You must apply for a secondary school place for your child to start year 7 at secondary school. You will need to do this when your child is in year 6 at primary school.
The application process is now open and you will need to apply before Monday 2nd November 2026.
Please visit the Kent Admission page: Kent Admissions - apply for secondary school place.
Applications for 2027
For children starting year 7 in September 2027 applications opened on Tuesday 1st September and will close on Monday 2nd November 2026.
You can apply for up to 4 schools.
• Put the schools in the order of preference.
• It’s in your best interest to list 4 schools.
• Naming only one school does not guarantee your child a place at that school or give priority for a place over another child.
• You are not able to name the same school more than once.
National Offer Day is Monday 1st March 2027 and offers of school places are sent to parents/carers via email.
Further information can be found on the Kent Admissions website:
www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/secondary-school-places
The local secondary schools all hold Open Events for you to take your child(ren) along to view what their school has to offer and you and and your child can have a look around and get a feel for each school before you make your decision.
Applications for the secondary school intake of September 2027 will open in September 2026.
You will be able to name up to 4 secondary school preferences. A Kent grammar school can only consider your child for a place if you have named it on your application and your child has been tested and assessed suitable for admission.
To be assessed for grammar school you will need to register your child to sit the Kent Test. Registration is now closed.
The Kent Test is due to take place on Thursday 10th September 2026 for pupils in Kent primary schools.
For further information about the Kent Test, please go to the Kent Admissions website:
https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/kent-test
If you need any help, please do not hesitate to speak to us in the office.
If your child is in Year 6, you will need to consider secondary school choices for September 2027 early in the academic year as the online application process will close on Monday 2nd November 2026.
Visiting schools during their open events is a great opportunity to look around, meet staff and pupils, find out more about the curriculum and activities on offer, and get a feel for each school.
Please see below a list of upcoming open events at secondary schools in the Gravesend and surrounding area. Please check the individual school's website before attending, as dates, times and booking arrangements may change. Please check the individual school's website before attending, as dates, times and booking arrangements may change.
Please check the individual school's website before attending, as dates, times and booking arrangements may change.
When visiting schools, you may wish to consider:
- The school's curriculum and approach to teaching and learning
- Pastoral care and support for pupils
- SEND provision
- Clubs, activities and enrichment opportunities
- School uniform and equipment
- Travel arrangements and journey to school
- Before and after-school provision
- How the school communicates with parents and carers
- The school's atmosphere and whether it feels like the right fit for your child
We hope these visits help you and your child to make an informed decision about their secondary school choice.
Remember: attending an open event does not mean you have to apply to that school. Take the opportunity to visit several schools where possible and compare what each has to offer.
Please remember to check each school's website for the most up-to-date information before attending an event.
Please use the links below to learn more.
