Updated on August 23 2026.
Is the secondary school admission process quite challenging for you? Do you feel like burying your head in the sand?
Choosing the right secondary school for my first daughter was a daunting and confusing process for my husband and I. Partly because neither of us went to secondary school in the United Kingdom. But because we did a lot of research and asked the right questions. We emerged from the process better informed and less anxious about the school system.
Getting into secondary school is a significant milestone in your child’s life. Every parent should take an active role in selecting a school for their child.
If you’re a Nigerian parent asking yourself how secondary school admission actually works in the UK, you are not alone. When I spoke to several friends who grew up in Nigeria about their experiences with secondary school admission. I realised that having a clear practical guide will help, so here it is.
Here are the top things to consider when choosing a secondary school.
When To Start Looking At Secondary Schools
It is best to start making plans for secondary school as soon as your child starts year 5. If your primary school has a feeder school, this gives you enough time to confirm you meet the eligibility criteria. This will help make the process more straightforward.
You can also start attending open evenings for your preferred schools when your child is in year 5. Open evenings are typically attended by year 6 pupils, but year 5 pupils are welcome to attend. You will find that attending open evenings gives you more time to weigh up your options before the application window opens.
Planning early for secondary school helps you to prepare your child for any assessment tests, since primary schools don’t cover 11+ content as part of the standard curriculum.You can either hire a tutor or teach your child if you are conversant with the 11+ curriculum.
You can apply for secondary schools when your child starts year 6. The online application opens in September and closes on 31st October of each year.
The application is done through your Local authority even if you want your child to attend a school in another local authority.
Before you start the application process, keep two things in mind:
- Your child is going to be in secondary school for the next five years. You want them to be in an environment that they look forward to returning to.
- Your child will reach major milestones in his/her adolescent life so he/she must be in a space where they are happy, settled, and would achieve their maximum potential.
What To Look For When Choosing A Secondary School
Research the school’s performance by looking at the school’s latest Ofsted report. Check how the school is performing by looking at its league table.
This gives you an overview of exam and test results, helping you decide whether a high-performing academic school suits your child or whether a school known for a particular strength, such as sports, music, or the arts, would be a better fit.
Visit the school’s website and attend open or virtual evenings with your child so they can get a real feel for the place. Look into the school’s curriculum, facilities, and extracurricular activities on offer. This will help you judge whether the school will match your child’s personality.
Talk to parents and pupil who already attend. Their honest feedback will give you a more realistic view of day-to-day life at the school than the prospectus will.
What Questions Should You Ask About a School?
The more information you gather, the easier it is to judge whether a school is a match for your child. The following questions will help you decide:
- Class sizes- How big are the class sizes? How does the school challenge high achievers and those who require additional help?
- Pastoral care- What is the school’s pastoral care like, and is this enough to meet your child’s individual needs?
- Quality of teachers – What are the teacher quality and learning environment? Are they heavily reliant on supply teachers?
- Attainment and achievement – Where do the children move on to from 6th form? University or apprenticeship?
- Discipline – How does the school discipline students and deal with issues of bullying? Ask about the behaviour policy and uniform policy. Is it strict or more relaxed, and which would suit your child better?
- Diversity – Is there diversity in the school population and its surrounding area? Would your child thrive better in a more diverse environment?
- Religious and special needs – Can the school meet any faith, cultural, or SEN requirements your child has?
Understanding The Admission Criteria
Check the admission criteria for each of your preferred schools carefully, and consider whether your child meets it.
Faith criteria: Do you attend a regular place of worship? Will you need a reference from your minister of religion?
Location criteria: Do you live within the school’s catchment area?
Other Factors: These can improve your child’s chances of getting into their preferred school are:
- Having an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- being a looked after child,
- having a sibling already at the school,
- Being the child of a staff member
How To Make A Secondary School Application
Complete your Local Authority form within the deadline which is usually October 31st. Complete the school’s supplementary forms if required, along with all supporting documents.
It is best to utilise all your choices, as you stand a better chance of success. Say why each school is a good fit for your child. Some local authorities ask for this, and even where they don’t, it helps to show you thought your decision through.
If your child isn’t offered a place at your preferred school, remember you can appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does secondary school admission work in the UK?
Applications are made online through your local authority in the September before your child starts Year 7. The closing date is usually 31 October. You have five choices in order of preference, and offers are typically sent out in March the following year.
Do I apply through my own local authority even if I want a school in a different one?
Yes, you always apply through your local authority, even if your preferred school is in a different council area. Don’t forget to complete the school’s supplementary form if they have one.
Can I appeal if my child doesn’t get a place?
Yes, all parents have the right to appeal a secondary school admission decision if their child isn’t offered a place at their preferred school.
