This guidance is for parents and carers applying for a school place during the academic year 2027, outside the normal year of entry.
Key dates for 2027
- applications open: 10 May
- applications received by 31 May: we expect to send decisions before the summer holidays – due to the high number of applications, please wait until then before contacting us for an update
- applications received in June or July: outcome may not be available until September, because schools close over the summer – please wait until then before contacting us for an update
- placement start date: September
- any place offered must be taken up by the start of September
Year group transfer scenarios
Applying for year 7 at a middle school
If your child is due to transfer to secondary school but you wish to apply for a year 7 place at a middle school for September 2027, you must submit an in-year application from 10 May 2027. We aim to process applications received by 31 May before the summer holidays.
If your child has already been offered a place at a secondary school, that offer will remain valid until a place can be offered at an alternative school.
Applying for year 5 at a primary school
If your child is due to transfer to middle school but you wish to apply for a year 5 place at a primary school for September 2027, you must submit an in-year application from 10 May 2027. We aim to process applications received by 31 May before the summer holidays.
If your child has already been offered a place at a middle school, that offer will remain valid until a place can be offered at an alternative school.
Applying for year 9 at a secondary school
If your child is due to transfer to upper school but you wish to apply for a year 9 place at a secondary school for September 2027, you must submit an in-year application from 10 May 2027. We aim to process applications received by 31 May before the summer holidays.
If your child has already been offered a place at an upper school, that offer will remain valid until a place can be offered at an alternative school.