Secondary school open nights and application deadlines

Every date we know of for first year in September 2027, school by school, from schools' own websites. Always confirm with the school.

Strike: most secondary schools are expected to close on Wednesday, 11 November. Work-to-rule: some evening events, including open nights, may not go ahead. Check with the school. What it means

Week of 26 October

Week of 2 November

Week of 9 November

Week of 16 November

Week of 23 November

Week of 30 November

Week of 7 December

Dates come from schools' own websites and are checked every week. Something wrong or missing? Use the form on the school's page. Show everything · What to ask at an open night · How admissions work · After you apply

Questions parents ask

When are secondary school open nights?
Most are held between mid-September and mid-October, before application windows open. Some schools run open mornings on a Saturday, and a few hold them as early as late August.
When do secondary school applications open?
Schools can't open applications before 1 October of the year before your child would start. For first year in September 2027, that means 1 October 2026 at the earliest. Each school sets its own window in its annual admission notice.
Do I have to go to the open night to get a place?
No. Under the Admission to Schools Act, a school can't make going to an open night a condition of applying or of getting a place, except for boarding places.
Where do these dates come from?
From each school's own website, including its annual admission notice, checked every week. Each date links to its source. Always confirm with the school, as plans can change.

By county