Choosing the right school for their child is top of the list for most relocating families. Getting it wrong can be a major factor in assignment failure and therefore getting the best advice on education and schooling and preparing in advance is vital.

The importance of school Open Days in making an informed decision

Now is the time of year when schools across the country invite families to take tours of their schools on Open Days. Families get a chance to meet teachers, parents and students with a tour of the school’s facilities and often a presentation from the head.Open days often provide important insights into a school’s ethos and learning culture and are therefore, arguably, one of the most important deciding factors when choosing a school. For some tips on getting the most out of the day, read our article School Open Days: make sure you ask the right questions

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For a limited time only, relocating parents can access the Relocate Guide to Education & Schools in the UK for FREE. Packed with 170 pages of expert advice on UK education, access the guide here.

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Admissions deadline for UK state primary schools: 15 January 

When applying to UK state primary schools for the first time for entry into a reception class at the age of four-plus, the deadline is January and many primary schools are currently conducting open days.Read more about the procedure for applying to UK schools here. For those considering independent schools, the Independent Schools Show is a must. Taking place on 11 and 12 November in London, it is a chance to engage with leading schools, senior figures in education and respected head teachers as they gather for the world's biggest open day.In an ideal world, many schools advise families to make applications one complete academic year in advance of entry, regardless of whether they are applying for a school place at the start of their child’s compulsory school education or transfer to secondary school.

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Related news:

• Relocating parents, access your free digital UK education guide!
• School open days: helping you make an informed choice
• Relocating? Top tips on choosing a new school

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Clearly, many families going through the relocation process will not have the luxury of that amount of planning time and will be looking at securing a school place out of term time.For these families it is worth noting when schools are in session and when they are on holiday. State-school offices will most likely be closed during holiday periods and, while a school should be willing to invite parents for a tour at any time of the year, they are less likely to have access to the full range of facilities during exam dates and you will therefore get less of a feel for what true school life is like.For those applying to International schools, autumn is an equally important time with more opportunity to secure places than January onwards when waiting lists build.With so much at stake with your child’s education, the key message to take away is that the earlier you apply for a place, the better. So take advantage of the Open Day season to take tours of schools and make an informed choice.

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Relocate Global's Guide to Education & Schools in the UK 2017 is packed with expert tips for those who are relocating and the professionals who support them. Access your digital copy here.

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For related news and features, visit our Education & Schools section.Relocate’s new Global Mobility Toolkit provides free information, practical advice and support for HR, global mobility managers and global teams operating overseas.Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory  

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