Is it better to move schools at the start of a new school year?

[Monkeybusiness2]

I'm going to be moving (relocating to another area).
My children are in Reception, yr 2 and yr 4
I'd planned to move before next September to be ready for a new school year but am not sure how the process works. The in year process seems to be simpler but with 6 weeks summer holidays will this be an issue on getting in touch with the LA and schools about places?

I am in Scotland so the process will be different. O moved my ds at the end of a school year. I think he was at his new school for three or four weeks before the summer holidays. It meant I didn't have to worry about it over the summer because I knew he had settled in and made some friends. He was happy to go back after the summer.

I do think the summer holidays will be an issue. It depends how likely it is there will be places available. One friend who was moving simply rang her preferred school who were happy to put her DD on the register for the school and guarantee her a place for September even though they didn't have the new address at that point. It becomes more difficult if the school doesn't have places for all 3 kids. I would ting the la and the schools on question for specific advice.

If you can move before the summer holidays that would make things much easier with the logistics of contacting schooler/LA. And also means kids can meet new friends before the long holiday and have a chance to set up some play dates so it’s not all new in Sept

Appreciate this may not be feasible, but I’d be aiming to move June/early July

You'll need a letter with your exchange and completion date (if you are buying) to go with your application if you are going with the normal intake process. It can be difficult to juggle it all

Thanks all. I think I might aim for Easter time ish.

It’s easier for the kids mid year as the teacher will be aware that they are new

The summer term is good because of all the fun days and outings helping with friendships rather than the pressure of a new term and learning to make friends and finding their way round etc