how to write application letter in secondary school

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10 common secondary school application mistakes

If your heart is set on a particular secondary school, losing out to another family can be soul-destroying. With 11 children applying for every place at the country’s most popular schools, we asked the insiders for their tips on avoiding common mistakes and maximising your chances of success.

1. Check that your child is eligible for all the schools that you’re applying for.

Some schools, such as faith schools, have admission criteria that either exclude your child or reduce their chances of getting a place, such as requiring regular attendance at a particular place of worship. ‘All of the schools you list on your Common Application Form (CAF) count as choices, whether you’re eligible or not, so if you apply for a school that your child is not eligible for, you’ll be wasting one of your options,’ says Angeline Tyler, co-author of Choosing a Secondary School and Getting In .

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2. Supply the right documentation to prove your address or other details relating to your application .

Check that the documents are valid: most local authorities will request a utility bill dated within the past six to 12 months. ‘Some parents also make the mistake of sending in photocopies, when the application requires originals,’ says Matt Richards, senior partner of School Appeals Services and author of Secure the School of your Choice .

3. Fill in a supplementary information form (SIF) if required.

These additional application forms, required by some schools, should be completed as well as the CAF but returned directly to the school. ‘Include as much detail as possible, as the school will use the information to help allocate places,’ Matt advises.

4. Double-check closing dates.

In most areas, this is 31 October, but it does vary in some places. ‘This is the last date for the council to receive your application form, not the last date for posting it,’ Angeline adds.

5. Don't forget you’re entitled to apply for schools outside your local authority.

‘You may want to do this if you live close to a council border, or would like to apply for a school with a particular specialism in another area,’ explains Angeline. ‘However, you must apply for these schools on the CAF from your own local authority, which will pass your information on.’

6. Use all your choices.

‘Even if you’re set on one school, it’s sensible to fill in all your choices,’ Matt advises. ‘If you don’t, you risk being allocated a school a long way away if you don’t get your first preference. Also, if you decide to appeal, the panel may look unfavourably on your application if you only listed one choice.’

7. Consider listing a less popular school as one of your options.

‘If you put very popular schools as your second and third preferences but don't fulfil the highest admissions criteria, you’re unlikely to get in, as they’ll be filled by applicants who better fulfil the admissions criteria,’ explains Angeline. ‘This means that if you don’t get your first preference, you will probably be offered a school not on your list.’ Angeline suggests listing at least one nearby school that is less heavily subscribed as your second or third choice, to avoid being allocated an unpopular school or one a long way from your home.

It's important to read the advice offered by your local authority and schools, though, as advice can vary based on local conditions ; all school preferences you make are treated equally , as schools are not informed of other preferences you have made or the order you place them in, and it is perfectly possible for children to be offered a place at an oversubscribed school that was third or fourth on their preference list.

It might be helpful to understand a little more about school admissions .

The first stage is that children are ranked according to admissions criteria for all of the schools they’ve listed on their application form. If they fall within the PAN (Published Admission Number: the number of places each school has to offer) for only one of the listed schools, they’ll be given a place at that school – though it may not be their first choice.

If they fall within the PAN for more than one school, they’re allocated a place at the highest ranking school from their list.

If schools have more applicants than places, the places are allocated according to admissions criteria – so a child who listed a school as their third choice would be offered the place over and above children who had listed it first but fulfil lesser criteria.

In other words, it is worth putting schools in 2nd/3rd place that your child has a realistic chance of getting into, based on the admissions criteria. You only need to take the schools' popularity into account if all the PAN places are likely to be filled by pupils who fulfil higher criteria – so, for example, there’s not a lot of point listing a well-respected school in 2nd place if it typically fills all its places with children who live within 0.5 miles and you live two miles away. On the other hand, if you live 0.5 miles from a school and put it in 3rd or 4th place, you would still be allocated a place over and above children who put it in first place but live two miles away (once all other admissions criteria have been taken into account).

8. Keep a copy of your CAF.

‘If you end up appealing your school allocation, it’s essential that you have a photocopy of your signed and dated CAF if you applied by post, or a print-out of your online application, as evidence of what you wrote on your form,’ says Matt.

9. Get proof that your application form has been sent.

‘If you’re posting the CAF, send it by recorded mail and get proof of posting, and if you’re applying online, take a screen shot of the page confirming that your form has been submitted,’ Matt suggests. ‘It’s also a good idea to phone the local authority a few days later to confirm receipt.’

10. If you have questions, ask for advice.

Your local authority should have a phone number to call for assistance. ‘Remember, you only get one shot at applying for secondary schools, so don’t make simple mistakes that could jeopardise your application,’ says Angeline.

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More like this

Ultimate Application Letter for School Admission for Child

In this guide, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step process, share customizable templates , and offer personal tips from my experience to help you create an effective application letter.

School Admission Letter Generator

Disclaimer: This tool generates a basic letter. Please review and adjust the content to suit your personal needs before sending it.

Key Takeaways Understanding the Purpose : Grasp the significance of the application letter in the school admission process. Personalizing the Content : Learn how to tailor the letter to highlight your child’s unique attributes and potential contributions to the school. Structuring the Letter : A step-by-step guide on the components of the letter. Template Usage : Access to proven templates to simplify your writing process. Expert Tips : Benefit from insights and tips based on real-life experiences in writing successful application letters.

Understanding the Purpose of the Application Letter

The application letter is your opportunity to present your child in a way that goes beyond grades and certificates. It’s about telling a story, your child’s story, and how it aligns with the values and ethos of the prospective school.

Personal Insights

In my experience, schools are looking for students who will not only benefit from but also contribute to the school’s environment. Hence, understanding the school’s values and ethos is crucial before you start writing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing the Letter

Step 1: research the school.

Before you start writing, research the school. Understand its values, what it stands for, and what it seeks in its students. This information will be the foundation of your letter.

Step 2: Start with a Strong Opening

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Begin with a compelling introduction that captures the essence of your child’s personality or a significant achievement that aligns with the school’s values.

Example : “When Jane solved her first complex math puzzle, it wasn’t just about numbers; it was about problem-solving, perseverance, and the joy of learning – qualities that resonate with [School’s Name] ethos.”

Step 3: Highlight Key Attributes and Achievements

Discuss your child’s attributes, interests, and accomplishments. Connect these with how they can contribute to and benefit from the school.

Tip : Use specific examples to illustrate your points. Real-life instances make your letter more personal and impactful.

Step 4: Discuss the Alignment with the School’s Values

Explain why the school’s environment is the ideal setting for your child’s growth and how their presence can enhance the school community.

Step 5: Conclude Positively

End with a positive note, expressing enthusiasm about the possibility of your child joining the school community.

Template for Application Letter for School Admission

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [School’s Name] [School’s Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to express my child, [Child’s Name]’s, interest in joining [School’s Name] for [Grade/Year]. [Introduction – Briefly introduce your child and mention a standout quality or achievement relevant to the school’s ethos].

[Body Paragraph 1 – Discuss your child’s key attributes, interests, and how they align with the school’s values and offerings].

[Body Paragraph 2 – Highlight your child’s achievements and how they can contribute to and benefit from the school environment].

In conclusion, [Child’s Name]’s passion for [Key Interest] and their [Key Attribute] make them a fitting candidate for [School’s Name]. We are enthusiastic about the prospect of [Child’s Name] becoming part of your school community and contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.

Thank you for considering our application. We look forward to the possibility of [Child’s Name] joining [School’s Name] and contributing to its esteemed legacy.

[Your Name]

Personal Tips from Experience

Authenticity Matters : Schools can tell when a letter is genuine. Let your child’s personality shine through.
Be Concise : While it’s important to be thorough, keep your letter concise and to the point.
Proofread : Typos or grammatical errors can detract from your letter’s impact. Always proofread before sending.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: how do i showcase my child’s unique talents in an application letter for school admission.

Answer : In my application letter, I highlighted my child’s unique talents by giving specific examples of their achievements and creativity, like the time they won a local art competition, which showed their exceptional skills and passion for the arts.

Q: What should I include in the application letter to express my child’s enthusiasm for learning?

Answer : I made sure to include anecdotes of my child’s natural curiosity and eagerness to learn, such as their endless questions about space, which demonstrate their genuine interest in acquiring knowledge.

Q: How can I address my child’s special needs in the application letter?

Answer : In the letter, I openly discussed my child’s special needs, emphasizing how they’ve overcome challenges with resilience and determination, which I believe showcases their strength and character.

Q: Is it important to mention my child’s extracurricular activities in the school admissions application letter?

Answer : Absolutely, I included details about my child’s involvement in sports and music, illustrating their well-rounded character and teamwork skills, which are crucial for their overall development.

Q: How can I make my child’s application letter stand out to the admissions committee?

Answer : I added a personal touch by sharing a heartfelt story about my child’s kindness and empathy during a community service event, which not only reflects their character but also their potential as a valuable community member at the school.

Q: Can I discuss my child’s academic achievements in the application letter for school admission?

Answer : Yes, I showcased my child’s academic prowess by mentioning their consistent honor roll status and their inquisitive nature in class discussions, which highlights their intellectual capabilities and engagement in learning.

Q: How do I explain the reason for choosing a particular school in the application letter?

Answer : I articulated our family’s decision by explaining how the school’s unique approach to education aligns with my child’s learning style and interests, like their emphasis on experiential learning that suits my child’s hands-on learning preference.

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