How does anyone move schools?

[staranise]

HI

We want to move out of London to a small town nearer family. It has two primary schools, which are both full (though not massively over-subscribed by London standards). We currently have two DDs in Y3 & Y1 and a DC3 aged 3, who will start nursery this September.

I've spoken with the LEA who say they can't say whether or not we're likely to get places as our move is too far away (we're aiming to move by Christmas so as to be able to apply for school for DC3) and they have no idea whether or not the places will come up. We can't apply til we have an address there.

Ideally we'd move in the summer but this means we'd possibly have no school places for the DDs after we'd moved. I'd rather not start the DDs at the next nearest school as I don't want to move them twice plus it would be very far away. Do people homeschool until a place comes up? I understand it would be easier to get DD1 in as there would be fewer restrictions on a Y4 place?

The schools are full but not massively so, ie, the classes are at about 30, one school is two-form entry, the other is single. The girs would get sibling places once DC3 was in but his place wouldn't be confirmed til APril next year.

Has anyone been in a similar position? Or do people move assuming a place will come up once they're there? Thanks for any help you can give.

Hi, we moved area just after Christmas and we went to visit all the schools that we were interested in and spoke to them about places. We didn't actually ever speak to the LEA, we had to fill out forms though but the school dealt with that. We were in a different position from you in that they had places for 2 of our DD's, but not the youngest (YR), I decided to keep her at home in the hope that a place would become available (she was a July baby so I didn't feel too bad at keeping her at home, she wasn't impressed she was loving her old school!). Luckily a place came available and they all started together. So although not quite the same situation as you I hope it gives you hope. All the best with your move.

Oh yes, meant to say we did the school visits without a new local address, we only moved after sorting out the school.

OP I know this is terribly stressful as you're going through it, but the likelihood of it all working out in your favour is extremely high. The LEA is always very negative (they feel that is their role), but in my experience the individual schools can be very helpful.

Start to develop a relationship with your chosen school (or possibly more than one). Know the administrator's name and the head's assistant and whoever answers the phone. Ask for information and what they think your chances are. Show continued interest in the school over the coming months.

Would it be at all possible to rent somewhere just in the short term, local to the school, so that you have an address and can get on the waitlist? I know it's an expense, but you only have to do it once and then you'll be settled.

It must feel like you're having to jump into the void without a parachute. I don't envy you, but on an encouraging note, everyone I know who's been through this has come out the other side with their kids in a terrific school. Good luck!

Thanks so much for your help, you are all very useful and spot on in that the LA were very negative but the schools are being very helpful. One has places for DD1 and potentially DD2 - even the other school, which said it is full, has no waiting list - very different to the London schools! I'm feeling a lot more positive about it all, thanks again.