I wouldn't worry, just enjoy this time and worry about that the year before he is meant to start.

What has helped my girls is having them at a pre-school close to home for at least a year, that way they know kids that will be going to the local school also and i found that made the transition so easy as dd had a group of friends already.

We have the catchement area here too so dont have a choice unless you go private (or you put someone elses address to say you live in another area). You don't want to have to drive out of the area (well I don't) it is so much easier only having to go around the corner seeing as though you have to go there a couple of times a day.