If your child is due to start secondary school in September 2027, use this checklist to compare your final choices, complete every required form and submit the application on time.
Confirm how and when to apply
Apply through the local authority where your child lives, even when a preferred school is in another council area. For September 2027 entry, the national secondary-school application deadline in England is 31 October 2026.
Create the council account early and check the exact submission time shown by your council. Save the confirmation page or email after submitting.
Your council application, school forms and test registration are separate tasks.
Complete the checks for every school
Read the current admissions policy for every school on your list. Identify the category your child may be considered under and check whether the school requires another form or evidence.
- Check distance, catchment, sibling, faith and selective-test rules.
- Submit any supplementary information form to the organisation named in the instructions.
- Confirm that entrance-test registration has been completed where relevant.
- Keep copies of any address, faith, medical or social evidence the policy requests.
Rank schools in your genuine order
Schools assess applications under their published criteria without using the position in which you ranked them. If several schools can offer a place, the council offers the one you ranked highest.
Use all the preferences available and include schools you would genuinely accept. Listing only one school does not improve the chance of receiving that school.
- Sign in to your home council application service and check its instructions.
- Read the current admissions policy and separate-form requirements for every school.
- Rank schools in the order you genuinely prefer and include realistic alternatives.
- Submit by 31 October and save your confirmation and final preference list.
Keep the journey moving by comparing schools, checking deadlines and saving the guide that matches your route.
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