Beyond Barnehurst!
As your child approaches the end of their time at Barnehurst Junior School, another exciting milestone awaits – the move to secondary school!
We know that choosing the right secondary school is an important decision for every family. It can be an exciting time, but we also understand that there may be lots of questions along the way.
At the Federation of Barnehurst Schools, we are incredibly proud of the children who leave us at the end of Year 6. Our aim is to ensure that every child moves on feeling happy, confident, well-prepared and ready to embrace the new opportunities ahead.
Whether you are considering a secondary school within Bexley or looking at schools in neighbouring boroughs and counties, we hope the information below will help you navigate the application process.
Applying for a Secondary School Place – September 2027
If your child was born between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016, they will normally be due to start Year 7 in September 2027.
Secondary school applications are coordinated by your home Local Authority (the council where you live).
If you live in the London Borough of Bexley, you must apply through Bexley Council, even if you would like your child to attend a secondary school outside the borough.
Families can list up to six secondary school preferences on their Bexley application, including schools within and outside Bexley. This might differ with other local authorities.
Please make sure you check the relevant application deadlines and submit your application on time wherever possible.
Apply for a Secondary School Place through eAdmissions
You can also find full details of the application process on the London Borough of Bexley Secondary Admissions website.
Choosing a Secondary School in Bexley
Bexley has a range of secondary schools, offering different environments, opportunities and approaches to learning.
We encourage families to explore the schools available, attend open evenings and consider which setting will best suit their child's individual needs, interests and aspirations.
Each secondary school has its own published admissions arrangements, so it is important to read these carefully before making your choices.
You can find information about secondary schools in Bexley, including their admissions criteria and open events, on the council's website.
Explore Secondary Schools in Bexley
Applying for Schools Outside Bexley
Looking a Little Further Afield?
Families are not limited to applying for secondary schools within the London Borough of Bexley.
You may wish to consider schools in neighbouring areas such as Kent, Bromley or Greenwich, depending on your family's circumstances and preferences.
The good news is that you do not need to complete a separate main secondary school application for each Local Authority.
If you live in Bexley, you simply include your preferred schools, whether inside or outside Bexley, on your Bexley secondary school application.
Bexley Council will coordinate the process with the other Local Authorities.
Please remember that schools outside Bexley may have different admissions criteria, additional requirements or separate entrance tests. We recommend checking the website of each school you are interested in to ensure you have completed everything required.
Grammar School Admissions
Considering a Grammar School?
Some families may wish to consider a grammar school as part of their child's secondary school choices.
Bexley has four grammar schools, and admission is based on the school's published admissions arrangements, including performance in the Bexley Selection Test.
Children wishing to be considered for a Bexley grammar school must normally be registered for and sit the Bexley Selection Test.
Registration and testing take place before the secondary school application deadline, so it is particularly important to check the dates well in advance.
Achieving the required selective standard does not automatically guarantee a grammar school place, as each school also applies its own admissions criteria.
If you are considering grammar schools outside Bexley, such as those in Kent, please be aware that they may have their own separate selection tests and registration deadlines.
You can find full information about the Bexley Selection Test, including registration, testing and results, on the council's website.
Find Out More About the Bexley Selection Test
Choosing the Right School for Your Child
Every child is different, and the right secondary school is one where they will feel happy, supported, challenged and inspired to achieve their best.
When exploring secondary school options, you may wish to consider the school's ethos and values, curriculum, pastoral care, extracurricular opportunities, travel arrangements and, most importantly, how your child feels about the school.
We strongly encourage families to attend secondary school open events wherever possible. These provide a valuable opportunity to meet staff, explore the facilities and get a real feel for school life.
Remember, the right school is the one that is right for your child.
Supporting Your Child's Transition
Ready for the Next Adventure!
Moving from primary to secondary school is a big step, and we want our children to approach it with excitement, confidence and a positive attitude.
At Barnehurst Junior School, we work to prepare our Year 6 children for the next stage of their education, helping them develop the independence, resilience and confidence they will need as they move on.
We also work with receiving secondary schools to support a smooth transition, sharing appropriate information and helping children feel ready for the changes ahead.
We know that saying goodbye to primary school can bring mixed emotions, but we want every child to leave Barnehurst feeling proud of what they have achieved and excited about their future.
Once Barnehurst, Always Part of Our Community!
As our Year 6 children prepare to take their next steps, we want them to know just how proud we are of everything they have achieved during their time with us.
While their journey at Barnehurst may be coming to an end, the friendships, memories, experiences and foundations they have built here will stay with them as they move forward.
We wish every child happiness, success and wonderful new adventures as they begin their secondary school journey!
