Before you apply: researching schools
Schools you can apply for
You can list up to 6 different secondary schools as preferences in your application. This can include schools outside of Birmingham.
We run a coordinated admissions scheme with neighbouring local authorities.
If you are applying to schools in another local council, we recommend that you contact them about their admissions arrangements, as this will help you decide whether your application is likely to be successful.
We will only deal with applications for school places if you live in Birmingham and pay Council Tax to the Birmingham City Council.
If you live in Birmingham, your application must still be made to Birmingham City Council.
Understanding the secondary school application process
We have created this short video to help parents understand how to apply for secondary school. It explains the process step by step and what you need to do to make your application.
Admission arrangements
You must read the admission arrangements for the secondary schools you are interested in to see how likely it is that your child will be offered a place there.
Secondary admission arrangements
You should:
- visit the school's own website
- understand that how close you live to a school is very important - schools have cut-off distances which change each year based on demand
Open days and evenings or virtual events
- Schools may have open sessions or evenings that you can attend to have a look around the school, or instead hold virtual events throughout September. Visit the school's own website for further details.
- If your child has special educational needs or a disability (SEND), consider whether your chosen schools are suitable for their specific educational needs. Talk to school staff at the open days or evenings where they are taking place, or contact them via other methods, such as by phone or email.
Applying for grammar schools
If your child will be sitting the selective test for entry to grammar schools, we strongly recommend that you do not submit your online application until you know the results of your child's grammar school test.
The test results for grammar schools in Birmingham will be available before 31 October 2025.
Once you have received your child’s test score for The Grammar Schools in Birmingham, if you still want to apply for a grammar school, it is essential that you list it as one of your preferences in your online application. Make sure you also check the admissions arrangements, as most grammar schools in Birmingham still operate catchment areas.
Do not lose the opportunity to list other school preferences before knowing the results from the selective test. We are aware that, with grammar schools in other local councils, you may not receive your test scores after the closing date for applying for your preferences (31 October 2025). However, online applications must be submitted by 31 October 2025 to be classed as on time. Therefore, you must ensure that if you are applying for a grammar school in another local council, you include it as a preference on your application.
If you apply after the final closing date of 31 October 2025, your application will be considered late and will not be processed until after the offer of places on 2 March 2026. Late applicants are less likely to be offered a place at one of their preferred schools.
For details about The Grammar Schools in Birmingham, visit the places at grammar schools pages.
What is classed as your child's home address?
A list of acceptable proofs is available in the proof of address section.
Travelling to school
Think about how your child would travel to the schools you apply to. It is your responsibility to make sure your child can get to and from school.
School performance information
- Read the schools' Ofsted reports.
- Compare schools' performances on the GOV.UK website.
Other useful information
- Free internet access is available at your local library, where you can research schools and submit your application online. Find your local library.
- You can translate this website.
- Deferred entry.
Page last updated: 8 September 2025
