Moving for secondary school catchment with an EHCP – would love real-life advice

[imacanadianmum]

Hello all,

I’d really appreciate some advice from parents who’ve been through this.
I used to live in Muswell Hill / spent lots of time around Crouch End, and always intended to raise my son there. Unfortunately, due to an abusive relationship (including financial abuse), I had to leave the UK for safety for a period of time. I returned a couple of years ago and, while rebuilding my credit and stability, I've been renting a flat from a friend in Wandsworth, which is where we live now.

Now my credit is repaired and I’m in a position to choose where we live again.

My son is now in Year 5 and has an EHCP, which took nearly two years to secure after we returned to the UK at the start of Year 3. Year 3 and 4 in Putney were extremely difficult for him until I got the EHCP in Oct 2025.

I've taken him to Muswell Hill and Crouch End many times in the last couple of years and he seems happy to move. Looking ahead to secondary, schools like Highgate Wood and Fortismere seem particularly well suited to his needs based on his EHCP and the support they offer. From what I understand, living in Muswell Hill / Crouch End would significantly improve his chances of getting a place.

This is where I’m stuck.

Commuting from Putney to Crouch End daily would be too much for him to do for a year. To be in catchment, we would need to move before autumn of Year 6 which would be be before September 2026, which would mean him changing primary school just for that one year. I’m very conscious of not turning his world upside down after everything he’s been through. On the other hand, I wonder whether moving earlier might actually help him build friendships locally before starting secondary? Or feel more at home?

My original thought was to stay put, apply from here, and move in the summer before Year 7 — but I’m increasingly worried that this is a big risk if catchment really matters, especially with an EHCP.

Has anyone been in a similar position?
• Moved for catchment with an EHCP child
• Changed primary school just for Year 6
• Or taken the risk and moved after allocation

I really do not want to stay where we live. I’d be very grateful for any perspectives, things I might not be seeing, or lessons learned.

Thank you so much.

EHCP admissions are outwith the normal admission process. Catchment areas don’t apply. The normal admission deadline doesn’t apply.

For schools that are not wholly independent, there are limited reasons the LA can refuse to name your preferred placement.

If you move LAs with an EHCP, the new LA becomes responsible for the EHCP and where it is feasible for DC to still attend, the placement named within it. However, the new LA will review the EHCP and potentially amend or even propose to cease to maintain. You would have the right of appeal but you would need to be aware of the possibility. They may also undertake a reassessment of needs.

If you are going to move, I would move ASAP personally.