Introduction

Find out how to apply for an in-year school place if you are moving house into or within the East Riding, or want to transfer your child to a different school during the academic year.

In-year applications explained

An in-year application is any application for a school place which is made during the school year, outside of the ‘normal admissions round’.

In-year applications are usually made when:

• parents/carers want to transfer their child to a different school
• a family moves to a different area and needs to start a new school during the school year.

You must apply to the local authority where you currently live. For example, if you live in the East Riding but plan to move elsewhere, you still need to apply to East Riding of Yorkshire Council, even if the school you want is outside the area.

If you live outside the East Riding, you should apply through your local council, even if the school you want is in the East Riding.

Who can make an in-year application

Only someone with full parental responsibility can apply to change a child's school, and you must use your child's permanent home address with their parent or carer on the application.

Before you apply to move schools

There are a few things to consider before applying to change your child’s school:

• Avoiding disruption in key study years

  Changing schools in Year 6, 10, or 11 can disrupt your child’s learning at a critical time in their education.

  If possible, try to avoid moving schools during these years, as it could affect their preparation for key tests.

• Choosing your preferred schools

  You can choose up to three schools on your application. We recommend selecting schools your child can realistically attend, as moving to a new area doesn’t guarantee a place at your closest, catchment, or preferred school.

  Read more about choosing schools

• Understanding catchment areas

  It’s important to consider the local schools in your area. Most children in the East Riding attend their catchment school, which is typically the nearest and most suitable option.

  However, please bear in mind that living in a catchment area does not guarantee a place at that school.

  Read more about catchment areas

• If you are unhappy with your child’s current school

  You should first discuss the problem with your child’s class teacher or headteacher to see if it can be resolved without disrupting their education.

  If you still want to transfer, you can apply through the in-year application process.

If you are moving house

If you need to apply for an in-year school place because you are moving into a new area, we recommend that you apply at least 20 school days in advance, or as soon as your moving date is confirmed.

If you haven’t yet moved, you must apply using your current address. Once you have moved, you’ll need to notify the school admissions team and provide evidence of your new address to:

Evidence of your new address includes:

• a council tax letter showing details of the new address in your name.

We will try to offer your child a place at one of your preferred schools. If this is not possible, for example, because the school is full, we’ll aim to offer a place at the nearest school with available spaces, provided you can supply proof of your new address in the East Riding.

How in-year applications are decided

Every in-year application is processed according to:

• the School Admissions Code
• each school's oversubscription criteria
• the admissions arrangements of each school.

Places depend on availability. If your preferred schools are full, we will offer a place at the next nearest school with spaces available.

You can read more about how school allocations work by visiting about school admissions.

Further guidance

We recommend that all parents and carers read the detailed guidance on the in-year applications process below, available to download in PDF format: