Unless your child cannot continue at their school, they will not normally start until the next new term and must continue to attend their school until then.

You should discuss the reasons for your move with both the current school and new school before considering applying as they will be able to support your child rather than changing schools. They may also suggest arranging a Managed Move for your child, which is arranged directly between the two schools and does not need an application.

Please note:  You are advised to read the Guidance Notes in the downloads and resources section of the page before making your application. 

If your child cannot reasonably continue at their current school due to the distance involved the headteacher may arrange an earlier start date.

Things to Consider Before Transferring School

Before you apply

It is very important that you read the following before you apply.

How might changing schools affect your child?

There are many reasons for wanting to change your child’s school – most can be overcome.  

Below are some of the problems you may encounter and suggestions.

Is your child unhappy at their present school?

• Maybe the child is unhappy because they are being bullied or fallen out with their friends?
• Perhaps they are not getting on with a teacher at the moment?
• Perhaps they have been in trouble and feel they cannot sort it out?
• Perhaps they are struggling with their work?

Before applying you should:

• Discuss any concerns you have with your child’s class or form teacher.
• Raise any further concerns with the headteacher/principal.
• Contact your requested school and discuss your intentions with them.
• Discuss moving your child with an Education Welfare Officer who will give independent advice.

By talking to staff at schools many problems can be resolved quite easily.  Staff are always happy to work with parents and pupils in order to improve a child’s chances of success.

Some further issues to consider

Curriculum

Subjects are delivered in many different ways and will likely be different in the new school. 

Even where some subject follow the same curriculum, a subject may be taught at different times. 

Your child could miss important work or waste valuable time repeating things.

Options

Moving schools can have a detrimental effect on your child’s achievements. 

The options that they have worked hard on may not be available.

Friends

Making new friends can be hard.

Costs

A new uniform will be required.

Transport

Free transport is not normally provided and journey times will be longer.

Stress

Moving schools can be difficult and it will take time for them to settle in.

Is Your Child in Year 10 or Year 11?

You are strongly advised that your child remains at their current school as it is very unlikely that their courses or coursework and exam preparation will match.

It is likely that even if you still wish to transfer the schools will recommend a Managed Move.

Find out about Managed Moves here.

You may also wish to contact the Attendance and Pupil Welfare Service Before Applying

To contact the Attendance and Pupil Welfare Service to discuss the reasons for your transfer either phone telephone 01302 736504 or Email APWS@doncaster.gov.uk if you still need to, they will then tell you how to apply.

You may also wish to discuss your reasons first as they will be able to support your child rather than changing schools.

If you are applying for a church school you must also complete the relevant additional information form from the Download and Resource section of this page.

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