Secondary School Application Deadline: 31 October 2026

If your child starts secondary school in September 2027, the deadline for on-time applications in England is midnight on 31 October 2026. Most families apply through their council’s online form, not directly with the school. Offers for the September 2027 intake are released on Monday 1 March 2027.

Missing the deadline does not stop you applying, but it usually makes a preferred school much harder to get. This guide covers who needs to apply, the key dates, how to rank your choices, and what to do if your child is refused a place.

Who needs to apply

Children born between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016 need a place for September 2027. That is the same group as children who are in Year 6 during the 2026 to 2027 school year. Havering Council confirms both groups must apply, even if you expect your local school to offer a place.

Key dates for September 2027 entry

How to apply, step by step

1. Find your council’s secondary admissions page. Search for your council name and “secondary school admissions 2027”. Use the council where your child lives.
2. Create an account or log in to the online form. Have your child’s full name, date of birth, address and any supporting information the council asks for.
3. List up to six schools in order of preference. RBKC’s guidance confirms the six-school limit for its area. Check your council’s form for its own rules.
4. Submit well before the deadline. Leave time to fix any problems with the form or your details.
5. Keep a copy of your application and the confirmation email.
6. Check your email on offer day. Accept or decline the offer by the date your council gives you.

Why the order of your preferences matters

Ranking does not change how each school judges your child. What it changes is which offer you get. If more than one of your choices has a place, you are offered the highest-ranked one. Lower offers are withdrawn, and your child stays on the waiting lists for the schools you ranked higher.

Put the school you most want first, and only list schools you would genuinely accept. A school that is a long way from home or does not fit your child’s needs is not a safe choice just because it is on the list.

Applying after the deadline

Late applications are dealt with after all the on-time applications, unless there is a valid reason. In practice, that means your chances of a preferred school fall sharply. If you have a genuine reason for being late, contact your council’s admissions team straight away and ask how they will handle it.

What to do if your child is refused a place

If your child does not get a place at any school you listed, you will receive a letter that explains the decision. It also explains how to appeal, where to send your form and the deadline.

The Department for Education’s guidance on appeals has the following points:

• Each council sets its own appeal deadline, but it must allow at least 20 school days from the day the offer was made.
• The school must give at least 10 school days’ notice of the hearing.
• The hearing must take place within 40 school days of the appeal deadline.
• The hearing is usually held by an independent panel, and it can take place in person, by video or both.
• The panel upholds an appeal if the harm to your child of not going to the school outweighs the school’s reasons for refusing. It also upholds an appeal if the admission rules were not applied properly.
• You can accept the place you were offered while your appeal is still going on. This does not weaken your appeal.
• You will usually hear the result in writing within 5 school days, although it can take longer when a panel has a lot of cases.

A strong appeal explains specifically why this school suits your child and what would happen if they did not attend. Attach any supporting evidence, such as a letter from a doctor or social worker if health or family circumstances are part of your case. The same guidance mentions that Coram Children’s Legal Centre may be able to give advice on appeals.

Practical checks before you rank your schools

• Read each school’s admission criteria. These set out how places are allocated if a school is oversubscribed. They can include distance, catchment area and whether a child has a sibling at the school. Each school sets its own criteria, so check them for every school on your list.
• Visit open days if you can. Ask what the school offers for your child’s needs, such as support for learning, transport or extra-curricular activities.
• Keep a short list of backups. Choose schools you would accept, not only your first choice.
• Ask the council if anything is unclear. Admissions teams can explain your options and the rules that apply to your application.

Key points

• For September 2027 entry in England, the on-time deadline is midnight on 31 October 2026.
• Children born between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016 must apply.
• Apply through your council and list up to six schools in order.
• National offer day is Monday 1 March 2027.
• Late applications are considered after on-time ones.
• If your child is refused, appeal by your council’s deadline, which is at least 20 school days from the offer.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to apply if I am sure my child will get the local school?

Yes. Children in the age group above must apply for a place, even if you expect your local school to be the outcome.

Can I still apply after 31 October?

Yes, but late applications are only considered after all on-time applications. Apply by the deadline wherever possible.

Can I change my choices after I apply?

It depends on your area. In London’s pan-London system, you can change or delete preferences until 11.59pm on the closing date. Check your council’s rules before you rely on this.

Can I appeal and still keep the place I was offered?

Yes. The DfE guidance says you can accept the offered place while you appeal, and that doing so does not affect your appeal.

Where do I find my appeal deadline?

Your council’s decision letter gives the exact date. Keep it safe, and send the form before the deadline.

Does this process apply in Wales and Scotland?

This article covers England only. Scotland and Wales run their own school admissions systems and timetables, so check with your local council there.

Using a school directory to build your shortlist

Key Schools lists UK primary, high, grammar and private schools with contact details and notes on what each school is known for. It is a good place to start a shortlist. Confirm the admission rules directly with each school and council before you finalise your six choices, because those are the rules that decide your child’s place.