When is the best time to move to a new area ?

[AngelaD]

I basically moved up north with hubby's job and the children joined the local prep school which has been a disaster, so i had to move the children. Anyway I would like to go back to the midlands but am wondering if it would be better to move asap whilst the children are still young, my poor DD#1 has attended 3 schools already at 6yrs old or just before 11 yrs so they aren't moving schools too often.

Partly depends on whether they ar staying in private sector or state, and if so what system of schools operates in the area into which you are hoping to move. If the former you could move as and when a spot arises at the school (there may be a waiting list but many have an entry at 7+ when they tend to expand class sizes) but for state schools you need to be in situ (or have evidence of a signed lease or exchange on a property) to be considered for a space at whatever time you apply. Last year we moved ds into Year 3 (7+) entry at a prep school and he was among an intake of about 10 across his year so didn't feel alone. There is an infant/junior system around here so majority of children in state sector made such a move too. 11+ (Year 7 ?) would be the next time this is likely to occur but private schools are likely to be selective by then.

Well that's a whole other can of worms.
Basically we planned to do infant/junior at prep school and then pass the 11+ with flying colours and go to one of two grammar schools.
At the moment DD#1 is in a good state school, just terrifies me the thought of 40 in a class at the end of yr2, and DD#2 is still at the prep school we moved #1 from.
The other decission I have to make is whether to move them both into a new prep school or whether to accept the reception place at DD#1's state school and give that a year to see how we get on.
The private schools are all selective in both area's and tbh if they didn't pass the 11+ i would home ed anyway.

are the grammars in the current or new area -you may not be able to sit 11+ test from out of the area

There are grammars in both area's but my preference would be the midlands.
I would move just before they sit the 11+ so they'd be in the area, no chance of hedging my bets then ;-)

Did you say 40 in a class after Year 2? I think anything much over 31/32 is frowned on even for Key Stage 2. Many schools refuse to go over 30 even though they could.

Really ? i was led to believe 38-40 was the norm.

imo you should avoid moving after the age of 10/11.
Preferably before 8 though.

Check carefully with the new LEA what the cut-off date for changing addresses is - it's likely to be at least several months before the 11 plus exam itself. (There are new rules.)

Angela - I really don't think 38 to 40 is the norm these days - follow the link - it states average is below 30. You will get more specific info from the LEA you are considering (they all have websites these days). www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/ete/agencies/primaryschool