Transfer to different county

[finleymummy]

Hi, can anyone please advise how long this process can take and how long before moving i can apply? We are planning a move early next year and would like to make sure our child doesn't miss out on his education too much. I'm hoping he can maybe start at new school after a half term x

How old is the child and what year are you looking for?

If you are looking for a reception place then you may have a problem, as the deadline for applications is around the 15th January and you need to be living at the application address at that point before you can apply.

My son will be in Year 2 so I know there will be a 30 place class limit, but im hoping there will be space.

We moved area and are just doing so again. It works like this:

We applied to our current local authority to move to a new school in a different LA. We were told that we have to have a decision presented to us by the current LA within 20 school days. In reality this has only taken 10 school days. You can only apply for a school place directly with the LA in which you pay council tax, irrespective of which area you are moving to. The current LA will liaise with new LA on your behalf.

I had already done research though and knew which school we were very likely to get place at.
Regarding timings you have to have taken up the place within 6 weeks or it could potentially go to another child. For example we applied just after Whit half term for September entry. So on the same theory, you need to apply October half term for January start.

This may not be standard for all areas, just my experience, for what its worth!

(Oh and if you go to appeal you have to be given an appeal date within 30 school days of the initial decision date)

All the best.

That's brilliant info, thank you very much x

And just a quick question, can the child remain at the present school until its time to move once we have got new place etc?

Your child can remain at the present school as long as you want. Even after you have moved house you are still entitled to keep your child at the present school.

Thanks so much, the LEA didn't give me much info when I asked about these things. I was just concerned how much DS would miss in the process.