Transferring your child to a new school: Everything you need to know

There are many reasons families may consider changing schools mid-year. Whether it’s due to a relocation, a desire for change, or because of an issue at your current school, transferring from one school to another during the academic year brings both excitement and potential challenges.    

If you are considering making the move to an independent school have a read of the following blog to gain an understanding of the process of changing schools, and how you can best prepare your child for the move.  

Identify the reason why  

If your child is expressing an interest in changing schools, it’s worth having a conversation about why this may be and whether the issue can be resolved. It could be that your child has had a dispute or is struggling with a piece of work and needs some additional support.  

Arrange a meeting with the school to raise your child’s concerns and put a plan in place to address the situation, with a review date to assess whether any progress has been made.  

If the issue persists, with no further intervention from the school, a change of schools may be needed.  

Choosing a new school  

When reviewing potential independent schools for your child, it’s crucial you conduct thorough research into the culture, curriculum, extracurricular opportunities, and student outcomes of each school. Doing so will assist you in finding the best fit for your child and facilitate a smooth transition to the next stage of their education.  

In addition to reviewing the school’s website, you should also speak to the admissions team and headteacher and hear from previous students or parents. This should give you sufficient insight into the school experience and whether it is suitable for your child, as well as information on practical matters such as allocation, timetables, fees, transport, and after-school activities. 

The application process  

Once you have identified the school you are interested in, you will need to confirm there is a place available before starting the application process. This process will vary depending on the school, so confirm with the admissions team how to proceed.  

Independent schools in Scotland often have entry requirements, which your child must meet before being offered a place. 

If your child passes the entry assessments and space is available in their year group, they will be accepted into the school and you can set up a date to begin the next steps in their education.  

Moving schools mid-year can be challenging, but with the right research, open conversations, and clear expectations, you can support your child to make a smooth transition.  

Need help finding a Scottish Independent Junior School for your child? Use our find a school tool or get in touch with us today.