Before completing the Common Application Form, it is essential that parents and carers visit schools to see them for themselves what secondary education will mean for their child and to find out about the facilities and opportunities that are available.
There is a published admissions number for each school, which the school cannot exceed.
When applying for a secondary school for your child it is helpful to:
- allocate time to visit a range of schools in the area
- if a school requires a supplementary form, make sure this is completed and returned direct to the school by the October deadline
- speak to the staff in the secondary schools to find out what they can offer your child
- obtain copies of school prospectuses and examination results when you visit
- meet your child’s primary head teacher to discuss your options
- contact the Choice Advice service (0800 027 5273) if you need help or independent advice.
- consider the admissions policies of the schools to decide whether your child has a good chance of being offered a place
- supply supporting evidence if your family or your child has an exceptional medical or social need for a particular school. You should make it clear why this particular school is able to meet your child’s specific needs.
The quality of teaching and learning at secondary schools in Lewisham continues to improve: new buildings, extra resources and partnerships between primary and secondary schools, including the new academies, are all contributing to make this an exciting time to be starting secondary education in Lewisham.
Support for pupils in secondary school
See the student and pupil support section for further information about how we support pupils in secondary school. This section has information on free school meals, clothing vouchers, transport from home to school and education maintenance allowance.
Education after year 11
A wide variety of high quality academic and vocational courses are available to Lewisham’s young people. Some students remain in their schools to follow sixth form studies. Others choose to attend post-16 establishments.
See the post-sixteen education and training section for further information.