EU citizens joining school in UK

[vacaloca]

I have some friends from Spain who are thinking of coming over to the UK for 3-6 months while the mother is on maternity leave, do a house swap, etc. But will the kids be able to join a school here just for a few months?

A couple of years ago, we visited my parents in the UK a month and my kids went to the local school for most of that time (we live in Japan). We asked in advance, and as long as the classes are not full (ie. less than 30 children) they could attend the school with no problem. Your friends should def. make enquiries, and find a school and find a school BEFORE they go.

I don't think it matters how long they are thinking of staying or where they have come from. I live in London where some families are quite mobile, kids come and go from the schools all the time.

The only problem might be if there are no places available. Some schools are over subscribed.

for a month

It will depend on the LEA as well. Some are adamant that applications for school places cannot be made before children have a local address.

Thanks all, that's really helpful. So it sounds like it'll depend on the school - they'll probably need to find a house first and then contact the local schools to see where they stand.