Moving back to UK - HELP!

[Mcmew]

Hello all

I'm moving back to the UK either later this year or straight after New Year. Looking to relocate to Manchester - DH, DS (4.5) and myself.

I really need some advice re. Applying for schools! I have no idea how it works, does it really need to be done in advance? Is it a nightmare ? Ideally, due to work, moving / starting school in Jan 2024 however is it advisable to sort school placement for September?

I will start another thread re. Where in Manchester (looking South), renting, £1500pcm max, 3 bed, but if anybody wants to suggest here please feel free ,

Thank you!!! 😊

You need an address in the Uk before you can apply for state schools.
Your son will be in year 1 in September 2023 so the procedure is the same as if you moved house from another area in England- secure an address then apply to the local council. They will try and accommodate your choices but there's a limit on class size for his age so if that year is full then the school can reject your application.

Great, thank you, yeah I did see someone before had to rent several months before actually moving to get their DC enrolled.

Is there a way to find out if some schools are more 'over subscribed' to apply for?.
I feel.like I don't want the stress, he's still small so I can move schools later if necessary, I just want the move go smoothly and for the school to be relatively close by.

Quite a few schools will have places so don't panic. Look at areas you like then phone the schools. They'll know if that year group has a wait list

Withington in south Manchester would be within your renting budget and there are good schools round here that usually have spaces. Have a look at St Paul's CofE in Withington. Didsbury is a bit more expensive for renting but Beaver Road school is so big it should have space.

This website tells you the places that were taken for children who started reception in 2022 which would be your son's year. It'll give you an idea of where might have space: www.manchester.gov.uk/info/705/school_admissions/6590/the_demand_for_primary_school_places

When we were moving here we just phoned round and asked where had space but you can't register for a place until you have an address in the area. The Manchester council website has more info. It's a great place to live.

Several schools around Withington, Didsbury & East/West Dids and Chorlton would have space. It's also quite a transient area. Agree great place to live. Beaver Rd is 5 form entry so likely to have spaces