Moving cities, how to transfer schools

[Anothermumwithquestions]

Hi all.
So we’re planning to move south to north. Both children are needing a space at a new primary school. The one we’d like is full (head told us via email) and second choice only has space for DD.

can someone please explain the literal process … at what stage do we tell our current head they’re leaving / what happens if we wanted to move in with the kids’ grandma (to save renting costs) / will we need to put the kids in separate schools / how long does the whole thing take (how long realistically could kids be out of education while it all goes through) I have so many questions and the local authority we’re moving to doesn’t even have a phone line on their website for us to call.

basically - has anyone moved successfully and seamlessly and can explain step by step.

thanks!

You need to contact the Admissions Office for the council that deals with the area you are moving to and ask them these questions. The best thing to do is put them on the waiting list for the school you want and find an alternative for the meantime but be open minded that it might be permanent.

Thank you, I’ll see if there’s an Admissions Office to contact !

Look at the council website. Some areas you apply through the council, others to the school. You need an address first.

How long it takes... anything from days to months.

The council has to find you places. But they don't have to be in the same school or a school of your choosing. Just within a reasonable distance.

Thank you. I understand you’re not allowed to use a relative’s address to get a place, but if we moved into my mum’s that’s a legitimate move, would you say?

Don't try and fool the admissions authority, they will find out and the school places will be withdrawn. If it is to be a permanent move to your mum's no problem.
If either or both children are in Reception, year 1 or year 2, that will make it more problematical as infant class size legislation will come into play.
Definitely ask the admissions department for help.

It is fine to move in with family and apply from that address, as you are genuinely living there. Also it isn't such an issue for in year admissions anyway, as it is more about whether there is a space.