We're not going to move house in time to be in catchment for secondary

[lucysnowe2]

posting in chat as this is more of a schools thing than a property thing...

We're moving to be in catchment for DS's preferred secondary but now it looks like we won't exchange before the deadline of 31st Oct. :(

Would it help if we sent the LA official documentation about the move? Would they still accept it if we sent documents after the deadline? Help!

I'm in Hackney and am aware of the council allowing school applications on addresses before exchange - if that helps? I think it can be done.

I think it varies from area to area (for example, I think Kent allows changes up until december). In most areas you would be a late applicant and would be considered from your previous address on March 1st.
You need to check with your local authority.

Thanks! we're in Oxfordshire. I guess just applying late would be a really bad idea?

I would contact the LEA about it as they may accept documentation from solicitors to prove the move.

Apply on time whatever you do.

Normally they will accept a new address due to move. I've seen an Oxford document implying this might be as early as 15th Nov but it wasn't clear whether it was up to date or not.

Maybe put 2 at new location then 2 at current location.

If you haven't exchanged then there is no commitment so I personally would doubt they would accept it.

Contact the LA for advice, follow up any phone calls with emails summarising what you understand.

You MUST apply on time. It's so important or you will go to bottom of pile, whatever the reason. Our LA allows you to submit proof of address move until end of Nov I think. But first thing on Monday you should email your LA admissions team and ask for their advice and what they allow in your area.

Oxfordshire will accept a change and treat it as if on time until Nov 15, but you would need to have exchanged by then.

I would email them and get them to put this in an email to you, so you have a record in case something goes wrong.

Apply on time with your choice of schools then ask if there is a window to update the address and be considered "on time". Many LA allow up to a six week period which may be enough for you. Don't just apply late as your application will not be considered until after the on time applications are allocated.

Mon 14 November 2022 see page 26:www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/sites/default/files/file/school-admissions/DeterminedScheduleofCoordination2023-24.pdf
Will you exchange and complete by then?

Definitely check what evidence they will need.

thank you all for great advice. Yes, I'll call the LA admissions, see what they say!

A long time ago but our solicitor could verify that we were in fact moving to the area & kids got in.

Yes, definitely depends on area. I know a friend had a similar issue with primary school and in her case, the LA wouldn't consider the new place for her application until they'd actually exchanged. BUT at that point, she jumped to the top of the waiting list and her DD got in very quickly. I don't recall if she had to do anything special to make that work so I would absolutely agree that a call in to your LA is a good idea.

thankyou both! I was able to contact the LA who were surprisingly helpful! They said I should submit on time but I can email them more into up to the 15th Nov which will hopefully go into the application. HOPEFULLY we will have exchanged, and even moved by then!

We were in a similar position and the were very good and we got the school of our choice. We are Oxfordshire too.