I need help with choosing a new school

[Milagib72]

Hi there, we've been back in England from the US since April, my 2 girls have been in a private school since and we will have to change them to a state school for September 2013. My eldest will be in year 6 and youngest will be in year 4.
I don't know where or how to start looking, I always wanted 1 school for both until they are 18 but it seems impossible, we are Catholics they have been baptised but we don't practice so a catholic school would be good but I understand that we have no chance. Can someone help me please, added to my lack of knowledge my husband is English but I'm not so I don't understand anything.

in our local authority if you have a child joining a school after initial start periods then you contact the school you want directly. most schools will have a waiting list and there are spaces that come up even in popular schools. however placing two can be trickier although after year 2 there us no legal limit on class size. as your children are close to secondary age I would check the secondary schools out to ensure the primary us a feeder school for you preferred school. in our area there is no real choice just luck! when you move areas it is not uncommon for siblings to be in different schools waiting for a place to come up. have you looked at your local authority website. ours offer a support service for schools admission.

Look at the schools where you are. Look at their ofsted but more importantly, visit. An ofsted report and SATs don't tell the whole story. Do the same for your nearest secondary schools. Find out what the secondary enrolment is. It's not impossible to find a 'through' school here in London, but I don't know where you are based. As your children are in Juniors rather than Infants it may not be as difficult as you think to find a place. There's always a little bit of movement, as families relocate for example.

Thank you for your replies I'm so in need of guidance, do I need to wait for open days to go and see schools?

forgot to say when looking at schools I looked at how happy and engaged the children were, how the head teacher related to the staff, pupils and parents and then more practical issues. I wanted to walk to school and I was keen for it to have a breakfast and after school club near by.

sorry cross posted. i am sure you can ring up and organise to see a svhool at any time if you are planning to send your child there. in must area reception children will have already applied so open evenings will have been and gone.

I have sent you a message !!!!