What you should consider BEFORE applying for a place at another school
Availability of School Places
You need to be aware that many schools in Slough are heavily oversubscribed. Many year groups in our schools are already full with local children and it is not always possible to offer children a place at their preferred school during an academic year. If you are considering moving schools within Slough, there is no guarantee of an alternative school place and you may be asked to remain at your current school or offered a school that is not your preference.
You should also bear in mind that it is not always possible to offer siblings the same school during an academic year. If you have two children or more, they may sometimes be offered different schools if there are no available spaces in one of the year groups in the school that you want.
Transfer between Schools
It is extremely important that a child has continuity in their education. For this 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 that you try to resolve any difficulties by working with the school, rather than requesting a transfer.
If you still wish to go ahead with the transfer after your discussion with the school, ask the headteacher to fill in and sign Part B of the form. Your application form will only be processed if Part B has been filled in and signed by the Head.
Does the child have a statement of special needs / EHC Plan?
If your child is receiving extra support through a special needs statement/education health care plan, 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 or in setting up support in a new school, or that some types of support would not be available.
Is the child in Year 10 or 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. A different school may not be able to offer all the same subject options, such as GCSEs and BTECs, for which your child has studied and completed coursework. Even if the school is able to do so, they may use different examination boards or syllabuses. 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 - check the School travel assistance page for details on entitlement.