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Original poster

Renting in catchment

167 replies

worriedandstressedAAA · 28/04/2018 21:50

Ok, so don't shoot me but I am at my wits end about what to do for year 7 for DS, 10. We need to apply this October. DS is middle ability, sporty and not motivated at all. Our choices are the local comprehensive which is really rough and has poor exam results year on year or to go private. We've been looking at privates and it's becoming clear to me that DS does not stand a chance of getting into any of the good private schools in North London where we live. We may have a chance at some of the other privates, e.g. North Bridge House, but have visited and wasn't overly impressed and am not convinced it's any better than a good (and free) state secondary. There are two outstanding state secondaries a 10 minute drive from where we live with miniscule catchments. I am seriously considering renting in the catchment area for 12-18 months to get DS a place. I've read the borough's admissions policy and it seems it's ok to do this provided that we stay at least 12 months and genuinely live in the property. None of us want to move but seems to be the only way to get DS into a decent school. Lots of other families in the area seem to be making the same move. It's a massive decision though and still not sure if we should do it or keep exploring the private sector. Can anyone advise what we should do.

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Thundercracker · 29/04/2018 09:32

Do you own or rent now, you don't definitely say (although I think I can guess). If you are currently renting, you can give up that property and get a new tenancy anywhere you like and it is a genuine move. If you keep your own home then at the very least you'd need tenants in it and even then the authority may have a policy of not counting the rental home if you own a house nearby.

And don't underestimate the risks of being dobbed in by people who know you, especially if they are looking at the same choice of schools.

MarshaBradyo · 29/04/2018 09:32

So what will you do with your current house?
Rent it out or sell?

20nil · 29/04/2018 09:33

The system is unfair because of people like you. Rather than abusing the state school system, go private or get involved in improving your local comp.

Battleax · 29/04/2018 09:34

I hope all the boroughs use the criteria you describe littlered.

Original poster
worriedandstressedAAA · 29/04/2018 09:36

Oh and I've paid for more than my fair share in tax thanks so that argument really doesn't wash with me. Unless it's illegal (which it isn't) then I haver zero moral qualms about this. Why should one child living in a certain area get into a fantastic school and one leaving 2 miles away have rubbish options? We all pay the same tax don't we, in fact, some pay a lot more than others. I've worked full time since the age of 21 and have more than paid into the system thanks. All state schools should be good so that people don't feel faced with the dilemma we have. That I don't want to send DS to a rough comp where the police are routinely outside and where there are reports of kids carrying knives? Quite reasonable I think.

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AutoFilled · 29/04/2018 09:36

Lots of people do it even outside of London. However we actually genuinely move. Like others say, sold the old house and move into the catchment of where you want your child to go to school. Or rent into catchment. But the difference is being genuine about it and that means selling your old house.

Hatewaybuloo · 29/04/2018 09:36

worriedandstressedAAA- yes the entire system is unfair because of people like you! Not everyone can afford to move to catchment areas of the best state schools, you’re pushing less privileged people out

AutoFilled · 29/04/2018 09:37

If it comes to a challenge and some reports you, you will then have proof you aren’t defrauding the system.

applesandpears56 · 29/04/2018 09:39

It is illegal op. It’s fraud - unless as others say you are genuinely moving. That would mean disposal of your old house.

applesandpears56 · 29/04/2018 09:41

The child living near the better school has parents that have paid a premium for that house so they are in the catchment of that school
You have paid a cheaper price because of the fact you are in a catchment for a rubbish school

Original poster
worriedandstressedAAA · 29/04/2018 09:42

Yes, and they count renting out your house on a long let as disposing of your property. I called the admissions authority and they confirmed this. It therefore counts as you genuinely moving.

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Midthreademergencynamechange · 29/04/2018 09:42

More and more schools are catching on to this scam so hopefully you would be reported and stopped in your tracks.

20nil · 29/04/2018 09:43

Great that you have no moral qualms, but you must see that not all state schools are as good as they should be because of people like you.

Midthreademergencynamechange · 29/04/2018 09:44

Really, they confirmed it to you did they? Which north London LA is this then?

MarshaBradyo · 29/04/2018 09:45

The parents who paid a premium to live a few streets away and who will lose out because you are renting closer - does this bother you?

Original poster
worriedandstressedAAA · 29/04/2018 09:45

In that case Mid they would have to turf out about half of the school I'm afraid. And, based on their own admissions policy, I don't see how they could.

OP posts:
applesandpears56 · 29/04/2018 09:45

Changing your tune now op - you originally said you didn’t want to move
Moving is ok. Cheating the system isn’t.

Battleax · 29/04/2018 09:46

If you’re investigated, and you’re asked the purpose of the house move, what will you say?

Original poster
worriedandstressedAAA · 29/04/2018 09:46

20nil, no, I don't see that actually. I see that as an issue of chronic underfunding and investment which has nothing to do with me sending DS there.

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Original poster
worriedandstressedAAA · 29/04/2018 09:48

I don't want to move. I just want to be able to send DS to a good school. Not a brilliant one, just a good one where they don't have reports of kids carrying knives and the police stationed outside.

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20nil · 29/04/2018 09:49

Look, you’re clearly not going to find many people here who condone this so just do it and live with yourself. Hopefully you will be caught. I judge you as a state school parent and as a school governor. Schools are well aware of this scam and take a very dim view of it, especially when they also have to deal with the disappointed parents who miss out because of people like you.

Original poster
worriedandstressedAAA · 29/04/2018 09:50

Battleax, we would say that we moved house for the school, what else? Not trying to hide anything.

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Pettynotvindictive · 29/04/2018 09:50

Just Throwing this in here.

I live in London. There are three outstanding comprehensive schools within a 30 minute walk from my house.

(Btw they often have police outside, crime can happen anywhere).

I had to appeal to get my kids in there. It was successful, thankfully. Even though a long time ago now! We were allocated another borough.

Houses have been rented on my road by people wanting the schools, they didn't get in and the tenancy has expired by appeal time.

The only success Hmm story I heard is one where said child moved in with grandparents. The schools check where tax credits/child benefit is paid.

If you can afford to spend a lot with no guarantee...

TheKimJongUnofFeminism · 29/04/2018 09:52

If you can afford to move, why do you still live in such a dangerous, crime filled area?

Battleax · 29/04/2018 09:53

Battleax, we would say that we moved house for the school, what else? Not trying to hide anything.

Yes, I just wondered.

If that’s what people say when asked, I’m surprised they haven’t tightened up further TBH. It’s quite a blatant work around, and for some reason they have let it continue. Maybe they are legally constrained.