Moving school

Things to think about when moving schools

It's understandable that you may be thinking of moving your child to a new school and it may feel like the last resort. Bullying has a huge impact on a child’s emotional health and wellbeing and may be affecting their school work and their sense of safety.

You may be feeling frustrated at the lack of response from the school, and you may feel as though you have tried every avenue to get the bullying resolved. Changing schools might feel as though it is a necessary step to provide your child with a more positive and supportive learning environment. It is important to think about the following considerations:

• Have you made a shortlist of other schools and made plans to visit them?
• Are there any spaces in the new schools that you feel are better suited?
• Is the new school further away and inconvenient and what will the travel arrangements be?
• What are the costs of the new uniform, sportswear, etc?
• The school may use a different exam board so the coursework could be different
• Could the bullying at the current school be resolved with the input of the governors and LA?
• Will your child miss their current friends or are they happy to move schools?

What steps you may need to take

Try to involve your child in the decision-making process and discussions around choosing a new school as this can help them feel a part of the change and help the transition. Discuss the different options with them and try to accommodate their preferences.

Make a list of all the other schools in the area and contact them to arrange visits. Ask them questions about the subject choices, clubs, uniform, exam boards, etc. Discuss with them their policies on safeguarding, anti-bullying and other things that are relevant for you to know. It is important to ask if they have space in their school and waiting lists.

Once you have found the school that you would like your child to attend, you can apply to the school directly or to the Local Authority. This is known as an ‘in-year application’.  The process can be different depending on the area you live. In some areas, you can submit applications direct to the Local Authority as they may manage all school places. Your local council website will tell you whether to apply direct to the school or to the council. They may have an education webpage with information about transferring your child to a school in their area. Most councils recommend that you do this online, but some have online forms you can download, print and post to them once completed.

Once you have submitted your application, the school or council must notify you of the outcome in writing within 15 school days. If you have been refused a school place, they must inform you of your right to appeal. If you have been offered a place, then you can start making the arrangements of starting school.