Advice about moving to Harrogate after admission deadline

[CJones1311]

Hi all, we are thinking of moving to Harrogate area next year - probably about May. We have a son who will be starting reception next September and wondered if anyone knows about how to approach applying to schools. Do we have to apply for local schools in London (where are are currently) and then try to apply once we have moved and have our new address for local schools? Will we then be limited to whatever schools happen to have places left? The timing is really not ideal - but is unavoidable unfortunately. Thanks in advance for any advice/tips.

Definitely apply for local schools, just in case you don't move.

You can also list Harrogate schools on your form, if you know roughly where you are likely to move to. You may be lucky and they have spaces....This will put you on waiting lists (put Harrogate schools first, then the London back ups)

Then when you have a firm address, you can update your address.
Once you ate local, Harrogate has to find you a space... but it will be whats left over. However waiting lists can move a lot.

Thank you - really helpful.

It might be easier than you think - Harrogate is an area affected by the falling birth rate. There are 20% fewer births than ten years ago.

https://commsforschools.co.uk/districts/harrogate/

In our area (not Harrogate, but also north), schools that were hugely oversubscribed 5 years ago now have spare places in reception.

Good luck with the move!

That is really reassuring to know! And thank you 😊