Moving into an area and schooling - chicken and egg problem

[Stargazer425]

I have gotten a new job far from where I currently live and am thinking of moving closer. However, we are now in a conundrum, we would like to move into an area with good schools but most good secondary schools are oversubscribed. So if we move and couldn’t get into one of the good schools, we could be a bit stuck. But if we don’t move, we can’t provide the address for school application. Sounds like an impossible problem to solve. Any advice?

Consider private schools.

Private school are not a financially viable option for the great majority of people…….

I would speak to the local council and find out which schools do have vacancies and if there are any you would be happy for your child to attend. If there’s a space then you can apply from your current address.

If there are no schools acceptable to you then you will have to move and apply in year. In the meantime you can home educate and sit on waiting lists or send them to the school with spaces.

Moving from Y3 onwards is better as infant class size restrictions no longer apply so there’s more chance of getting in on appeal.

We did this and found a house very close to a school we wanted and then as soon as exchanged told LA and we had places within a few days. You need to phone LA if manage own admissions and check where you would be on waiting list with an address and make it low. Or move to an area with all good schools around so if don't get nearest still a good school and over a certain distance LA will provide transport.

Don't believe what estate agents say about schools, check the catchments if any and rules yourself and phone whoever manages their waiting list for confirmation. It's a very common issue when move. Our LA also publishes online where has vacancies for a mid year transfer, and check those out as you may get given those if you preferred choice isn't available.

Agree it's worth finding out which school have spaces now (because your DC could get a place living where you are currently) and mobility in the schools you are interested in (if no one ever moves after Year 7 then you there is no point even living next door to the school).

What year(s) are you looking for places in? You should be aware that some schools start GCSE courses from Year 9, so if you've got a Year 9, you'd need to look out for that (and I'd strongly suggest not moving a Y10 or Y11).

Private schools tend not to have random places come up mid term, so not sure that is necessarily the answer, even if affordable.