Cambridge primary school question (American expat family moving next summer)

[annakdangelo]

Hi there,
Our family will be moving into the area next June. What is the process of selecting/securing a primary school spot. Our son would be going into Year 1.

Thanks!
Anna

[SoftSheen]

Generally, you need to have an address before applying to state (publicly funded) schools. Applications are made between October and January, and school offers made in April, for the school year starting the following September. You are more likely to receive an offer for a particular school if you live within its catchment; however you can apply to any school.

Since you are planning to arrive in June, you will need to contact the council to find out which schools still have places available. At this point it is likely that the most popular schools will already be full (though most schools in Cambridge are good anyway). If you particularly like one school, you can boost your chances of getting a place by renting or buying a house very close to it- that way if a place becomes available your child will have priority.

Good luck! Cambridge is a lovely city and a great place for children.

[annakdangelo]

Thank you, SoftSheen- so helpful!

Anna

[CamMum24]

Apologies if you already are aware of this, but just thought it might be worth mentioning the difference between Y1 in the UK and 1st grade in the US, as kids start school a year earlier in the UK. So, if you arrive in June 2019, your son will be going into Y1 if he turns 6 between 1st Sept 19 and 31st Aug 20. If he'll turn 7 during that period of time, he will be be in Y2.