Transferring your child to a different school during the school year

Before you apply to transfer

If you want your child to change schools, you should first discuss the reasons with the headteacher of your child's current school. Problems and difficulties can often be worked out without the need to disrupt your child's education.

If, after talking to the headteacher, you still want your child to transfer to a new school then you need to complete an online application via the parent portal.

Your child's current headteacher must complete the Section 9 form before you apply because this needs to be uploaded during the application process.

How to apply to transfer schools

We accept applications from residents as well as children living outside the borough. You must apply for a primary or secondary school via the parent portal.

• how to use the parent portal

You must submit your online application and upload a copy of:

• your current year's council tax bill to confirm your child's home address
• a current child benefit letter or child tax credit letter to confirm you have parental responsibility. 

What happens after you submit your online application

You will receive an email once your application has been submitted. You can log into your account at time to see the status of your application. We will contact you if your application is not complete or we require any additional information. This can take up to 15 school days from the date we get your completed application.

Changing an existing in Year Application

If you want to add more schools to your application or change the order of your preferences, you must complete the Changing an In Year Application document. You can only submit one application per child via the portal.  

Delaying or accelerating entry to school

If you wish to delay or bring forward the year your child starts school, you need to read the guidance attached at the bottom of this webpage.