I’m a family lawyer – why you need to sort 2026 school arrangements now

Choosing the right school for your child is a huge decision, which often comes with a lot of painstaking research and attendance at open evenings beforehand. Ideally it is something that the whole family will be in agreement on – but what happens when parents disagree on the choice of school?

For a married couple, this can cause significant tension; and for a couple who have already separated, it can be a very controversial issue if opinions differ. The schooling of your child is something a parent can feel really strongly about, so it’s very important that this issue is addressed as early as possible.

For parents whose child will be starting secondary school in September 2026, the time to have those discussions is now, before choices are submitted to the local authority in October this year – primary school applications usually close in January, so there is a little more time. However, in both scenarios, the summer holidays provides the ideal forum for a chat, or several chats, and to try, if at all possible, to find agreement and find the best way forward for your child. An amicable solution is always the best course of action and something we would always recommend and support parents to achieve.

If parents absolutely cannot agree - and we have seen through our work with families how contentious this issue can become - then an application can be made to the court to determine where the child goes. Likewise if one parent submits school preferences against the wishes of the other, that can be challenged in court. The court will listen to the competing views of both parents and make a decision deemed in the best interest of the child.

If the court route is required, then time is of the essence – often we have parents who come to us in September asking for a court application to be made, but there is a big risk there may not be enough time to issue proceedings and for a decision to be made before the October deadline to submit school choices.

As well as being an uncertain outcome for the child, with parents putting the decision in the hands of the court, it can also be an expensive one. Hearings about school places require quick proceedings and parents can find themselves spending a lot of money in a short period of time.

While the schooling of your child is obviously a hugely important and emotive issue, finding an amicable way forward is always best wherever possible. Specialist family lawyers can help couples achieve that – or if that really isn’t achievable, then can advise on the way ahead in terms of going to court. The earlier to address this, the better, and certainly before September.

Rebecca Cliff is an associate in the family team at Slater and Gordon. Contact her on Rebecca.cliff@slatergordon.uk or 0330 995 6257.