Newcastle City Council

Changing your child's school can affect him or her in many ways and the decision should not be taken without careful thought. We know that some families will need to transfer their child to another school during the academic year, rather than at the usual transfer times. This may be because they are moving into Newcastle or moving within the city. These school moves are called ‘in-year’ or ‘casual’ admissions.

Issues to consider before changing schools

If you have not moved house, please consider the following before deciding to change your child's school:

• Each school teaches the National Curriculum in different ways and at different times of the academic year. How will your child cope with learning new rules and doing things in different ways? They may have done the work before, missed important earlier work, or find the work new or strange.
• Children need to feel happy at school and relationships with the right friends, and with teachers, are an important part of this. Will your child be able to settle in and get to know new people quickly, so that their learning does not suffer?
• Will it be a problem for you to have your children attending different schools? There is no automatic right for your other children to transfer to the new school either now or in the future. Will you be able to transport your children to different schools at the appropriate times?
• You might need to buy a completely new uniform, including PE kit, if your child changes school.
• How would your child get to a new school? What will be the cost involved? A change will usually be regarded as parental choice. In most circumstances you are unlikely to be eligible for travel assistance to the preferred school.
  

Many things that worry parents, carers and children can be sorted out without the need to move schools. Often moving schools will not resolve these concerns and can even have a bad effect on your child's education.

If you are not happy about the way in which the school is working with your child you speak to the Head teacher first. If you need further help, please contact the Families Information Service.

How are 'in year' admissions managed?

As required by law, Newcastle City Council will coordinate 'in year' admissions for state schools including faith schools for children of families living in Newcastle.

You cannot currently apply online for 'in year' admissions. If you wish to apply for a school place in-year you can download an in-year admissions application form here. (Word doc). 

Applications will be considered according to the School Admissions Code and where appropriate the Newcastle Fair Access Protocol.

Local authorities are required by law to operate a Fair Access Protocol to ensure that potentially vulnerable children are effectively provided for in admission arrangements and that all schools admit a fair proportion of these pupils. Children in the categories defined in the Protocol will be given priority for in-year admission to a Newcastle school.