With secondary school offer day (in England and Wales) around the corner, what can parents expect?
On Monday 3rd March 2025, secondary schools in England and Wales will share their first round of placement offers, so parents with children starting secondary school in September will soon learn if they have got into their first choice of school.
For parents, experiencing this process for the first time, what might you want to know?
How likely am I to get my first choice?
Last year, 82.9% of parents in England secured their first choice of secondary school and 94.6% received an offer from one of their top three choices. 1
However, there are certain factors that make getting that desired school place more likely. For example, research found that:
- 96% gave precedence to siblings of current pupils
- 88% were more likely to give places to local children
- Only 5% prioritised disadvantaged pupils. 2
Additionally, some SEND pupils in England may receive priority places if their Education, Health and Care Plan specifies a specific school must give them a place. SEND pupils in Wales could have a priority placement if the local authority names the school it thinks would be most appropriate in the child’s SEND statement. 2
I missed the deadline, what now?
Parents in England who missed the submission deadline won’t have their application considered until first offers have been made. Parents in Wales however, may have late applications considered at the same time as on-time ones if they, ‘have a good reason for the delay, such as moving to the area after the deadline’. 2
If your child does not receive a place, you can contact your local council to be connected with schools with available places or, if necessary, have your child added to a waiting list. 3
I received an offer – how do I respond?
When you receive your offer letter or email, it will explain how you can confirm your child’s place (not all schools in Wales require a response though). 1 Take note however that some schools may set a deadline for a response, so if you miss this, the place could be offered to someone else. 2
Can I appeal a school’s decision?
Yes, you can appeal but the process varies, depending on UK region. On average, just over 20% of appeals were successful in 2024. 1
If the appeal is successful, the child will be placed at the secondary school of their choice. If it’s unsuccessful, they will be added to the school’s waiting list.
Is your child starting secondary school this year?
We wish you luck in getting them into the school of your choice!
References
- BBC News (2025) ‘National offer day: When do parents find out secondary school places?’ Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-64662613 (Accessed: 26th February 2025)
- The Education Hub (2025) ‘What you need to know about secondary school offer day’. Available at: https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2025/02/need-know-secondary-school-offer-day/ (Accessed: 26th February 2025)
- Department for Education (2025) ‘School admissions – School waiting lists’. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/schools-admissions/school-waiting-lists (Accessed: 26th February 2025)
