Buying a property in catchment but not actually living it - is this ilegal?

[DrNortherner]

Soemone I know maybe doing this. I know its unethical but is it ilegal?

Thanks

Yes

The house has to be permenant residence - residence as in 'lived in' and family home

It's unethical and risky, because I know a family eho had a place at secondary withdrawn when it was discovered that they were doing this.

I'm not sure about illegal, although if they can withdraw the place then there must be some legal standing on it.

I don't think it's illegal in the sense that anyone could send you to prison or fine you for doing it (though I could be wrong!). But it is certainly against the rules for school place allocation and there is a big risk of losing a school place if they get one and are found out.

As I understand it, schools now require more than just owning/renting a house in the catchment area, but need proof that you are on the electoral register at that address, get utility bills in your name for that address, the child benefit for the child is registered there, etc, which makes it harder to pretend it's your home if it is not.

She will lose the place if the school finds out. She will also give her child a very strange set of values if she gets him or her to lie about their address for the next 7 years.

Hmmm depending on where it is in the country I guess I can understand it but surely the stamp duty alone would have paid for the first years fees at private school ?
It probably isn't legal the more I think about it.

I don't think they would be charged with it as a criminal offence (very possibly false representation but don't think they would be charged) however it is against the rules and very very wrong. If I were you I'd let the LEA know - anonymously if it makes you feel better. Its not fair on all the local families wanting school places close to home.
Do your civic duty.