Seeking primary places outside catchment

[Ellsiedodah]

Can anyone advise if it is possible to get into a preferred school mid year if you end up in a school you don't rate? We're moving to a new town miles away and can't afford to live in the catchment of any of the favoured schools... Thanks

Depends if the schools have places. If you need a school place in a new area then the council will allocate the nearest space to you. It does mean it will likely be in an undersubscribed school unless you move next door to a good school where a place comes up and nobody trumps you on the waiting list.
Assuming you're in England.