When’s best to move schools?

[Povertytrapped]

DS will be in Year 4 in Sept. We need to
move house (I left his EA dad 2 years ago and we’re now divorced), we’re not going far but it’ll mean a new school. I need a new start and not to be in same town as XH who won’t let go; DS will still see his dad.

Shall we move for the start of Year 5 so DS makes some friends to go up to secondary with (primary and secondary on same site) and I’ll hopefully meet some new mum friends?

Or shall I wait and move for Year 7 as he’s going to have to change school then anyway, but that will mean we neither of us know anyone at the start?

For me the move can’t come soon enough, but I need to do the best for DS.

Move when you move. It will help him settle into his new community.

I'd do it in Year 5. Easier to get to know people in your year group and feel more settled before having to start at a new, bigger school.

I moved ds in year 6. I knew that the primary would have kids who went up to secondary with him so I felt less guilty. He made some good friends who he could walk to school with and play at weekends/school holidays.

the younger the better I would - if you have to move midyear that is fine too

If you move for Y7, will you get a space at a local secondary? Or will they all be full, as you live too far away currently?
Move now.
DS1 moved in Y2 and Y6. DS2 was YR and Y4. YR was the worst timing. The rest were fine. We moved to apply as on time applications for secondary (leaving DH temporarily behind).

Thanks everyone was feeling super guilty about wanting to move next year but you’ve really helped me see that’ll work for DS as well 😊