When to start viewing?

[Screamo]

I’m way ahead of myself I know but it’s just popped into my head - my son is 3 on 29 Aug next year, 2025, and I understand we can apply for schools between the Sept & Jan, to start YR in 2026.

Does that mean we would need to go to viewings & open days from next year, or would it be even earlier? I know the answer is going to be painfully/embarrassingly obvious, so thank you in advance!

Your kid is one and you are worrying about schools already?

If you are looking at independent schools some require you to put names down. It’s worth calling the schools to discuss.

Assuming you mean a normal school they'll have open days on the term before the January application deadline.

Edited to add: there's no benefit to getting an application in early, so it doesn't matter that you'll be seeing the schools once the application window is already open.

Not worrying, just curious. Did it really bother you that much you had to leave a snarky comment?

The state schools generally have open days in the autumn term. For primary there's no need to look more than a year before (2025 for you) as there won't be that many schools you're in catchment for and they generally have multiple tours so date clashes aren't a problem.

You look around schools in the term before you apply, so Oct/Nov-ish before the Jan application. The schools we saw all ran a few open days in that autumn term, but they don't necessarily advertise them so you do have to ring and check.

There's no need to apply early, it's not like a waiting list for a nursery - it's all based on catchment area and then priority (i.e. siblings, EHCPs, then distance as the crow flies).

Agree with this. Plus until your child is near school age, you won't really know what you are looking for to suit his temperament and needs.

However you may wish to defer by a year so he enters as one of the oldest not the youngest. You will need to check with the LA what their rules are about this, but again only in the academic year you would normally be applying.

Thanks all that makes sense! A friend was saying the other day 'you know you'll have to apply for schools next year' and I thought what??? Seems a bit soon 😅

still no harm in becoming aware of the local schools which you might want to consider. checking out the walking or driving route, parking nearby. school websites and small things that might make one more interesting to you than another. sometimes schools will host craft fares or school musicals and there's not harm in noseying about. does one have a particularly fussy uniform (such as ties, or short pants year round).

Most schools do an open day a little while before the school application deadline. The open days are for parents whose child would be starting school the following September and are applying for a place. Hope that helps.

If you're after a particular state school then it might be worth looking into "catchment areas" (in most cases distances rather than an actual area) as some schools can be very oversubscribed and you might want to move closer to said school.

If you do this, take a look at secondary catchments / feeder schools too as it goes quicker than you might expect!

I wouldn't say it is too early to start looking. If you have any tendency to go to good private schools, their waiting lists start since birth. I am late when registered my child at 2 years old. When I realised the outstanding offsted state schools' catchment area are getting narrower, I went to register for private schools, but only can stay in their waiting list. So we are now at risk of not having any good school to go to.
I wish I had looked earlier to aware of the catchment area shrinkage.
Your child will have the best place thanks to your well-preparation.

I think there's no harm in looking early! Don't not do it because you're worried people think it's getting ahead of yourself, you do you. It all comes round quick. I cottoned on a bit late that some of the schools round here (independent) only have a nursery entrance point, so by the time I called (the summer before the year he'd start school) they were already full up (and don't take anymore at reception).. luckily I was still in time to apply for the 4+ assessments for reception at a couple of other schools. If you're looking at state it's still worth having a look if you've got time.