Moving House After School Offer Day: What Happens?

Understanding school offer day and catchments

School offer day is the day parents find out which secondary school their child has been allocated. For many families, this is the moment when excitement or stress peaks. But what happens if you move house shortly after receiving an offer? Catchment areas, distance criteria, and local authority policies all come into play.

It’s important to understand that the offer your child receives is based on your home address at the time of application. A move after offer day can change your eligibility for the allocated school and may lead to admission changes or losing a school place if the new address falls outside the original catchment.

Why moving house can affect your school place

Admissions are determined using the child’s home address on the application form. If you move after receiving an offer, the local authority may review whether your child still qualifies under the school’s catchment or distance criteria. In some cases, this could mean:

• The allocated place is withdrawn.
• Your child is placed on a waiting list for their original school.
• Automatic transfer to a school closer to your new address.

Different local authorities handle this situation differently, so it’s essential to check your council’s policies before making any move after offer day.

Steps to take if you’re moving after offer day

If moving house is unavoidable, take the following steps to reduce the risk of losing your child’s school place:

1. Notify the local authority immediately: Provide your new address and explain the timing of your move.
2. Check catchment boundaries: Confirm whether the new home is within the catchment of the allocated school.
3. Request flexibility if needed: Some councils may allow the child to remain at the original school if there are special circumstances.
4. Prepare for alternative options: If your child loses the place, identify other schools in the new catchment or consider waiting lists.

Admission changes and losing a school place

Moving house after offer day can trigger an admission change. This may involve being offered a different school or being placed on a waiting list. Losing a place can be stressful, but understanding your rights and the council’s procedures can help you navigate the process with minimal disruption to your child’s education.

Local authorities often have formal appeals or review processes. If you believe the withdrawal of a school place is unfair, you can request a review. Documentation showing when you moved, the reason for relocation, and any extenuating circumstances may strengthen your case.

Does timing of the move matter?

Yes. A move before the offer day usually ensures your application reflects the new address, so your child is allocated a school based on the correct catchment. A move after offer day can create complications, particularly if the new property falls outside the allocated school’s catchment. Local authorities may prioritise in-catchment students over out-of-catchment applicants in these cases.

What to consider when planning a move

• Confirm your new address is within the catchment of a suitable school.
• Check whether the move coincides with term dates, as mid-term transfers can be harder to manage.
• Factor in travel distance, transport options, and any sibling priorities.
• Understand council policies on mid-year admission changes and appeals.

Tips for parents to protect their child’s school place

Even if moving after offer day, parents can take proactive steps:

• Contact the school to inform them of your situation; some schools may reserve a place if the move is short-term.
• Keep records of correspondence with the local authority.
• Consider temporary arrangements such as staying in the original home until the school year begins if possible.
• Explore alternative schools in the new area in advance, so you’re prepared if the place is lost.

Can school catchment areas change after an offer?

Yes. Catchment boundaries can be reviewed and updated by the local authority, which may impact allocations even after offer day. If your move coincides with a boundary change, your child’s place may be affected independently of the move itself.

How local authorities manage post-offer moves

Each council has its own policy. Common approaches include:

• Re-evaluating distance criteria for the allocated school.
• Offering a place at the nearest in-catchment school.
• Placing the child on a waiting list for the originally allocated school.
• Providing guidance and appeal options for affected families.

FAQ: Moving house after school offer

Can my child keep their original school place if we move?

Possibly, but it depends on your local authority’s policy, distance criteria, and availability of spaces.

Do I need to inform the school if we move after offer day?

Yes. Notify both the school and local authority immediately to avoid losing the allocated place.

What happens if the new house is outside the catchment?

The child may be offered a place at a different school or put on a waiting list for the original school.

Can moving after offer day trigger an appeal?

Yes. If a school place is withdrawn, you can request a review or appeal through the local authority, providing evidence of circumstances.