finding a primary school in Guildford

[MadMaxUK]

Hi. We're looking to move to the Guildford area in the next few months. We've had an offer accepted on a house and a seller has been found for our current property, but it will still take some time as there is a fairly large chain. Aim is to move in July/August in time for the next school year.

But...I have a big concern around schools. My DS is 3 and will be starting reception in September and my DD will be starting Year 3.

The problem is that all the primary schools in the area (Merrow/Burpham) seem to be heavily subscribed. The dilemna is that we can't apply until we have exchanged contracts. So basically, we have to commit to buying a house in a new area without any guarantee of finding a place in a local school. It could be that we end up with them both in a school miles away or even worse, DS in one school and DD in a completely different one. This would be a nightmare as my DW can't drive.

Any advice or guidance or positive stories would be very welcome!!

Hi Madmax

I would call all the local primaries you are interested in and ask them if they expect to have places next year. They should now know how many total applications (1st, 2nd & 3rd preference) and how many first preference applications they have, but no more detail as SCC's system does not give this out. They will have for both reception and year 3 entry. I know our SCC primary has this info.

Heavily oversubscribed probably means the total of 1st, 2nd and 3rd preference, whereas most people get their first preference so the second and third preferences drop away.

You may well be surprised. Also remember that if you get one of them in the other becomes a sibling, which moves them up the waiting list.

Good schools do still sometimes have places, ours is normally oversubscribed but had spaces last year due to lower birth rate. Also ask if they normally have some who drop out as a result of going private, as if so may still be worth looking at.

Good luck

I live in Guildford and have sent you a private message.