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When to start applying for a school place in September 2025
Private schools have more autonomy in setting their term times and holiday lengths than their state contemporaries, but both have something in common: they begin the academic year in September. Where they differ in this respect is their application deadlines for admissions at the start of this autumn term. Let us guide you through both systems and their timelines.
Private schools
Private school admissions can be highly competitive for a limited spaces due to their prestigious reputation, excellent exam results, small class sizes, and first-class facilities. By applying a few months, or even more than a year, before the September start, you can increase your chances by demonstrating your interest in the school – a proactive approach that may be viewed favourably by the admissions committee.
Applying early also gives your child more time to prepare for any entrance exams or interviews that may be required as part of the admissions process.
Private schools create their own admissions criteria, meaning they will usually accept an application before you secure a permanent UK address. This flexibility allows you to apply early and increase your chance of being successful.
Several private schools in London have closed their application deadlines for the September 2025 intake, including Westminster School sixth form (16+) and Harrodian School in Barnes southwest London.
State schools
State schools must comply with a more rigid admissions process that’s overseen by the Department for Education (DfE). However, local authorities are responsible for coordinating admissions for community and voluntary-controlled schools. Academies, free schools, and voluntary-aided schools manage their own admissions.
The residency criteria for attending a state school in the UK requires you to provide proof of your permanent UK address. It is a criminal offence to use a false address in your application. This information is also used to confirm that you reside within the catchment area of the school you are applying for.
To ensure your child is considered for the September intake (the start of the academic year), we recommend applying by the end of June/early July unless applying for reception (the first year of school in the UK). You can apply throughout the summer, but processing might be delayed until admissions teams return from school holidays (late August/early September).
For Year 7 (the first year of secondary education), the deadline is October, preceding the September school year you’re applying for. You can still apply after this date, but your London Borough will allocate places according to the remaining availabilities (generally in the less oversubscribed schools).
The Simply London school map
Use our interactive map to search for schools across London.
Consult with Simply London
Consulting with Simply London empowers you with personalised guidance on school admissions and deadlines based on individual circumstances – so you can make your application at the right time and provide the correct supporting documents. Contact us today to ensure you make informed decisions for your child’s education journey.
At Simply London, our fantastic team of school experts are on hand to assist you throughout the entire school search process. Discover why our school search service is the best choice for finding and applying to the best schools in London!
FAQ’s
Is the application process different for faith schools? Faith schools still have to follow the national curriculum, but their admissions criteria may differ from non-religious state schools. The official UK government website page has more information available on this topic: https://www.gov.uk/types-of-school/faith-schools
Do state schools require entrance exams? State schools do not require an entrance exam, except Grammar Schools, which are the only selective state schools. However, there are very few in London, and they are heavily oversubscribed.
Do state schools require previous school records? State schools do not require any school records as they are not selective and will take children purely based on their age and the admissions criteria.
Do we have to apply to schools in our borough or can we apply to schools in other boroughs? It is possible to apply for state schools in other London boroughs. Contact your local council to enquire. Some boroughs centralise applications, including those for other Boroughs, while some will want you to make a direct application with the other Borough.
Is there a minimum residency time required in a borough to be eligible for admission? Whilst there isn’t a minimum residence time, local authorities have become aware of the popularity of renting temporarily in catchment areas to obtain a place at a state school. Consequently, they have implemented a ‘school catchment police’ system, which investigates parents who have recently moved into an area to ensure they are genuine residents.
Is there any way to know if our preferred school has an available place for my child in advance? You can contact your local council, or the school itself, to find which schools have places available. However, they might not be able or willing to give that information.
Useful resources
Here are some resources that we think may be of use in your preparation when applying to a London school:
- 11 Plus Guide – A free, authoritative and independent guide for parents helping their child to prepare for the 11 Plus: https://www.11plusguide.com
- Atom Learning – Award-winning online learning for ages 7-11, helping to take the stress out of the 11 plus with a tailored preparation programme: https://atomlearning.com
- Exam Paper Plus – Specific 11 Plus exam practise papers to cover every school, board, topic and exam type: https://exampapersplus.co.uk/papers/eleven-plus/
- Keystone Tutors – One of the UK’s leading private tutoring organisations, tutors are predominantly based in London and work online with families based outside of London or overseas: https://www.keystonetutors.com/tutors/11-plus-tutors
Article published 18th April 2025
