Moving in June to the area- how to secure Year 1 space in a state school?

[annakdangelo]

Hi there!

My family and I will be relocating to East Dulwich from California in June. My son will be entering Year 1 in September 2019. Since we will have missed the deadline for applications, what are our best options to secure any spot in a good state school? We care little about Ofsted reports, rather a state primary that is creative and nurturing. If we are on a waitlist for an oversubscribed school, when would we hear back about a spot opening up? Any tips and advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Anna

[kristymac1]

With in-term applications, the school will contact you directly immediately a space is available (according to your list position).

The area is awash with very good primary schools (we're very lucky), my children have been to and still go to Heber Primary and i can only recommend it whole heartedly

[goldilocks]

Some schools will have in year spaces available, others will have a wait list - typically you hear as soon as a place becomes available if you are top of the list at that moment. Probably worth contacting the schools you're potentially interested in to find out what their process is for applying.

Also note that you're arriving in June - so would assume you would want an in year space for reception in June rather than a September 2019 start unless your child is very young in the year or you're planning to home school!

[annakdangelo]

I think we'll be arriving in June or July- when is the term over for the summer?

Thanks, goldilocks!

[goldilocks]

finishes around 19th July for state schools in 2018

[Soylent Green]

I have just been helping someone with a similar conundrum for a year 8 secondary place and have found that until you have a fixed address with supporting documentation (council tax bill etc) Southwark admissions will not find you a school place. They also do not deal with new applications over the long summer holidays. Apply in advance and as soon as you arrive and have your documentation, start chasing your application up. Once the schools have been contacted you can start to call them directly, but applications have to go through the council. Fortunately, there is not the pressure on primary places that there was a few years ago, so you will get a place which you can accept (even if not ideal) whilst you wait for a place to become available at one of your preferred choices.

[annakdangelo]

Thank you, Soylent Green! It seems like there are many good primary options. Very excited to move to this area! :)

Anna

[rachel4]

Yes term doesn?t finish until 19 July. It?s a different procedure for an in year application it will depend which schools have a place.

https://www.southwark.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-admissions/in-year-admissions