School Registration

[Compostella]

At what age do you put your childs name down for a particular school?

Is it region specific or is there a national protocol?

The reason I ask is because there is an outstanding school near us but we are in the catchment area for another school.

Our son has just turned 2 and we intend to move within the catchment area of the outstanding school but are wondering when to move.

If we can't put his name down for another couple of years, then we can wait, but if we can do it earlier, we will have a look at moving sooner.

Thanks in advance

[chattykathy]

I assume your son will go to school when he is four and a half ish unless there's a nursery class. If this is the case he will go a year earlier. So, you haven't that much time if you have a house to sell and have to find one in the chosen area. As far as I know it doesn't matter how long his name has been on the list when they begin to allocate the places - they will have a set of criteria such as living in the catchment area, having siblings already there. etc. I would suggest going to the school, having a good look round and a chat with the Headteacher, who can advise you.
Sometimes schools get a good reputation because they are good at PR. You never know the one you are nearest to now might be just as good. Remember to look at how they treat the children & what facilities there are and not just rely on SATs results. Also check out the Ofsted site to see what they say. Good luck!

[Compostella]

Thanks

We're going to rent oursout then rent another in the area.

Its mainly recommendation we are working on but the Ofsted reports back this up

Its South Farnham school in Surrey

http://www.south-farnham.surrey.sch.uk/page_vi ewer.asp?page=Home&pid=1

[sassy53]

If it is a church school then stating that you are of their religious persuasion now takes precedence even if you are further away than someone with no particular religious connection.

[Fish the Mod]

Our local church school is very popular and I wrote a letter to the school asking for an application form when he was four. I did it when he was six months old. There are also two applications forms in some cases, one from the School and one from the Council, I know so many people to do one nad not the other