In-year admissions (change schools during the year)

Things to consider before applying for another school place

Availability of school places

  • Many schools in Slough are heavily oversubscribed and some year groups may already be full.
  • It is not always possible to offer your child a place at their preferred school.
  • If you are considering moving schools within Slough, you may be asked to remain at your current school if your preffered school is full.
  • Siblings may not always be offered a place at the same school if there are no places available.

Transfer between schools

  • Continuity of education is important, for that reason we strongly discourage unnecessary transfers between schools.
  • If your child is already attending a school, but you feel that a move would be in their best interests, you should discuss your reasons for this with your child’s current school.
  • It is important to try to resolve any difficulties by working with the school, rather than requesting a transfer.

Does the child have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?

  • If your child is receiving extra support through an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or is undergoing a formal assessment of special educational needs, you should speak to your child’s current headteacher and SEN case officer before applying to transfer school.
  • A change of school could mean that there is a delay in completing the assessment.

Children in Year 10 or Year 11

  • If your child is in year 10 or year 11, you should think very carefully before moving the child, whatever the reason.
  • The Key Stage 4 curriculum is different in each secondary school.
  • Different schools may not offer the same GCSE or BTEC subjects, and exam boards or syllabuses may vary.
  • You need to speak to the school you are interested in about options and exams before making a request to transfer. 

Do you receive assistance with the child’s travel to the current school?

You should bear in mind that if you do choose to move your child from one school to another you will not automatically qualify for home to school transport. For more information on entitlement view the School travel assistance page.