Changing secondary schools once started?

[MrsSnape]

What happens if a child starts a school when he turns 11...one that you didn't want him to go to but you had little choice because of where you lived...

But then say, in year 9 you are lucky enough to move to a better area and into the catchment of a decent school...

Does the child automatically get a place in said school? how easy is it to transfer?

Unfortunately it would depend on whether or not there was a place. You could always appeal if you were living in the catchment area.

Put him on the waiting list of the school in case a place opens up regardless of where you are living.
They will give you a place at the nearest school with a place, even if you lived next door to a great school.

How easy the transfer is depends on when you move.

If you move mid-way through yr9 even though there may be a place for him at the school, there may not be a space in the option subjects he wants to choose, or in the most appropriate sets for him in core subjects.

Similarly during KS4 courses (yr10/11) is a bad time to move as different schools may teach the syllabus in a different order, or follow a different exam board, etc.

I would say up to Christmas of yr9 is a pretty safe time to transfer, if you can get a place.