Guide to moving up to secondary school

Last updated: 2 September 2022

Timeline for entry 2023

Children born between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2012 will be moving up to secondary school in September 2023. The dates are below.

2022

6 May, Secondary Transfer Test registration opens

You only need to register for the Secondary Transfer Test if your child does not attend a Buckinghamshire local authority primary school. Registration opens at 3pm.

If your child attends a Buckinghamshire local authority school, you do not need to register them for the Secondary Transfer Test as they are registered automatically.

If you do not want your child to be tested, you should let the school know nearer the time.

17 June - Secondary Transfer Test registration closes at 3pm

If your child does not attend a Buckinghamshire local authority primary school, you'll need to register for the secondary transfer test by 3pm on 17 June.

September to October - open events (may be held virtually)

Find my child a school place

Open events information for 2023 entry will be added to our school directory when they are available. Open events are the easiest way to see a school first-hand. You may need to make an appointment.

6 September - applications open

You can apply for a secondary school place.

September - Secondary Transfer Tests

Secondary Transfer Testing will take place on:

  • 13 and 15 September for children attending Buckinghamshire primary schools and partner schools
  • 13 and 15 September, or 14 and 16 September, for children attending out of county schools

14 October - Secondary Transfer Test results

Children who sat the Secondary Transfer Test by 16 September will receive their results on 14 October.

Children who sat the Secondary Transfer Test after 16 September will receive their results as soon as possible after 14 October.

21 October - Last date to hand in paper application

This is the latest date for parents of children who go to a Buckinghamshire LA primary school to hand a paper form into their child’s school.

31 October - deadline, last date for moving into Buckinghamshire

The latest date for moving into Buckinghamshire (and providing evidence) for us to use this address for the first round of allocations. Some academies, as well as foundation, free and voluntary-aided schools, may have different deadlines.

31 October - secondary school applications close at midnight

Buckinghamshire residents have until midnight to submit their online secondary school application.

If you are posting a paper application, it must reach us no later than 31 October. All applicants must submit address evidence to accompany their application.

2023

1 March - National Offer Day

View your school place offer.

If you applied online you will be able to log in and view your child’s offer. You will also be sent an email.

Parents who applied on a paper form will be emailed if an email address was provided.

23 June - last date for late testing

This is the latest date we can receive evidence to agree to register a child for the Secondary Transfer Test if they have very recently moved into the area. Testing will take place in July.

If you move to Buckinghamshire after this date you will need to make an in year application and provide evidence of your move. Testing will take place in the Autumn term. View our information on how to apply if you're changing school in-year.

4 and 5 July - school transition days

Children go to Transition Day at their new secondary school.

September 2023 - start of new school year

The new school year starts and children attend their new school.