If your child is starting secondary school in September 2026, it is time to apply for their Year 7 place now.
You can apply online from 12 September to 31 October and find out about different schools on the website.
When submitting your application, you should:
- visit your preferred school
- consider each school’s admissions criteria
- consider how your child will get to and from school
- use all six preferences on your application
Why applying on time matters
31 October is a national deadline. Applications sent after this date will only be seen after all on-time applications have been determined.
Applying before the deadline means your child is less likely to get a place at one of your preferred schools.
Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said:
“Parents of Year 6 students across Essex are now able to submit their applications for secondary school places and I would urge them to do so before the national closing date of 31 October.
“We’re keen to maintain our excellent record of securing preferred places for Year 7 pupils in Essex, but we can only do this if parents complete their child’s secondary school place application correctly and by the deadline.”