Applications open in July and close 31st October. It is NOT first come first served. Your child is not more likely to receive their first choice of school if you apply as soon as the window opens. Take your time to visit school open days and make the right decision for your child but be sure to apply before the window closes.
When will I hear about my child’s secondary school place?
National offers day is 1st March each year, or the following working day if 1st March falls on a weekend.
What happens if I do not apply by the deadline?
Do not miss the deadline. If you do, you will need to complete a Late Application and submit this to the admissions team of the local authority in which you live. You will be allocated a place at a school with places remaining after all on time applications are considered. This may not be a school you had considered for your child and could be some distance from your home.
Which local authority do I apply to?
Parents/carers should apply for a secondary school place through the local authority that they live in and pay council tax to. Parents can list a secondary school from a different local authority on the application.
For example: A family live in Sandwell but want to apply for a school over the Dudley border. The parent/carer should apply through Sandwell council and list the Dudley school on their preference list. Sandwell council and Dudley council will then work together to allocate a school place.
How many secondary schools can I apply to?
In Sandwell, parents/carers can and should apply for up to 6 secondary schools to maximise the chances of being allocated a school of choice.
Can I just list one secondary school on the application?
This is not recommended. If your child does not receive a place at the first-choice school and second, third etc choices were not specified, they will be allocated a place at any school with places remaining. This school may not be one that you considered for your child and could be some distance away from home.
How likely is my child to get their first-choice school?
It is difficult to say for certain as statistics change every year according to the choices made by parents/carers. You can see the most recent statistics for successful first choices, offers by distance, and successful appeals here: https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/downloads/download/203/secondary-statistics
It is also important to check the Admissions policy for the schools you would like to apply for, which can be found on the school’s website. Not all schools have the same admissions criteria. For example, whilst some schools prioritise places for siblings this is not the case at every school. Some Sandwell schools may also require your child to sit an aptitude test either before or after the application deadline.
What does it mean if a school allocates some places to children on an aptitude basis?
Some secondary schools reserve places for children based on a talent or interest. Ordinarily, these schools will require parents/carers to submit an additional application form directly to the school. The deadline for these forms is usually much earlier than the October 31st application deadline. You can find the additional forms, as well as the deadline, on the school website. Further information can also be found in their Admissions Policy. Bear in mind that your child may need to attend a session at the school to be assessed by aptitude.
My child has applied for Grammar School and is sitting/has sat the 11+ entrance examination. Do I need to complete the Local Authority admissions application?
Yes. The results day for the 11+ entrance examination is in October before the application deadline on 31st October. It is best to wait for these results before deciding whether to continue with the grammar school application. If you do wish to continue, list the chosen Grammar school(s) on your preference list on the Local Authority application. It is wise to also include local schools on the application form in case your child does not receive a Grammar school place.
My child has an EHCP which names a secondary school. Do I need to complete the Local Authority admissions application too?
Yes. List the secondary school on your preference list. Admissions will work with relevant departments within the Local Authority to allocate the correct place for your child.
Can I appeal a secondary school place if I am unhappy with the school my child is allocated?
