Parents in County Durham are running out of time to apply for secondary school places for their children.
The deadline for applications for the next academic year, which starts in September 2027, is Saturday 31 October 2026.
For a child to be eligible to start secondary school in September 2027, their birthday must fall between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2026.
Cllr Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We understand that, for parents, choosing which school to send your child to is a big decision. We would encourage parents to make sure they apply by the deadline as a late application does reduce their chance of getting into a preferred school.”
Applications can be made online at www.durham.gov.uk/schooladmissions or by post. If posting, the form should be sent back using ‘signed for’ or special delivery services.
Application forms can also be requested by phoning 03000 265 896 or by writing to the School Places and Admissions Team, Children and Young People’s Services, Durham County Council, PO Box 274, Stanley, DH8 1HG.
Offers of places will be made to parents on 1 March 2027.
For applications completed online, offers will be received by email. For applications sent by post, offers will be received by letter. These should arrive by no later than 3 March 2027.
