Call us today 0800 470 0331

Legal support for changing a child's school

Changing a
child's school

Decisions about a child’s schooling can be complex, especially when parents are not in agreement.

Whether you’re looking to move your child to a new school for their wellbeing or to prevent an unnecessary change, expert legal guidance can help you make decisions that protect your child’s best interests.

Request a FREE initial family law consultation

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

contact solicitors
Changing a child's school

When you want to change your child’s school

If you believe that changing your child’s school is in their best interests, whether due to academic needs, bullying, relocation, or special educational requirements, you may need to apply for a Specific Issue Order. This legal order allows the court to make a decision on a specific aspect of parental responsibility, such as which school your child should attend.

Our experienced family law solicitors are here to guide you through this process. We understand that time is critical in school-related disputes and ensure that any supporting documentation is accurately compiled and effectively presented to the court.

Disputes over which school your child should attend

Are you currently in conflict with the other parent about which school your child should go to? This is a common issue following separation or divorce and can be particularly stressful. If an agreement cannot be reached, the court will decide based on what it deems to be in the best interests of the child.

At Poole Alcock, we work quickly and diligently to represent your case. Our family law specialists are skilled in presenting compelling arguments to the court and will help you gather all necessary evidence, from academic reports to pastoral assessments, to support your application for a Specific Issue Order.

Changing schools solicitors

Preventing a school change you don’t agree with

If you are concerned that the other parent may change your child’s school without your consent, you may wish to apply for a Prohibited Steps Order. This type of order can stop the other parent from making unilateral decisions about your child’s education, especially if it can be shown that remaining at the current school is in the child’s best interests.

Our team will work with you to prepare a strong case and advocate for the stability and wellbeing of your child. With our support, you’ll be able to take swift legal action to prevent decisions that could negatively impact your child’s education.

FAQs on changing a child's school

What is a Specific Issue Order?

A Specific Issue Order is a court order used to resolve a particular dispute relating to a child’s upbringing, such as choosing which school they should attend.

How do I apply to stop the other parent from changing my child’s school?

You can apply for a Prohibited Steps Order, which legally prevents a parent from making a specific decision, like changing schools, without the agreement of the other parent or the court’s permission.

Do both parents need to agree on changing schools?

Yes, if both parents share parental responsibility, they must agree on major decisions like schooling. If there is a disagreement, the court can intervene.

How long does it take to get a court order for a school dispute?

Timeframes can vary, but our team prioritises these matters due to their time-sensitive nature and will act swiftly to submit your application.

Can I change my child’s school without going to court?

If both parents agree, there’s no need to go to court. However, if there’s any disagreement, legal intervention through the court may be necessary.

Our full range of children law legal services

Latest News

Meet our family law solicitors

Request a
FREE call back

If you would prefer, you can contact us on 0800 470 0335.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Contact Poole Alcock Solicitors

Request a
FREE call back

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

apply area-criminal area-divorce area-employment area-home area-motoring area-personal arrow_downarrow-left-long arrow_leftarrow-right-long-menu arrow-right-long arrow-right asbestos-claimsbenefits-health benefits-incentive £ benefits-nursery benefits-pension blueprintbottom-wave-180 bottom-wave buildingsbusiness-services calendarcertificationcharitychat checklist clockcommercial-propertyconvey_icon_purchase_standardconvey_icon_remortgageconvey_icon_sale_purchase convey_icon_sale conveyancingcriminal-defencecrossdefencedisputesdivorce-family divorce documentsdownloaddrink-drivingeducationemail-altemail-outlineemail employmentevent-calendarfixed-fee-divorcefor-salegravelheartbeathero-wave home-searchhospitalhousehricon_laptop_add icon_purchase_standard icon_quill icon_tick icon-feather-mail icon-user input-error input-upload input-valid job-descriptionlegal-aidlitigationmap-marker map-pinmoneypersonal-injurypersonal-services phone-primary phone play pluspropertyremortgagesearch-primary searchseparationsocial-facebook social_googleplussocial_instagramsocial_linkedin_altsocial-linkedin social_pinterestlogo-twitter-glyph-32social_youtubesoldtenanttick_circle_green tick-white ticktoggle-cross traffic-accidenttreetriangle will-probatewillwrite-a-will