Relocating to Bath and primary schools

Bathmary · 2024-12-25T21:41:21+00:00

Hi there, I know this has been discussed to some extent before but long time ago. We are relocating from London to Bath in spring and hoping to find some nice area to live and nice primary schools. Please throw in any suggestions. I will be working at the university of Bath. So preferably something not too much far away. We have two kids, so nice area, parks, playgrounds, fresh air and some local vibe is a must have.. one issue that I’m thinking of is that you have to put in an application for schools before the 15th of January and we haven’t even moved yet, so no Bath address etc. what people do in this case? thank you!!!

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MarchingFrogs · 25/12/2024 23:40

Do you actually have a DC starting in Reception in September 20255? Or in year 3, if looking at a year 3 start at a Junior school? The January 15th deadline only applies to applications for those year groups; everything else is a mid-year application and can be made at any point in the year for an immediate start, or e.g. after the May half term for a September start.

You can apply from your current address and then update your details when you actually move - if the school has a place to offer and no other applicants, you have to be offered it (but see above re timing, as you can't apply now and find a place and expect it to be held open until e.g. after Easter). What won't happen until you are resident in the new area is the LA actively looking for a place for your DC at your 'nearest undersubscribed school', if you draw a blank yourself, as it isn't their responsibility to do this until you are 'theirs', so to speak..

Original poster

Bathmary · 26/12/2024 21:23

MarchingFrogs · 25/12/2024 23:40

Do you actually have a DC starting in Reception in September 20255? Or in year 3, if looking at a year 3 start at a Junior school? The January 15th deadline only applies to applications for those year groups; everything else is a mid-year application and can be made at any point in the year for an immediate start, or e.g. after the May half term for a September start.

You can apply from your current address and then update your details when you actually move - if the school has a place to offer and no other applicants, you have to be offered it (but see above re timing, as you can't apply now and find a place and expect it to be held open until e.g. after Easter). What won't happen until you are resident in the new area is the LA actively looking for a place for your DC at your 'nearest undersubscribed school', if you draw a blank yourself, as it isn't their responsibility to do this until you are 'theirs', so to speak..

Hey @MarchingFrogs thanks so much for your reply. Oh gosh you are right, I don’t know how I was reading that.. yes, she is just starting school next year, so Year 1 for us. It makes me feel much better, thank you.
are you actually from Bath?

OP posts:

MarchingFrogs · 26/12/2024 22:00

Bathmary · 26/12/2024 21:23

Hey @MarchingFrogs thanks so much for your reply. Oh gosh you are right, I don’t know how I was reading that.. yes, she is just starting school next year, so Year 1 for us. It makes me feel much better, thank you.
are you actually from Bath?

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No, I'm ot from the area, I'm afraid. Slightly confused- if your DD is only starting school next September, then that would be a normal admission round (Reception) application and the deadline is January 15th.

Original poster

Bathmary · 27/12/2024 10:30

@MarchingFrogs Oh I see, I guess I got confused as well. Yes, she will be starting her Reception year in September. So in this case the only option we got is what you've described in the second paragraph..?

OP posts:

MarchingFrogs · 27/12/2024 10:58

Bathmary · 27/12/2024 10:30

@MarchingFrogs Oh I see, I guess I got confused as well. Yes, she will be starting her Reception year in September. So in this case the only option we got is what you've described in the second paragraph..?

Well, if ypu make an on time application for schools in Bath from your current address (through your current home LA) , then a) if one of the schools you have applied for hasn't filled all its places by the time it gets to your DD (assuming that you would only qualify under 'all other applicants, on distance', which is usually the final one, as the school can't refuse to rank an applicant), you will be offered a place and b) if no place can be offered, you will both be able to be (either automatically, or on request - check the rules at the Bath end) on the waiting list from national offer day and able to lodge an appeal. In the meantime, your current LA will offer the nearest undetsubscribed school, and you should probably hang on to that place just in case something goes wrong with the move.

If you are applying for Bath schools from your current address, though, check ASAP with your current LA whether you can just do this in the normal way online, as you may have to e.g. either email your admissions team with the schools you want, for them to be added to the ist of available options, or submit a paper form, in which case, you need to allow extra time to get the form in by the deadline.