Moving area and applying for reception!

[MannMumma89]

Good morning all!

wondering if anyone can help me..

We are in the early stages of moving to a new area, we haven’t found anywhere and still not sure on an exact area. Trouble is my 3yo daughter will be starting school Sept 2024, (this is my eldest so this is all so new to me!) but if we have to apply for schools by January and we haven’t found a house what do we do?
If we find a house during 2024 can we still apply for a school place during the year and just hope they have spaces?

And do I still apply for local schools to me now too? We are hoping to have moved by September but just not sure how it all works!!

it’s all so confusing and alot to take in!

thank you for any help and advice given,

x

If you haven’t moved by the January deadline you will be classed as a late applicant. You will need to look at the guidance from the LA as they take slightly different approaches. You should apply by deadline based on where you are living at the time. Depending on the area you may be OK or you may find yourself at risk of not gaining a place at the popular local schools and having to appeal, join waiting lists or travel further for a place.

You can apply to any school in tue county from any address so technically you could apply for the school you think you are going to live near. And it there is a place you would get one. But that's a risky business because you might not move.

I would apply for a school where you are now. Then, apply for an in-year place when you have moved.

So long as you choose an area with mostly good primary schools you should be fine to be honest. That was my experience of moving a primary aged child twice in year anyway. Local groups for parents on facebook/ whats app can be good for finding out about schools before you move. You can visit the schools in the new area in the autumn when they do tours (provided you can manage the travel obviously). Personally I would consider secondary schools as well as you won't want to move area twice, secondaries tend to be a bit trickier than primaries. Also bear in mind that children are quite moveable before end of year 1 as friendships haven't gelled yet so if it does take longer than you think to sort that is OK too.

If you haven't found somewhere by January: apply for schools where you live
If you've found somewhere but not at the exchange/completion/rental agreement stage, you can apply for schools in new area using old address to the council where you currently live, then update your address. There is sometimes a secondary deadline for people who have moved.