The school year has only just begun, however, if you have a child in Year 6, there is no doubt that you’ll already be looking ahead at the next academic year when they transfer to secondary school.
Applications for secondary school open on 1 September the year before your child is due to start Year 7. This means that you must provide your choices during the first term of Year 6 – the deadline to do this is 31 October
Tees tip: Set a reminder on your phone for the date. We all know life gets busy, and you won’t want to miss the deadline.
So, if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed about what school to name, or even how to apply, the Tees Education Team is here to help, and in no time, you’ll find yourself filling out school application forms wondering what all the fuss was about.
Do your homework
Choosing the right school can be a tricky process if you don’t know what to look out for. Whilst looking at Ofsted reports and league tables is useful, it’s always worth doing a deeper dive of a school’s website for further information such as their policies (admissions, SEN, and behaviour policies are often the top ones researched) or other practical information.
The school’s website is often where you find details about any upcoming open days, school tours, and open evenings. Being able to see the school in action, meet the teachers and current pupils, and getting a sense of the atmosphere can also tell you a lot. Most secondary school events will include a headteacher’s talk, classroom visits, and a Q&A session.
Tees tip: Take a notebook with you and jot down your impressions. After visiting a few schools, it can be easy to forget what you’ve learnt.
You may also want to look at the school statistics for the previous year, especially when it comes to catchment area and how far places were offered from the school, so that you can tactically consider what schools to apply for.
Whilst talking to other parents may provide you with valuable insight, it’s always worth remembering that just as each child is different, so is each of their school experiences.
Most importantly, it’s about finding a place that feels right for your child. Where possible let them be a part of the process.
Understand the admissions criteria
Each school has its own admissions criteria, but every state-maintained school must give priority to those who are in care or being looked after and those who have previously been in care.
Thereafter, generally priority will go to:
- Those who live close to the school
- Those with a sibling already at the school
- Those who are from a particular religion and are seeking a faith school
- Those who went to a ‘feeder school’
Tees tip: Always read the admissions policy carefully, don’t assume you’ll automatically get a place just because you live close by.
Grammar schools require the 11-plus exam, usually taken in September of Year 6.
How to apply
Applications are made through your local council’s website. This is the same even if you plan to name a school in a differing local authority area.
You will be asked to list the schools in order of preference. It’s always worth being realistic and including one that you are confident of getting.
Tees tip: Always use all the preference slots you’re given. Only putting down one school may be risky as if you don’t get it, the Local Authority will place you wherever there is space.
Be aware that if you are applying to a faith school, you may be required to send a supplementary form directly to the school or provide a letter from your place of worship.
Always double-check you have uploaded any documents the local authority has asked for, like proof of address.
Use this link to apply via gov.uk Apply for a secondary school place – GOV.UK
What happens next
You will receive the offer of placements on 1 March, although if the date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, the offers will be sent the next working day.
You will be required to accept the offer by the deadline stated in the offer letter.
Our final words of advice…
- Start early. Give yourself plenty of time to research and visit schools.
- Tour as many schools as you can. Go with your gut feeling, it can often tell you more than a report
- Stay organised. Keep all deadlines in one place.
- Be flexible. Not getting your first choice isn’t the end of the world and lots of children thrive in schools their parents hadn’t initially considered. That said, if you wish to appeal a decision then email education@teeslaw.com and our team of expert education lawyers will contact you to advise you further on the options available to you.
Remember, you’re not alone, every parent goes through the same process, and schools and local authorities are used to answering questions. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone to the school or your local authority you’re unsure about something.
Please note that the process above differs for children with an Education, Health, and Care Plan. See Applying for a Phase Transfer School Place with an EHCP for more information.
