How to apply to secondary school: a step-by-step guide for parents
By Atom | Aug 13, 2025, 2:13 PM
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Applying for secondary school can feel like a big step for you and your child. It’s a mix of emotions: excitement for the next chapter, but also the weight of making the right decision.
The good news? With a clear plan, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This guide walks you through each stage of the application journey, from exploring options to preparing for the big move so that you can feel confident every step of the way.
1. Start early: understanding your options
It can be helpful to start exploring your options during Year 5, giving you and your child plenty of time to get a feel for the schools that might be a good fit.
Think about:
School type: grammar, independent, or comprehensive
Curriculum focus: academic strengths and creative subjects.
Learning environment: size of school, teaching style, pastoral care
Co-curriculars available: see what sports, music, art and drama options are available.
Gathering this information early gives you time to prepare well for any entrance exams or open days.
We’ve made it easier for you. Click here to search for your local grammar and independent schools. You'll find all the key information you need to see which schools are right for your child and how to apply!
2. Know the admissions criteria
Each school has its own admissions rules; missing a small detail can mean missing out on a place.
Check for:
Catchment areas and how they’re measured (straight line or walking distance)
Primary schools can be linked to a secondary school - sometimes called ‘feeder schools’. Children attending these primary schools are often given priority for a place at the linked secondary school.
Selective entry requirements, such as the 11+.
Faith-based criteria, including church attendance or baptism certificates.
Scholarships and bursaries - independent schools often offer awards for academic ability, music, sport, or other talents. Some also provide means-tested financial support. These usually require a separate application and may have earlier deadlines, so check the requirements as soon as possible.
If your child needs specific learning support, look for schools with strong special educational needs (SEN) provision and clear policies on accommodating different needs.
3. Prepare for entrance exams (if relevant)
Entrance exams are part of the application process for grammar and many independent schools, but each school’s approach can be very different. The first step is to understand exactly what’s required and when.
Start by checking:
School websites, as most schools will outline the subjects tested, exam format, and key dates on their website. They’ll likely have an ‘admissions’ or ‘entrance’ section outlining this information.
Local authority websites, as your council may list grammar school testing arrangements and registration deadlines.
School prospectuses are available online or on open days, often with more details on interviews or assessment days.
Atom Learning’s school search tool. Here you can find your local grammar and independent schools and see their entry requirements, all in one place.
Key things to look for:
Which subjects are tested - for example, English, maths, verbal reasoning (VR), or non-verbal reasoning (NVR).
Exam format - multiple-choice papers, written responses, or computer-based tests.
Exam dates - some take place in Year 5, others in Year 6, and many are before the CAF deadline (usually 31st October in Year 6).
Interview requirements - Some independent schools invite children to an interview or assessment day to assess how they think, respond, and interact with others.
Extra activities - some schools include additional tasks in the admissions process, such as a short piece of creative writing, working in a group to solve a problem, or taking part in practical challenges. These help the school see skills not shown in a written test.
Once you know the requirements for each school, the next step is to build a realistic, targeted preparation plan that will keep your child motivated.
Get prepared with Atom Learning!
With Atom, you can:
Create a personalised exam prep plan tailored to your target schools' exact subjects, skills, and formats.
Give your child adaptive practice that automatically adjusts to their strengths and areas for improvement.
Access mock tests that mirror the style and timing of real exams, reducing nerves on the day.
Track progress with a clear Standardised Age Score (SAS) so you always know they’re on track.
This means your child isn’t just practising; they’re preparing with precision and building skills and confidence in the areas that matter most for their chosen schools.
4. Gather information and visit schools
Open days and tours are invaluable. They give you a feel for the school’s atmosphere that a website can’t capture. You can usually find open day dates on the school’s website or your local authority’s secondary admissions page to see upcoming events in your area.
When visiting:
Speak to teachers, current students, and parents.
Ask about extracurricular clubs, homework expectations, and behaviour policies.
Check facilities for sports, music, arts, and science.
Look for signs of good pastoral care and a strong sense of community.
5. Understand the application timeline
Every local authority sets its dates for applications, but most follow a similar pattern:
Applications open: early September (Year 6)
Applications close: usually late October
National Offer Day: first Monday in March
Selective schools often hold entrance exams before CAF deadlines, so check these dates early.
6. Completing the common application form (CAF)
The CAF is where you officially list your preferred schools. You can usually choose up to six (depending on your area).
Key tips:
List schools in your genuine order of preference.
Include at least one school where your child meets the criteria with high certainty.
Be truthful; false information can lead to an offer being withdrawn.
For full details on how to fill in the CAF, see our guide on Completing the secondary school common application form (CAF).
7. After applying, what happens next?
Once the CAF is in, the waiting begins. Offers are released on National Offer Day in March.
If you don’t get your first-choice school, there are still several steps you can take:
Join waiting lists.
You can usually add your child to the waiting list for any school listed on your CAF, even if it wasn’t the offer you received.
For state schools, contact your local authority; for independent schools, speak to the admissions office directly. Waiting lists are ordered according to the school’s admissions criteria (such as catchment area or test results), not the date you joined.
Your child may move up the list if other families decline their place. Keep your contact details updated so you don’t miss an offer.
Consider an appeal.
Every parent has the right to appeal a school place decision. The appeal process involves explaining to an independent panel why your child should have a place at your preferred school, using evidence such as medical or social reasons, or demonstrating why the school’s specific facilities or teaching would meet your child’s needs.
Appeals must be submitted within a set timeframe (usually 20 school days from receiving your offer), and your local authority or the school’s admissions office will explain how to start the process.
Look positively at the offered school.
While it may not have been your first choice, many families find that their child thrives in a school they hadn’t initially considered.
Visiting again, meeting staff, and learning about the school’s strengths can help your child feel more excited about starting there.
It’s worth remembering that school places often become available in the months after National Offer Day, right up until September, so staying on a waiting list can still lead to a place at your preferred school.
Final thought:
Applying to secondary school is not just an administrative process; it’s about finding the right environment where your child can grow, learn, and flourish. You can approach the journey with clarity rather than stress by breaking it into manageable steps, doing your research early, and keeping track of key dates.
Your child will take their lead from you, so staying calm and positive (even in uncertain moments) will help them feel secure. Remember, you’ve given them the best possible start by preparing thoughtfully. There is no single “perfect” school; children can thrive in many different environments, and the transition to secondary school is a journey full of new opportunities.
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