7 things you need to know when applying to secondary schools
1. Research your local schools
All secondary schools have websites and many produce a downloadable presentation or prospectus. Have a look online to form some initial conclusions. You can also look up academic performance statistics and other data which may further you understanding of a school. But open days (or mornings and evenings) are your real chance to visit, meet key staff and get under the skin of a school. Read about the best way to approach open days.
2. Trust your instinct
Parents know best what their child is like. Does the school have what it takes to help your child reach their potential? Is there a particular emphasis on STEM, sport or discipline that will suit your child? Is the library an important feature of school life or a just dusty corner? Finding a school which appeals to your child’s skills, interests and personality can encourage them to work harder and bring out their best.
3. Check the admissions criteria
List the schools you like and then check each of their admissions policy documents. You may find that some on your list are completely unrealistic for your child. This could be because of faith reasons or even because you don’t live in the catchment area. Some secondaries such as grammar schools, semi selective schools and schools with fair banding may require applicants to sit an entrance exam (and often require you to register in the summer term of year 5, so check dates carefully). But most state-funded academies, free schools and local authority-run comprehensive schools are usually non-selective. Read more in depth about admissions criteria.
4. Pick more than one school
Most local authorities ask for a list of three or four schools in order of preference. London requests six. Parents should not leave any blanks on the form and include at least one school where there is a strong chance of getting a place – even if it isn’t your ideal school. Otherwise, there is the risk of being offered a place only at an undesirable school some distance away. After all, parents don’t get to select a school, but rather list ones they find acceptable. List the school you like most first – schools don’t know what place they are on your list, and you will only be sent an offer from the highest listed school for which you qualify.
5. Supply the right documentation
Read carefully what is required with your submission. Some schools, particularly faith schools, require a supplementary information form (SIF) to be sent directly to them. This form usually has a different deadline to the application which goes to the local authority. Failing to supply the right information on time could jeopardise your chances.
6. Appeals?
Appealing the decision if you are unhappy with the outcome of your application is unlikely to work. About one in five secondary application appeals are successful so take your time before deciding what to do. Long journeys to the school or having siblings at a different school are not grounds for an appeal. It is not unusual for places to become available over the autumn term so make sure you stay on the shortlist if you're determined to find your child a different school. Read our advice on schools appeals.
7. Look outside your LA
Don’t forget you can choose schools outside your local authority. If you live close to a local authority border or would like to apply for a school in another area, there's nothing to stop you from checking out your options in a different borough. You must apply for these schools as part of your list of choices on your local authority form.
Secondary school application deadline is on 31 October 2025
Click on the following link to take a look at our more detailed advice on Applying to secondary schools.
