How long can state state schools hold a place when it becomes available during the academic year?

[Boosee]

We're moving and have to move our child from independent school but as we had to give a term's notice she will stay until end of summer term. We applied to state schools last term but they were all full and she was on WL. I just found out that a place has come up in the state school we applied to near us. I've asked them if she can start later in the term in July as we've already paid fees for current school. The admissions person stated they would need to check if they can hold the place for that long. Haven't heard back so wondered if anyone has experience of this or knowledge re. if this is something that is possible? Thank you

Ok.. but quite an odd thing to post on a short thread without that disclaimer, then. Especially as your second paragraph directly addressed the op.

anyway, I’ll leave it there - enough people have explained the situation to the OP.

Just accept the place and get her settled into her new school straight away. Schools are funded based on number on roll. At the moment she is not on roll in the new school. It is also unfair to other children who could be out of school and not receiving any education at all to delay their offer of a school place while your child has a place and you want to ‘bank’ another place for the next academic year.

They will want her (or someone) on roll in that available place by Summer census which is 16th May as that determines the next tranche of funding, they want the school as full as possible.

Whether they will hold the place that long I don't know. Usually you would get a week or so to decide and then a few more days to arrange uniforms ahead of start date and to come in for any academic ability tests that are required. So two weeks I would say for a confirmed start date.

If this is the school you want, I would accept now and move, as PP are right - this will let the school get to know your DD and get her in the right classes for the next academic year & she will get to know a few people before the summer.

I think admissions here say that it can drag out for four weeks which includes the time you submit the application and then accept. At very best you might be able to do until May half term.

Although there is a school census coming up, the "numbers on roll" for funding is in October for the whole academic year.