Essex's hardest schools to get into as applications open

Parents are being urged to submit secondary school applications on time as the process officially gets underway.

The window for applications for Year 7 places in Essex opened on Saturday (September 12), with parents and carers reminded to apply by the national deadline of October 31 for their child to start secondary school in September 2027.

The reminder follows earlier data published this year, which highlighted the most oversubscribed schools in Essex.

Beaulieu Park School in Chelmsford was named the hardest to secure a place at, with just over half of first-choice applicants offered a spot.

A total of 182 children listed the school as their top preference, but only 93 were successful, meaning 49 per cent of first-choice applicants missed out.

The school received 1,075 applications in total.

De La Salle Secondary School in Basildon was the second most oversubscribed non-selective school.

Of the 216 pupils who named it as their first choice, only 128 were offered a place, leaving 41 per cent disappointed.

Becket Keys in Brentwood was also highly sought after, with 275 first-choice applications and a 60 per cent success rate.

Woodlands School in Basildon saw 407 first-choice applications, with 249 offers made.

West Hatch High School in Chigwell received 329 first-choice applications for September 2026 entry, with 213 offers made—a 65 per cent success rate.

De La Salle Secondary School in Basildon was the second hardest to get into (Image: Google)

Five hardest non-selective schools to get into in Essex in 2026

1. Beaulieu Park School, Chelmsford
2. De La Salle Secondary School, Basildon
3. Becket Keys, Brentwood
4. Woodlands School, Basildon
5. West Hatch High School, Chigwell

Parents and carers can submit their applications for secondary school places at essex.gov.uk/admissions.

Applications made after the October 31 deadline will be processed once all on-time applications have been determined, which could impact the chances of securing a place at a preferred school.

Sam Journet, Essex county councillor for education, SEND and skills, said: "I would urge parents of Year 6 pupils across Essex to submit their applications for secondary school places before the national closing date of 31 October.

"We’re keen to maintain our excellent record of securing preferred places for Year 7 pupils in Essex, but we can only do this if parents complete their child’s secondary school place application correctly and by the deadline."

Parents are encouraged to research schools, consider admissions criteria, and use all six preferences on the application form to improve their chances of securing a preferred place.

Late applications will only be considered after all on-time submissions have been processed, which may reduce the likelihood of being offered a preferred school.

Parents are also advised to visit schools, think about travel arrangements, and carefully review each school’s admissions policy before applying.