Blog: Choosing the right Secondary School - Why October Matters
As every parent knows, the end of October marks a huge milestone: the deadline for secondary school applications. For families across England, this is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your child’s educational journey.
But with hundreds of schools to choose from, and factors ranging from Ofsted reports to catchment areas, how can you feel confident that you’re making the right choice?
That’s where SchoolRatings.co.uk can help.
Why October Matters
Most local authorities require all Year 6 parents to submit their preferred secondary school choices by the 31st of October.
Miss the deadline, and you risk losing priority for your preferred schools. It’s a time-sensitive process, and one that often leaves parents feeling overwhelmed.
What to Consider When Choosing a School
While every child and family is different, parents often tell us they weigh up factors such as:
- Academic performance and progress (exam results, pupil development data)
- Ofsted ratings and recent inspection history
- Catchment areas and admissions criteria
- School ethos and culture – does it feel like the right fit for your child?
- Facilities and extracurricular opportunities
How SchoolRatings.co.uk Makes It Easier
Instead of trawling through dozens of reports and websites, SchoolRatings.co.uk brings together key data in one simple place.
With just a few clicks, you can:
- Compare schools side-by-side
- See Ofsted ratings and performance at a glance
- Explore parental reviews and feedback
- Build a shortlist before submitting your application
Our aim is to give parents clarity, confidence, and choice, without the endless searching.
Don’t Leave It Too Late
The October deadline comes around faster than you think.
Start your research now, shortlist your options, and use SchoolRatings.co.uk to make sure you’re fully informed before pressing “submit.”
A confident choice now means peace of mind later, and the best possible start to your child’s next stage in education.
Further Reading
- Apply for a secondary school place — GOV.UK Covers how to apply, key dates, and procedure
- School admissions: Choosing schools — GOV.UK General guidance on admissions, appeals, criteria
- School admissions: How to apply — GOV.UK Details opening/closing dates, when offers are sent
- School Admissions Code 2021 (PDF) The legal framework for school admission arrangements
- Free school admissions guidance (PDF) Guidance covering catchment, maps, admission policies
- Child Law Advice – School Admissions Non-government but a well-respected legal awareness resource
- UK Parliament research briefing: School admissions in England (PDF) Gives background, number of places, legal context