Moving back to the UK... schools

[Asking]

We may get moved back to the UK at some point. And we will live in a different area to the one we moved from. What should I do about schools? Likely we'll be going as one child is UK Yr 6/7 ish and the other Yr4/5.

We will be in the South East, probably Central London. We have accepted we will have to pay school fees. But do we need to start looking at schools and placing names on waitlists etc now, so that as and when we do go back, we've registered our interest? Or is it more a question of seeing which schools have places when we are due to go back?

How long are waitlists in Central London prep schools? Do they usually carry vacancies?

Am rather clueless so very grateful for any advice or experiences.

Why would you have to pay fees? Me and DD are moving back to England in August, she is starting at a ordinary, non fee paying junior school. She is 10.

I'm not sure you actually want to live in central London, but if you do there is a lot of movement and you have a good chance of getting school places. (Well the LEA are obliged to find you some.) However if they are at schools you want will vary.
You cannot put your children on State school lists until you have a UK address.
Private schools tend to be selective, and very expensive in central London. However if you have the money some may have places, those would be the ones more geared to expats.

I live in central London, and am more than happy to talk about preps, both from an experience and what I've heard pov.However, will definitely out myslef, so if you send me a pm, will me more than happy to chat :o