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Relocating with family

Planning for your family's arrival

We are often told that it is challenging for families to find affordable short-term accommodation in York, as most temporary accommodation is designed for a single occupant or couple. 

This means that it can be difficult and expensive to find somewhere for the family to stay for a few weeks whilst you search for a long term rental. Therefore, we recommend one of the following: 

  • Plan ahead and have long term accommodation lined up in time for your arrival.
    You and your family could travel to York for a weekend to carry out some pre-arranged viewings. Properties are generally advertised about 1 month before they are available (although this can vary). Register your interest with letting agencies approximately 6 weeks ahead of the desired move date and keep a close eye on Rightmove / Zoopla.
  • Travel to York on your own for the first couple of weeks. 
    You may wish to consider lodging through the Rooms to Rent scheme. This will give you a few weeks to get to know the city and to secure a rental property ready for your family to join you. 

If you require further advice on planning your family’s relocation then please contact the Welcome Service.

The UK school system 

In the UK, the school system is split into primary and secondary. Children attend primary school from the age of 5 up until the age of 11. From 11 to 16 they will attend secondary school.

Applying for a school

To begin finding out more about schools in the area, speak to your colleagues, ask advice from the Welcome Team and refer to the Independent Office for Standards in Education (‘Ofsted’) reports and School League tables.

If you are keen for your child to attend a specific school, remember that admission to state schools is based on a catchment area (york.gov.uk). This means where your child goes to school is dependent upon where you live. It is important to research schools whilst you are looking for a rental property as you will need to make sure you are living in the right catchment area for the school that you wish your child to attend. 

School admissions 

Unfortunately being in the catchment area does not guarantee that you will get a place at your first choice school. There is often a waiting list.

School admissions policies are subject to change, so it is best to visit the York Council website to find the most up to date guidance, process and application forms.

Pre-schools and nurseries 

If you have a child below school age then you may wish to look into nursery and childcare options (york.gov.uk) in the local area. York Campus Nursery is based on the University campus, which you may find convenient.

Pets 

If you intend to bring a pet into the UK, you must follow certain rules. 

If you’re relocating with a pet, you’ll need to ask your landlord in writing. They cannot refuse without a fair reason, but you should make the request as early as possible so you can plan alternative options if they refuse.