Catch 22 re address for new school

[dylanskijjb]

Hi, we are moving back to UK (Milton Keynes area) after being abroad for 12 years. Our son will be moving into 2nd year in Secondary. We would like him to start in Sept (2017) but we need proof of address to register a school, but we don't want to choose a home until we know he can get into a nearby school - any ideas please

You can't get a place at a school without an address, there's no way round it, that's how the system works.

All you can really do is call the local authority and ask for a list of schools with vacancies, to give you an idea of where spaces are likely to be. You will need a probable address here to be allocated a school, but if you pick an area where there are a few schools with spaces then chances are one spot will still be there in sept.

Your issue is likely, however, to be that no such ares exists; in which case pick an area with several local schools you would be happy with and get on waiting lists. The local authorities have to give your son a place somewhere, but that may not be in a school of your choice. You can appeal for a place in a full school though chances are relatively low you will win, but its always worth trying.

The authority have no obligation to find your son a school until you have a probable address I'm afraid.