Secondary school applications close on 31 October

Parents of children in Year 6 have just over a month to apply for a secondary school place for September 2027, with the national closing date on Saturday 31 October.

Applications for state secondary schools in England are made through the council where the child lives, even if the schools are in another council area. In Birmingham, parents apply through Birmingham City Council's online admissions system.

Key dates

The closing date for secondary applications is 31 October 2026. Offers will be sent out on National Offer Day, Monday 1 March 2027.

For children starting primary school in September 2027, the closing date is 15 January 2027, with offers in April.

Using all your preferences

Parents can list several schools in order of preference. Councils advise families to use all of their preferences and to include at least one school where their child has a realistic chance of a place, based on the school's admission criteria. Listing only one popular school increases the risk of being offered a place somewhere you did not choose.

Check the admission rules

Each school sets out how it decides who gets a place when it has more applicants than places. Common criteria include children in care, brothers or sisters already at the school, distance from home and, for faith schools, religious practice. Some schools, including grammar schools, also use entrance tests, which usually take place earlier in the autumn.

Open evenings

Many Birmingham secondary schools hold open evenings in September and October. They are a chance to see the school, meet teachers and ask questions about subjects, clubs and support for children with special educational needs.

Late applications

Applications received after the closing date are usually considered only after all those received on time, which can reduce the chance of getting a preferred school. Families who move to Birmingham after the deadline should contact the council's admissions team.

If you are unhappy with the offer

Parents have the right to appeal if their child is refused a place at a school, and can ask for their child to be added to waiting lists.