returning to the UK. How to get into our local school...

[overseaschick]

Hi
we have been away for a bit, but are returning to Richmond. I have had a few informal emails with the education service about when and how to apply for a school place...

my question is:
Has anyone said they were in the country to secure a school place (knowing they were definitely coming back of course), filled out the forms etc and got a school place for their child? did they have to attend any interviews with richmond council? or was the school place just awarded.

loop hole is apparently you cant apply until you are resident in the country. But our house is there are stuff is there, we are just a few 1000 miles away!

need some advice. thanks

Are you paying council tax on your property in the UK? I think this might be one of the checks but stand to be corrected

We were in exactly the same situation a few years ago. We had proof it was our property, we were returning, the tenants vacating but there was no room for manoeuvre, we had to be resident at the address, paying bills and with proof, to apply. The local schools were basically disinterested in allowing us even to come to look round because returning in July we had next to no chance of a place. I had understood there might be more room for negotiation now but you need to talk to the schools and the Council. The problem is there is no shortage of parents looking to move into properties and bend the rules to get into good schools, and the Council have taken a firm stance. Those returning from abroad to their own homes are caught in the crossfire. What age are your children? It is more hopeful they will get a place in the older primary and secondary years.

In contrast the private schools were enthusiastic about welcoming children who had experienced another culture, even to the point of it being in their favour in competitive selection at 11.