Apply for a secondary school place for September 2021
It is important to plan and prepare before you start your application. Read our top tips to help you decide which schools to apply for.
Find schools in Brent
Search all schools in Brent using our school finder.
Read the admissions guide
Get an email address
You need an email address to apply.
Visit schools
All secondary schools hold open events so that parents/carers and children can see the school up close and learn more about what it will be like to attend there. Please note that, due to coronavirus restrictions, secondary school open events are subject to change or cancellation. They may be also be held virtually online. You are strongly encouraged to check each school's website for the latest information about their open events.
Don’t judge a school based on what others say – visit the school and see for yourself.
Don’t judge a school based on what others say – visit the school and see for yourself.
Are your preferences realistic?
Applicants should think about how likely it is that their child will be offered a place at their preferred schools. Read the admissions criteria for each school and determine which criteria apply to your child.
Applicants can view how places were offered last year to determine whether their child is likely to be offered a place.
Applicants can view how places were offered last year to determine whether their child is likely to be offered a place.
Do you live close enough to qualify for a place?
Find the distance to your preferred schools using the GOV.UK schools finder. You can view how places were offered last year to work out if they are likely to qualify for a place in September 2021.
Remember that although this information can be used to give an idea of how likely it is that your child will be offered a place, the ‘last distance’ will change every year. We can never guarantee any child will be offered a place at any school.
Remember that although this information can be used to give an idea of how likely it is that your child will be offered a place, the ‘last distance’ will change every year. We can never guarantee any child will be offered a place at any school.
How will your child travel to school?
The cost of home to school travel is covered by free transport provided by Transport for London (TfL). A long journey to school on public transport my not be the best choice for your child.
Does your child have special needs?
Children who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) apply by a different process.
Children with special needs who do not have a EHCP apply in the normal way. Applicants can read about the support available for their child.
Children with special needs who do not have a EHCP apply in the normal way. Applicants can read about the support available for their child.
Further research
Applicants can read the school's Ofsted reports and check the school league tables. It can be helpful to talk to other parents but remember that the right school for your friend’s child may not be the right school for your child.
Ofsted have changed the way they inspect and report on schools. For further information, visit the Ofsted information page.
Ofsted have changed the way they inspect and report on schools. For further information, visit the Ofsted information page.
Useful documents
- Download our step-by-step instructions to help you when you are applying
- View a list of secondary school open event dates
- eAdmission online guide 2021
- Brent Secondary schools guide 2021/22