Moving house but want school nearest present home

[Maybenexttime08]

Hi,

Hope this is a simple question if I can explain it properly.

We have applied for our local secondary school which we really like, and are likely to get a place.

However, we are trying to move between now and when we will get the place offered in March. We are not moving very far away but it might be slightly out of the catchment area of this school.

Do we have to wait until offered the place before moving, or do they only take into account the address you lived in (and have done for ages) when you filled in the application form??

Hope this makes sense! I don't want to risk it if they might not accept our new address..

Thanks,
Alex

I think it depends on your own Education authorities rule, it should give clear guidance on their website. Our council for example clearly states that if you move before allocation day, you risk your place if it was based on your previous address. Different boroughs have different rules. I’m sure one of the mimsnet admissions experts will come along soon to advise!

Or even mumsnet experts!

Thanks - will see if there is anything on the Surrey website!

Surrey have quite clear guidance -
www.surreycc.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/school-admissions/secondary-applications/secondary-school-admissions/step-2-complete-the-secondary-admissions-application-form#address2

Thanks @patriciaholm - really interesting.

"If you move within Surrey after 12 December 2018 or if you provide us with evidence of a prior move after this date, your previous address will be used for initial allocation purposes on 1 March 2019. Your new address will be used for waiting lists from 1 March 2019, or the date you move if a move has not yet taken place."

So it looks like if we do move after December then we will still be offered a place using our old address.