Secondary School Admissions 2026: A Parent's Complete Guide
If your child is in Year 5 or Year 6, now is the time to start researching secondary schools. The application deadline is 31 October 2025 for September 2026 entry.
Key Dates
- June-September 2025 — Visit open days and research schools
- September 2025 — 11-plus exams (if applying to grammar schools)
- 31 October 2025 — National deadline for secondary applications
- 1 March 2026 — National Offer Day
Types of Secondary School
- Comprehensive — non-selective, admits all abilities
- Grammar — selective entry via 11-plus exam. There are 163 grammar schools in England
- Academy — state-funded but independent of local authority
- Faith — may prioritise families of a particular religion
- Independent/private — fee-paying, separate application process
What to Look For
Progress 8
This is the single most important measure for secondary schools. It shows how much academic progress pupils make between the end of primary school and GCSEs, compared to similar pupils nationally. A positive score means the school adds more value than average.
GCSE Results
Look at the percentage of pupils achieving grade 5 or above in English and Maths (the "strong pass"). The national average is approximately 45%.
Compare Secondary Schools
Search by postcode to see all secondary schools near you, ranked by our composite score combining Ofsted, exam results, and parent satisfaction.
Search SchoolsGrammar School Applications
If you are considering a grammar school, your child will need to sit the 11-plus exam, usually in September of Year 6. Each grammar school sets its own pass mark. Preparation is common but not essential — many children pass without tutoring.
There are 163 grammar schools in England, concentrated in certain areas including Kent, Buckinghamshire, and parts of London.