Applying for Secondary School
Transferring to secondary school is an important and exciting stage in a child’s school career. For parents it is often a difficult and worrying time. To support you through this period of change, we offer 2 presentations for parents of children in Year 5. The first, in January and the second, in the Summer term.
Click the link below for the January presentation (it is narrated so please click on the microphone icon on each page!
Secondary Transfer meeting January 2024
Important decisions have to be made and parents are often uncertain about the necessary procedures and the choices available. An outline of the most relevant information is a useful guide, but to make sure you are aware of specific information – such as closing dates for applications – it is essential that you refer to the application procedures for your chosen school.
Successful applications to all schools will depend on your application meeting the school’s criteria for admission
Remember you will need to choose schools and submit the application almost a year before your child plans to start secondary school — more than a year before, for Bexley selective grammar schools. Talk to teachers, other parents and carers and think about what is important for your child.
Step 1: Do your research
Consider which schools may be appropriate for your child. Visit the schools you are interested in and look at their admission criteria in detail. If your child has a statement of special educational needs then consult with the special educational needs team.
Step 2: Decide on your school preferences
Maximise your chances of getting a school of your choice by entering up to six schools on the common application form. If your child meets most of a school’s criteria they will have a greater chance of being offered a place over another child who doesn’t meet the criteria. More ‘ticks’ against a school’s admission criteria suggest you should list that school as a higher preference. Your order of preferences is very important.
Step 3: Get your application in on time and ensure it is signed
It is essential to refer to the application procedures for your chosen schools to make sure you comply on time. Note that some schools (typically selective schools and voluntary-aided faith schools) require a supplementary application form (or ‘SIF’ information form) to be submitted as well. Post your application, or apply on-line with e-Admissions. You must apply directly to independent (private) schools.
Step 4: Respond to your offer of a school place by the closing date.
Generally local council school admissions will always try to place children within a school of their highest preference, but this is not always possible. If this happens they will allocate a place for your child at the nearest community school.
It is important that you accept the place offered to ensure that your child has a place reserved for the start of the school year in September. The offer of a place at a secondary school is conditional until proof of address has been confirmed by the school.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@youngeducationservices.co.uk if you require any further help or information.