Step 3: Complete the secondary school admissions application form

Closing date for on-time applications

The closing date for on-time applications to secondary schools is 31 October 2024.

Before you apply, make sure you've read the information in 'Step 2: Before you apply'.

How to apply

The closing date for on-time applications to secondary schools is 31 October 2024.

You must:

  • complete the application and return it to the local authority where your child lives, regardless of which schools you are applying for (but please see more information on the address to use).
  • submit supporting documents with your application if you are applying under exceptional social or medical criteria.
  • make only one application for each child. If you apply more than once for the same child, we will consider only the most recently submitted application received before the deadline. If you are applying for more than one child, you must submit a separate application for each child.

If you submit your application without a good reason after the closing date, your application may be treated as late. Late applications will be dealt with after on-time applications, and this may affect the chances of your child being offered a place at one of your preferred school.

The closing date for on-time applications to secondary schools is 31 October 2024.

Apply online

This will let you:

  • See all information in one place.
  • Make changes to your application right up until the deadline.
  • Send scanned/electronic documents in support of your application.
  • Accept or decline a school place offer online.

Using the eAdmissions website

We use the eAdmissions website to manage all online school admissions. Here is some useful information on applying via eAdmissions (PDF).

You will need an email address to apply online and regular access to your emails as you will be sent emails to confirm that we have received your application and to let you know the outcome on the offer date.

After completing the application

Do not forget to click submit after completing your application online. You will receive a confirmation email listing your preferences and an application reference number.

Please check this email carefully to make sure your application details are correct. Whilst you can make changes to your application up to the closing date, it may not be possible to fix mistakes after the closing date.

Receiving notifications

If you apply online and have an Android device you can opt to receive notifications from the eAdmissions website. Alternatively you can download the ParentComms mobile app to your mobile device to receive notifications. The following notifications will be sent:

  • A reminder to submit any un-submitted applications one week before the closing date, as well as 24 hours before (if you register less than 24 hours before the closing date you will not be sent these reminders)
  • Your application reference number of your submitted application
  • The outcome of your application

You can also opt in to receive text messages by registering your mobile phone number online. If you register for text alerts you will not receive your outcome by text - you will need to log in to your online application to view the outcome.

Applying online is the most popular way to apply. The online system is easy to use and we encourage all applicants to apply online.

If you would like a paper application form instead, contact us.

Make sure to read the information in 'Step 2: Before you apply' before you fill in the application.

The closing date for on-time applications to secondary schools is 31 October 2024.


Supporting evidence

If you have a council tax account number, this must be provided with your application at the time that you apply. If you do not have a council tax account number (for example if you are a private tenant, live with family or an armed forces family living in service accommodation in the United Kingdom), you must provide two forms of alternative evidence of your child's address with your application, such as a copy of your signed tenancy agreement and a recent utility bill or driving licence. If you do not provide your council tax account number or alternative evidence of your address, we will contact you to request it.

  • Evidence to support applications under exceptional medical or social criteria must be provided with your application by 31 October 2024.
  • Evidence received after that date may be considered only if it could not reasonably have been provided by 31 October 2024 but will not be accepted beyond 12 December 2024.
  • Any evidence received after 12 December 2024 will not be considered until after the initial allocation of places.

Where academies or foundation, free and voluntary aided schools require additional evidence to support a claim for which a supplementary form is required, this evidence should be sent directly to the school with the supplementary form.

Have you seen our chatbot?

You can find information about school admissions from our chatbot. Just select the 'chat with me' pop-up link, or the speech bubble icon at the bottom of your screen.


Files available to download

  • eAdmissions Leaflet 2025 (PDF)
    Applying online for a school place is quick and easy, follow the steps in this leaflet and you are ready to start your child’s online application


Did you find this information helpful?

Rating Did you find the information helpful?

We aren't able to reply to individual comments, so please don't include any personal details.

Subscribe to our newsletters for latest news and events.