Secondary Transfer
Introduction
Please find below information on:
how the secondary transfer process works and how to apply
a timeline of what you need to do
local schools that you may be thinking of applying
how the aptitude test and musical aptitude tests take place
where you can find more information
How the System Works
School admissions are co-ordinated by local authorities to ensure that children across the country are offered a single school place on the same day.
All applications are considered at the same time. Admission rules are applied equally, regardless of the order in which you ranked the schools that you have applied to.
Your order of preference (rank) is used if it's possible to offer your child a place at more than one of your preferred schools. If this is the case, you will be offered a place at the highest ranked school possible.
The allocation process is automated for all community schools. Officers aren't involved and don't influence decisions. The only exceptions are when deciding whether a child qualifies for a place under medical or social needs or when allocating a school not ranked on your application form.
Schools and academies responsible for their own admissions provide County with a list of pupils they will offer places to. Secondary schools get a list of every application made for their school, but they don't see your order of preference.
The Admissions Team offer all places on behalf of schools in Hertfordshire.
How to apply
You should apply according to where you live, regardless of where the schools are that you are applying to.
If you live in Hertfordshire, you must apply at: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/school-admissions/school-admissions-and-transport.aspx
for Hillingdon, apply at: https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/schooladmissions
for Buckingamshire, apply at: https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/education/school-admissions.
Applications open at the beginning of September and close on Monday 31st October 2022, but we strongly recommend that you apply sooner in case you experience any problems. If you leave your application to the end of October and encounter problems, we will be unable to help as we shall be closed for half term.
You can change your application/decisions right up until the deadline for applications on Monday 31st October 2022.
You should rank as many schools as possible.
In addition, some schools require you to complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF), e.g. Croxley Danes, Rickmansworth, St. Clement Danes and St Joan of Arc). You will need to contact the appropriate school directly for any additional application packs/forms. They are often also available to download from their website or you may be able to pick them up at their open evening.
Often, the SIF will need to be returned before half term, i.e. Friday 21st October 2022. Please make sure that you are aware of arrangements for those schools you are applying to.
Application Timetable
Registration for academic and music ability criteria: Monday 11th April 2022 – Friday 17th June 2022.
Online Application: from first week of September 2022
Application Deadline Date: Monday 31st October 2022
National Allocation Day: Wednesday 1st March 2023 - Allocation emails will be sent on Wednesday 1st March 2023 and the online allocation system will be available once all emails have been sent
Accept school place by: Wednesday 15th March 2023. Online applicants should accept the place online
Appeal form: The last date to register an appeal is to be confirmed. Individual schools will send appropriate information.
Appeals: Appeals are usually heard April – June.
Important Notes
Secondary schools get a list of every application made for their school, but they don't see your order of preference. They apply their own admission rules to applications and allocate places.
Some of the criteria applied by schools include: Children with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), Looked after Children, Siblings or Distance.
Other criteria may be found under the individual school pages at: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/schools-directory/school-directory.aspx
Be realistic about your chances of getting a particular school. You can list up to 4 (in Hertfordshire) schools in order of preference. We call this "ranking" your schools.
In 2021/2022, 781 Hertfordshire children were allocated secondary schools they didn't rank. Of those, 109 (14%) only listed one school and 78% didn't list their nearest school.
95% of Hertfordshire children were offered 1 of their 4 school preferences in 2021/2022 and 78% got their 1st preference.