Primary School Transfers

Information for Parents who are considering transferring their child to another school

• We are moving house - should I transfer my child to another school?
• My child is unhappy - shall I transfer to another school?
• What if my child has special needs?
• Am I guaranteed a place at the school I want?
• How do I apply for a transfer?
• What if I want to transfer my child to a Church School (Voluntary Aided)?
• Can I discuss the transfer with the Education Department?

We are moving house - should I transfer my child to another school?

It is generally in a child's best interest to remain at the same school. If this is not practical, you should speak to the headteacher of your current school and request a transfer form. If your child is approaching the end of primary education, you should consider whether it is possible to time your house move to avoid unnecessary disruption or if commuting to the same school for a short time would be in your child's best interests.

My child is unhappy - shall I transfer to another school?

Children may be unhappy at school for a number of reasons. It is important that parents and the school work together to solve any problems as a school transfer for reasons other than a house move is not usually beneficial to the child.

It is the practice of Tameside Council to investigate a school transfer further, when there is no house move involved. It is generally in the child's best interest to remain at the same school. Studies show that attainment dips in the majority of cases when a pupil transfers to another school. Also, many children experience difficulties settling into a new school and very often difficulties experienced in one school recur in another.

If your child is experiencing difficulties at his/her current school please try to resolve them with the school staff. A decision to move your child from one school to another should not be taken lightly and all steps to resolve any issues should be taken.

Each school has an Education Welfare Officer who will be happy to discuss any problems with you. Transfer requests which are not house moves will involve the intervention of a School Organisation Officer.

What if my child has special needs?

All schools are resourced in the same way for Special Educational Needs (SEN); unless your child has a statement of SEN which directs them to attend a particular school transferring schools may not be the solution to their difficulties.

Am I guaranteed a place at the school I want?

No. All schools have a limit to the number of children they can admit, and if the school is full an alternative school is offered, with the right to appeal.

How do I apply for a Transfer?

You can complete a transfer application form online here. You will need to discuss the proposed transfer with your child's headteacher.

What if I want to transfer my child to a Church school (Voluntary Aided)?

If you have discussed the transfer with your child's current headteacher, you should approach the school of your preference directly. If the school has no places available, you do have the right to appeal.

Can I discuss the transfer with the Education Department?

Yes. The Admissions Section are able to deal with your enquiries.

If you have any queries please contact:

Contact Information
Send us a Message	School Organisation Section Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne Lancs OL6 6DL View local map
0161 342 3208/4068
0161 342 4067