PRIMARY SCHOOL APPLICATION 2014

[BEBSY2013]

Hello! Sorry if this is a bit longwinded, this is my first time posting in a thread!
I am British and we currently live in Spain. We are planning on relocating to Bristol next August, 2014. My oldest son will be eligible to start reception class in September 2014. I have been looking into applying for schools etc and have spoken to the LEA and read the brochure too! I have been told that to apply from overseas I can use my current Spanish address and then the Schools admissions officer will ask for proof of our move etc. The problem is that there is NO WAY on this earth we can afford to rent somewhere prior to the move and the general feedback is that we most likely won't get into a school of our choice or near to where we live.
Has anyone had any experience of applying from overseas WITHOUT a current address? Also another friend suggested maybe just waiting til we are there and then seeing what we are offered? Again has anyone done this?
I am in knots! i will obviously apply for a place in January and see what happens but obviously looking at the distance cut offs , I don't think we are going to stand much of a chance with a Spanish address!!
Thank you!

You really need to move before August to find a school place for September. Places are allocated in April and most schools in Bristol are very oversubscribed as there is a shortage of primary school places. The school place shortage is so severe that even some families living in Bristol now are not allocated any of their preferred schools. So if you move in August the chances are that there wouldn't be any places left in most schools. There may be a chance of being allocated a place if you move between April and June as a "second round" of allocations is made but this may be any school that has places.
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Thank you! I had no idea just how mad the whole process was! Unfortunately as it stands there is no way we can move before next summer..... I need a lottery win!!!