Moving to the UK

[shalom2012]

Hi everyone, Please can anyone help me with how to apply for a place in primary and secondary schools for my kids if I am still overseas. Thank you.

If you want to go to a state school I don't think you can apply till you have an address in the UK.

Unless you are HM Forces returning from overseas, or Diplomatic Service or other qualifying Government department (in which case, contact SCES or relevant welfare section); it cannot be done for state schools.

For private schools, you contact each one you are interested in directly and discuss whether/how/when you make an application. It's no possible to generalise on the best way to go about this, as schools in this sector vary so much.

You need to get on the phone! I did this with three DC's, one was admitted to a local 6th form without us having a UK address, whilst the other two were given a place once we signed a contract for a rental, despite there being a waiting list for one of their years and despite the fact the lease wasn't due to start for another couple of months. I made dozens and dozens of calls.

What I found was that some LEA (local education authorities ?) were really helpful while others would literally hardly talk to us. I ended up on first name terms with the person dealing with the the town where we eventually settled. You can't officially be awarded a place without an address but a helpful admissions Officer can let you know if and when places may become available.

I found the Ofsted reports useful.

Thank you so much!

I would like to say thank you for your time and useful contributions. Will explore every bit of it.