Moving home for schools
How families plan a move around school admissions — timing, catchment checks and helping children settle in calmly.
Time the move around admissions
If a school place depends on where you live, the timing of your move matters. Moving within catchment before the application deadline can be decisive, while a later move may not affect priority.
Check catchment carefully
Before committing to an area, read the published admissions criteria and recent distance data for the schools you are considering, and use the Move Planner to weigh schools, homes and commute together.
Helping children settle
Involve children in the move, visit the new area together and keep routines steady. Connecting with the new school community early helps everyone feel at home more quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Does moving house help with school admissions?
It can, if you move within a school's catchment before the application deadline. A move after places are allocated may not change your priority, so check the criteria and timing first.
When is the best time to move for schools?
Many families move over the summer so children start in September, but admissions timing matters most — align the move with application deadlines for the schools you want.
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