Questions about primary application

[Timeforaverynicecupoftea]

Hi. We’re moving back to London from living abroad in summer 2020. We’ll be applying in January 2020 for our eldest to start primary school (she turns 5 in December 2020). We’re allowed to apply from abroad using our London address. I have three questions:

Can I apply for schools in two boroughs using the same form (splitting the six preferences three and three)?

If we’re not allocated a school we like can we then make an in-year application? Does turning down an allocated school disqualify us in any way from doing this?

Finally, can we make an in-year application before the summer holidays in 2020 (so she can start alongside everyone else in September), or do we need to wait until the start of the September term to do so?

A hundred thank yous!

Just to add, I’m not in London

Alb1 - that sounds really stressful for you. I hope it all gets resolved quickly

In our case we’re allowed to apply using this address, which is really the only non stressful part of it for us!

Alb1, OP is in a position whereby she can apply from abroad using her London address, which is unusual but allowed for certain professions (crown servants/returning military) in order that the children of those professions are not disadvantaged by sudden and unavoidable relocations. So all she is likely to need to do is prove she owns the property and will be returning there.

I wonder if we should just pick six schools that are less popular / not popular at all (of course they could be still be fantastic in reality).

You really don't need to do this. You should make sure you use at least one choice for a school that would be a "banker" I.e a school you live close to you are very likely to get a place at but you should also make sure you put down the schools you really want. The schools do not know how you have ranked them. You will be allocated a place based on which school is your highest preference that is actually able to offer you a place in line with the admissions criteria.
Also in Year applications are based on the premise that classes weren't already full (rare in London unless it is a school no one wants) or that children leave so it is always better to apply at the same time as everyone else.
If you do not get allocated a place at your higher ranked schools on your list of preferences you will automatically go on their waiting list. But it is really important to use all your choices and put at least one safe choice you would be happy with lower down your list.

Good point Lynda thank you