Separated parents and choosing schools

The first step is to discuss your concerns with the other parent and/ or anyone else who has parental responsibility for your child(ren).

You may find that there is common ground, and you agree that changing school is in your child’s best interest.

If you require assistance in broaching this conversation, you may wish to consider contacting a mediator or lawyer to help you talk about your opinions on the current school and the proposed alternative.

If you cannot reach an agreement, then it is open to you to refer the matter to the court by way of a Specific Issue application. The court will consider both parent’s positions and order where the child(ren) should attend school.

If you are not the child’s parent, but you have parental responsibility, you are the child’s guardian, or you are the person with whom the child(ren) lives as per a Child Arrangements Order, then you may apply for a Specific Issue Order.

If you are unsure if you fall into one of the above categories, it is best to check with a lawyer before making your application.

When deciding any children matter, the court will be guided by the welfare checklist, as set out in s1(3) Children Act 1989. 

The court’s primary concern is the welfare of the children. Would moving school really be in their best interest?

Some of the factors that the court will consider are the wishes and feelings of the child(ren) dependent upon their age and understanding, their physical, emotional and educational needs, the likely effect of the change of school upon them, their age, sex and background, and any harm that the child(ren) may be exposed to.

When approaching an application for a change of school, you should consider the practicalities of the change, such as how the child(ren) gets to and from school, academic credentials, pastoral factors, such as access to learning support and funding (if applicable).