What age is cap for switching schools for kids

[lking679]

Know it’s a bit of a funny question and circumstances not always flexible enough to control this but if you could... what age would you consider it to be too unsettling to relocate to a different area and switch schools for kids? After primary school age? I suppose at secondary school you make a lot of friends you keep into adulthood?
Or is it very unsettling at any age?

Love to know your thoughts and experiences!

I changed areas at 7 (midway through y3), 10 (summer between y5 and y6) and 13 (midway through y9)

All of them were relatively smooth. The y9 one was possibly hardest initially, but it was overall positive as I actually made good friends in the new area, as opposed to the on again/off again "friends" and their drama of the previous school.

I would personally avoid anything once GCSEs have started, unless unavoidable, and otherwise take it on an individual case basis tbh.

I would say the end of Year 8 was the latest I'd consider (for continuity into exams).
Below about age 9, I'd say most children will take it into their stride (though I moved schools 4 times before age 9, and I would say that is too many). I also think it makes a difference whether the school move is coupled with a house move. If you're moving schools but everything else stays the same, it's much easier to adapt.

I wouldn't PLAN to move later than end of Yr5 in England (to be in place for Secondary Admissions).

Yr8 at a push to be in place for GCSEs.
Maybe move between GCSE and Alevel.

Weve moved several times with Primary school aged children. Its worked out OK... but we promised our elder DD no more moving schools.

Thanks all, yes I think no later than the end of year 5 maybe best especially as areas have 11+ as well. Move would include moving house so quite a bit of upheaval. Thinking of doing it now and then if we don't like it moving back when daughters are in year 3 and reception... just annoying about school catchments and things as all the good schools oversubscribed!