Moving House? Here’s How to Move Schools (Without the Stress)

If you're moving to a new area, there's usually a long to-do list: packing boxes, changing addresses, sorting broadband… and for many families, one of the biggest worries is finding (and joining!) a new school.

The good news? The process for moving schools - known as an in-year admission - is fairly straightforward once you know the steps. Here’s a calm, clear guide to help you through it.

Step 1: Find out who handles admissions in your new area

Most school admissions are organised by local councils. So your first step is to search online for:

“New council name + in-year school admissions”

Each council has its own process, but they’ll usually have a dedicated webpage and application form.

Step 2: Make a shortlist of schools

Once you know where you're moving to, it’s time to start looking at schools nearby.

This might include:

• Checking school websites

• Reading Ofsted reports (with a pinch of salt!)

• Looking at practical things like travel routes and uniform costs

My 'Navigating School Applications' Course will help guide you through this process in detail. You can learn more and join a session here.

You can apply to any school, but bear in mind that not all schools will have spaces in your child’s year group.

Step 3: Ask which schools have places

Local councils don’t always publish this info, so your best bet is to call schools directly and ask:

“Do you have any spaces in Year X?”

Even if the school is full, you can still apply and be placed on their waiting list. (And yes - children do get in from waiting lists, especially if you’re willing to be flexible.)

Step 4: Apply

Once you’ve made a shortlist, follow the instructions on the council’s admissions page. You’ll usually be able to name more than one preferred school.

Some schools (especially academies and faith schools) run their own admissions, so check whether you need to apply directly to them as well.

Step 5: Wait for a response

Schools or the council should reply within 15 school days. You’ll either:

• Be offered a place

• Be added to a waiting list

• Be refused (but you have the right to appeal)

Once you accept a place, the school will give you a start date — and you’ll need to let your child’s current school know when they’ll be leaving.

A few final tips:

• You usually can’t hold two school places at once — so try to coordinate the timing of your move and start date.

• If your move isn’t complete yet, you can sometimes apply in advance, but the council may ask for proof of your new address.

• Don’t panic if your first-choice school is full. Lots of families move, and places often open up throughout the year.

Moving house is hard enough — but moving schools doesn’t have to be. With a bit of planning, a few phone calls, and realistic expectations, you’ll get it sorted.

And once they’ve settled in, children are usually much more resilient than we give them credit for.