Changing schools within Newham
Think very carefully before you apply to change a child’s school! The priority is to think about the impact on your child’s education and wellbeing.
Changing schools is a really big step to take for any child, whatever their ability and age.
All parents/carers should decide if moving school is really in the best interests of their child’s education, social wellbeing and development.
Before taking the big step of changing schools we recommend that parents/carers talk to their family and friends, the child’s current school and the child to be sure they are making the correct decision.
Moving any child from one school in Newham to another school in Newham, except at the end of year 6 or when starting reception for the first time, could be damaging the child’s chances of doing well at school. Stability in any child’s life is really important and for children school is a major aspect of their lives that should remain constant wherever possible.
Changing schools may result in a child being worried about trying to get used to new routines, new rules, new teachers and making new friends. This means they may find it harder to concentrate on their schoolwork.
Thinking about changing schools due to a problem at a child’s current school?
Families considering changing schools within Newham because their child is having problems at their current school including being bullied or struggling with the journey, should urgently speak to their form tutor or head of year or class teachers in primary before applying for a transfer as they can normally resolve the problem and stop the need for a child having to go through the upheaval of changing schools.
Remember schools can usually settle most issues once they know about them so it is essential that parents/carers share their concerns and worries as the earliest opportunity.
Changing schools for children and young people who have started their GCSE’s or the International Baccalaureate.
It can be difficult for a child or young person to change schools at any age but can be more of a challenge for those who are currently studying for their GCSEs or the International Baccalaureate. Schools offer a range of courses meaning it is possible that a new school may not offer the same options/subjects as their current school. Even if they do offer the same options/subjects they may use a different examining board and therefore be following a different syllabus so any work the child has already completed may not be relevant.
Remember changing GCSE and other courses can have an adverse effect on a child’s exam results and further education.
Applying to change schools in Newham
If you want to change your child’s school in Newham, the process is the same as for families who are new to the area or moving back to Newham. This is called an In Year admission.
If you apply online, you will get an automatic confirmation email. Applications are then processed within 15 schools days. Please note that we do not process applications while our schools are closed.
If you don’t receive a confirmation email within 7 days or you cannot submit your online in-year common application form, please email us a screenshot of the problem to SchoolAdmissions@newham.gov.uk or phone: 020 8430 2000.
Are all transfer request guaranteed?
No, we cannot guarantee a place at the schools you ask for, because some schools may not have space for every child who applies. The How We Offer Places section explains how we decide who gets a place and how our waiting lists work.
If your child is already at a Newham school and we can’t offer a place at any of the schools on your application, they will stay at their current school. We then add your child to the waiting list for any schools on your form that are ranked higher than the one we offered. Waiting lists are cleared at the end of each term. If a place becomes available before then, we will contact you automatically.
You have the right to appeal if your child is not offered a place at one of your preferred schools and you listed those schools higher than the school we offered you or we could not offer you another school. To find out how to appeal, visit our school admissions appeals page.
Parents and carers are responsible for making sure their child receives suitable education. Therefore, your child must stay in their current school or other place of education until they are offered a new place.
