Families comparing homes in England have a new way to research nearby schools. The Department for Education launched its Find and compare school and college profiles service on 13 November 2026. It can help build a shortlist before a move; you still need to follow the separate school-admissions process.
What is available now
The launch announcement says profiles bring together location, age range, attendance, results and information such as breakfast-club provision. Secondary profiles also include GCSE subject entries and pupils' destinations after year 11.
The live service lets you search for schools and colleges in England and save and compare secondary schools. Primary side-by-side comparisons and the addition of Ofsted reports are described as future developments. Do not assume every announced feature is already available.
When comparing areas, note the age range and journey from each possible address alongside the published figures. Record questions to ask at a visit, including the school day, support your child may need and whether any breakfast or after-school provision has space. A profile is a starting point for those conversations, not a confirmed offer.
Check places and address rules separately
GOV.UK's admission-criteria guide explains that schools have different rules for allocating places. Living nearby can be one factor; siblings, faith or other criteria can also matter. Buying or renting near a school does not itself confirm admission.
The application guidance says to use your local council's process, including when applying to schools in another council area. A move may require evidence of the new address, such as a rental agreement, mortgage agreement or deeds. Ask the admissions team which address to use while the move is being arranged and when it needs supporting documents.
For the normal primary-school intake, the national application deadline is 15 January. That is separate from moving a child after the school year has begun: contact the council about an in-year application, available places and the process to follow. Listing only one preferred school does not improve the chance of getting that place.
Put the school search into your moving plan
Use our moving with children guide to prepare for the change, then add council contacts, application dates, visits and confirmed decisions to your personalised moving timeline. Keep school arrangements visible alongside the housing transaction so an uncertain completion date does not hide an application deadline.
Add likely school-run and childcare costs to your household planning, checking actual availability and prices before relying on them. Keep copies of the information you receive and update the plan when the move or school arrangements become definite. These school-service and application details concern England; the other UK nations have their own arrangements.