Schools in Lewisham: Applying for Primary and Secondary Places in 2027

School places in Lewisham are allocated by the council for community schools, with each school's own admission arrangements for others. This guide covers the process for families in Lewisham town centre, Ladywell, Lee, Hither Green, Brockley and Blackheath. We do not rank or review individual schools. The council keeps a primary and secondary schools directory with each school's contact details, and the dates below are as the council publishes them.

When do I apply for a secondary school place for September 2027?

The council's important dates page for secondary admissions gives:

• Applications open: Tuesday 1 September 2026
• Closing date: Saturday 31 October 2026, with a recommendation to submit by Friday 23 October
• Supplementary forms deadline: Saturday 31 October 2026
• Offers released: Monday 1 March 2027, by email in the evening
• Accept your offer by: Monday 15 March 2027, online
• Appeals close (community schools): Thursday 15 April 2027, with hearings from May to July 2027

Secondary school open visits are in September and October 2026. The secondary admissions team is on 020 8314 8282 or secondaryadmissions@lewisham.gov.uk. See the council's secondary application page for the step-by-step guide and for applying after the closing date.

When do I apply for a primary school place for September 2027?

According to the primary important dates page:

• Applications open: Tuesday 1 September 2026
• Deadline: Friday 15 January 2027
• Offers: Friday 16 April 2027, by email in the evening
• Accept your offer by: Friday 30 April 2027
• Appeals close (community schools): 19 May 2027, with hearings from May to July 2027

Late appeals go to a hearing in September 2027. The council's primary admissions page has sections on choosing schools, the preference system, supporting evidence, supplementary forms, deferring entry and out-of-year-group admissions, and offers email reminders.

What if I miss the deadline or move house?

Both application pages have a section on applying after the closing date, which covers missing the deadline, moving into the borough after it, or changing address.

How do in-year transfers work?

If you want your child to change school during the year, or you are new to Lewisham, use the in-year process described on the transfer page. Discuss it with your child's headteacher first, who must complete a Section 9 form. You then apply through the parent portal and upload your current council tax bill and a child benefit or child tax credit letter. The council says it may take up to 15 school days from the date it receives your completed application. Only one portal application per child is permitted, and changes are made on a separate form.

How do I find the schools?

The council's schools page links to primary and secondary school directory searches with contact details, and to the admissions policies, including the fair access policy and applications from overseas. Each school's own website is the place for its prospectus and any supplementary information form. See also our term dates guide.