Changing your child's school can affect him or her in many ways and a decision to change schools 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’ admissions.
If you would like more information about our schools the school finder can help to search by any combination of ward, type, faith and postcode.
If you are considering a change of school, please consider the following before making your decision:
How will your child cope with learning new rules and doing things in different ways?
Each school teaches the National Curriculum in different ways and at different times of the academic year. They may have done the work before, missed important earlier work, or find the work new or strange.
Will your child be able to settle in and get to know new people quickly, so that their learning does not suffer?
Children need to feel happy at school and relationships with the right friends, and with teachers, are an important part of this.
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 qualify for travel assistance to the preferred school.
Will you be able to transport your children to different schools at the appropriate times?
Will it be a problem for you if your children attend different schools? There is no automatic right for your other children to also transfer to the new school. You might need to buy a completely new uniform, including PE kit, if your child changes school.
Many things that worry parents, carers and children can be resolved without the need to move schools. Often moving schools does not resolve these concerns and could even have a bad effect on your child's education.
If your child is unhappy at school you should speak to the Headteacher first. Problems can usually be resolved quickly. If you need further help, please contact us by phone: 0191 277 4133 or by email: fis@newcastle.gov.uk
We co-ordinate ‘in-year’ admissions for state schools including faith schools and schools in other authorities, for children of families living in Newcastle. Contact us for information on schools with places before you apply, phone: 0191 277 4133 or email: fis@newcastle.gov.uk
You are currently unable to apply online for in-year admissions. If your child is in a Newcastle school, you can get an in-year transfer form from the current school. If you have just moved in to Newcastle please contact us for an application form or download a form. Applications will be considered in accordance with the admission arrangements and if appropriate the Newcastle Fair Access Protocol.
If you are applying for a place at a faith school or Academy, your application will be sent on to the Governing Body and they will inform us if they can offer you a place. Applications for schools outside of Newcastle will be sent on to the Local Authority concerned and they will inform us if they can offer you a place.
The Fair Access Protocol
We 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.