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Secondary applications open: an open evenings checklist

Secondary school applications open in September and close on 31 October. Open evenings are where a good list of schools starts.

Written by the Brainhub Editorial Team Cites published research Updated 31 Oct 2026 5 min read

Key takeaways

1. Why this week

If your child is in Year 6, secondary school applications are now open. In London, the Pan-London online form usually opens on 1 September, and you can list up to six schools.[1]

September and October are also open evening season, so this is the time to visit and build your list.

2. Why the whole list matters

In 2026, 83.6% of children in England were offered their first-preference secondary school. In London it was about 7 in 10: 70.5% in Outer London and 70.0% in Inner London.[2]

So the schools further down your list really matter. Councils use an equal-preference system, so put schools in the order you truly prefer them, and include at least one where your child is very likely to meet the criteria.[1]

Visit widely, then list all six.

3. What to ask at an open evening

Admissions criteria differ a lot between schools. Some use distance, some give priority to siblings or a faith, some use a banding test or a lottery, and some need an extra form.[1]

Ask
Why it matters
How were places given last year?
It shows how likely an offer is from your address.
Is there a test or an extra form?
Banding tests and faith forms can have their own dates.
Do siblings get priority?
Not every school offers it.
What is a normal day like?
Ask the pupils as well as the staff.

4. Dates to know

Apply through your home council, even for a school in another area. The deadline is 31 October, and offers are sent on National Offer Day, 1 March.[3]

1 September

Applications usually open in London.

31 October

The closing date for all councils in England.

1 March

National Offer Day: offers by email.

5. How you can help

Take your child with you, and ask what they noticed afterwards. Check each school’s website for booking and test dates, and put the 31 October deadline in your calendar with a reminder a week before. Our 31 October checklist covers what to check before you press submit.

Getting ready for Year 7: Our qualified teachers help children get ready for secondary school, one-to-one, online or in person. Every family starts with a free 45-minute assessment.

Try it now

Test yourself on this page

Answer in your head first, then check.

  1. 1. How many schools can you list on a London secondary application?

  2. 2. When do secondary applications close?

  3. 3. Does listing a long-shot first choice harm your other choices?

Your next steps

  • Book the open evenings you want to see.
  • Read each school’s admissions criteria.
  • Put 31 October in your calendar.

Sources

  1. Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Secondary admissions hints and tips 2026 (Pan-London eAdmissions dates, up to six schools, admissions criteria). rbkc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/documents/RBKC%20-%20Secondary%20Admissions%20Hints%20and%20Tips%202026.pdf
  2. Department for Education. Primary and secondary school applications and offers, academic year 2026/27 (June 2026). explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/primary-and-secondary-school-applications-and-offers/2026-27
  3. GOV.UK. Apply for a secondary school place. gov.uk/apply-for-secondary-school-place

This guide is general study advice. Every student is different. A teacher can help you work out what fits.