Moving to Marlow, any help/info about schools

[UKAussie]

Hi
I’m from UK & so is DH, but we’ve lived in Sydney for 18 years.... Going to move back to UK in the next 12 months & fell in love with Marlow when we visited recently. (Neither of us are from the area).
Our daughter is going into Y5 in Aus, but our school year is Jan-Dec, so she’d potentially be behind UK as it starts in Sept.
It’s going to be a huge move & we want to get her into a nice state school. Anyone had or heard of similar experience? Do schools take in- year students? What if Marlow schools are full? As secondary school is soon, do we need to get into the ‘right’ primary school to get a good secondary?
We’re so excited to move back to UK, but the school situation is worrying me! Any help, thoughts, opinions gratefully received!
Thanks

Holy trinity. Hands down the best school

I also recommend Holy Trinity.
When it comes to secondary school it doesn’t matter which primary school you attend.
A school will only take in year admissions if they have spaces available.

No comments on primary in Marlow, but the area is a traditional grammar school one for secondary. The town grammar, Sir William Borlase, is extremely popular, but I believe the non grammar, great Marlow, is also a good school. The primary she goes to will have no impact on he secondary she goes to, there’s no ‘feeder schools’ or anything. Children sit the 11+ as standard at their primary school in Bucks (unlike other areas where you opt in and it’s on a Saturday). If your child is quite bright, you may want to look in to tutoring, or you may not. Theoretically, a child working ahead of their age should get in with no tutoring but realistically most children do have a tutor in my experience. If your daughter is bright but you worry the change of school systems will put her behind, this is definitely something I’d look in to. That said, I taught a bright girl who moves over from Aus in December of y4 and she slotted right in, and within a few months you’d never have known she hadn’t been in the English school system the whole time. Good luck

@modgepodge @Yellowbutterfly1 @MsFrosty

Thank you all for your comments!
re tutoring, I was thinking of doing some 11 plus prep with her & getting some UK curriculum books to work through (I’m sure she’ll be thrilled!)
But I might get a proper tutor.
Thanks for your help.

@UKAussie similar situation! how did you end up??

Still in Sydney!!! Covid put a pandemic sized spanner in the works. We’re hoping to move back next year. Wishing you good luck with your move!

Thanks! You to for take 2 🤞