Before you apply: Researching schools
Schools you can apply for
You can list up to six different secondary schools as preferences in your application. This can include schools outside of Birmingham.
View the admission arrangements for Birmingham secondary schools
Birmingham City Council runs a co-ordinated admissions scheme with neighbouring local authorities.
If you are applying for schools in another local authority then we recommend that you contact them for their admissions arrangements as this will help you to decide if your application is likely to be successful.
Birmingham City Council will only deal with applications for school places if you live in Birmingham and pay council tax to the authority.
If you live in Birmingham your application must still be made to Birmingham City Council.
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.
View the admission arrangements for Birmingham secondary schools
- Visit the schools' own websites
- How close you live to a school is very important. Schools have cut-off distances which change each year based on demand.
Remember: To avoid disappointment, be realistic in the six schools you list on your online application form. Make sure you read the schools admission arrangements.
Supplementary information
- Some schools (mainly faith schools and some academies) will ask you to send supplementary information directly to them.
- Supplementary information forms are available from the school.
- Once you have submitted your supplementary information form to the school, make sure you also submit your online application or you will not be considered for a place at that school.
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. Please 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. You may also find the Secondary Transfer section of the website useful.
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 The Grammar Schools in Birmingham will be available before 31 October 2020.
- Once you have received your 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 admission arrangements as most of The Grammar Schools in Birmingham still operate catchment areas.
- Don't 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 after the closing date to apply for your preferences (31 October 2020). However, online applications must be submitted by 31 October 2020 to be classed as on time. Therefore, please ensure that if you are applying for a Grammar School in another Local Authority you include it as a preference on your application.
- If you apply after the final closing date of 31 October 2020 your application will be considered as a late application and will not be processed until after the offer of places on 1 March 2021. Late applicants are less likely to be offered a place at one of their preferred schools.
- For details about The Grammar Schools in Birmingham please visit places at grammar schools pages for more details.
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 for. 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 could research schools and submit your application online. Find your local library
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