Secondary Transfer

 THE 2027 SECONDARY TRANSFER ENTRY TIMELINE

When do I need to apply for my child’s secondary school place?

Make your application from September 2026. If your child lives in Buckinghamshire, submit your application to Buckinghamshire Council on the online application portal from 7 September 2026. Your application should include all your preferred schools (even if the school is not in the LA where you live).
Apply to your child’s home Local Authority (LA) by the national deadline of 31 October 2026. You will find out which secondary school your child has been offered on National Offer Day: 1 March 2027.

How do I decide which schools to apply for?

Before applying for school places, find out:
• Information about your preferred schools, and whether they will be right for your child.
• If your child needs to sit a test before applying e.g. the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test for grammar schools in Buckinghamshire, or the banding test for The Highcrest Academy (more information can be found on our Highcrest Academy Page).
• If you need to include further evidence when you apply (such as a Supplementary Information Form, additional address evidence or evidence of receipt of pupil premium).
• How your child’s application will be considered (each school’s admission rules can be found on their website within their Admissions Policy) and whether your child is likely to be offered a place. Historic allocation information can be found here: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/allocations
Most schools host open events, so you can visit and learn about what they have to offer. Check their websites for details about open events and the school’s admission arrangements.
Bucks Council website provides a checker which enables you to work out your catchment and closest schools (measured in a straight line): https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/find-a-school-place