]

I may have to move areas within England, and was wondering what is the first thing I should do about getting my DC into another primary school?

Is the procedure the same, or is every Council different?

[prh47bridge]

There are differences but there are a lot of things that are the same for every LA.

You apply to the LA. You can name at least 3 preferences. If one of your preferences has a place it must be offered to you. If none of them have a place available the LA must find a place for you.

Some LAs will accept applications once you have exchanged contracts (assuming you are buying a property), others will not accept an application until you have actually moved in. You will need to talk to the LA to find out what rules they operate.

[anklebitersmum]

Put your postcode in the where are schools list (see ofsted or just google schools in Staffordshire for example).

Once you've done that have a good read of all the ofsted reports in the schools that are within a few miles of your new home. Make a shortlist. Once you've done that ideally go and visit them BUT if you can't give them a ring and ask them to send a prospectus out (most schools have them).

Then go to the relevant LEA with your 1-3 list and keep your fingers crossed. Chatting to the schools help because if they are massively over-subscribed or it's 'villagers only' it saves you wasting a choice.

We move at least every 2yrs so feel free to ask/mesage if you're stuck