Secondary school applications in England – deadline 31 October

If your child is in Year 6, apply for a secondary school place through your local council by 31 October. Offers are sent on National Offer Day, 1 March (or the next working day).

Deadline

Every year by 31 October

Last checked

Checked against the official source: 21 October 2026

What if you miss the deadline? If you apply after the closing date, you may not get an offer on National Offer Day. Contact your local council as soon as possible to find out how it handles late applications.

In England, children usually start secondary school in the September after they finish Year 6. You apply through your local council, even for schools in another council area. The national closing date is 31 October.

How to do it

1. Check your council's admissions guide, which is usually published in September.
2. Look at schools' admission criteria and visit open days.
3. List at least three schools in order of preference on your council's form or online.
4. Submit the application by 31 October.
5. Wait for your offer on National Offer Day, 1 March or the next working day.

Common questions

When is the deadline for secondary school applications?

The national closing date in England is 31 October in the year before your child starts secondary school.

When will I find out which secondary school we got?

Offers are sent on secondary National Offer Day, 1 March or the next working day.

My child was born in September – when do I apply?

Children born from 1 September to 31 August are in the same school year. Apply in the autumn when your child is in Year 6.

Official source: gov.uk (opens in a new tab)

This information is not legal or tax advice.