Secondary Transfer

Islington secondary school admissions brochure 2025-2026

Islington Secondary Transfer Presentation 2025-26

Dates and deadlines

You can apply from 1 September 2024, and you must apply by the deadline, 31 October 2024. We recommend you apply by 25 October 2024, just in case there are any problems with getting online or logging into the site.

29 November 2024: this is your deadline to submit a social medical application
3 March 2025: you’ll get an offer by email in the evening
17 March 2025: this is your deadline to accept (or turn down) your school place
April 2025: you must send in any appeals for an Islington community school by this date. You can appeal even if you’ve accepted the school place offered.
2 May to 11 June 2024: Test registration window for Dame Alice Owen's School assessment.
15 May to 1 July 2024 (12noon): Online registration window for Governors' aptitude test at St Mary Magdalene Academy.

Late applications

If we get your application after 31 October 2024 then your application will be marked as late. This means that it will not be considered until we have allocated school places for all applications received on time. This could reduce your chances of getting a place at the school you want.

If there are exceptional reasons why it was not possible to make your application by the deadline, please email us at admissions@islington.gov.uk. Make sure to attach any letters or other documents that help explain and support your reason.

Choosing the right school for your child

Apply on time – only 40% of applicants who applied late were offered one of their preferred schools compared to 97% of on time applicants
Remember to apply even if your child’s older sibling already attends your preferred school. There is no automatic entry for siblings – you must submit an application
Check the school website – there is a wealth of useful information available.
Visit schools – this is the best way to get a ‘feel’ for the school. You can meet a member of the leadership team, ask questions and see the school in action.
Think about what is right for your child – don’t rely on what others tell you, visit the school and experience it first-hand
Talk to your child – involve them as much as you can
Think about the journey – how easy will it be to get to the school? A local school means your child can walk from home, benefitting their health and the environment.
Check the admission criteria and cut-off distance – how likely is it that your child will be offered a place? You can check by clicking on the link in the school fact file in the secondary admissions booklet
Use all six preferences – make sure you include at least one local school
Ask the School Admissions team for advice – they can’t tell you which schools to apply for, but they can explain the admission criteria and check whether you would have got a place last year

Make sure you press ‘submit’ when you finish your online application. You should then receive a reference number confirming safe receipt. If you need further advice, contact the school admissions team.