primary schools and affordable places to live in Leeds university area

[mirshu]

Hi all,

I am thinking of moving to Leeds this summer with my 9 year old son. I have never lived in the UK before so the whole school placement system is new to me and quite confusing. I have been calling around to various schools within the city and most say they will have no places available for next September. My son will start Year 5 then, so he just needs to be in primary school for the next 2 years.

One of the schools which said that there may be possibilities since they sometimes have places open up in Blenheim Primary. Does anyone have any feedback on this school?

Also I wil be looking for a temporary one to two year lease on a flat in that area (within catchment zone if that school has places). I know the area is largely a student area but since it will only be for a couple of years that is fine. There seems to be a few realtors who list "student" apartments in that area. Is there a reliable and trustworthy agent that may also have housing for small families (mom and son) that you could recommend?

Thank you for any advice.

I don't know the school but having done a quick search it's registered 'good' by ofsted which is reassuring. Having been a student at leeds university it's perhaps not an area that I would choose but you are restricted by school places and your options sound limited.
I've had dealings with samara properties and castlehill as a student renting but that was a few years ago now. They were fine but students are their target population. Sorry I can't be any further use! Good luck with the move.

Thank you Limpetsmum for the info. We are going to visit Leeds next week and at least have appointments to see a few schools. I called Samara properties and their properties are not available to rent to families with kids. They seemed very nice over the phone but can't help us. I have been in contact with CityRed properties since they seem to have lots in the centre. I have read mixed reviews of them so not sure what to expect. This whole process is making me very nervous. Hopefully after spending a few days there and talking to schools and agents I will have a better feeling for it.
Thanks again for the advice :)