Moving to London -- how to get place for ds at school?

[momtoarc]

We're moving to London from France in September. I've been trying to figure out how to get a place for ds (5 in August) at school but it's all confusing and not what we're used to at all! We don't know exactly where we'll be living but that choice will be driven by the choice of schools. Financially independent schools will be difficult perhaps impossible (already have three older children in fee-paying schools, their location doesn't affect this choice). DS doesn't stand much of a chance at the French Lycee (didn't get in at the first round). So are we completely out of luck? Is DS doomed? Any advice?

You need to look for an area, find out what schools are there. (Rightmove is actually really good for this, as it shows properties on maps, give distance to schools, ofsted reports) When you have found an area you are keen to live in, you call up the local LEA and enquire about the schools and ask which schools appear to have places in the various year groups. You can then select a property near this school, and THEN apply for schools. They require proof of address, such as signed tenancy agreement, etc.

There are several French Language medium schools in London-

and there are a few recent threads regarding similar...

This one

this one- poster venni seems knowledgable, perhaps message her?

this one discusses CFBL which opens it's doors in Sept 2011- their website is here - it is fee paying, but assistance is available.

Someone mentioned Wix in Battersea too elsewhere.

This thread is an interesting discussion on the setting up of a bilingual school

HTH