Time can pass in the blink of an eye, and this is never felt more than at key transitional milestones for your child. One moment they were setting off for their first day of reception, and now it’s almost time for them to head to high school!
This can be a nerve-wracking time for both children and parents, as the final decision is taken by the local authority. Every child must apply for a place, even if your preferred secondary school is linked to your child’s primary school.
Whether this is your first child to approach secondary school age or you simply want to brush up on the process in preparation, it’s a good idea to research the timelines and deadlines associated with applying for secondary school places. This can simplify the application process, allowing you to concentrate on preparing your child for secondary school.
The official deadline for applications varies from council to council, but in general applications open on 1st September in the year your child starts year 6 of primary school, and the deadline for entries is at the end of October. Please check your local authority to ensure you know the precise deadline.
During this time, secondary schools will hold open evenings for you to visit with your child, see the classroom settings, meet current pupils and attend Head Teacher speeches. These are a great way to see your options and establish which school could be right for your child. Often open days happen in the same week, or on the same day so it can be fun to try to attend more than one during the same evening!
If you are applying for a private school, then you will make the application directly with the school and the entry criteria will often include an interview and an examination. The time for application will vary from school to school but the offer of a place and parental acceptance of that place falls shortly after the state system, so that parents are able to assess all the options available to them.
You can apply for multiple schools in your application and the number will vary from council to council. You will list the schools in order of preference on your application form and it is important to list more than one. If you only apply for one school, this does not improve your chances of getting a place at that school.
Making second and third choices helps to ensure that, should your child not get into your first-choice school, they have a better chance of getting a place at one of your preferred schools rather than it being a random allocation.
Filling out the application is very straightforward. All you need to do is first prove your residential address and relationship to the child you are applying for, then list your preferred secondary schools.
You will receive a letter via email or post (your choice) informing you of the school place that is offered to your child. The announcement is made to everyone on the same day, usually at the start of March. Some primary schools will announce it to the children at school too.
Within the offer letter there is also information on how to accept or reject the place. If you’re not happy with the place your child has been offered, then you can appeal the decision. The offer letter will include details on how to do this, including a deadline on when you must submit the appeal by. This is typically within one month of receiving the offer letter.
Remember, although you can appeal your local authority’s decision, you can’t simply decide your child will go to a different school. Everything has to go through the local authority, which is why it’s so important to provide supporting evidence within your appeal that explains why your child would be better off at your preferred school as opposed to the offered one.
Usually there will be a hearing, and the council will explain why they turned down your application. The panel will assess the school’s reason for not admitting your child and the decision from the hearing will usually be sent within five working days.
Once everything is settled you can start the exciting process of planning for the new school. Transport is always a careful consideration so make sure you know when the school day starts and finishes. You will also be required to purchase the school uniform and there will be guidance on how to purchase specific items that carry the emblem, such as a blazer and sports kit.
As a parent, you’ve probably heard over and over that children’s feet grow very quickly - but be aware that as they approach the teenage years, this will slow down considerably. Your child might only need to go up a size once in a school year during high school, so look for school shoes that are durable enough to last throughout the rough and tumble of a school year.
Although the process of applying and preparing for secondary school can be daunting for both parent and child, it’s also a time to look forward to the changes the future holds. Knowing what to expect from the application process can help to soothe your nerves and allow you to enjoy this exciting new adventure.
