School change

[vcfromhk]

We moved from Hong Kong 3 months ago and my daughter has option to join either Sydenham high or Kingsdale for year 7 starting next month. We live near Crystal Palace in rental but looking to buy a house this year. Depending on where we land up finding suitable house we may have to change kids school. How hard is it to get to change schools middle of year 7 or beginning year 8. Will it be easier to find schools later coming from Sydenham or Kingsdale?

Also is it easier to find good private schools in year 8 or good state?

We are totally confused on what to do.

Good state schools tend to be full and will only offer places when they have a vacancy ie someone leaves. Places are offered based on who is top of the waiting list. However, you can appeal for a place if you are not offered one.

Private schools will often be more flexible (generally smaller classes so easier to squeeze 1 more in). But if they say no then you have no right of appeal.

I would suggest you investigate both state and private s holidays options and also find out how the waiting list system prioritises children for the state schools you are interested in.