What to Check Before Moving House for a School Place

Families move for schools every year, and for many it works out well. The ones who run into trouble usually skipped a check that would have changed the plan. Before you commit money or hand in notice, work through the essentials below.

1. Read the admissions policy in full

Every school publishes its admissions policy, and it is the single most important document. It sets out the order of criteria — looked-after children, siblings, faith, catchment and distance — and how ties are broken. Distance often sits well down that list, so confirm where it actually ranks for your chosen school.

2. Confirm how distance is measured

If distance matters for your school, check whether it is measured in a straight line or by the shortest walking route, and from which points. Use the School Distance Calculator to understand your position, and read how school distance is measured so you interpret it correctly.

3. Check recent cut-off distances and timing

Look at recent cut-off distances as a rough guide, remembering they move each year. Check when your address is assessed — some authorities use the application deadline — and whether there are residency rules that affect short-term moves or rentals.

4. Cost the whole move, not just the house

A move for a school still has to be affordable. Compare your options on distance, commute and budget with the Compare Two Postcodes tool, total the one-off costs with the Moving Cost Calculator, and fold in the ongoing commute using the commute affordability guide.

5. Have a plan if it does not work out

Even with everything checked, a place is never guaranteed. Decide in advance what you would do if your child is not offered the school — whether the area still works, what the alternatives are, and whether you would appeal. A move that only makes sense if one specific place comes through is a fragile plan.

Your pre-move checklist

• Current admissions policy and the rank of distance within it.
• Distance method (straight line or walking route) and reference points.
• Recent cut-off distances for the specific address, as a guide only.
• When and how your address is assessed, and any residency rules.
• Full moving costs, the ongoing commute, and your affordability.
• A fallback plan if the place is not offered.