AIBU to consider reporting a possibly false school catchment address?

[Annoymo]

I just found out a boy in DS’s class is going to a certain school that I know has an extremely strict catchment policy. I have a feeling they gave the in-laws address as the in-laws live near the catchment. We actually live close to this school than this boy so I’m really surprised they got a place. There is no SEN or sibling reason they got priority.

Morally I feel this is really bad of them but then I’m thinking why get involved. What would you do? How would you even report this?

No, because your going off “possibly” and not facts. Honestly, don’t get involved.

I’d report it. I wouldn’t know how but I’d imagine the school has an admissions department you could email?

Highly unlikely they’d remove a child from their school at this point though so I doubt it’ll make a difference.

How much stress will it add to your life to do this and what will you acheive after the lads been kicked out?

Not sure I could be bothered with it all tbh.

Has he just been given the place for secondary school but not there yet?. If he hasn't started I would report. If happens all the time at a school near me and they remove a lot of children's places as a result. People shouldn't get away with dishonesty.

I wouldn’t report them. Firstly, you don’t know the facts. Secondly, even if they have lied, then I say good for them wanting the best for their child’s future. Most parents would do the same if they had the money/contacts.

I know someone who has just done the same and would never report her.

They took the place from someone else though.

Dob them in, I say. MN is far too tolerant of poor behaviour. Why can't we have a country that sticks to the bloody rules..

Also another reason to keep out of it- my younger sister actually won an appeal to attend a secondary school out of catchment. This was because it was untenable for her to attend the catchment one where our cousins were due to a family court case. She was a child victim of crime. My mum has to put up with plenty of nosy school mums asking her how my sister got in there- my mum gave away nothing, it was extremely private and sensitive family business. They may have a similar reason you would know nothing about.

Then they wanted that place more. Most parents will do anything for their child.

That gives a child in the local area a chance of missing out at THEIR local school! 😡

I would mind my own business.
You haven’t got facts, you have feelings and use the word possibly.
I wouldn’t want to stir the pot tbh and cause drama, especially if it is unfounded.
Anyway the school may have information and an insight to the child’s life that you don’t.

Or perhaps other parents were more honest and don't lie about where they live.

In my friend’s situation she actually owns several properties. She owns the property she put down but doesn’t live there. She has worked extremely hard for that money to buy it herself to provide for her child. Up to her!

I’d absolutely report. Not fair if a more local child missed out.

I agree completely.

I want several things from my local shop and I can't afford them. I'm going to take them anyway as I want them more than somebody who doesn't steal.

The police will agree. Won't they?

There’s no harm in reporting. If there are other factors, they will just do no more with the information. If indeed it was fraudulent, then they will investigate.

If op has got her facts wrong then it won't have an impact on the child so what is the problem?

I’d report it. I wouldn’t know how but I’d imagine the school has an admissions department you could email?
Highly unlikely they’d remove a child from their school at this point though so I doubt it’ll make a difference.
So why bother creating unease and potential disruption.

In our LA they cross reference address on application with address used for primary

Do you apply this philosophy to everything or just school places? Do you believe that people with financial means and contacts should be allowed to break rules generally, pay off the police so that they don’t get done for speeding etc?

Are the properties all empty or is she renting them out?

What type of secondary school did you attend yourself? I attended an appalling one which was nearly shut down. House prices where we live are insane. Our local school is rubbish! My children will not be going there. I have one family member in a different catchment, another contact who would say we rent their property and I can afford to temporarily rent somewhere short term if need be. It’s important.

Unless you have spent 5 years attending somewhere with diabolical teaching and violent behaviour and disruption day in day out, you may not fully understand how far some parents are prepared to go to want better for their own children. I worked flat out to get myself into a top uni, and do not want my own to have to work as hard as I did. My children come before anyone else’s, and I make zero apology for that. I understand and respect parents who will do whatever it takes.

There may be circumstances you are unaware of, you wouldn’t necessarily know if there were special needs either.

If you’ve just found out it’s also possible they got a place via an appeal.

Rents them out, but she would move in temporarily if need be and say she was on a break from her husband. So zero anyone can do about it. She has secured her son a spot in an excellent school and I admire her as a mother wanting the best for him and paying through the roof for it herself.

Of course they might have a legitimate reason for being there. That’s not a reason not to email the school. If you’re wrong the school won’t do anything, no harm done. If you’re right though it gives the school a chance to act on it if they wish.