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Secondary School Links
What happens at each stage
- September 1st: Applications open. Some local authorities may have a deadline for late applications with good reason (e.g., a recent move) as early as December 8th.
- September - October 31st: This is the window to research schools and submit your application, ideally before the October 31st deadline.
- March 2nd: National Offer Day. You will receive an email with the offer from your highest-preference school that has a place for your child.
- After March 2nd: You have a limited time, typically two weeks, to accept or decline the offer. If you don't accept, your child will remain on the waiting lists of higher-ranked schools on your list.
What to do if you miss the deadline
- If you apply after October 31st, your application will be considered late and is less likely to be successful.
- You may be able to have your application considered in a second round of offers, but these are processed after all on-time applications.
- There may be a final deadline for late applications with exceptional reasons, but this varies by local authority.