To be annoyed a friend lied about their address on a school application to get into an oversubscribed school

[Liverpoollass2]

I've recently found out a friend has lied on their school application by using another family members address to get their child into an oversubscribed school. The school is one I would have considered but would have been unlikely to get in as its very popular. Friend lives quite far but plans to move within the next few years closer to the school so wants their child at the school now. Its just annoyed me as I know many people who didn't get a place who are more local and feels Iike friend is misusing the system. Friend was able to get a letter with their name on it at the address by signing up for a credit card/store card I believe. I know its none of my business but I just feel annoyed about it now

To add the top criteria to get into the school is distance from the school

They will find out, in my area unless you pay council tax at that address you have no chance. Or they will find out once child is in and kick them out.

Report them. You have every right to be annoyed.

Agreed. Report it now before the child starts, they've taken a place away from someone who was entitled to it.

I would report them too

Report!

Long story short but we were the family who missed a place at local grammar school. Child got there eventually but the anger I felt was immeasurable. We went to Ombudsman with a lot of evidence. Yep a child got booted out and I don’t feel guilty….parents shouldn’t have lied on application!

I dont think that's true- she's not the first person I know to have done this but last time I didn't have any children so didn't appreciate the impact it would have on other children. It's a family members so im sure she'll lie and say they moved in even though the whole family live in a big house miles away

I don't know if I could actually report them, i would feel too guilty, would love them to be caught out

This happened this year at our school only the parent rented a flat near the school apparently! It was also sorted by admissions offer day as it seems the parent didn't keep quiet, it spread and someone reported it!

Edited to add: both properties would have had Council tax paid to same local authority so I'm baffled she thought she would get away with it.

How did they get the place? You have to show a council tax bill with your name and address on it for all schools, afaik.

In my area the oversubscribed state schools check council tax records as people try and rent small flats in the area and declare them as their main home.
You can always report her, schools in my area definitely kick pupils out that don’t live in the catchment area.

Why would you feel guilty? They are commiting fraud.

I knew three children in the 1980s whose parents had done this. It’s hard to fathom how they get away with it these days with so much info online.

Report. They are the ones in the wrong and they don't deserve the place.

What about people living with family? We were.

“Address of convenience

Use of false information may lead us to withdraw an offer of a place, even after a child has started at a school.”

Was it the child’s main home?

Thats not the same as the schools in my area, they ask for proof of address and list possible examples to choose from which she has used- pretty sure it was a bill with her name and address

Yes, for several months. No other. We weren't on any household bills though.

They might ask for it, but they will accept alternative evidence - at least my local authority accepted alternative evidence.

Ours must have, as I only had bank account and gp registration at the address.

Here an example of a school in my area. Check that school’s policy OP and then you can decide

Not in my area. We lived with my mother for over a year whilst a long distance house move went through and my daughter got a place without me having to show a council tax bill. When she joined the school I had to take in a bill with my address and photo ID (I think), but the council tax was never in my name.

I couldn’t do that to a child. They’ll be getting excited about their new school already.