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Hoping to move house but worried about primary application deadline

2 replies

Gremlin1 · 26/09/2020 22:05

We are about to put our house on the market and we're hoping to sell it and buy a new place ASAP as our son is due to start primary school next year.

We ideally want to have a new house in time for January's primary school application, but we are cutting it very fine!

Depending on timings, what are our options if we are not yet in our new place by the deadline, but are in the process of a sale going through (for example)?

Should we still apply for schools close to our current house as back-up? Can we put down schools near to our new place?

We are considering a few different areas, all no more than about 20-30 mins away from where we are now, although some come under a different borough.

Would appreciate any advice or reassurance from anyone who has been in this situation. Feeling very anxious about the whole thing!

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BendingSpoons · 26/09/2020 22:15

When you find a house, check what their rules are. Some will accept an address if you have exchanged, although you often need to complete by a certain date.

You can apply to schools where you are moving but it will be based on your current address, so if you haven't moved you are likely to be bottom of the list. They will give you a place if they are not oversubscribed. You can find historic information on the LAs website. Near where we live there are some schools who usually admit everyone who aoplies.

I would make a judgement nearer the time. If things are still in early stages with your move, I would probably apply for schools near where you currently live in case it falls through and it takes longer or you move to a different area. Once you then move you can make a late application for schools near your new house. If things are looking good with the move, you might want to chance applying for schools near your new house. You will move up waiting lists once you actually move. There is often a fair bit of movement in the few months after offer day, so if you had jumped to near the top of some waiting lists you might get lucky with a place.