How London Year 7 admissions work

Your preference order and the school’s ranking are different

You put schools in your genuine preference order. Each admission authority ranks the application under its own published criteria. The coordinated system then offers the highest preference for which a place can be offered.

Distance is rarely the whole policy

Looked-after status, siblings, staff children, priority areas, feeder schools, faith evidence, aptitude, or selective assessments may sit above an ordinary distance route. Distance methods also differ.

Past distance is context, not a catchment promise

Published last-offer distances move with applications, siblings, cohort size, policy changes, and available places. Compare several compatible years and keep uncertainty visible.

Prepare evidence early

Supplementary forms, faith certificates, sibling details, or assessment registration can have separate processes. Read the determined policy and your home council’s application instructions before the deadline.

National closing date

The normal closing date for secondary applications is 31 October in the year before entry. For September 2027, that is 31 October 2026. Confirm the process and any earlier school-specific requirements with your home council.

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