Page 3 | Is it ok to use father's address for a school application?

MyopicBunny · 2023-03-09T19:37:28+00:00

Just that really. I know people who have done this but I'm not sure if it's a good idea in practice. If your child lives with you, should you only apply for your own catchment?

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steppemum · 13/03/2023 11:59

OP
I think you are confusing 2 things.
You are entitled to apply for that school even if you live miles away. It si a free choice, and not dependant on where you live.
The chances you get in or not will vary as to their entrance criteria and obviously living closer gives you a higher chance of getting in.

That is quite separate from the issue of whose address you put on. That is a ruling from your local council and you have to follow their rules.

So you can apply to that school from your address, if your ex's address doesn't count.

can I just say though HOW will she get to school? Because if it is 20 minutes drive for you and she lives with you most days, that is 40 minute round trip twice a day.
I would not be interested in that, it is extremely restrictive for you. Is there a bus option? Even if she doesn't take it in year 7, something she could use later on?

SheilaFentiman · 13/03/2023 13:29

@MyopicBunny I agree with the above - she lives with you the majority of her time, her school commute should be as easy as possible for her, not your ex. Plus her friends will end up nearer to her main home.

SheilaFentiman · 13/03/2023 13:34

And the other thing to think about is what secondary school she might go to and whether it has feeder schools.

This does seem more about your ex’s convenience than your DD’s interests.

SleepingStandingUp · 13/03/2023 13:38

MyopicBunny · 09/03/2023 20:09

Yes, she lives with me most of the time - he pays child support. So it seems to me you can't use the NRP's address unless custody is 50/50.

Thanks for replies - this has helped to clarify everything.

Is this him aim tho, to go 50/50 cos he'll be closer? How much does it screw you over getting her to school if it's by him?

Personally if you don't want her going there, tell him it's against the rules and as the claimer of CB it's based on you.
If you'd be happy with 50/50 and that school I think it's fine but I'd make sure she was 50/50 by the school holiday before she starts

Meandfour · 13/03/2023 13:42

SheilaFentiman · 09/03/2023 19:39

No, you need to use the child’s main address. There’s various tests for this eg who gets child benefit, which GP child uses etc.

How does this work in practise? Lots of children have 50/50 contact but CB is only payable to one parent AFAIK and they can only be registered at one GP.

creekingmillenial · 13/03/2023 13:45

I don’t think it’s fraud if you have shared custody, plenty of children split their time and that can also change over time in exact patterns. But obviously if they spent more time with you then practically nearer to you makes most sense. Really it would be best to make choices about school together, if you can. Otherwise courts have to get involved.

SheilaFentiman · 13/03/2023 13:49

Meandfour · 13/03/2023 13:42

How does this work in practise? Lots of children have 50/50 contact but CB is only payable to one parent AFAIK and they can only be registered at one GP.

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Different councils say different things, best to check the specifics of your own.

my council allows parents with 50/50care to agree it between them but if it is disputed between them, it goes on CB recipient.

they also check against the address held on file for any current school.

SheilaFentiman · 13/03/2023 13:50

But the council is clear, where we are, that if the child spends most of their time at one address - which is the case for the op - then that is the address to
be used

prh47bridge · 13/03/2023 14:15

creekingmillenial · 13/03/2023 13:45

I don’t think it’s fraud if you have shared custody, plenty of children split their time and that can also change over time in exact patterns. But obviously if they spent more time with you then practically nearer to you makes most sense. Really it would be best to make choices about school together, if you can. Otherwise courts have to get involved.

Whether you think it is fraud is irrelevant. Yes, plenty of children split their time between parents and the pattern can change over time. But when applying for a school, you must follow the LA's rules. In most cases, that means using the address where the child spends most time. Failure to do so is classed as fraud.

steppemum · 13/03/2023 14:54

prh47bridge · 13/03/2023 14:15

Whether you think it is fraud is irrelevant. Yes, plenty of children split their time between parents and the pattern can change over time. But when applying for a school, you must follow the LA's rules. In most cases, that means using the address where the child spends most time. Failure to do so is classed as fraud.

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Exactly.
Whatever the opinion of people on this thread, there is a set of rules that you have to follow.
It is different for different councils.
The council that applies is the one from where you lodge your application.
So, if you use your address then it is the council where you live regardless of where the school is.
If you use his address it is his council.
Check what the council says, that is the only way you will know.