Finding a UK Primary School while overseas
 

Hi

I will be returning to the UK in July 2017. My daughter will be five years old on September 7.

From what I can see she must join a reception class in the 2017/2018 school year, I guess from December/January.

Question:

How to apply while still living in Hong Kong? We have our own home in the UK but currently renting out?

Do I physically need to be in the UK to apply?

Any tips are welcome. Thank you

Re: Finding a UK Primary School while overseas
 

Are you returning to your rental home?

If so, you need to register your daughter for her local school. I think registration usually is about March for Primary but do check when this is with your local authority. It can be done from abroad. My LA has an online registration form in which you can explain that you are moving back into your "owned" home at such a date for your daughter to start at her local school. As long as you submit the form at the right time, this should get your daughter her place in school.

There was a point when I thought we might be returning home for our son to start Comprehensive, and I applied for his place from Canada with the address of my rented out home in the UK. He was allocated a place at our chosen school although we didn't end up taking it. I guess some LA might differ so worth double checking what I said..

HTH :)

Re: Finding a UK Primary School while overseas
 

Hi

Thanks a lot. Yes we will be returning to the rented home. Yes will double check as I have heard stories that they check if you are really living in the area etc.

Thank you

Re: Finding a UK Primary School while overseas
 

It depends on where you are moving to.
In London for example there is real pressure on Primary schools and you (depending on which local council you are in) have to give 6 schools in preference order. That does not guarantee that you will be accepted for any of these. In Wandsworth Council for example several children were not accepted for any of their selected schools in 2014.
There is a catchment radius for each school and because of increased cheating / lying by parents they now check applications and can demand proof of residence.
Note that the catchment radius can change each year.
You should check the OFSTED site for details of the local schools and as suggested the local authority site for the application process.

Re: Finding a UK Primary School while overseas
 

Thank you

We will be moving to Hull.

Re: Finding a UK Primary School while overseas
 

The school year in England starts in September.

Re: Finding a UK Primary School while overseas
 

You will need to apply from November of this year, the cut off is usually around January but you will need to check with your local authority . You usually fill in 4 schools of your choice, you say you live in Hull, here are the contact details for the local County Council admissions page: Hull City Council : Primary school admissions


Criteria intake differs immensely in each school so be sure to look into that, I am in the process of appealing as we didn't get into a school a stones throw from us. As it is your house, you should have no problem at all applying.


Good luck