If your child is in year 6 at primary school and their date of birth is between 1 September 2014 to 31 August 2015, you can apply for a secondary school place for your child to start in September 2026.
Knowsley residents can apply via the online application portal from 12 September 2025.
The national closing date for secondary class applications is 31 October 2025.
National offer day is 2 March 2026 – this is when you will find out the school place offered.
Before applying, please read the secondary admissions composite prospectus, which explains the application process and how school places will be allocated.
The online application portal
The application portal is for Knowsley residents only.
If you do not live in Knowsley, you must apply using the application of your home local authority.
Find out if you need to complete a supplementary information form as part of your application here.
If you are unable to apply online, please contact the Knowsley school admissions service to request a paper application.
Please note
Many Knowsley secondary schools will be oversubscribed and will have to refuse some applicants. You are strongly advised to use all three preferences, as you could be seriously disadvantaging your child if you do not.
You cannot simply choose the school you want, but should consider naming local schools and those for which your child has a higher priority for securing a place.
The admission arrangements and oversubscription criteria for school year 2026/27 can be found here.
In the event you cannot be offered a place at a school you have named as a preference, the Local Authority will make an alternative offer.
Open events
Knowsley secondary schools hold open events during the application period which you can attend to find out more about the schools and ask any questions you may have.
The dates and times of Secondary school open events can be found here.
As well as visiting the school and reading the admission policy, you can also view the school website or contact them directly by email or telephone to request a copy of the school prospectus or any other information you may require.