How long will a school hold a place?

[Ruby40]

I am moving back to the UK this summer and have 2 DDs to place in school in September: Years 3 and Year 6. I understand how difficult it is to get places in the same school. I would move back earlier if it meant that they would be in the same school but was wondering if a school had 2 places, how much time I would have to take up the places;ie: 4 weeks? 6 weeks? I just need enough time to move back, at the least 4 weeks. Does anybody know the answer or is it up to the LEA? I thought I would try here first before approaching the LEA as the admissions manager has not been particularly helpful. Thanks

[cranbury]

They will only give you places if you have a fixed address in the UK

[LIZS]

I think they will only have it open as long as noone else wants it. But they won't be able to formally offer any places until you are resident.

[Ruby40]

I probably wasn't clear, we have a fixed address in the UK and already a place for my younger DD to start Junior school in September as we have only been away on secondment.

[LIZS]

You'd have to negotiate for dd1 but I'd say less than half a term ie. by end May. Presumably they won't fill dd2's place in short term if one is allocated to her next year, although if she is currently Year 2 would she already be at the same school ?