Can someone explain primary school applications to me?

[theweeenglishfella]

We live in London ATM and have a 3 year old DS (he was 3 in March). On a fixed rate mortgage - deal ends December 2020. DS due to start school September 2020.

We live in a small 2 bedroom flat in London, no garden, and we want to move. Obviously though we have to apply for DS's primary school place by January 2020. Do we, therefore:

1. Aim to move by January 2020, even though DS will then have to move nurseries (he is settled and loves his nursery)
2. Move after January 2020 (but before September) and just take our chances with a late application?

DS is really sensitive and is dreadful with change so I really worry about changing nursery - it took him ages to settle into this one but he loves it now.

Also, how does it work with deferring? Because I know they don't legally have to attend til after they are 5 - do you still have to apply in January? I find the whole process really confusing and we don't know what to do.

We can port the mortgage (although we'd have to borrow more money probably).

Of course, all this might be a complete waste of time if we no deal brexit and the housing market crashes, as then we'll be stuck here.

Any advice or similar experiences appreciated.

Ok so deferring - you legally don't have to start until the term after he turns 5, so April 2021. You apply as normal, accept as normal, and tell the school you will start him at CSA (compulsory school age). Schools generally advise against this, because all the other children will start together in September, and he might find it very hard to settle etc.

Most boroughs have a "late" closing date, for people that move in/out of area. Usually around Feb, so if you apply on time but move by the late closing date, your application will still be considered on time, just from your new address.

And the rest of it is up to you and no guarantee, and probably not something someone could accurately comment on unless they knew your area/preferred schools/level of movement. Some children could move into an area in April/May, be first on the waiting list for a place, and be offered a place the next week. Others would still be on the waiting list 5 years later. You need to research your preferred school really to make an informed decision.

Thanks brillo that is helpful

We don't even know the exact area we are moving to yet 😭