2-week deadline warning for all parents of 10 and 11 year olds
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Amber Middleton
Content writerThe countdown is on to apply for secondary school places in England and Wales to secure 1 of your top choices
The step up from primary school to secondary school can be an exciting, but scary time for you and your (not so little) ones.
So it is important to get the choice right when picking out a school so that the first day doesn't feel so scary – but to do so, you need to make sure you apply before the deadline hits.
The countdown to the deadline is now on with less than 2 weeks to apply for secondary school places ahead of the September 2024 start dates.
Here's everything you need to know about applying for those all-important spots so you don't miss out.
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Countdown for parents in England
The application deadline depends on where you live in the UK.
Parents of children in England have until 31 October 2023 to select the school for their child to start in September 2024.
For parents of children in Wales, the dates differ depending on the local authority – all schools open their applications for a 6-week window during September and October.
In Northern Ireland, things work a little differently. Children start Post Primary School in year 8 and the applications come later – between 1 and 23 February.
And in Scotland, there is no need to apply as the council will decide where children are placed.
How do I apply?
You can apply for English state secondary schools through your council's website, or by using an application form you get from the council. Find your local council here.
If you are applying for a school in a different council, you still apply through your own council.
In Wales, your local authority will direct you on how to apply. To find your local authority, click here.
In Northern Ireland, applications can be made online on the education authority website.
When will I hear about an offer?
Children in England and Wales will hear about their secondary school places on National offer day – 1 March 2024.
In Northern Ireland, you'll hear on 20 May 2024.
How are places decided?
Children in care are given top priority. After that, schools set their own criteria for admissions.
For example, some schools favour religion such as Catholic schools who might favour children who attend a Catholic church or who have been baptised.
Research from the University of Bristol found that the main criteria schools looked for is if soon-to-be pupils already have a sibling at the school. This is followed by a favour of local children.
What if I'm not offered a place at a school I want?
You are able to appeal decisions. These appeals are decided by an independent panel. For a successful appeal, parents must prove that the proper admissions process was not followed or that circumstances relevant to the child were not followed.
Take a look at our guide including advice on secondary school admissions from the Advisory Centre for Education, with tips on how to appeal decisions.
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What if I miss the deadline?
If you live in England or Wales, you are still able to apply if you miss the deadline but your application will not be considered until the first round of offers are made in March, meaning your child is less likely to get your top choice of school.
In Northern Ireland, you are able to submit a paper application 3 weeks after the deadline but after this you won't be able to apply until the end of the admissions procedure in May.
What about primary school?
You've got a little longer to think about primary school applications for any younger kids.
These applications opened in September and you'll have until 15 January 2024 to apply. But again, if you miss the deadline, you are less likely to get your school of choice.
Councils will send out offers for primary school places on primary school national offer day which will be 16 April 2024.
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