Transfer of pupils between schools in Darlington Authority
Primary
Once a child has begun attending a particular primary school, it is in the child’s interest to remain at that school until they are due to transfer to the next phase of education. The decision to change a child’s school will need extremely careful consideration. Parents should also consider the fact that a transfer is not guaranteed to solve any problems a child may be experiencing at school. However, families sometimes move house making it impractical for the child to continue to attend the same school.
Secondary
In the case of house moves or permanent exclusion from secondary school, a transfer of school may be unavoidable. At other times the decision to change a child's school may be unavoidable. Factors parents are asked to consider include, the availability of GCSE examination subjects, changes in friendship groups and the general disruption to studies inevitably caused by change. Parent/carers should also consider that a transfer is not guaranteed to solve any problems a child may be experiencing at school.
Information
A child could only transfer to another Darlington school if places were available, for information on available places parent/carers should contact the Schools Admissions Section. Parents/carers are advised to consult staff at the child’s present school to discuss the reasons for a transfer, if they then still wish for the transfer to proceed then they must complete a Transfer Request Form, PART A & B should be completed by the parent/carers and PART C of the form completed by the school, the form must then be forwarded to the Local Authority. The Local Authority in turn will forward to the recipient school for completion. (Completion of a transfer request form is applicable to all schools in Darlington Authority).
If a child wishes to transfer to a school in Darlington that has reached or exceeded its admission limit, after discussion has taken place with the current school, a transfer request form should be completed and sent to the Local Authority. The Local Authority will then inform parents of their right to appeal for a community or voluntary controlled school and send out appeal papers if requested. The LA will inform Voluntary Aided and Academy schools of the request and ask them to send out appeal papers to parents.
Parents should send completed transfer forms to the Schools Admissions Section, Children, Families & Learning, Town Hall, Darlington, DL1 5QT.
Generally it is better for a transfer to take place at the end of term or a school year so as to minimise disruption to the child’s education. Parents/carers are required to ensure that their child(ren) maintain attendance by remaining at their current school until the application for transfer is considered by the Admission Authority.