Applications for secondary school places to start in September 2026 are now open, and families are reminded that applying on time and providing five school preferences can increase their chances of getting a place at one of their preferred schools.
Cardiff Council’s Admissions Team have provided simple step-by-step advice and guidance in the form of 7 tips, to help families who are applying for a school place in Cardiff.
The information is available online and through an animation aimed at children and families, helping to explain how the admissions process works and the importance of using all five preferences available.
Should a family choose to only put one school option for example, they are greatly limiting their chances of securing a preferred school.
It also covers things like:
- the importance of applying on time, by the published application deadline
- the benefits of exploring all the schools in the child’s area by visiting their websites and reading their Estyn reports
- making sure the application form includes essential information such as if the child has a sibling at the school or any additional learning, medical or social needs.
Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: “Our priority is to make sure every family has the information, guidance, and support they need to approach the school admissions process with confidence and without disadvantage.
“We want to remind parents and carers that listing only one school on an application does not increase the chances of getting a place there. In fact, by not using all five available choices, families may reduce the likelihood of securing a place at one of their preferred schools.
“To keep the application process fair and accessible, there are a number of initiatives designed to create a more equitable system for school place allocation. Among these is our ongoing ‘7 Tips Admissions’ campaign, which provides clear advice and practical support. This campaign helps make the admissions process more transparent and straightforward, giving every family the best possible chance of securing a place at one of their chosen schools.”
Cardiff Council has a well-established co-ordinated admissions arrangement and now all 12 of the city’s community high schools and five partner schools, Whitchurch High School, St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School, Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Mary Immaculate High School and The Bishop of Llandaff High School have joined the scheme, which enables parents to submit their preferred schools all on one online application.
For applications to partner schools, you may also need to submit an additional form and/ or further details directly to your preferred school (or schools) and should check the school’s admissions policy on their website for further details.
Cllr Merry added: “Cardiff’s coordinated admissions helps to simplify the process of applying for a school place by allowing parents to state their order of preferred schools on one application. This provides a better chance of securing a preferred school in the first round of admissions.
“The system also prevents parents from receiving multiple offers, which would otherwise stop other children being offered these places, helping to eliminate unnecessary stress for the families that otherwise would not secure a place and helping to ensure a fairer and easier way of applying for school places.” The 7 tips School Admissions campaign supports Cardiff’s commitment to becoming the UK’s first UNICEF UK Child Friendly City, placing the rights and voices of children and young people at the heart of Cardiff’s policies, strategies and services.
Welsh-medium education is available to everyone regardless of whether Welsh or English is spoken at home. Uned Drochi Iaith Caerdydd is nationally acclaimed and has supported nearly 500 children and young people since 2010. The unit provides a welcoming, inclusive environment for learners of all backgrounds, helping them gain the language skills needed to thrive in Welsh-medium education and feel a sense of belonging in their communities.
Applications for applying for a secondary place in September 2026 close on Monday 17th November 2025.
To apply for a school place please go to: https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Schools-and-learning/Schools/Applying-for-a-school-place/Secondary-school/Pages/default.aspx
