The closing date for on-time applications to secondary schools was 31 October 2023. Please refer to the late applications webpage.
- Overview
- Step 1: Research and choose schools
- Step 2: Complete the application form
- Step 3: Complete any supplementary forms
- Step 4: Applications are assessed
- Step 5: We offer you a place
- Step 6: You accept or decline the place
- Step 7: If you don't get a place at your preferred school
Starting secondary school in September 2024
If your child will reach age 11 between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024, they will be due to start secondary school in September 2024. If your child does not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you should follow the steps shown on this page.
If your child is already in secondary education and needs to change schools, you should apply for an in-year admission instead.
If your child has an EHCP, you must follow the procedure for applying for a school place for a child with an EHCP.
Summary of the application process
There are seven steps in the application process:
Step 1: Research and choose schools to apply for
You research and choose the schools that you want to apply for. You can apply for up to six schools. You should also check if your child will be eligible for travel assistance to your chosen schools. If your child is not eligible for travel assistance it will be your responsibility as a parent to get your child to and from school.
You should try to do this as early as possible.
More about researching and choosing schools
Step 2: Complete the application
- You complete the application and return it to the local authority where you live.
- You submit supporting documents with your application if you are applying under exceptional social or medical criteria.
More about completing your application form and providing supporting documents
Step 3: Complete any supplementary forms
Some schools also ask for a supplementary form in addition to the application. Check our directory of Surrey schools to find out if a school asks for a supplementary form and download the form.
Where a supplementary form is needed, you must complete and return this to the address stated on the form, by the closing date.
More about supplementary forms
Step 4: Applications are assessed
Applications are ranked according to each school's criteria. We then determine the best offer that can be made based on the order of preferences on your application.
More about how applications are assessed
Step 5: We offer you a place
We will send you the outcome of your application in the evening of 01 March 2024.
More about how and when we offer you a place
Step 6: You accept or decline the place
You must accept or decline the place by 15 March 2024.
More about how to accept or decline a place
Step 7: If you don't get a place at your preferred school
If you are unhappy with the school place that has been offered, you can appeal. For Surrey schools you must do this by the dates shown in the appeals timetable or the dates set out against each school in our directory of Surrey schools.
You can also add your child's name to the waiting list for your preferred school.
More about waiting lists and appeals
