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 Birmingham.
We run a coordinated admissions scheme with neighbouring local authorities.
If you are applying to schools in another local authority, we recommend that you contact them about their admissions arrangements. 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 us.
If you live in Birmingham, your application must still be made to us even if the school is not in Birmingham.
Use the following links to find schools in or outside Birmingham:
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 may affect whether your child is offered a place – Birmingham schools have cut-off distances which change each year based on demand
Your child's home address
Visit our proof of address section to find out what we class as your child’s home address.
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.
Open events
Schools may have open sessions that you can attend to have a look around the school, or they may hold virtual online events throughout the autumn term. Visit the school's own website for 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 sessions where they are taking place, or contact them by phone or email.
School performance information
To find out about the performance of schools you may be interested in:
- read the schools' Ofsted reports
- compare schools' performances on the GOV.UK website
Applying for grammar schools
If your child will be sitting the selective test for entry to grammar schools, 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 the application deadline of 31 October 2026.
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 have 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 authorities you may not receive your test scores until after the closing date for applying for your preferences (31 October 2026). However, online applications must be submitted by 31 October 2026 to be classed as on time. Therefore, you must make sure that if you are applying for a grammar school in another local authority you include that school as a preference on your application.
If you apply after the final closing date of 31 October 2026 your application will be considered late. It will not be processed until after the offer of places on 1 March 2027. 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.
Get help to access our services
- If you do not have internet access at home, you can use a computer for free at your local library. Find your local library.
- View the information on our website in a different language.
- If you need more information after reading all the information on our website, phone the Children’s Advice and Support Service on 0121 303 1888.
Page last updated: 14 August 2026
