The arrangements for the transfer of pupils to secondary schools in September 2023 will, as far as possible, conform to the following timetable.

1 September 2022 - Apply from this date

School places are not allocated on a first come, first served basis. All applications received up to the closing date are given equal priority, but if you miss the deadline, a late application may reduce your chance of getting your preference of school.

31 October 2022 - National closing date for secondary applications (statutory).

During this period all applications are processed and all preferences are considered against the published admissions policy. Where there are more applications than places available, decisions are made as to which children should be offered the available places. We will liaise and exchange information with all other admission authorities including neighbouring local authorities. The allocation and offer of a secondary school place is finalised.

1 March 2023 - Offers issued to parents

(The national offer date is 1 March, if this date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, offers are sent the next working day.)

Choosing your school preferences

Before you apply, research the schools in your area. You could visit school open evenings.

You need to list three different schools - your first, second and third school preferences.  Each preference is considered equally. If you name the same school or academy two or three times, this will only limit your chances of receiving a place. The online system will not accept duplicate preferences.  You should name your three preferences in priority order.   It is always best to include a school near to where you live as one of your preferred options. Demand for school places is high, in some areas greater than others, and this helps towards you being offered a local school.  Your nearest school for admission purposes is measured by a straight line. 

Chances of getting into your preferred school

One of the most important criteria for many schools is the distance you live from the school. The distances from which schools allocate places change from year to year, depending on demand. You may need to check with the school whether they have been able to admit children from your address in recent years. When deciding your preferences, be realistic about how likely you are to be offered a place there.

Some schools have entrance exams. Please check the school websites for entrance examination details.

What happens if you are not offered a place at your preferred option

When a place cannot be offered at one your preferred schools or academies, you will receive an alternative school offer. This is usually the school nearest to your home with an available place after allocations have been made.

Regardless of which school you are offered, you will be given the opportunity to place your child on the waiting list for any establishment and to appeal for places at any school.

Below you can see the folders where we share the materials you will need for your learning. 

 Just open the folder and click the file you need to open & save.