Applying for primary schools when moving

[AlexisP90]

We planned to move this year but due to certain circumstances (which I won't go into) it may be next year.

DS is 3 in June. So I would have needed to apply for primary by next Jan right? If we haven't moved by then/ in the process of it what do I do?

I really wanted to avoid getting him in then having to move him. My parents did this to me and it did impact me

Can I delay it? Can I apply mid year with this circumstance?

I'm so confused with it all! Any advice would help. I'm such a worrier with these things.

You can delay applying but it will be classed as a late application and if schools are over subscribed you will be bottom of the list.

I would do everything I could to get the move done before the closing date.

You will need to apply by next Jan to be an on time applicant. If you haven't moved by then, the options you have are:

• Apply for schools near your current home and then change your preferences/make a new application when you move. The downside is popular schools may be full. However this varies from area to area. Where I live there are decent schools with spaces in Reception due to a lower birth rate.
• If you know where you are moving to, you could apply to schools in the new area. This isn't ideal as a) many schools allocate on distance and b) your plans may change and then the school won't be convenient. However if the school has spaces they will give you a place wherever you live.
• You could delay your son's start to school, as he doesn't have to be in school until the term after he turns 5. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this, but it is an option open to you. This would allow you to be on waiting lists for schools you like.

I would probably do the first option and hope for some remaining places or waiting list moment. It is also worth noting that whilst you had a negative experience of moving schools, this isn't the case for all children. I moved schools between Reception and Year 1 and just thought it was exciting. I appreciate you would prefer not to do this though.

I had this and they gave me a school in the old area 🙄

There is a grace period for late applications up to March 8th. If you apply after Jan 15th but by March 8th and can demonstrate evidence of circumstances (like moving, e.g. a new tenancy contract etc) then your application will be treated the same as the on time applications. After that or without the relevant evidence late applications would be bottom of the list.

This is great. Thank you SO MUCH.

Really appreciate this. Very clear advice. Yeah the ideal is we time it right so it's avoided but you know.. certain things we can't control unfortunately.

Helpful to know. Thank you

Is this in all areas? We moved in 21 and we had to push hard to be completed on time as out LA count any applications after deadline day as late. There was no grace period at all.

You can do an in-year admission application anytime but the schools might be full. Do you know if the schools where you are moving to are usually oversubscribed and are there a few choices?
Also as a previous poster mentioned there could be a grace period but it varies - ours was 15th Feb so I'd check.

I had presumed so until you asked! But I've just glanced at 5 different local authorities from north east, south east, south west, central and London, 4 out of 5 of those had similar late applications extenuating circumstances and only one didn't.

So I stand corrected. Thanks!