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 will need extremely careful consideration. Factors parents are asked to take into account include, the availability of GCSE examination subjects, changes in friendship groups and the general disruption to studies inevitably caused by change. Parents should also consider the fact that a transfer is not guaranteed to solve any problems a child may be experiencing at school.

Parents are advised to consult staff at the child's present school before approaching another school or the Education Authority for a School Transfer Request form. A child could only transfer to another school if places were available. Forms should be sent to the Admissions Section, Education Department, 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 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 Authority.

Transfer of pupils between Secondary Schools one or more of which is a Voluntary Aided School

Where a parent requests a transfer between schools one or both of which are Voluntary Aided Schools, the same basic principles apply as above, and the procedures followed are similar. Applications for transfer to a Voluntary Aided School will, however, require the approval of the Governing Body of that school, rather than of the Authority.