Moving house and school selection

[ric1982]

Hi,

We are looking for a house in a perticular area in Birmingham. The house we are looking at has only one outstanding primary school and there is no good secondary school. We will be moving in middle of the school as my son is already 6 years old and in year 2. The primary school near the place where we are moving is very popular hence over subscribed. Unfortunately any other school in the area hasnt got good reputation. Now the house is quite nearby so we have been told that my son will be in top of the waiting list (may be not first be in top 5 for e.g.).

This being said there is no guarantee that he will get into this school. School is obeviously a high priority item in the list with our house move. Does anyone has any openion if this is good move considering there is no good secondary school and primary school that we can get into have waiting list?

Any inputs are much appriciated.

Thanks

Why in earth would you move somewhere without a decent secondary school?
That's a bit bonkers

If you're looking for a Y2 place (so subject to infant class size rules) then any school deemed to be good will be full. So you need to look at what schools have places that you would consider sending your child to. And if this is to be a stop gap - what is the chance of him getting in off the waiting list e..g how big is the school, what is the rate of mobility like?

It sounds like you haven't actually been to see any of the alternative schools - you really can't base a decision on a school's reputation!!

I'd be personally less worried about secondary school as your DC is young enough that things could change substantially before he gets there.

I would be concerned about secondary. You will be choosing in just 4yrs and although a school can change in that time if it has a history of poor reports then that is more likely to be repeated. You are probably unlikely to move again before secondary.

I think your chances might not be great. Generally, you could be number 1 on the waiting list but if a looked after child or an SEN child comes along, they'll be given priority. Or anyone who can demonstrate why their child needs to be in that particular school. If the area is quite a stable one with owner-occupied family housing, there might not be many people leaving to free up a place.

I'd also be concerned about the lack of secondary schools that you'd be happy with. With your son in Y2, you'll be applying for secondary in 4 years' time so you'd need to have the house back on the market in about 3 years. You'd have another upheaval with your son potentially changing primaries when you move to a catchment for good secondary.

Personally, it doesn't make sense to me.

As above, sounds a bit crap to me OP. I think you could find yourself regretting it if you have to move house again in Year 5-6 to apply for a different Senior School.

I would not move to an area with bad schools. And even if primary school is ok and you plan to move before secondary you might find you are stuck because nobody will want to buy your house. Think very carefully before you commit to this move.