When to apply for a state school place (year 9)?

[FattyNewYear]

DD will hopefully be starting in year 9 at either of our 2 local schools in September going into year 9. No preference over either really.

When do I need to apply for a place at either? DD wont be in a position to start any sooner than September so I dont want to apply too early but also dont want to leave it too late.

I have been trying to call our local council for weeks now but their phones are only manned 3 mornings a week. The same 3 mornings I am at work and they so far have not returned my calls or emails.

We are in Wales, just mentioning it incase that has any standing on things.

Term has only just started after the Holidays.
West Wales land is a tad preoccupied at the moment.
Why not go into your local Secondary and ask them?

You can apply for an in-year move at any time but - assuming you get the place - the LEA will usually expect you to take it up straight away. So, if you apply now and there is a vacancy, they'll be unlikely to hold it until September for you.

Thats what I thought Panel. DD cannot move before then but she will need a place somewhere in September. I have emailed the admissions people once again asking for guidance on when to apply and hope they may tell me.

I was thinking probably around June time but I would be a bit naffed off if I left it that late then found someone else had a place on hold for september by then and we couldnt get one.

Thankfully I am noy fussy over which school she goes to, both are quite good but if she does not get into either of these then its a bit of a trek and 2 or 3 bus changes trip because we live in the middle of nowhere.

I finally got through to the admissions team. They said to apply end of June and she should be awarded a place before the end of August.

Bit of a rush with school uniforms etc but at least I know no.