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Moving schools during the school year

The following guidance is for families who want to move a child to a different school, at any time other than the usual admission to Reception class, transfer to junior school or transfer to secondary school. This is known as an ‘in-year transfer’. 

All applications will be dealt with as quickly as possible. However you should allow up to 15 school days for a reply.

You should note that places cannot be saved for children moving to a catchment area and it is possible that a local school place may not be offered where the school is over-subscribed.

If you are moving house

If you are moving to Norfolk, or moving a significant distance in Norfolk where travel to your child’s/ children's current school is unreasonable, you can apply for a change of schools.

You are advised to make an application before you move house, but only when you have confirmation of a move date. You must provide evidence to confirm this.

Please complete one application per child.

Apply online

or complete and return a paper application form(s):

If you are not moving house

If you are not moving house but want to change your child’s school, it is important that you read the following information to understand how we will deal with your application.

Please complete one application per child.

Apply online

or complete and return a paper application form(s):

You should not withdraw your child from their current school before an alternative school place has been offered.

How soon could a transfer happen?

We expect children to start at a new school at the start of a new term. We process applications to the following timetable:

  • If we receive an application between 5 July - 31 October, the new school start date is Spring term in January (after Christmas)
  • If we receive an application between 1 November - 28/29 February, the new school start date is Summer term (after Easter)
  • If we receive an application between 1 March - 31 May, the new school start date is Autumn term in September (after the summer holidays)

We will send out decisions on applications made between 1 March and 31 May, before the end of the Summer term.

  • If we receive an application between 1 June - 4 July, this is treated as a late application. It will only be considered after all applications received before 31 May

If your child has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan

You should not complete an 'in-year transfer' application. You should discuss a change of schools with your EHCP co-ordinator.

If your child is on the SEN register at their current school

If your child is on the SEN register at their current school, but does not have an EHC plan, you should apply online or complete a paper application form.

If you have concerns about your child’s current schooling

If you want to move your child because you are concerned about their current schooling, you should raise the issue with:

  • The class teacher (primary school)
  • Head of year or member of the pastoral care team (secondary school)

If the matter remains unresolved, you should approach the headteacher. They may wish to discuss your reasons for requesting a school transfer and be given the opportunity to put matters right.

Please note

We will only consider one application for a change of school in a school year, unless there is a material change in circumstances. For example, a house move which is a significant distance from your child's current school, and travel is unreasonable.

Find a school

The following schools do not take part in the 'in-year transfer' scheme. Contact the school direct to apply for a place:

Contact us

If you have questions about moving schools please use our contact form to get in touch.

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