Each yEar the challenge of deciding on which secondary school to apply to for your child remains one of the biggest education decisions for parents and carers...
You can’t expect to name a secondary school and assume that your child will automatically be offered a place. It is simply a case of listing the schools you prefer and awaiting the outcome of the allocation process. It is vital that you get the order of preferences right on your child’s primary to secondary transfer application. You may be tempted to name just one school on the online application as it is the only school you want for your child. However, there are no guarantees that your child will be offered this school. To increase the chances of your child being offered a preferred school, we strongly advise you to list up to six preferences on their application.
There are various types of secondary schools to choose from including academies, voluntary aided, foundation, and free schools. And it is here where the oversubscription criteria vary. It is important you fully understand the oversubscription criteria and match them to your own circumstances. Some schools are heavily oversubscribed, with hundreds applying for places.
Schools arrange open days/evenings where you can find out more about what they offer - you are strongly advised to check each school’s website for details on how and when they will be holding their open day/ evening, as this may be subject to change at short notice.
Make sure you find out how many applications the school usually receives - this information will also be printed in the Starting Secondary school in Southwark 2025/26 brochure and the Starting secondary school in Lambeth 2025/26 booklet, as well as other boroughs.
The more people who apply for a school for their children, the bigger the risk that your child might not be offered a place at that school. Armed with this knowledge, you should be better placed to put your preferences down.
Do use all six preferences - however, you need to be wary about only choosing schools which are heavily over-subscribed. You should name your first preference school on the application, but also list preferences where your child has a realistic chance of being offered a place.
Applying for secondary schools can be emotionally difficult. It is such a vital decision for your child’s future.
If your child is in Year 6 and currently attending one of Southwark’s or Lambeth’s primary schools, you will receive further information from your child’s school.
If you are a Southwark resident you must apply online at: http://www.southwark.gov.uk/schooladmissions or if you are a Lambeth resident you must apply online at www.lambeth.gov.uk/eadmissions
The online application process gets rid of the paperwork and is
4 Get into the right secondary school
available to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The site allows users to save, continue or make changes to their application, right up until the closing date and your details are safe and secure. You will receive an email with a summary of your submitted application and you can also view the outcome online. The closing date to submit the online application is 31st October 2024 by 11.59pm.
You also need to ensure that you complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) for the schools that require these and submit it to the school by their individual deadline. These ask for further information, such as religious observance or regarding school specialisms. Where a school requires your child to sit an admissions banding test, it is vital that they sit the test. If you are applying to a secondary school that uses banding within its criteria, your child will be required to take a test. Please contact the school directly for further details on banding test arrangements.
If you are thinking of applying to schools that test for ability/aptitude, you must ensure that you register your child for the ability/aptitude admission test before each school’s published deadline and you must also submit your child’s online admissions application by 31st October 2024. Failure to provide a SIF to the school by their deadline and your child sitting a banding test or an ability/aptitude test, where these are needed, may significantly reduce the chances of your child being offered a place at a school on your application.
Children who have an Education, Health and Care Plan follow a different admissions process and parents and carers must contact the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Team within their local authority for further advice.
Once you have made your preferences and submitted your online application by the closing date, your application will be processed. If you
have successfully submitted your online application before the closing date, you will be able to view the results of your application on the eAdmissions website (www.eadmissions.org.uk) during the evening of 3rd March 2025. You will also be sent an email in the evening of 3rd March 2025 which will contain information on what to do next.
If it was not possible to offer a place at any of your preferred schools, then the School Admissions Team will allocate your child an alternative secondary school. This is likely to be the nearest school to your child’s home which has a vacancy. You also have the right to appeal against the decision not to offer your child a place at a preferred school. The email containing the outcome of your child’s application will include information about how to appeal.
If it has not been possible to offer a place at any schools named as a higher preference on your child’s application, your child’s name will automatically be added to the waiting lists of these schools. You may also ask for your child’s name to be added to the waiting list of any out of borough schools listed on your application. Please contact the local authority the school is located in for further information.
If your child has been offered a secondary school place, you have until 17th March 2025 to respond to this offer. For those who live in Southwark, if the School Admissions Team do not hear from you by this date, your offer will automatically be accepted and your child’s details forwarded to the allocated school. If you live in Lambeth, the School Admissions Team require all offers to be responded to, ie accepting these by 17th March 2025.
Only if you reject the offer and also provide details of any alternative arrangement you have made for your child’s education, will your child’s place be withdrawn and offered to the next child on the school’s waiting list.
From left: Eleanor Green, Nancy Edwards, Eva Johnson, Ayla Style, Conor Cavanagh, Lond Do, Rosa Bella Hogg, Esma Oliver from Kingsdale Foundation School, Dulwich
“Staff and pupils are kind and supportive.”
“Pupils are polite, engaging and proud of their school.”
“The school has high expectations for pupils to achieve well.”
“Pupils work hard and they are ambitious for their future. They behave very well in lessons, listening to their teachers and to each other”.
“Pupils follow a very carefully considered curriculum that goes beyond the scope of the national curriculum”.
-
Ofsted 2023
Open Days
Thurs 26th September - 9.30 – 11.00am Wed. 2nd October – 5pm – 6pm
Tues 8th October - 9.30 – 11.00am Wed 9th October - 9.30 – 11.00am
Thurs. 24th October - 9.30 – 11.00am
Please use this photo
Open Days
Thursday 26th September - 9.30 – 11.00am
Wednesday 2nd October - 5pm – 6pm
Tuesday 8th October - 9.30 – 11.00am
Wednesday 9th October - 9.30 – 11.00am
Thursday 24th October - 9.30 – 11.00am
Join us for an open day We are now taking applications for September 2025. No need to book, just turn up! Or, pre-book your place for FastTrack entry
THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER
Thursday 19th September - 9.15am
Open Morning
Thursday 26th September - 9.15am
Open Morning
Friday 27th September -9.15am
Open Morning
Tuesday 8th October - 5pm
Open Evening
UNIFORM VOUCHER
£65 Uniform Voucher LAPTOP
All students get a laptop for studies at home FREE BREAKFAST
Free breakfast for all, every morning
OPEN EVENING
Thursday 12th September
5:00pm — 7:30pm
OPEN MORNINGS
Saturday 14th September
10:00am — 12:00pm
Wednesday 18th September
Thursday 19th September
Wednesday 4th October
Thursday 5th October
9:00am — 10:30am
A school where futures are made
Join us at one of our open events and discover a school that radiates an inspiring culture of ambition, exploration and connection that nurtures young minds.
UPCOMING OPEN MORNINGS
Thursday 12th September
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Monday 16th September
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Wednesday 25th September
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Tuesday 1st October
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Monday 7th October
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
UPCOMING OPEN EVENING
Monday 23rd September 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
A place to succeed
Discover how we celebrate our diverse community, educating our students to thrive and confidently shape their futures with a love of learning, excellent qualifications and strength of character.
2025-26 Admissions
Year 7 Open Evening
Thursday 26 September 2024, 4-7pm
Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 7 November 2024, 4-7pm
Find out more and book your appointment here:
THE SPORTS CLUB get fit, have fun, meet people
FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Freelance Opportunities at Dulwich College Sports Club
For more details please email sportsclub@dulwich.org.uk
We are also keen to recruit qualified Spin and Class Instructors to our team
If interested, please email Gary on sharpeg@dulwich.org.uk
‘OFSTED Outstanding 2022’
Outstanding GCSE and A-Level results in 2024 building on the significant success of previous years!
Since The Charter School North Dulwich was founded 23 years ago, it has been our commitment to be an exceptional and inclusive community school that transforms the life chances of all our young people.
We are proud to be recognised as one of the top schools in the country for our achievement. Our students perform exceptionally well across all EBACC subjects at GCSE. We are consistently in the top 10% of schools nationally for our A-Level performance. We have been evaluated as outstanding by Ofsted since 2006, our most recent inspection being in 2022.
Year 7 Open Day will take place on Wednesday 25 September 2.15pm - 6.30pm Sixth Form Open Day will take place on Wednesday 06 November 4.30pm - 7.00pm
Please check the website to be kept up to date about this and other admissions information regarding Year 7 and Year 12 Year 7 and Year 12 entry for entry for September 2025 www.charternorthdulwich.org.uk
The Charter School North Dulwich Red Post Hill. London. SE24 9JH
Phone: 020 7346 6600
Email: info@charternorthdulwich.org.uk
Entry into Years 3 and 5 (ages 7 and 9)
Entry into Year 7 and Year 9 (ages 11 and 13)
Book your place dulwich.org.uk/admissions
Bursaries of up to 100% and Academic Scholarships of up to one third of full fees are available
Open Mornings: Friday 29th September, 9:00am Friday 6th October, 9:00am
Open Evening: Wednesday 25th September, 5:00pm
www.habsborough.org.uk/admissions/open-events
At Harris Academy Bermondsey, our Personal Development Curriculum nurtures well-rounded, informed, and empowered students.
Covering essential topics such as racism, online safety, mental wellbeing, and healthy eating, our curriculum addresses diverse needs in a dynamic and inclusive manner.
A big highlight of our program is Culture Day, a vibrant celebration of our students’ diverse backgrounds, culminating in a performance that showcases our pupils’ rich cultural heritage. This fosters mutual respect and understanding among students, reinforcing the importance of cultural awareness.
Our Personal Development Curriculum is more than an educational programme, it’s a journey toward becoming informed, compassionate, and empowered.
Join us
Empowering Young Minds at Harris Academy Bermondsey
Our approach ensures each student’s learning journey is tailored to their unique needs and interests, helping them gain a deeper understanding of important topics. A recent Theme Day focussed on relationships; Year 7 explored positive friendships while external speakers from Talk Consent ran workshops for Year 10. Personalised learning is crucial for student success, knowledge is a powerful tool for empowerment.
During Reader Leader sessions, older students assist younger ones in accessing the PSHE materials. This peer-to-peer teaching model is mutually beneficial, reinforcing the older students’ knowledge while boosting the younger students’ confidence and comprehension. Eleonor in Year 10 has found the experience very rewarding “If you give someone more knowledge, to make their own decisions, they get to have an informed choice”.
Additionally, our work experience programme gives students a taste of real-world professional environments, enhancing their practical skills and career readiness. With an interest in media and technology, Ozge in Year 10 is looking forward to her placement in News UK.
>> Find out more about how Harris Academy Bermondsey helps Year 6 students make the transition to secondary school at: harrisbermondsey.org.uk/transition
for
Year 6 Open Events
Unrivalled. So very impressed.
The early years focus has been invaluable in allowing our daughter to flourish at her pace, in a happy, fun and secure environment.
} Embedding key values and developing ‘the whole child’ through a unique, continuous five-year curriculum
} Focusing exclusively on cutting edge Early Childhood Education (age 2+ to 7+), the most crucial period in a child’s life
} Transitioning seamlessly from play-based to more structured learning, preparing the children to move on at 7+ with that special Herne Hill School spark
} Expert staff operating under the ethos of Love · Care · Excellence in which children excel and learn with fun and enthusiasm
} Extensive wrap-around care from 7.45am to 6pm The perfect setting for your child’s early schooling
Morning Saturday 28 September 2024
James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) has been guided by a forward-thinking and philanthropic approach to education for more than 280 years.
At the heart of this vision is an extensive and generous bursary scheme which allows the school to continue attracting bright, talented and intellectually curious girls, regardless of their economic background.
Diversity is one of its greatest strengths and the extensive bursary provision stands it apart from other independent schools. At JAGS, it is vital the student population reflects the social, cultural and economic diversity of the south London neighbourhood in which it is nestled.
Around 17% of Senior School students receive this lifechanging bursary provision. The majority of these financially assisted students are supported with more than 85% of fees, as well as the costs of uniform, travel, school trips, activities and lunches.
The school is also exceptionally proud of the strong, contemporary pastoral systems it has in place. Students flourish in an environment which nurtures self-confidence and independence, while feeling supported through outstanding pastoral care from dedicated members of staff and their peers.
At GCSE and A level the school consistently achieves among the highest results in the country, particularly in STEM subjects, and students regularly go on to study at some of the world’s most prestigious universities.
The Sunday Times named JAGS the London Independent Secondary School of the Year for 2024 in recognition of the energy and innovation embedded throughout all areas of school life.
Far from resting on past accolades, the school is constantly looking to evolve and improve. Its unrivalled and dynamic curriculum is constantly reviewed by its passionate teaching staff, who are experts in their respective fields, allowing students to develop genuine interests in and around subjects amid an ever-changing educational, digital and social future.
At JAGS, there is an absolute commitment to a full, rich and balanced education and what goes on outside the classroom is just as important as what happens inside the classroom. Pupils throw themselves into their music, drama, sport and the hundreds of other opportunities that abound.
The 22 acres of stunning grounds on which the school is situated features a state-of-the-art sports hall, complete with a 25-metre swimming pool, climbing wall and gym. Elsewhere, the school’s Prissian Theatre (which can be set up traditionally or in the round) offers the perfect arena for both lessons and stage shows.
For more information visit jags.org.uk or call 020 8693 1181
‘Pupils achieve exceptionally well in a wide range of subjects and attain highly at GCSE and A level.’ Ofsted 2023
Applications for Sixth Form courses are now being accepted
The amazing achievement of attaining 10A*s & 4A Grades between them at A level have enabled Eve, Ben, Rosa & Freya to study Classics, Philosophy, English at Cambridge University and Economics at Oxford respectively!
Take advantage of the chance to visit Kingsdale Foundation School and see for yourself how we bring the best out of our students. A tour of Kingsdale Foundation School enables you to realise why we receive such glowing reports. In the Autumn term 2024 you will have just that opportunity as we will be holding Sixth Form Open Evenings for September 2025 entry.
Harnessing talent!
Kingsdale is a dynamic, exceptionally popular and progressive school that has invested £30m to develop an award-winning educational learning environment. In our specialist academic Sixth Form Campus, students study a combination of respected traditional,
performing arts and creative A Levels in addition to alternative high value Level 3 courses. Our average class sizes are approximately ten in the Sixth Form. We also pride ourselves on our excellent links to the best higher education institutions in the world. A residential trip to Harvard and Yale in the USA is organised annually.
Scholarships in Mathematics and the Creative & Expressive Arts are on offer for gifted and talented candidates who meet our entry requirements. Scholars receive free individual or small group tuition provided by expert professionals to the value of ~£1,000 per annum. Prospective students are invited to come along to our Open Evenings to explore the fantastic opportunities and inspiring state-of-the-art facilities in our dedicated Sixth Form Centre. As our most recent Ofsted Report states : ‘
‘Pupils are rightly very proud of their school. They really enjoy their learning and talk with enthusiasm about the school’s culture of mutual respect and inclusivity.’ Ofsted 2023
Our Year 12 Open Day dates for 2025 entry are as follows:
4.30-7.30pm Wednesday 25th September 2024 1.30-6.30pm Wednesday 16th October 2024
4.00-6.30pm Wednesday 6th November 2024
4.00-6.30pm Wednesday 27th November 2024
At Notre Dame RC Secondary Girls’ School, we are passionate about nurturing the talents and potential of every unique individual so they can become whoever they want to be.
What can your child expect?
• Tailored learning experiences with a team of dedicated and inspirational sta .
• Limitless opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, enabling our students to enhance their studies and explore their passions.
• Valuable careers advice in medicine, law, engineering, technology and the arts.
• Exceptional links with sixth form colleges, universities and both national and global organisations.
• Innovative leadership responsibilities showcasing diversity and creativity.
• A unique Year 7 transition and induction programme, o ering a seamless transition from primary school.
Discover more at our open events…
Open Evening
Wednesday 25 September, 6-8pm
Open Mornings
Friday 27th September, 9-10:30am
Tuesday 1st October, 9-10:30am
Scan the QR code to book your place.
St Michael’s
Bringing each student to the fullness of life through education
St Michael’s Catholic College
Llewellyn Street, Bermondsey, London, SE16 4UN
Telephone: 02072376432
Web: www.stmichaelscollege.org.uk
Principal: Ms F. Corcoran
Supplementary forms must be submitted to the College alongside the standard online application parents or guardians submit to their home Local Education Authority.
There are up to 150 places on offer for September 2025. Where the number of applications exceeds 150, the oversubscription criteria will apply.
2024 OPEN DAYS AND EVENING
Monday 30th September 9.30am to 11.30am and 4.30pm to 7.30pm
Tuesday 1st October 9.30am to 11.30am
Wednesday 2nd October 9.30am to 11.30am 2025
Register your Open Day attendance here: https://swiy.co/openday24. or scan QR code.
The admissions policy is available to view online and is also in the application pack, which is only given to parents attending College Open Days.
During Open Days parents / guardians will receive a prospectus. Tours of the College, an address from the Principal, and guidance on how to apply will be given.
‘Students respond exceptionally well to the challenge to achieve to the highest levels and make outstanding progress.’ Ofsted
Please note there is no parking on site or in the near vicinity. Therefore, public transport is recommended.
Consistently graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and with excellent examination results each year, St Michael’s provides academic rigour within a caring, Catholic community, for students from Year 7 through to Sixth Form.
The learning environment is tailored to meet the needs of all students, providing extra challenge for those who are intellectually gifted and offering learning support for those in need. Our team of well qualified, dedicated staff work creatively and professionally to ensure that all students flourish and achieve.
The modern, light, new building enables dynamic learning, with access to excellent facilities and resources. Safe, well ordered and with a professional approach to pastoral care, St Michael’s strives for academic and personal success for every child.
Academically, we challenge students with a broad range of subjects, exceeding the
requirements of the National Curriculum by offering Latin and classics. College life is enriched by a House system which provides diverse activities, designed to encourage experiential learning and foster enjoyment. A broad spectrum of sporting, musical, artistic and technological clubs are offered at lunch times and after school. This includes lessons in Journalism, as well as Cricket, Drama, Band,
Chess, Computing and Science.
JP Morgan, Bloomberg, KPMG, Grant Thornton and PwC.
Morgan more able Students. experiences.
Specialisms in Languages and Business allow us to provide exciting opportunities for students involving training, work experience, internships and mentoring in international companies including JP Morgan, Bloomberg, KPMG, Grant Thornton and PWC. Partnership working also enables some of our students to access Russell Group University preparation and experience, including Cambridge Summer School and University of London Maths and Science programmes for more able students.
Residential trips abroad are an integral part of broadening student experiences. We offer trips to Rome, Paris, Madrid, South Korea and the UK for activity, adventure and retreat. The religious life and service of students is nurtured through active engagement in liturgical events and services, undertaking charitable endeavours and working with Priests who support our College.
endeavours Madrid,
‘If you want a school in which your child can be really happy, which develops their character and gets excellent academic results, St Michael’s is well worth applying for.’
Find Your Path to Excellence and Success atBacon’sCollege
Bacon’s College Sixth Form shines as a beacon of excellence, where your educational journey continues alongside of range of additional academic, personal development and extracurricular opportunities. Our dedication to allowing students to grow and develop into themselves in an inclusive and supportive environment is at the heart of our community.
Thursday 10th October
Explore a curriculum tailored to your aspirations. Choose from a variety of courses, including A Levels in Art, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English Literature, Further Maths, Geography, Graphics, History, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Sociology and Computer Science, or engage in hands-on learning with BTECs in IT, Business, Sport and Media.
Kingsdale Foundation School
First Class and Top of the Class
‘Pupils achieve exceptionally well in a wide range of subjects and attain highly at GCSE and A level.’ Ofsted 2023
Applications for Sixth Form courses are now being accepted
Take advantage of the chance to visit Kingsdale Foundation School and see for yourself how we bring the best out of our students. A tour of Kingsdale Foundation School enables you to realise why we receive such glowing reports. In the Autumn term 2024 you will have just that opportunity as we will be holding Sixth Form Open Evenings for September 2025 entry.
Harnessing talent!
Kingsdale is a dynamic, exceptionally popular and progressive school that has invested £30m to develop an award-winning educational learning environment. In our specialist academic Sixth Form Campus, students study a combination of respected traditional, performing arts and creative A Levels in addition to alternative high value Level 3 courses. Our average class sizes are approximately ten in the Sixth Form. We also pride ourselves on our excellent links to the best higher education institutions in the world. A residential trip to Harvard and Yale in the USA is organised annually.
Scholarships in Mathematics and the Creative & Expressive Arts are on offer for gifted and talented candidates who meet our entry requirements. Scholars receive free individual or small group tuition provided by expert professionals to the value of ~£1,000 per annum. Prospective students are invited to come along to our Open Evenings to explore the fantastic opportunities and inspiring state-of-the-art facilities in our dedicated Sixth Form Centre. As our most recent Ofsted Report states : ‘ ‘Pupils are rightly very proud of their school. They really enjoy their learning and talk with enthusiasm about the school’s culture of mutual respect and inclusivity.’ Ofsted 2023
Our Year 12 Open Day dates for 2025 entry are as follows:
4.30-7.30pm Wednesday 25th September 2024
1.30-6.30pm Wednesday 16th October 2024
4.00-6.30pm Wednesday 6th November 2024
4.00-6.30pm Wednesday 27th November 2024
The amazing achievement of attaining 10A*s & 4A Grades between them at A level have enabled Eve, Ben, Rosa & Freya to study Classics, Philosophy, English at Cambridge University and Economics at Oxford respectively!
Dream career? There’s a blueprint for that.
This October, Blueprint for All are celebrating new careers, opportunities, and one to one mentoring. Blueprint for All are on a mission to create a fairer society for all, committed to providing opportunities to individuals that might otherwise face barriers to entry level work.
Join Blueprint for All 17th October and be at the forefront of improving workplace representation with their upcoming Careers Fair. Tailored for individuals aged 16–30, the event offers a wide range of support, for those crafting their first CV, for those looking to change sectors, or for those wanting the inside scoop on breaking down barriers at work. No matter where you are in your career journey, Blueprint for All’s got you covered.
When: 17th October, 2pm-7pm Where: Peckham Levels, SE15 4ST Scan the QR code to sign up to the Careers Fair for free today.
Learn more at my.blueprintforall.org
S outh Bank University AcademySouth Bank University Academy
South Bank University Academy (SBUA) is a small, values-led, university-sponsored community school where all students are seen and valued.
We strive to create a supportive atmosphere while encouraging students to work hard, embrace new challenges and develop their resilience and self-confidence. We are committed to a diverse school community and believe that our differences make us stronger. Our values of social responsibility, endeavour, kindness, empathy, and community are the golden thread that binds us together.
At SBUA we believe that every student has the potential to succeed and that is why we start investing in their future careers as soon as they join us. Students at SBUA enjoy unique opportunities as part of the London South Bank University (LSBU) Group. SBUA students get preferential access to the wide variety of courses and career pathways available within LSBU Group and are able to complete their whole educational journey from secondary school all the way through to University.
To get to know us better, you will find all the information you need on our website. You are always welcome to visit in person, either on an open day or by appointment.
