We realise that the move from primary to secondary can be both exciting and daunting, and is a very important decision for you and your child to make. Did you know that your child can continue their education with City of London Academies Trust at one of our leading secondary schools, and we prioritise the offering of places to our primary pupils? Like our top-performing primaries, our secondary schools hold the same high expectations for our pupils, deliver exceptional educational outcomes alongside rich extra-curricular opportunities for personal development.
We prioritise places for our primary pupils
Did you know, we prioritise offering secondary places to pupils at our primaries?
We would love for your child to continue their education at a City of London Academy, which is why we prioritise the offering of secondary places for pupils at any one of our primaries*, regardless of borough. What does this mean? Many of our secondary schools are oversubscribed, therefore we will prioritise offering places to pupils at our primaries. While places are not guaranteed, if you previously felt one of our secondaries was too far away to apply, you are now much more likely to secure a place. This means you could also confidently apply to a secondary in another borough, if you believe it’s the right school for your child.
* From September 2027-28 entry onwards
Our secondary schools near you
City of London Academy Islington
Islington (1 mile)
City of London Academy Shoreditch Park
Hackney (1.5 miles)
London Nautical, City of London Academy
Lambeth (1.6 miles)
City of London Academy Highbury Grove
Islington (2.1 miles)
City of London Academy Highgate Hill
Islington (3.9 miles)
View all City of London Academies Trust secondary schools on the Trust website:
Guidance on applying for a secondary school place
Islington Council offers lots of impartial help and guidance on applying for a secondary school place. Like your application to primary school, all secondary applications in London are made through the eAdmissions website, typically by the end of October in the academic year before your child would start secondary school.
Admissions timeline: a step-by-step guide
Register on eAdmissions website
To apply for a year 7 secondary school place, you must register and apply through the eAdmissions website.
Attend a secondary open day
Most secondaries will host an open evening or open mornings during September and October each year for prospective students and families.
Apply for a secondary school place
You must apply for a secondary school place by the end of October deadline to submit an in-time application. All applications must be made through the eAdmissions website.
Places are offered on National Offer Day in March
Offers of secondary school places will be made at the beginning of March for the following September. Places must be accepted or declined within a two-week period from the offer day.