Applying for secondary or high school places

Apply for secondary or high school places

Contents

Application process and timeline

September 2027

Information on the application process for a secondary or high school place starting in September 2027 will be available mid-August. 

September 2026

If your child will be in year 6 at a primary or junior school or year 8 in a middle school in September 2025, you will need to apply for a place at secondary or high school to start in September 2026.

Moving from overseas?

If you are relocating to Staffordshire and your child needs a school place, please read our guidance on moving from overseas before submitting an application.

Changing schools in-year?

If you wish to transfer your child to a different school during the academic year, or if your child currently lives in Staffordshire and does not have a school place, please see our information on in-year admissions.

Useful information

Our online search and compare can help you find details about local schools, including performance data, teacher-to-pupil ratios, admission arrangements and more

Timeline

September

  • Applications open on 1 September 2025.
  • You should apply through the home local authority where your child lives.
  • We strongly advise you make more than one preference.
  • It is recommended you include your catchment school.  Please see information on catchment areas.
  • If applying for an academy, foundation or voluntary aided school, you may need to provide extra information or a supplementary form.

October

  • Applications close on national closing date, 31 October 2025.
  • Applying late may affect the outcome of your application.

March

  • Parents get their offer on National Offer Day - 2 March 2026.

March to August

  • Late applications processed.
  • Available places offered from waiting lists.

May to July