When to apply for secondary school

Understanding the secondary school application process

The application process for secondary schools varies depending on the type of school you are considering. Generally, however, the process includes the following key steps:

1. Researching schools: Start by gathering information about the schools available in your area (or online). Consider their curriculum, teaching methods, facilities, and overall reputation.
2. Deciding on the school type: Did your child adapt well to their primary school environment? Is there any element missing that you may be able to find in other kinds of schools, such as those with an international focus? This is the time to determine what type of school would best meet your child’s needs.
3. Application deadlines: Be mindful of application deadlines, which vary by school. Most schools have rigid application deadlines, but schools like King’s InterHigh enable students to join at any time of year, and enrolling takes just a few days.
4. Gathering required documentation: Prepare the necessary documents for your application. This may include proof of residency, previous school reports, proof of income (to support any benefit), identification, or documentation related to your child’s special education needs.
5. Completing the application: Please complete the application form carefully, ensuring all information is accurate and complete. If you prefer, you can complete your application online or by post.
6. Interviews and assessments: Some private schools may require interviews or assessments as part of the application process. They may not necessarily determine whether your child can secure a place at the school, but they help ensure that your child is placed in the appropriate year.

When to apply for secondary school: Key dates to remember

Application processes and timelines vary depending on whether you apply to a public or private school. For reference, these are the key dates to remember if you are applying to a state (public) school in the UK:

• October: Typically, the deadline for public secondary school applications in England is the 31^st of October of the year before your child is due to start secondary school. So, if your child is starting secondary school in 2025, you should complete and submit your application by the 31^st of October 2024.
• Early March: National Offer Day takes place on the first working day of March. In 2025, that is Monday, the 3rd of March. You can expect to receive an offer via email on this day unless you have applied by post. In this case, the offer letter will be sent out on the 3^rd, so you may have to wait a few extra days to get the confirmation.
• Mid-March: You usually have two weeks (14 days) to confirm that you accept the offer letter. If you don’t meet this deadline, your child’s place may be given to another child.

Looking at the rest of Europe, dates vary widely. For example, in countries like Spain, France, the Netherlands and Norway, the application deadlines for public secondary schools are around March and April of the academic year that your child is meant to start secondary education.

How about private secondary schools?

Each private secondary school sets its application deadlines, so you can’t follow a single calendar. For example, some private schools in Singapore close their application window in January, while others accept students all year around except for Year 11 (the third year of GCSE).

It’s worth noting that some schools, especially the most prestigious ones, will have high barriers to entry and require an assessment of your child’s academic abilities to determine whether or not they can join at this time.

Online schools like King’s InterHigh accept students anytime throughout the year. We know the importance of securing a safe and nurturing place for your child to learn, so if their current school isn’t living up to its promises or your child is facing any challenge that leads to school avoidance, our doors are open to welcome your child.

Why consider an online secondary school

If you are new to remote learning, you may have never considered enrolling your child in an online school. However, online schools offer some unique perks. Here are just a few of these for you to consider:

• Flexibility: If you apply for public schools, you may be restricted to your catchment area. And what if no public or private schools live up to your expectations? Online schools can be accessed anywhere, so location is not a problem. There is also no picking your child up from school on a rainy morning or wondering why they haven’t gotten home yet, giving you more flexibility as well.
• Broad curriculum: The British curriculum is well-known for being comprehensive and rigorous, equipping students with the knowledge to succeed in their favourite subjects and careers. If you’re outside the UK, online schools like King’s InterHigh offer your child the opportunity to get a respected British education for secondary years and beyond.
• Personalisation: Online schools leverage advanced technology to ensure your child engages in class and, most importantly, enjoys learning. From immersive VR experiences to personalised tools that let your child learn from their mistakes and turn learning gaps into strengths, technology can help your child solidify knowledge and be even more motivated to learn and thrive.

Preparing your child for the transition

Transitioning to secondary school is a significant step for any child. Here are some tips to help prepare your child for this new chapter:

1. Encourage open communication: Ask your child how they feel about the transition to secondary school and whether they have any concerns or anxieties. Provide as much reassurance as needed.
2. Familiarise them with the curriculum: Introduce your child to the subjects they will study at secondary school by getting them educational books to read during summer or getting them to watch educational series.
3. Promote independence: It’s never too early to encourage your child to be independent and take responsibility for their learning. Give them the space to learn and manage their schedule and be there to support them when needed.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When should I start the application process for secondary school?

It’s advisable to begin researching schools and preparing for the application process at least one year before the academic year starts, ideally earlier, around the spring of Year 6 (depending on your chosen school).

2. What if I miss the application deadline?

Contact the school to discuss your options if you miss the application deadline. Many schools, including King’s InterHigh, don’t have a set deadline, so your child can join us anytime and start learning in a few days. Contact our friendly Admissions team if you need any more information.

3. Are there entrance exams for secondary schools?

Some exclusive schools may require entrance exams to determine your child’s acceptance. In contrast, others have more informal assessments to understand students’ academic levels and ensure they are placed appropriately in their school year and class.

4. How do I find a secondary school that supports special educational needs (SEN)?

Unfortunately, not all schools have the resources and capacity to support special educational needs (SEN). Therefore, it’s best to check this on a school-by-school basis. King’s InterHigh has a dedicated SEN team that ensures that every student’s need is met, both in and outside of class, through 121 support, wellbeing workshops, and more.

Ready for your child’s next chapter?

From primary to secondary, all the way to A-Levels or IB, each stage is an important milestone in your child’s learning journey. Understanding when and how to apply for secondary school allows you to make informed decisions to set your child up for success. King’s InterHigh offers a flexible, supportive, high-quality online learning environment catering to diverse student needs. Your child can thrive in their secondary education journey with the proper preparation and guidance.