If your child is nearing school age, especially if they’re 3 or 4 years old, you’re likely already thinking about schools and their future education. With school applications for September 2025 looming, many parents are grappling with one critical question: are we in the right school catchment area?
If moving home is part of your plan to secure a spot in a preferred school, it’s worth understanding the timeline and considerations involved. Here’s what you need to know.
Planning for Growing Families
Family life can be a whirlwind, and many parents don’t consider future space or school needs when choosing their first home. As families grow, it’s common to find the house that once felt spacious now feels overcrowded.
This becomes especially pressing when it’s time to think about school applications. What might have seemed like a distant concern when your child was born can quickly become a pressing reality as school deadlines approach.
Understanding School Catchment Areas
A catchment area defines the boundary around a school, determining which children have priority admission. To find out if you’re in the catchment for your preferred school, check your local council’s website for a map of catchment boundaries.
In England, children start school at age 4, with applications typically opening in September and closing in January of the year they turn 4. You’ll receive your school placement by April, giving you a few months to prepare for the start of term in September.
Why Moving Early Matters
If you discover that your current home isn’t in the catchment for your chosen school, moving might become a priority. However, house sales take time, and waiting too long could force you into a rushed and stressful process.
A rushed sale can lead to compromises, such as lowering the asking price to attract quick buyers. Planning your move early, however, allows you to properly market your property, achieve its full value, and secure your next home in good time.
Take Control of the Timeline
School applications for September 2025 will close in January 2025. To avoid unnecessary stress, now is the time to start planning if moving house is part of your strategy. By acting early, you’ll have the advantage of time to stage your property, market it effectively, and negotiate confidently without feeling pressured by looming deadlines.
If you’re considering a move to secure your child’s place at the right school, Fisher and Partners is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free market appraisal and advice tailored to your needs. Let your local managing partner help you navigate this important transition with ease and confidence—we’d be delighted to hear from you!