In year admissions - Islington

[rowrowrow]

Hi,

Just wondered if you could help me. My step-son (just turned 13) is coming to live with myself and his father from Australia permanently in December, which is really exciting. I've contacted Islington council and they said that we need to apply for schools once the child is in the country.

My question is: since this is an in year admission, I can't imagine there are many places left (I've already called a couple of schools and was told there wern't). Does anyone know what happens if their arn't any places? Does that even happen? Will he have to go to the other side of London? Do we have any say?

The poor might has been diagnosed with ADHD and is on Aderrall and currently is seeing a psychiatrist in Brisbane. Would a letter from his psychiatrist help in finding a local school?

Thanks, this is all new to me as don't have any kids! Want to do the best by him as he's had a rocky couple of years at home.

Thanks!

If he turned 13 after Sept 1, you are looking for a place in Yr 8, if before then Yr 9. Your LEA will have to find him a place somewhere, but it may not be that near your home; though if its further than 3 miles away they need to pay for transport (though this could be a regular bus pass).

In terms of the ADHD, proof from his treatment in Aus could help you if you wish to appeal for a place in a full school nearer you; you would need to make a convincing case that the benefits to him to being in that school outweighs the negatives for the school for taking him (e.g. The school has a recognised specialism in dealing with this sort of issue, for example, or your stepson's medical condition makes sitting on a bus for long periods impossible).

Thanks for this, that's really helpful. Fingers crossed!