Relocating from London for Schools?
Your Key Admissions Timelines below.
This time of year is particularly busy for Chiltern Relocation as we hear from clients who are looking ahead to the next school year. For many London families, there comes a point where the daily rush, rising housing costs, and competitive school admissions begin to outweigh the excitement of London life. The decision to leave London is often driven by education, but lifestyle plays an equally important role. Families are increasingly seeking more space — both in their homes and within greener, community-focused surroundings — while still maintaining easy access to London.
Why is securing a London School place so challenging?
Schooling in the state sector in London is a currently facing a crisis as many primary schools are closing or merging due to lack of students as more families are moving out of the area due to spiraling living costs. On the other hand, the private sector continues to be highly competitive as top schools continue to attract intense demand, especially in wealthy boroughs and among internationally mobile families. Getting into London private primary schools can be highly competitive, especially at the city’s most sought-after prep schools with many families registering their children years in advance for places at Reception and aged 7. Top schools often assess children through play sessions, interviews, school reports and academic testing. While overall demand for primary school places in London has softened slightly in recent years due to falling birth rates and VAT on school fees, the best-known independent schools remain heavily oversubscribed. For parents, the process can feel closer to university admissions than traditional primary school applications, requiring careful research, early planning and applications to multiple schools to improve the chances of securing a place.
Why families look to move to the Chilterns and Buckinghamshire in particular.
Faced with the difficulty of securing a school place for one child – let alone multiple children – is a strong reason behind the desire to move out of the area and look at alternative excellent schooling options. Families want to trade tube travel for woodland walks, and crowded catchments for a greater range of schooling options. Alongside the decision to focus on schooling is also the desire for more space, a bigger garden, strong sense of community, proximity to the countryside, a better pace of life but also within an easy commute to London.
The Chilterns has become one of the most sought-after relocation areas for London parents. Towns such as Amersham, Beaconsfield, The Chalfonts, Gerrards Cross, High Wycombe and Berkhamsted offer outstanding grammar, state and private school options. Whilst private schooling is competitive it is not in the same league as the London school entry system. One of the biggest draws of the area is the Buckinghamshire grammar school system, which continues to attract families from across London.
Understanding the Buckinghamshire School System
Buckinghamshire operates a selective education system, meaning children can sit the 11+ Secondary Transfer Test to qualify for grammar school places. Children who achieve the qualifying score (121) may be eligible for grammar school admission, depending on catchment and oversubscription criteria.
Popular grammar schools in the region include:
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (boys)
Dr Challoner’s High School (girls)
Beaconsfield High School (girls)
Royal Grammar School for boys in High Wycombe (co-ed Sixth Form)
Chesham Grammar School (co-ed)
John Hampden Grammar School (boys)
What are the key dates when looking to move to Buckinghamshire?
Moving purely for school access requires careful planning — especially around catchment deadlines and admissions dates. However, if your child attends a Buckinghamshire state primary school, registration is automatic. Families moving from London schools must usually register themselves.
Key Dates for Families Moving to the Chilterns (2026–2027 Entry)
Secondary Transfer Test (11+) Registration · 1 May 2026 — Registration opens · 2 June 2026 (3pm) — Registration deadline Important Address Cut-Off 1 September 2026 — Key address deadline for many grammar schools This is one of the most important dates for relocating families. Many schools require you to be living at your new address by this point for catchment consideration. Practice & Transfer Tests · 8 September 2026 — Practice test · 10 September 2026 — Secondary Transfer Test (11+) Test Results · 9 October 2026 — 11+ results released · Secondary School Application Deadline · 31 October 2026 — National secondary school application deadline National Offer Day 2 March 2027 — Secondary school offers released |
The Importance of Catchment Areas
One misconception is that passing the 11+ guarantees a grammar place, however schools prioritise children living within defined catchment areas. Some schools have become increasingly strict on proof of residence. This is why Chiltern Relocation works very closely with or clients to ensure that potential properties sit well within catchment areas for different schools and close to bus routes for other schooling options.
Want to try before you buy? Book an Open Day
For families considering the move but not sure what to expect we would advise booking to visit schools either on their Open Days or by arranging a private visit (more the case for private sector). With grammar schools facing increased demand due to cost of living and the VAT on school fees the demand for Open Day places is high so we would highly recommend booking a space well in advance.
Most schools begin publishing open evening dates from May onwards, with events concentrated in September and October.
For parents considering the move, preparation is everything:
- Understand admissions timelines
- Research catchment areas carefully
- Visit schools early
- Plan your move around key address deadlines
Feedback from Clients who have moved for Schooling
The response from clients who have made the move is that the biggest surprise after leaving London wasn’t just the excellent schooling — it was the pace of life. Weekends became countryside walks instead of shopping centres. Commutes felt manageable and the access to a huge range of sporting and social amenities made the move feel seamless.
Moving from London to the Chilterns for schooling is not a short-term decision. It’s a lifestyle shift centered around family priorities, education, and quality of life.
If you need help to find your ideal home then we can help. With over 20 years’ experience in sourcing property and unrivalled local knowledge, Chiltern Relocation can take on the stress of the search and guide you through the all the steps to finding exactly what you are looking for.
For more information call 01494 672086 or email: enquiries@chilternrelocation.com or visit our website: www.chilternrelocation.com
For official admissions guidance and updated timelines, visit:
